Featured image for is aqara doorbell free to use
Image source: lh3.googleusercontent.com
The Aqara Doorbell is free to use right out of the box—no mandatory subscriptions or hidden fees. While advanced features like cloud storage or AI detection may require optional paid plans, core functionality such as live video, two-way audio, and motion alerts work seamlessly without cost. You truly own your doorbell experience, with freedom to choose only the extras you need.
Is Aqara Doorbell Free to Use? Find Out the Truth Here
Yes, the Aqara Doorbell is free to use for basic functionality right out of the box. Once installed and connected to your Wi-Fi or Aqara Hub, you can receive real-time alerts, view live video, and communicate with visitors through the Aqara Home app without any mandatory subscription fees. Unlike many smart doorbells that lock core features behind monthly plans, Aqara stands out by offering essential features at no extra cost. However, while the core experience is free, there are optional cloud and local storage upgrades that come with associated costs. This makes the Aqara Doorbell a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious users who still want reliable smart home security.
That said, understanding what’s truly free and what requires payment is key to maximizing your experience. In this guide, we’ll break down the full scope of the Aqara Doorbell‘s free features, explore optional paid upgrades, and help you decide whether the free tier meets your needs or if investing in add-ons is worth it.
What Features Are Actually Free on the Aqara Doorbell?
The Aqara Doorbell offers a robust set of no-cost features that make it an excellent entry-level smart doorbell. When you set it up using the Aqara Home app (available for iOS and Android), you gain access to real-time video streaming, two-way audio, motion detection alerts, and customizable activity zones—all without a subscription. For example, if someone presses the doorbell or triggers motion within your set detection area, your phone will instantly receive a push notification with a live video feed. You can then speak to the visitor, even if you’re not at home.
Local storage is another major free perk. If you use a microSD card (up to 256GB) in the Aqara Hub, all video clips are saved locally. This means no monthly fees for cloud storage, and your data stays private and under your control. A practical tip: set your motion detection to “human only” to reduce false alerts and conserve storage space. For instance, if you live on a busy street, enabling this feature ensures your doorbell only records when a person is detected, not passing cars.
However, there are limitations. While live viewing and two-way talk are free, accessing video history beyond 24 hours requires local storage or a cloud plan. Without a microSD card, you’ll only see live feeds—no playback of past events. Additionally, advanced features like facial recognition, package detection, and extended cloud video history (up to 30 days) are part of Aqara’s optional Cloud Subscription Service. The basic cloud plan (if you prefer not to use a microSD card) starts at around $3.99/month per device and includes 7-day rolling video history and encrypted cloud storage.
Another thing to consider: if you use the Aqara Doorbell with Apple HomeKit, you can leverage HomeKit Secure Video (HSV). This allows for end-to-end encrypted video storage in iCloud, with 10 days of footage for one camera on a 200GB plan (which is free for most iCloud users). This is a smart workaround if you’re already paying for iCloud and want secure, subscription-free cloud storage.
For most users, the free tier—especially with local storage via microSD—is more than sufficient. It’s ideal for renters, small homes, or those who prioritize privacy and want to avoid recurring fees. But if you want longer video history, AI-powered alerts, or remote access when your home network is down, the paid cloud options add meaningful value.
Pro tip: Always update your Aqara Doorbell firmware via the app. New updates often improve performance, add features, and enhance security—all free of charge. Also, pair your doorbell with other Aqara sensors (like door/window sensors or motion detectors) to create automated routines, such as turning on lights when the doorbell is pressed—another free, powerful feature.
In conclusion, the Aqara Doorbell is genuinely free to use for core functions, with smart design choices that keep costs low without sacrificing performance. Whether you stick with the free tier or explore optional upgrades, it’s a flexible, user-friendly option that delivers excellent value for smart home beginners and privacy-focused users alike.