Best security cameras with no subscriptions or monthly fees

The Reolink Argus 3 Pro is our favourite wireless security camera overall, so it's not surprising that it's also our top pick for security cameras without monthly fees.

This powerhouse boasts many of the same features as some cameras that cost over $100 extra, like the Nest Cam Battery's smart motion detection and Arlo Pro 4's colour night vision.

Of course, what really sets the Argus 3 Pro apart are its storage options. With up to 128GB of local storage thanks to its microSD card slot and seven days of free cloud storage, you won't miss a thing.

The Eufy Indoor Cam 2K punches well above its sub-$140 price, boasting 2K video resolution, pan and tilt functionality for greater coverage, two-way talk, activity zones, motion tracking and more.

It's smart enough to be able to differentiate between humans and pets and can even send you alerts when it detects excessive noise levels, making it a great baby monitor. It's also compatible with Alexa, Google Home and HomeKit so can be easily integrated into your smart home setup.

The best part, of course, is that Eufy doesn't lock any of these features behind a paywall. Unfortunately they don't offer any free cloud storage, but simply pop in a microSD card (up to 128GB) and you're set.

Not only is the Reolink Lumus our pick for the best subscription-free outdoor security camera, it's also one of our favourite cheap security cameras thanks to its budget-friendly price.

With HD video resolution, PIR motion detection, two-way talk, a bright LED spotlight, siren and IP65 water and dust resistance, the Lumus offers incredible value for money.

On the downside, since it isn't battery-powered, you'll need a power point nearby, which can limit placement options. We'd also love if it had a wider field of view, but 100 degrees should be fine for most people.

The TP-Link Tapo C200 has featured in many of our 'best' lists, simply for the fact that, at under $70, there's no better deal out there for a basic security camera.

It's essentially a cheaper, less advanced version of the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K above, and though we prefer Eufy's version, the Tapo C200 is ideal for those on a strict budget.

You get HD video quality, pan and tilt functionality, two-way talk, night vision, motion detection, and up to 128GB of local storage. Unfortunately, if you want motion tracking (to keep an eye on a cheeky pet, for example), activity zones or cloud storage, you'll have to fork out for the Tapo Care subscription. Still, since it's perfectly usable without these features, it still has a place on our list.

If you're looking to set up whole-house monitoring without spending thousands of dollars, the EufyCam 2C Pro 2-cam kit is a great place to start.

This multi-pack comes with two 2K-resolution cameras capable of recording colour night vision and people and object sensing for fewer false alarms. But what we love most is that each camera is battery-powered and lasts up to a whole year on a single charge, depending on use.

On the downside, the included Homebase only comes with 16GB of storage, and this can't be expanded. That should be enough for about three months' worth of footage, but it's still something to consider.