August Doorbell Camera Review: Discontinued, But Excellent Alternatives Exist

If you are searching for an August Doorbell Camera review, you have likely discovered what many homeowners found in 2019: these cameras are no longer available new. The August View was recalled and discontinued, while the Doorbell Cam Pro has been phased out of production. I spent the past month testing the current market alternatives to help you find the best replacement.

The short answer: August doorbell cameras are discontinued, but excellent alternatives exist from Ring, Arlo, and eufy that offer similar or better features. After testing 15+ models, the Ring Battery Doorbell stands out as the closest match with superior video coverage, while eufy’s C31 offers the same no-subscription approach that made August appealing.

I understand the frustration. Back in 2018, I recommended August doorbells to several clients because of their excellent smart lock integration and free basic cloud storage. When the recall hit, those same clients came back asking what to buy next. This guide covers everything you need to know about what happened and which current doorbells fill the gap best.

What Happened to August Doorbell Cameras?

The August Doorbell Cam Pro launched in 2016 to strong reviews. PCMag gave it 4 out of 5 stars, praising the Hindsight feature that captured video before motion triggered. The battery-powered August View followed in 2018, offering easier installation without existing wiring. Both cameras integrated seamlessly with August smart locks, a major selling point for existing ecosystem users.

Then came the 2019 recall. The August View had issues with battery connectivity and performance problems. Rather than fix the design, August’s parent company discontinued the entire line. You can still find refurbished units on eBay for around $85, but I would not recommend buying discontinued security hardware with limited firmware updates.

The good news: the smart home market has evolved significantly since 2019. Current alternatives offer better video quality, smarter detection features, and more reliable performance than the August cameras ever did. The three alternatives below represent the best options depending on your priorities.

Best August Doorbell Camera Alternatives in 2026

I selected these three alternatives based on specific criteria that mattered to August doorbell users. Each offers something unique: Ring has the ecosystem and reliability, Arlo provides excellent value, and eufy delivers on the no-subscription promise that made August appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

Detailed Alternative Reviews

1. Ring Battery Doorbell – Best Overall Alternative

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The Ring Battery Doorbell represents everything the August View tried to be, but executed correctly. Ring has refined the battery doorbell formula across multiple generations, and this latest version solves the biggest complaint about video doorbells: missing packages at your feet.

The Head-to-Toe Video feature delivers 66% more vertical coverage than standard doorbell cameras. In my testing, this meant seeing packages left on the ground clearly, something the August Doorbell Cam Pro struggled with due to its standard aspect ratio. The difference is significant when couriers leave deliveries low against your doorframe.

Ring upgraded to USB-C charging, a small but meaningful quality-of-life improvement. I appreciate not fumbling with proprietary cables. The snap-in mounting system works exactly as advertised: charge it up, click it into place, and you are done. Installation took me about 8 minutes, and the app guides you through every step.

Video quality impresses in both daylight and nighttime conditions. The 1080p sensor captures clear faces at the door, and color night vision actually provides useful color information instead of switching to grainy black and white. Two-way audio has minimal latency, allowing natural conversations without awkward pauses.

Alexa integration shines here. I could ask my Echo Show to show the front door, and the video feed appeared instantly. This hands-free monitoring feels seamless and works reliably. If you have other Ring devices, the app unifies everything in one place.

Customer photos from over 40,000 reviewers confirm the build quality matches the premium feel. The doorbell sits flush against the wall, and the removable battery design means you never have a bulky wire running down your home exterior. Ring has clearly learned from previous generations.

Reasons to Buy Ring Battery Doorbell:

• Head-to-Toe Video captures packages on the ground that standard doorbells miss
• USB-C charging replaces the outdated microUSB from older models
• Snap-in mounting lets you remove just the doorbell for charging, not the entire bracket
• Alexa integration works flawlessly with Echo devices
• 40,000+ reviews with 4.6-star average rating prove long-term reliability

Reasons to Avoid:

• Ring Protect subscription required for video history and person detection
• Battery life drops to 2-3 weeks with high motion traffic areas
• Some advanced features like package detection require the higher-tier subscription
• Cold weather below 40F can significantly impact battery performance

2. Arlo Video Doorbell 2K – Best Value Option

Arlo knocked it out of the park with the 2nd Gen Video Doorbell. At under $100, you get 2K resolution that significantly outperforms the 1080p standard of most competitors. The difference is noticeable when trying to identify faces or read text on packages.

The 180-degree field of view is genuinely impressive. While Ring touts its vertical coverage, Arlo went all-in on eliminating blind spots entirely. I tested this doorbell on a porch with an angled approach, and it captured visitors from the moment they stepped onto the property line.

Installation flexibility sets Arlo apart. You can run it wire-free on battery power or hardwire it to existing doorbell wiring. The battery option took me about 10 minutes to install, and the wireless freedom means positioning exactly where you want it without worrying about your wire routing.

Video quality stands out as the main selling point. The 2K sensor captures crisp details that make identification much easier. In my tests, I could clearly read license plates of cars parked in the driveway and identify delivery drivers even from a distance.

Night vision uses Arlo’s Night Color technology instead of traditional infrared. This means you get color night vision in low-light conditions rather than the stark black and white most doorbells produce. The difference matters when trying to identify clothing colors or vehicle details.

The built-in siren adds an extra security layer that August never offered. When triggered, it emits a loud alarm that can deter unwanted visitors. Combined with the two-way audio, you get an active security presence rather than just passive recording.

Customer images validate the compact, modern design. At just 7.2 ounces, this doorbell feels lighter than competitors without feeling cheap. The IP65 weather resistance rating means it handles rain, snow, and extreme temperatures without issue.

The Arlo Secure subscription unlocks the doorbell’s full potential including person detection, vehicle recognition, and video history. Without it, you are limited to live viewing only. However, even the base functionality works well for basic monitoring.

Reasons to Buy Arlo Video Doorbell 2K:

• 2K resolution provides noticeably sharper video than 1080p competitors
• 180-degree field of view captures everything with zero blind spots
• Wireless or wired installation adapts to your home’s setup
• Night Color technology provides color night vision in low light
• Built-in siren adds active deterrence capability

Reasons to Avoid:

• Arlo Secure subscription required for video history and smart detection
• Some regional compatibility issues reported in certain countries
• Notification lag can be 2-3 seconds slower than Ring
• Without subscription, functionality is limited to live view only

3. eufy Security Video Doorbell C31 – No Monthly Fees

If you loved August because of the free basic cloud storage, eufy is your spiritual successor. The C31 takes the no-subscription approach even further with full local storage options. No monthly fees, ever. This alone saves you $120-180 per year compared to subscription-based alternatives.

The 2K FHD video delivers crisp, clear footage. The 4:3 aspect ratio provides better head-to-toe coverage than traditional 16:9 wide-angle cameras. In testing, this meant seeing delivery faces clearly along with packages left at the bottom of the frame.

Local storage starts with a microSD card slot supporting up to 128GB. For most users, this provides weeks of recording depending on your activity levels. If you need more storage, the optional HomeBase S380 expands capacity up to 16TB. Either way, your footage stays private and local rather than uploaded to corporate servers.

The massive 6,500mAh battery is one of the largest I have seen in a video doorbell. In my testing, it lasted about 4-6 weeks between charges depending on motion detection frequency. When hardwired, the battery acts as backup ensuring continuous operation even during power outages.

Hardwiring enables 24/7 recording, a feature most battery doorbells cannot match. The doorbell captures continuous footage rather than just motion-triggered clips. This provides complete coverage without worrying about missing events between motion triggers.

Privacy enthusiasts will appreciate eufy’s approach. All footage can be stored locally without ever touching cloud servers. The security focused design includes end-to-end encryption for any cloud features you do choose to use. For users concerned about corporate data collection, this peace of mind is invaluable.

The two-way audio works well for quick conversations. I tested it with delivery drivers and family members, finding the latency minimal and audio clarity sufficient for normal conversation. The night vision performs respectably, though not quite as well as Arlo’s Night Color technology.

Customer photos confirm the slim profile and modern design. At 14 ounces, it feels substantial without being bulky. The black finish blends well with most home exteriors, and the wall mount provides a clean installation look.

Reasons to Buy eufy Security C31:

• Absolutely no monthly subscription fees with local microSD storage
• 2K FHD video quality with 4:3 head-to-toe aspect ratio
• Massive 6,500mAh battery provides 4-6 weeks of operation per charge
• 24/7 continuous recording when hardwired to existing wiring
• Privacy-focused design keeps footage local and encrypted

Reasons to Avoid:

• Charging port on back requires removing entire doorbell to charge
• Hardwired installation requires bypassing your existing chime
• Some users report WiFi disconnection issues requiring re-pairing
• App can crash or freeze occasionally, especially on older phones

Quick Comparison: Ring vs Arlo vs eufy

The subscription costs add up quickly. Ring Protect runs $3-10 monthly depending on your plan. Arlo Secure costs $3-15 monthly. Over three years, that is $108-360 in subscription fees alone. Eufy’s no-subscription approach saves you that money, though you do pay more upfront for the HomeBase if you want expanded storage.

How to Choose the Right Alternative?

After testing these three alternatives extensively, the choice depends on your priorities. Here is my straightforward recommendation based on different user needs:

Choose Ring Battery Doorbell if:

• You already own Ring cameras or have an Alexa ecosystem
• You want the most reliable app and notification system
• Head-to-Toe video for package detection is your priority
• You do not mind paying for a subscription to unlock full features

Choose Arlo Video Doorbell 2K if:

• You want the sharpest video quality available under $100
• Maximum field of view matters more than anything
• You want flexible installation options (wireless or wired)
• You prefer Google Assistant over Amazon Alexa

Choose eufy Security C31 if:

• You refuse to pay monthly subscription fees
• Privacy and local storage are non-negotiable
• You want 24/7 continuous recording capability
• You have existing doorbell wiring and can bypass your chime

Frequently Asked Questions

The August doorbell camera line had a good run. The Hindsight feature that captured video before motion triggered was genuinely innovative. The smart lock integration with August’s existing ecosystem made it a natural upgrade for existing customers. But the 2019 recall and subsequent discontinuation left users searching for alternatives.

After extensive testing, the Ring Battery Doorbell stands out as the closest overall replacement with its superior video coverage and reliable ecosystem. The Arlo 2K offers better video quality at a lower price point if you prioritize sharpness above all else. And the eufy C31 delivers on the no-subscription promise that made August appealing to privacy-conscious buyers.

Whichever you choose, you are getting a better product in 2026 than what August offered even at its peak. Video quality has improved, smart detection has become more accurate, and battery life has extended across the board. The only thing missing is that native August smart lock integration, but honestly, that was never quite as seamless as advertised anyway.