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The front door is a very important part of your home that needs to be secured all the time. One of the best smart home security systems you can use to secure the front door is a video doorbell. Video doorbells, also known as doorbell cameras, are designed to provide a combination of security and convenience. They allow you to see who is at the front door, even when you are not at home. Also, they can record and stream video footage when they detect relevant motion, allowing you to see who is at the front door all the time.
With a video doorbell, you will never miss a moment at your door because the doorbell will provide alerts immediately it detects motion. If you are looking for a quality video doorbell camera for your home, check our guide below with the best doorbells in the market.
Contents
Our Top Picks
Here is a summary of the best video doorbells currently on the market.
Best Overall: Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Generation)
Best Budget: Blink Video Doorbell
Best HD and Clear Audio: Ring Wired Doorbell Pro
Best Subscription-Free: eufy Security, Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera
Best with Advanced Motion Detector: Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) by Amazon
Best Easy to Install: SimpliSafe Doorbell, 1080p – Latest Generation
6. Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Generation) – Best Overall
With the Arlo video doorbell 2nd generation, you can protect your front door and beyond. The doorbell provides clear HD or 2k video and a 180-degree diagonal field of view that offers a head-to-toe look at your doorstep. The Arlo doorbell has (AI) artificial intelligence that allows it to detect the three Ps: people, packages, and pets. Any time movement is detected, you will get real-time alerts of what exactly has been detected so that you don’t have to keep pulling up footage of what’s going on at home.
Arlo video doorbell provides you with multiple ways to answer the door. You can see and speak to your visitors with 2-way audio, or respond with pre-recorded quick reply messages when you are busy. Also, you can receive a video call when the doorbell is pressed and never miss a visitor at the door.
If you want to see who is at your door even at night, the Arlo video doorbell has excellent night vision. Even at night, you can see a person from head to toe or a package on the ground without any struggle. The doorbell has an integrated siren that can be triggered automatically or manually from the Arlo Secure APP to scare away intruders. It offers you multiple powering options, where it can be powered by a rechargeable battery, or hardwire to existing wiring for continuous power.
It is compatible with IFTTT, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Remember, you must subscribe to the Arlo Secure plan to get event-triggered recordings and unlock smart features such as interactive notifications and smart motion alerts.
No matter the weather conditions, this doorbell will always operate efficiently. Whether there is cold, rain, sun, or excess heat, you can rely on this doorbell.
What We Like
- The doorbell is weather-resistant
- It has an integrated siren for warding off intruders
- Equipped with excellent night vision
- You can hear and speak clearly with 2-way audio
- It has excellent night vision
What We Don’t Like
- Motion detection is only available with a motion subscription
- It has no free cloud storage
- The video doorbell does not support Apple HomeKit.
5. Blink Video Doorbell – Best Budget
With the help of the Blink video doorbell, you can welcome visitors and protect what matters to you. No matter where you are, you can answer the door from your smartphone with 1080p HD video and clear two-way audio. It is one of the latest entrants in the market not only because it is affordable, but also because it works well with Alexa and other Amazon products.
It has a smart motion sensor that sends alerts to your phone when motion is detected or when someone presses the doorbell. For homeowners who love saving and sharing clips in the Cloud, try the free 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plan. Some of the features you will unlock in the subscription include motion detection video recording, live video recording, auto local storage backup, 60-day unlimited video history, up to 90 minutes of continuous live stream, and person detection. Also, you can use Sync Module 2 which allows you to save video clips from the doorbell to the app or store them locally on your USB flash drive.
When it comes to installation, the task is not hard. You can decide to go wire-free or connect it to the existing doorbell wiring so it can also act as an indoor bell. Using quality AA lithium batteries, the doorbell will function for up to six months. However, you can use your home’s existing doorbell wiring and chime to provide the doorbell with a continuous power supply. It connects wirelessly to your home’s Wi-Fi for live streaming purposes (2.4GHz band only).
What you will love about this video doorbell is that it works seamlessly with Alexa. Any time motion is detected, or when the doorbell is pressed, Alexa will answer the front door with two-way audio. The other good thing is; it is available in two colors. It comes in two eye-catching colors (black and white), allowing you to choose an option that matches your home decor and aesthetic.
What We Like
- It provides excellent HD video both day and night
- The battery life is reliable and long-lasting
- Perfect option for anyone on a budget
- It works well with Alexa
- Available in two colors (black and white)
- It has a weather-resistant housing
What We Don’t Like
- Some of the features require a subscription
- It does not support Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or IFTTT
- Sometimes, the app gets slightly laggy when the doorbell is pressed.
4. Ring Wired Doorbell Pro – Best HD and Clear Audio
The Ring wired doorbell pro is one of the latest doorbells in the market that allows you to speak to visitors at the front door with built-in Alexa Greetings. It boasts a 150-degree wide viewing angle that applies to horizontal and vertical orientation. The wide angle offers you a head-to-toe view of guests and the surroundings. There is no hiding from this video doorbell.
Also, the Ring video doorbell pro has one of the clearest video resolutions in the market. It captures clear details in 1536p HD, a few hundred pixels shy of 2K HD. With its advanced motion detection settings, you will never miss a moment at your front door. You will always get real-time alerts in the Ring app, no matter where you are.
Can’t get to the door? This doorbell has got you covered. With its built-in Alexa Greetings, the doorbell will automatically greet anyone who stops by, let delivery guys know where to leave the packages, and record quality video messages. With its Ring App, you will get real-time notifications on your phone, real-time video and audio with the Live View button, customize security settings and save and share videos with an optional Ring Protect Plan.
With the Ring Protect Plan (subscription sold separately), Alexa makes voice announcements and shows live video feeds on Fire TV, an Echo Show, or Fire Tablet when the doorbell detects motion at the front door.
What We Like
- It has 3D motion detection that differentiates between a car and a person to minimize alerts
- Features built-up Alexa Greetings
- It has two-way clear audio
- The doorbell has a minimal profile
- Only takes 15 minutes to install
What We Don’t Like
- It is not compatible with Google Assistant
- The doorbell does not auto connect after a power loss or Wi-Fi reset
- It does not come with mounting hardware.
3. eufy Security, Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera – Best Subscription-Free
The eufy security doorbell is one of the most unique doorbells in the market because of its dual-cam design. The top 2k camera offers a full photo of who is at the door, while the bottom 1080p camera points towards the doorstep to detect packages when they arrive. If your home gets a lot of deliveries and you want to keep porch pirates at bay, the eufy doorbell camera has got you covered. When the camera detects someone approaching your package, it sends you an alert instantly and plays a message to let the porch pirate know you are watching them. It’s a good security feature that will keep all your packages safe.
The eufy doorbell camera can be connected to Google Voice Assistant or Alexa, enabling you to send commands from anywhere if you can’t get to the door. Thanks to its advanced AI technology and sophisticated algorithm, the camera sharply detects face patterns and body shapes. This ensures you only get alerts that matter at the door. Also, when motion is detected, you will immediately get a facial snapshot notification so you can know who is at the door.
Moreover, the video doorbell ships with a base station that provides 16GB of local storage for all the videos recorded by the doorbell. No subscription will be required to get the most out of this doorbell. It has a pre-recording feature that allows you to record up to 3 instant responses. When you are notified of an activity at the front door, you can select one of the pre-recorded responses to interact or give instructions.
Although it is an amazing video doorbell, it has one main downside. Compared to other models, this one is bulky, and it has a battery that is not swappable. This means the doorbell will be out of action when the battery needs to be recharged.
What We Like
- No subscription is required
- It provides clear images even in low-light conditions
- Supports 2-way audio for simple communication
- It has two cameras for an expanded field of view
- Integrates AI technology so that you can get only notifications that matter
- Works well with Alexa and Google Assistant
What We Don’t Like
- Bulkier than most doorbells
- No HomeKit support
- Because its battery is not swappable, it goes out of action when it needs recharging.
2. Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) by Amazon – Best Advanced Motion Detector
With the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), you can see, hear, and speak to anyone at your front door from anywhere. You can get instant notifications when a visitor or delivery guy presses the doorbell or when movement is detected. The wireless video doorbell has 1080p HD video and clear night vision that allows you to see footage in HD on your phone.
Thanks to its 2-way talk feature, you can answer the door while still doing other activities. If you are busy, you can save time by using pre-recorded messages to respond quickly to your visitors. It has advanced motion detection that notifies when motion is detected or when someone presses the doorbell.
You can connect this doorbell with Alexa-enabled devices to add more convenience. When the doorbell detects movement, your Fire TV or Echo device will give you a notification. If you are busy, you can ask Alexa to answer the front door for you.
The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery that provides reliable power. Also, you can connect it to your existing doorbell wires for constant power supply. When it comes to installation, the task is easy. Just connect the doorbell to Wi-Fi in the Ring App and use the included tools to mount it to the wall.
With its compatible Ring App, you can connect to all your Ring devices to see all the activities happening in your home from anywhere. Still, you can adjust the motion settings and use LiveView to check on your home any time.
What We Like
- It has advanced motion detection with adjustable motion zones
- Supports 2-way audio with noise cancellation
- It is compatible with Alexa
- Installation is quick and easy
- The built-in rechargeable battery is reliable
- Offers 1080p HD video and crisper night vision
What We Don’t Like
- Some of the features are locked behind a subscription
- Although it connects to Wi-Fi, it struggles to get a signal.
- It is not reliable when it is cold.
1. SimpliSafe Doorbell, 1080p – Latest Generation – Best Easy to Install
With the SimpliSafe doorbell, you will always know what is happening at your door with clear 1080p HD video and a 162-degree wide field of view. You will see who is at the door in HD even at night. It supports 2-way audio, allowing you to talk directly to unwanted guests and let them know they are being watched.
Unlike other doorbells, this model is equipped with two sensors. One sensor helps identify the heat signature of people, and the other detects human form. You will only get alerts that matter to prevent distractions. Besides, it has a Smart Person Detection feature that tells the difference between people, vehicles, and animals.
On its own, the SimpliSafe doorbell is a reliable, effective security system. In case of a break-in, their professional monitoring agents will provide an emergency response when you need it most. The doorbell is compatible with the SimpliSafe Gen 3 security system that needs Wi-Fi and an existing wired doorbell setup. However, it is not compatible with digital chimes.
The doorbell has been designed to work effortlessly in any home. And because it is small, you can install it on corners and shingles. No matter the weather conditions, this doorbell will never disappoint because it is designed for all weather conditions.
What We Like
- Installing the doorbell is not hard
- It provides 1080P HD video and a 162-degree field of view
- Includes two different sensors that give thoughtful alerts
- It has 2-way audio that allows you to talk directly to your guest
What We Don’t Like
- It does not provide notifications
- The speaker is not loud enough.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Smart Video Doorbell
If you want to get a quality smart video doorbell for your home, there are some key factors you must consider. The key considerations include:
1. Video Quality
The purpose of a video doorbell is to offer clear and detailed footage of your doorstep and surrounding areas. It lets you know who is at the door, and you can use it to scare away unwanted guests or porch pirates. Generally, most video doorbells have a resolution of 1080p, 2K, or 4K. The resolution helps with easy identification of people, objects, and activities.
The higher the resolution, the better. Clear resolution will make it easy to identify visitors, monitor deliveries, and provide evidence in case of a security incident. Also, it leads to a more positive user experience by ensuring all the images and videos captured are detailed. Therefore, ensure you choose a doorbell with good resolution so that you can see everything that happens at your front door in HD.
2. Night Vision
If you want to maintain security and visibility around your home both day and night, you have to choose a doorbell with good night vision. Night vision makes it easy for the camera to capture video footage in HD even at night. With excellent night vision, it will be simple to see and identify people, objects, or animals at the front door. A good example of a doorbell with excellent night vision is the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Generation). This doorbell has a wide range of night vision, infrared LEDs, and high-quality imaging sensors that enhance easy identification in low-light conditions. Because of its effective range of night vision, you will never miss a moment at the entryway and surrounding areas.
3. Video Storage and Subscriptions
Video storage is crucial to the overall video doorbell experience. With so much footage being captured automatically, mostly we focus on how the video is uploaded, storage limitations, and how easy it will be to access or share the video. Saving the videos captured by the doorbell is important if you want to investigate something, report a porch pirate, or save an unpleasant event to act later.
Video doorbells store footage differently. Some can store several online video footages for free, while others require monthly subscriptions to store video in the cloud. Also, you can increase storage options with a subscription. Some doorbells have the option to use local storage using a microSD card, which is a less expensive option for manual video management.
If you want a video doorbell that does not require a subscription, yet it does its job perfectly, buy the eufy Security, Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera. It is subscription-free and very reliable.
4. Wired vs. Wireless
Choosing between a wired and a wireless video doorbell will depend on different factors such as existing infrastructure, preferences, and specific needs. Wired doorbells are designed to draw power from your home’s existing electrical system. They don’t require charging or regular maintenance. Also, they require professional installation, especially when there is wiring to be run from the doorbell to the existing chime and transformer. However, if your home already has wiring from an older doorbell system, installation may be simple.
Wireless models are flexible in terms of placement, but they need to be recharged every several months. Wireless video doorbells are easy to install since they don’t need any wiring. They can be mounted using adhesive or screws. Some even provide plug-and-play installation to make your job simple. Because they are portable, they can be easily removed and taken away in case you want to rent a new home.
Wired doorbells are battery-powered. You must replace the batteries or recharge them periodically, depending on the usage and battery life. Also, they offer many smart features such as motion detection, smartphone connectivity, and integration with automated home systems.
The decision between a wired and a wireless doorbell comes down to your needs and preferences. If you want stability and reliability, a wired doorbell is perfect. However, if you want something with smart features, easy installation and flexibility, a wireless doorbell will be suitable.
5. Audio Quality
Before choosing a video doorbell, you must consider the audio quality. The better the audio quality, the easier it will be to communicate with your visitors or a delivery person. Before you choose a video doorbell, it should have a two-way audio feature. This feature allows you to communicate with visitors at the door remotely using your smartphone. You can use the feature to give instructions to your delivery person, guest, or scare away unwanted guests.
Furthermore, ensure your doorbell has noise cancellation technology that filters out the background noise and improves audio quality. Noise cancellation technology is crucial in noisy environments or during windy conditions. If you need a quality door with improved 2-way audio and noise cancellation, the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Generation). This doorbell has quality and loudspeakers that allow you to communicate with anyone at the front door. When motion is detected, Alexa answers the front door using the 2-wau audio feature.
6. Motion Detection
PHOTO: Ring Wired Doorbell Pro/Amazon
Most doorbells are fitted with the motion detection feature that enables the doorbell to detect movement in the field of view, triggering alerts to your connected devices. Motion detection is crucial for alerting you to potential deliveries, visitors, or suspicious activity at the front door, even when not at home. When looking for a doorbell, it should have customizable motion detection settings that will allow you to fine-tune the doorbell to only respond to specific types of motion and reduce false alarms from irrelevant activities such as rustling trees or passing vehicles.
To enhance security and convenience in your home, ensure the doorbell can seamlessly integrate with smart home systems. Integration with smart home systems allows for automated actions based on the motion detected. For instance, you can program the smart lights to turn on when motion is detected at the doorstep. Also, you can integrate the doorbell to work with Alexa so that you will get notified of any activity, even when you are not at home. One of the best doorbells in the market with advanced motion detection is the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) by Amazon. Invest in this doorbell, and you will never miss a moment at your front door.
7. Latency
Later refers to the delay between when an event occurs (when someone rings the door or when motion is detected) and when you receive a notification or live video feed on your smartphone.
If your doorbell supports two-way communication, it should have low latency to ensure smooth communication and quick response in events. If it has high latency, there will be delays between you and the person at the door, leading to a frustrating experience. Also, you might miss a visitor or a delivery person if your smart doorbell takes long to send a push notification after the doorbell has been rang.
While latency is mostly influenced by a doorbell’s software and hardware, it can also be affected by your internet connection’s speed and stability. Ensure your home has a reliable internet connection to help reduce latency and optimize the performance of your doorbell.
8. Integration with Smart Home Systems
Most doorbells are designed to integrate seamlessly with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant. Integration with these smart home systems allow you to control the video doorbell using voice commands. For example, you can integrate your doorbell to work with Alexa. Any time there is someone at the front door, you can command Alexa to answer the door for you while you do other activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does a video doorbell work?
Video doorbells are designed to connect seamlessly to a mobile application so you can see and speak to the person at the front door, even when you’re not at home. The smart home security system is fitted with a speaker and a microphone to support a 2-way communication. However, not all doorbells support 2-way communication. To know when there is something at the door, doorbells are motion-activated. They will alert you any time they detect motion. Some can even differentiate between people, animals and objects to minimize irrelevant alerts.
How long can a video stay on a video doorbell?
The longest a video stays on your video doorbell depends on the product and subscription. Mostly, most video doorbells require you to pay a subscription to view all the videos stored. Without subscription, live viewing is the only option available. With a subscription plan, you will get anywhere from 10 to 60 days of footage storage, or 24/7 continuous recording. However, there are some doorbells that are subscription-free, and they store quality HD video. For example, the eufy Security, Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera is subscription-free and very reliable.
Can you recover a deleted video from a video doorbell?
Unfortunately, once a video is deleted, even accidentally, it is hard to recover it because videos are stored with your account. The only way to avoid losing a video is to download it to your phone or computer. Remember that cloud storage services may delete footage automatically after 10 to 60 days, so you must check the cloud storage frequently to avoid missing the window to save or download crucial videos.
Do video doorbells work with Alexa?
Most video doorbells are designed to work with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to integrate them with Alexa-enabled devices and control them using voice commands. When motion is detected at the door or when someone rings the door, you will get real-time alerts even when you’re not near the phone. Also, you can ask Alexa to show you the live video feed from the video doorbell on your Alexa compatible devices, such as Fire TV or Echo Show. This way, you can monitor your doorstep without opening the doorbell’s app on your smartphone.