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From the greatest features to the lowest profile, we tested and ranked the best video doorbells for every type of home.
Updated December 11, 2024
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Best Overall Doorbell
Ring is the biggest name in video doorbells. With over five devices to choose from, and features ranging from two-way talk to infrared night vision with motion detection, it’s a solid choice for almost anyone.
Best Affordable Integration
The SimpliSafe doorbell camera is surprisingly affordable with top features like wide-angle viewing and pan & zoom. And with a 60-day money-back guarantee, SimpliSafe offers some serious porch pirate protection without much risk.
Best Security Packages
Lorex’s 4K HD camera systems lead the pack with a huge range of high-quality cameras, from video doorbells to their new floodlights — all 100 percent contract-free.
Best Overall Doorbell
Best Affordable Integration
Best Security Packages
| System |
Ring Doorbell
|
SimpliSafe Doorbell
|
Lorex Doorbell
|
Arlo Video Doorbell
|
Google Nest Doorbell
|
Frontpoint Doorbell
|
Skybell Doorbell
|
Vivint Doorbell
|
Zmodo Greet
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking |
1st
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
4th
|
5th
|
6th
|
7th
|
8th
|
9th
|
| SecureScore™ | 9.2 | 9.1 | 9.1 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 8.6 | 8.5 | 8.2 | 7.3 |
| Best Accolade | Best Video Doorbell Overall | Best Affordable Integration | Best Security Packages | Best User Experience | Best Feature Set | Most Low Profile | Best Free Storage | Best Smart Home | Best Variety |
| Equipment Cost | Starting at $49.99 | $169.00 | Starting at $79.99 | Starting at $79.99 | $179.99 | $129.99 | $149.99 | $249.99 | $149.00 |
| Monthly Cost | Starting at $3.99 | Starting at $9.99 | N/A | Starting at $4.17 | Starting at $6.67 | Starting at $49.99 | N/A | Starting at $39.99 | Starting at $0.00 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Power | Battery, Wired, PoE | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| Field of View | 160° | 162° | 164° | 180° | 160° | 180° | 180° | 180° | 120° |
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 2560×1920 | 1536x1536 | 1600x1200 | 720p | 1080p | 720p | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud | Cloud | microSD | Cloud | Cloud | Cloud | Cloud | Cloud | Cloud |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Home Compatibility | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Live View | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 3 Years | 1 Year | 1 Year | 2 Years | 3 Years | 1 Year | 120 Days | 2 Years |
| Read Review | Ring Review | SimpliSafe Doorbell Review | Lorex Doorbell Review | Arlo Doorbell Review | Nest Doorbell Review | Frontpoint Doorbell Review | SkyBell Review | Vivint Doorbell Review | Zmodo Greet Review |
A lot of things happen at your front door. It’s where you and your guests enter your home, and where packages and mail get delivered. It’s also what most burglars try first when breaking in. That’s why we encourage front door security with doorbell cameras.
There’s a lot of them out there and, having tested many of them over the years, we’ve come to learn which doorbell cameras are best at welcoming guests, keeping burglars out, and watching over packages. We’re also familiar with the factors we should all consider when picking a doorbell camera. There’s ease-of-use, reliability, durability, and features. We also insist on cameras that will do the best job spotting and preventing porch pirates from snatching your packages. And of course, there’s the cost and overall value.
We did roughly four months of testing 22 doorbell cameras. Ring, SimpliSafe, and Lorex rounded out our top three. We can’t say we’re surprised though. Ring basically pioneered the doorbell camera market; SimpliSafe is one of the home security brands we trust the most; and Lorex is a recognized leader of the security camera industry. But read on to find out more about our top picks and see the complete list of our recommendations.
No surprise we’re starting with Ring. This is the company that invented the video doorbell, and while they’ve since expanded into full home security systems, they’ve remained dominant when it comes to doorbells. They offer multiple products, and all their models are among the most durable and reliable in the industry.
We like that you can nail down your options with Ring. It offers entry-level doorbells for under $100 in the Video Doorbell Wired ($49.99) and Battery Doorbell ($99). There are mid-tier Plus doorbells that offer improved field-of-view and security features for $149. They are called Wired Doorbell Plus and Battery Doorbell Plus. And then there’s the top-tier Pro models that offer advanced features such as radar motion detection that’s supposed to cut down on false alarms and a near-2K video quality. The wired and battery-powered Pro options cost over $200, but they’re the best of the best.
Ring also offers specialty doorbell cameras. There’s the Video Doorbell Elite we tested that’s designed to sit flush to the wall. It’s designed for new construction homes. There’s also the battery-powered Peephole Cam that goes over the peephole. See all your options in our Ring product pricing guide.
Pro Tip: Ring discounts surface pretty frequently. Make sure to bookmark our guide to Ring deals to stay on top of all the latest sales.
Choosing a Ring doorbell can be overwhelming, but we found that there are some things all Ring doorbells share. For one, they all use the same app that, since its launch in 2013, has evolved and improved tremendously. It’s one of our favorite home security apps right now. Another thing all Ring doorbells share is high video quality – 1080p HD at a minimum but up to 1536p with the Pro models. And lastly, we found them all effective at catching potential intruders by detecting movement.
Ring video doorbells are also easy to install if you have some basic DIY know-how. The wired versions require a little bit more work and you need to be confident in working with electricity, but they’re relatively more user-friendly than other wired doorbells we’ve installed. As for the battery-powered ones, they take between five to 15 minutes to get up and running. The only one we’d definitely recommend not installing by yourself is the Video Doorbell Elite. That one requires hardwiring and minor modifications, as the doorbell has to sit flush to a wall.
Ring Doorbells are also durable. They are all certified for outdoor use and operate in temperatures from -5 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. They all come with motion detection, night vision, and two-way talk.
Of course, no video doorbell is perfect, even the one that sits at the top of our list. If you’re looking for a downside to Ring’s doorbells, you’ll find it in these devices’ lackluster battery life. Ring says that they average 12 months of battery life. However, our tests showed that they only offered a little over two months of battery performance. Recharging batteries every 60 days isn’t the end of the world, but it’s not ideal either.
The first thing we noticed about SimpliSafe’s video doorbell is that we had to hardwire where our previous doorbell had been. That meant an extra investment of time and energy up-front, but it also meant that once we got the device set up, we didn’t have to worry about it again. No charging or battery replacement, ever. We also discovered that, in terms of features, this doorbell can go toe-to-toe with Ring’s best hardware. It offers a full HD 1080p resolution, for instance, and a wide, 162 degree field of view. It has two-way talk, smart motion sensors, mobile alerts, and digital pan-and-zoom. That’s a lot of features from an affordable video doorbell.
SimpliSafe took a bit longer to get into the video doorbell game, and it still offers only one model. That model’s not especially flashy, either. We might go so far as to call it plain. How did SimpliSafe wind up on this list then? The thing about SimpliSafe is that the company does things…well, simply. But it also does things right. You can count on SimpliSafe equipment to perform and to last over the long haul. That includes the video doorbell. And ultimately, even though there’s only one choice, and even though that choice is nothing fancy, SimpliSafe’s video doorbell has established itself as a fan favorite.
And don’t start thinking these doorbells don’t do anything more than show you what’s happening in front of them. For instance, these devices come with built-in heat and motion sensors. These support heat signatures and human motion detection, so the system only sends alerts for human detection and will ignore cars and prevent other similar false alerts from being sent. The Doorbell Pro also offers a wide field of view and a crisp image with 1080p HD.
You can add a SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro to your system for $169. Not the cheapest doorbell out there–Ring’s Video Doorbell Wired is just $49.99. But it’s not the most expensive, either (that honor goes to Vivint). Plus, you can use your Video Doorbell Pro with no monthly fee if you’re willing to self-monitor your system. For $5.00 per month you can add video storage. Or you can go all-in and sign up for SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring. That’s $29.99 per month. See our SimpliSafe cost guide to learn more.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for comprehensive security, SimpliSafe recently released their brand new Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera. It costs $139.99, and when coupled with their new Fast Protect monitoring ($29.99 per month) security experts will be able to monitor and respond to emergency situations in your home in real time.
One downside to SimpliSafe doorbells is that they’re made to replace existing doorbells. That’s not a big deal if you have basic DIY skills. Installation is just a matter of taking out your old doorbell and wiring the Simplisafe video doorbell into its place. All it takes is a couple of turns of the screw driver and a couple of twists of the wire (make sure you turn off the power before you try that last bit). However, things can get trickier if you don’t have an existing doorbell. If that’s your situation, we recommend choosing a different brand altogether.
Lorex didn’t invent the video doorbell, but it’s always been more of a camera company than a home security company, so when it decided to introduce video doorbells to its lineup, it did it right. So far, Lorex has only released three models, but all three of them are solidly made. The simplest provides 1080p HD video resolution, while the top-of-the-line model offers glorious 4K resolution. Of course, Lorex still isn’t exactly a complete home security system company. They don’t, for instance, offer any type of monitoring service. If you don’t mind self-monitoring, though, video doorbells come with pre-installed Micro-SD cards, so you never have to pay for recording or cloud storage.
Lorex consistently shows up on our best of lists, and for good reason. They have a huge lineup of high-end security cameras for almost every imaginable use case. Simply put, if you have a security need, Lorex more than likely offers a camera to fill it. We were a bit surprised, then, to discover that the company offers just three video doorbell models.
| Doorbell | Best Feature | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lorex 2K WiFi Video Doorbell | 2k Resolution | Battery | $199.99 |
| Lorex 2k WiFi Video Doorbell | 2K Resolution | Wired | $179.99 |
| Lorex 1080p Video Doorbell | Affordability | Wired | $79.99 |
Still, all three of these doorbells are solid options, with all the features we expect from modern video doorbells. The bottom line? They just get the job done.
Lorex doesn’t offer any professional monitoring, which can be a downside for some homeowners. It is possible to integrate Lorex cameras into other systems that offer professional monitoring. And, if you like the idea of self-monitoroing, Lorex makes things easy by providing local storage at no additional cost. That’s something even SimpliSafe can’t match. The secret is that Lorex video doorbells come with local storage via a Micro SD card. Best of all, you don’t have to retrieve that card to review footage. You can access it anytime directly through the Lorex app.
Despite the fact that Lorex offers high-quality, professional-grade cameras, the company manages to keep prices low. Entry models cost $79.99. That includes 1080p HD resolution. Get the full rundown of video doorbell prices by reading through our Lorex price guide.
Arlo isn’t as well known as some other video doorbell brands, but it’s one worth taking a look at. For starters, it comes with 180-degree field of view. For context, it’s impossible to get a higher field of view. You’ll find very few devices on the market that can match that. The Arlo doorbell offers some useful features as well. For example, if your away from home when someone shows up on your front porch, it calls you. That way you can answer and seem like you’re home, even if you’re not.
The Arlo Video Doorbell is one of the smarter video doorbells we’ve come across. In addition to two-way audio, you can pre-record messages for visitors. That guy trying to sell us a newspaper subscription was more than a little surprised when he pressed our doorbell to hear “Sorry, we’re not interested in whatever you’re selling.” You don’t have to record a message, though. Cameras are activated via motion detection and you get instant alerts, so you can respond in real time.
No question, though, that the Arlo doorbell’s best feature is its wide viewing angle. Not only does it extend 180 degrees, but it captures visitors head to toe. 1080p HD video resolution makes all that footage crystal clear. And that’s true day or night. The camera features night vision so even the possums and raccoons can’t hide. Plus, the cost of this doorbell camera is just $149.99.
Pro Tip: Right now the battery-operated model of the Arlo video doorbell is on sale for just $99.99. It’s hard-wired cousin is going for just $79.99.
Arlo isn’t really known for its video doorbells, and to be honest, that’s kind of surprising. These devices include a whole host of features, like person, package, car, and animal detection. You can set up custom activity zones to further fine tune what the cameras capture. And not only can you stream live video, but you can communicate with visitors using Arlo’s two-way audio feature or – if you’re too busy – leave a pre-recorded message. Plus, you can add video storage for just three dollars per month. Check out our guide to Arlo pricing for more info.
If you only know Google as a search engine, it’s time you learned different. Google Nest offers some of the smartest home products on the market, including indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and video doorbells. Keep in mind, this is a company that’s trying to design a driverless car. Video doorbells are child’s play. HD video is a given. Package detection? Natrually. In fact, Google Nest doorbells offer something we haven’t seen from any other company. Facial recognition.
As with many doorbells on this list, you can purchase the Nest Doorbell in a wired or slightly more expensive wireless version. Both come in a choice of four neutral colors, which means you’re bound to find one that fits in with your porch decor.
It’s what’s inside these doorbells that matters most, though. We didn’t just get text alerts when ours picked up movement, for example. We got notifications that told us what triggered the motion detector. That way we didn’t have to interrupt the big meeting just because a squirrel happened by our front door. And when our new Kindle arrived, Nest kept an eye on the package until we got home so we didn’t have to worry about porch pirates.
Nest Aware, Nest’s subscription service, makes the doorbell even smarter. Besides giving you cloud storage space for video recordings, Nest Aware enables facial recognition, which can make notifications even more informative. For instance, it can tell you if the person at your door is someone it knows (from a previous visit, for example) or a complete stranger.
Of course, not everyone will be willing to pay $6 to $12 per month for Nest Aware. If that’s the case, you’ll still get all of the Nest Doorbell’s built-in features plus storage for video clips recorded within the past three hours. That last feature is exclusive to the Nest Doorbell Battery, as all the other Nest cameras only capture snapshots instead of video clips when there is no active Nest Aware subscription.
Frontpoint home security systems offer many of the same features you’d find in more expensive systems like Vivint and ADT, including powerful video doorbells with sleek, modern designs. Likewise, every system includes 24/7 monitoring. Because Frontpoint doesn’t have the name recognition of these other heavyweights, though, it offers all these features and services for a lower price.
Frontpoint was among the first home security companies to make use of cellular technology in its systems. In short, all Frontpoint equipment communicates via a cellular connection. So, when our Wi-Fi went out back in May, we didn’t have to worry about our safety. All the devices were in place and humming away nicely.
The company offers a choice of wired and wireless doorbell cameras. The wired version ($199.99) is designed to replace existing doorbells, so there’s wiring involved in the setup. The good news is, you never have to worry about changing the battery. The wireless version ($299.98) operates on a battery that you change every six months. That’s still a lot of time between recharges. Whichever model you choose, you get video analytics with rapid person detection to cut down on false alerts, two-way audio, and infrared night vision up to 15 feet.
SkyBell is impressive enough that a number of home security companies offer its doorbells rather than manufacture their own. Cameras feature 1080p HD resolution and AI software that can differentiate between people and packages. It’s done quite well selling directly to customers as well. Skybell stands behind every product. While the company only sells doorbells, it still provides 24/7 professional monitoring for those doorbells. And if you fall victim to a porch pirate, the company will replace your packages.
The SkyBell Wi-Fi doorbell comes with all the requisite features of a top-tier video doorbell, including high-definition 1080p video, motion detection, and color night vision. It’s the little extras – the conveniences – that set this doorbell apart though.
For instance, Skybell devices work with a variety of third-party devices and integrations so you can connect them to your door locks, or your lights, or your smart plugs and integrate all your devices’ behavior. Skybell offers free video storage. The app provides a detailed history report so that you can review activity for the day, such as missed visitors and doorbell alerts. We mentioned that Skybell will replace stolen packages. It’ll also replace your video doorbell if someone steals it.
We loved the quiet mode. Basically, it turns the chime off. We still got alerts through our phone, but our blue heeler wasn’t triggered every time someone stopped by.
One note: SkyBell only comes in a hard-wired version. In other words, you have to have an existing doorbell to replace. That’s great if you live in a house. After all, who wants an old push-button doorbell right next to their shiny new video doorbell? Hard-wired doorbells let you make a one-to-one switch. If you live in an apartment, though, you likely won’t have the existing wiring to set up your Skybell.
Vivint is a high-tech doorbell camera with a modern, dare-we-say elegant design. It has more smart features than you can shake a stick at — but it does require professional installation.
Looks aren’t everything, but it has to be said that just seeing the Vivint video doorbell, we were impressed. With its sleek, minimalist design, it looks high-tech. And it turns out that in this case, you can judge a book by its cover. This is a camera packed with cutting-edge features, including HD resolution, a wide-angle lens capable of capturing a 180-degree view of your front porch, and infrared night vision. Connect it to other smart home devices, and you can revolutionize your life. We used Vivint’s Sky integration to unlock our front door when our sister came over to borrow our rake.
You should know that Vivint can be overprotective of its devices, including the video doorbell. You can’t just order a doorbell. You have to invest in a full system. Vivint doesn’t trust you to choose your own system either. You have to talk to a consultant. Everything has to be custom installed, and if you decide to move, you’ll have to pay for everything to get uninstalled in your old place and reinstalled in your new place. Oh, and you’ll need a professional monitoring plan as well so someone can keep an eye on your equipment.
There is no one in the business that offers more impressive video doorbells, and if you’re someone who likes to let others take care of your home security, Vivint is the perfect company. They can be fussy, though, and you should expect to pay handsomely for their impressive tech.
This doorbell cam offers simple plug-and-play setup, free cloud storage, and a generous 60-day money-back guarantee. No wonder Zmodo has sold 8 million products in the last decade.
Zmodo is a dark horse. While it doesn’t have the name recognition of Ring or SimpliSafe, the company has sold over 8 million devices since it was originally founded in 2009. We were impressed by the fact that Zmodo controls every aspect of the production and sales processes, from research and design to manufacturing and customer service. You don’t often see that these days, but it almost guarantees a company takes pride in its products and will stand behind them. Cutting out middlemen helps to keep costs low as well.
Then, we got our hands on a Zmodo doorbell, and we were even more impressed. As you might expect from a company committed to customer service, Zmodo made installation as simple as possible. Our Greet Doorbell was designed to connect to our existing doorbell wiring, but removing the old button and replacing it with this new device was just a matter of twisting a few wires. We downloaded the free Zmodo app, and setup instructions popped right up. The whole process took about ten minutes.
Zmodo Greet smart doorbells come in five different flavors – the Greet Smart Doorbell ($89), the Greet HD Smart Doorbell ($149), the Greet Select Smart Doorbell which ($149), the Greet 1.0 Smart Doorbell ($149), and the Greet Pro Smart Doorbell ($179).
If that’s not enough choice, you can pair them with one of three different video recording storage plans. The Basic plan lets you store alert clips for the past 36 hours. That’s free. The 7-Day Plan lets you store seven days of continuous cloud recordings, plus seven days of alert clip storage. It costs $4.99/mo. or $49.90/yr, though you pay per camera. Luckily, Zmodo gives you 50% off additional camera subscriptions. Finally, there is the 30-Day Plan that gives you everything the seven-day plan does, only for 30 days rather than seven. It costs $9.99/mo. or $99.90/yr.
Those prices are good, but there’s no price that can’t be made better, right? Turns out, a subscription to Zmodo’s newsletter will net you a coupon for 15 percent off.
You really can’t go wrong with any of the Zmodo Greet doorbell cameras. They have great designs, as well as being weatherproof and extremely durable. Additionally, they are well-priced compared to other doorbell cameras on the market.
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, ethernet |
|---|---|
| Power | Wired, battery, PoE |
| Field of View | Up to 360° |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
As the name suggests, a doorbell camera acts as a doorbell and a camera. Doorbell cameras, also called video doorbell cameras, have become a staple security measure for many homes across the country. That is, it monitors your entryway and delivers serious peace of mind for you and your family. (Most doorbell cameras are much more than just a camera, as we’ll soon find out.)
With a doorbell camera, your packages stay relatively safe, as the devices serve as a great first line of defense against ‘porch pirates’. They also protect against more nefarious crimes such as break-ins, burglaries, home invasions, and the like.
These doorbell cams come in both hardwired and wireless options. With a wireless (battery operated) doorbell camera, setup is a cinch and you’ll be up and running in less than 30 minutes.
Also, most doorbell cameras come with a companion app, so you can control the features and functions via your smartphone, tablet, or even desktop computer. And the capabilities are nothing short of impressive. With many doorbell cameras, you can do anything up to and including:
When it’s tripped, the motion-detection feature on the doorbell camera triggers the recording. The duration of the activity is then recorded and stored accordingly. Other cameras offer continuous recording, day and night. If your budget allows for it, it’s best to upgrade to cloud video storage, which can offer virtually limitless storage, so long as you’re willing to pay for it.
Another great thing about doorbell cameras is that most will send a text alert when they sense activity. This way, you can open the app and see exactly who’s at your door, and of course, take any necessary action.
Like any security solution, doorbell cameras do have their faults. For instance, thieves have (ironically) learned to steal the very doorbell cameras themselves. Also, many of the cameras have limited range and/or panning functionality.
But all in all, the advantages of owning a video doorbell camera far outweigh the disadvantages.
Pro Tip: Not sure what to look for in a doorbell camera? Head over to our Doorbell Camera Buyer’s Guide to learn about the features and tech and other important info. It’s all there!
Nobody really needs a doorbell camera, but these nifty devices sure make life safer and more convenient. With this in mind, doorbell cams are more important than other tech gadgets like smart watches, TVs, and other smart home features.
Doorbell video cameras are ideal for those who:
It’s a good rule of thumb to expect the unexpected. You simply never know if and when a criminal is going to target your home. And a quality doorbell camera has stopped many-a-criminal in their tracks. So while you don’t necessarily need a doorbell camera, they are more than worth the money and highly recommended.
After going over the reviews above, you will probably want to make a decision about which of the best doorbell cameras is right for you. However, to do that, you will need a little more information. You will also need to know the different features that come with doorbell cameras. Knowing and understanding those features will help you select the one that best suits your needs. Because there are some features you might not need and others you won't want to go without.
Lorex Video Doorbell
All the features affect our rankings differently and we base our information on the ones consumers care about the most.
Here are the different available features for the best doorbell cameras on the market:
With all this in mind, let’s take a look at two of our favorite video doorbells side-by-side, and see what we come up with.
| Feature | Ring Video Doorbell Pro | Arlo Essential Video Doorbell |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | 2K |
| Field of Vision | 160-degrees | 180-degrees |
| Power Source | Hardwired | Battery |
| Motion Detection | Advanced | Advanced |
| Two-Way Talk | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | N/A | Six months |
| Professional Monitoring Option | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $169.99 | $149.99 |
Next, let's go over some of the questions you should ask yourself. Questions that will make it easier to determine which options and features you really need and which ones you don't.
Doorbell cameras come in many different styles. But the best doorbell cameras boast the latest technology & remote capabilities like 2-way talk, 24-hour streaming, and more. It’s up to you how advanced (or basic!) you want your entryway security to be.
Go basic with a bare-bones image capturing camera, or outfit your home with the best video doorbell camera that delivers impressive technology like:
Video Doorbell Camera Price
Just like with home security systems, you get what you pay for with doorbell cameras. The prices range anywhere from $99 to $499. But we’ve seen deals as low as $49 for smart doorbells. With that said, the original Ring Doorbell (720 HD image quality) is a steal at $99, and we wouldn’t recommend going much cheaper than that.
Ring also sells the Ring Video Doorbell Elite that goes for $499! And of course, this device is stacked with the latest and greatest features and tech available. Other options that fall in the mid-range for doorbell camera prices include the Nest Cam ($229), and the SkyBell HD and August Doorbell Cam Pro (Both sell for $199).
The point is, you can outfit your home with a doorbell camera at pretty much any price point. Some doorbell cameras are so reasonably-priced that they’re purchased along with home security systems and smart home automation systems. Others come with a steep price tag, but offer more impressive features and technology.
When buying a doorbell camera, there are several different factors you need to think about before making a final purchasing decision. The doorbell camera you choose should include the features and options that match your family's specific needs. Therefore, reading reviews, pros and cons, and doorbell camera guides will give you all the general information you need. But until you know exactly what you need, you're not quite ready to make any decisions just yet, because everyone's situation is unique.
The following questions will help you narrow down your choices to match the best doorbell camera with your particular needs.
Most doorbell cameras come with a corresponding mobile app, as well as a desktop version of that app. Therefore, you will need to make sure the video doorbell camera you choose is compatible with your phone and/or the other mobile devices you have. Additionally, the desktop apps will also need to be compatible with that specific version of the app as well. Which means your Mac or PC will need to be the version of the app that is compatible with your computer. Another thing to keep in mind is that most doorbell cameras are generally not compatible with Blackberry devices.
There are a wide variety of doorbell cameras that work with home automation systems. If you have a home automation system in place or are thinking about getting one, you should look for a doorbell camera that is compatible with the equipment you have. Or one that is compatible with third-party equipment that covers your brand. Then buy the one that has what will work with what you have or with the system you anticipate purchasing.
Some doorbell cameras use your internet connection to function. Therefore, if you want to use a doorbell camera that connects to your internet, your internet will need to be Wi-Fi enabled. Additionally, if your Wi-Fi signal isn’t strong enough, then you might have to install a Wi-Fi network extender to improve your network’s range.
If you’ve never thought about whether or not doorbell cameras are weather resistant, don’t worry, you are not alone. However, any time you have outdoor equipment, you should research its durability. A video doorbell camera should be able to withstand a wide variety of environmental elements such as heavy rain, high winds, snow and ice accumulations, and be able to withstand temperatures that are sub-zero or remain below freezing for extended periods of time.
There are two types of doorbell cameras, wired or wireless. First, you will need to ask yourself if you have the skills to install a wired (hardwired) doorbell camera. And, if the doorbell camera you are considering is compatible with your existing doorbell’s wiring (if applicable) and/or other home security equipment.
Wired doorbell cameras are powered by connecting to the wires of your existing doorbell. So if you don't have a doorbell, this could be a problem because you will have to have your new doorbell wired with new wiring which will probably require an electrician. So, unless you are familiar with how electrical wiring works, you should probably hire someone to install it for you. However, with that being said, many doorbell camera systems come with help videos and technical support that could guide you through the process if you feel like attempting it yourself. That is unless you don't have an existing doorbell, in which case we recommend you hire an electrician.
Wireless doorbell cameras are powered by a battery. That means there is no wiring involved. Additionally, a wireless doorbell is portable so it can be moved around, which is great for renters or those who move frequently. And, some doorbell companies have a theft protection policy as well. So if your doorbell is ever stolen, they will replace it for free. Not all doorbell camera companies offer this though, so if that feature is something you think you might need, you will need to look for this option before making a purchase.
Am I comfortable with installing the doorbell on my own or do I need it professionally installed?
Whether or not you can install your new doorbell camera yourself will depend on several things. For example, if you buy a battery-operated doorbell camera, then, yes, you will easily be able to install that camera yourself with no tools necessary.
If you buy a wired doorbell camera, then you will need to determine if you have the tools necessary to install the type of doorbell camera you want to buy. Then you will need to determine if your existing doorbell wiring and/or home automation/security equipment are compatible with the doorbell camera you want to buy. Then, of course, you will need to review the installation instructions to see if you have the skills required for that particular installation. Most doorbell camera options come with help videos and technical support to help you with the installation if needed.
However, if you don't have an existing doorbell and you want to buy a hardwired doorbell camera, you will probably need to hire an electrician to do the installation for you. Because if there is no existing doorbell wiring present, your new doorbell camera will need to be completed wired with new wiring. So unless you are an electrician, or have significant electrical skills, you probably should not attempt to do this type of installation yourself. Because not only could it be dangerous, it could also turn into a fire hazard if it is not done right. Electricity is not something you want to take any chances with.
Can I install a doorbell camera if I'm a renter?
If you are a renter or you move around a lot, then you should consider installing a wireless doorbell camera. But before you buy a doorbell camera, you will need to talk with your landlord first because of possible privacy issues. If he/she does not give you permission to install a wireless doorbell camera, you could explain all the reasons you feel you need one such as to keep you and your family safe from crime, because you feel threatened by your environment or circumstances in any way, etc. And if he/she gives you the OK, make sure you get their permission in writing.
Additionally, although you should probably stick with a wireless doorbell camera, if you want a wired doorbell camera and your landlord gives you his/her blessing which he/she might do if you have it professionally installed, it's even more important that you not only get your landlords blessing, but that the written permission he/she gives you includes exactly what you can and can't do as far as drilling holes in the walls, ceilings, etc. This will protect you from having to pay damages due to miscommunication when you move out. You will also need to realize that sometimes a landlord will give you permission to have a hardwired doorbell camera installed, but he/she might also require that you leave it with the rental when you move.
Is motion detection important to me?
Having a motion detection feature is extremely important and that is why most video camera doorbells have it. The motion detection feature will send you an alert if any motion is detected within the field of vision of your doorbell camera. This will enable you to take the appropriate action based on who is at your door. For example, if a potential thief approached your door, you would be sent an alert at which time you could tap the app to see who's there. You could then contact the authorities, or, if your doorbell has a two-way talk feature, you could instruct them to leave…or else.
Do I need a two-way talk feature?
The two-way talk feature is important because it allows you to talk remotely with whoever is at your door. Most, but not all, doorbell cameras come with this feature. When the doorbell camera detects motion, it will send you an alert, at which time you can tap the app and pull up the live video feed of your front door. You can then talk to your visitor. Additionally, some doorbell cameras also offer other features such as a siren or prerecorded messages you can control using the app if a potential threat is observed.
Do I need night vision?
Night vision is extremely important when it comes to a doorbell camera. The night vision feature is what enables you to easily see who is at your door at night, when it is cloudy outside, in extremely shady areas, etc. Night vision works using infrared technology to make the video appear as if it was daylight. The higher the resolution of your doorbell camera the better your night vision, and everything else will be.
Is the doorbell camera's video quality important?
Yes, the video quality, or resolution, of any home security camera is important. The video quality will give you crisper, clearer images, and will provide you with truer colors both of which are important when it comes to properly identifying a criminal or what ultimately transpired at any given time of the day or night. Doorbell cameras have anywhere from 480p up to a 1080p resolution. So try to get the highest resolution you can for better images.
What about a doorbell camera's field of vision?
A doorbell camera's field of vision is how wide of an area the camera can see. A 90° angle means the doorbell camera can only see the area in front of the camera. A 180° angle means the doorbell camera can see the area in front and to the sides of it. So obviously, the wider the field of vision, the better. This is important because many thieves will try to avoid detection by staying outside of a cameras field of vision.
Do I need a live video feed?
Yes, you do need a live video feed; otherwise, what is the point of having a camera at all. With the live video feed option, your doorbell camera will give you real-time access to what is happening at your home at all times. When your doorbell camera detects motion, it will send you an alert at which time you can tap the app to see what triggered the alert. Then you can respond accordingly by using the two-way talk feature, contacting the authorities, or whatever action you deem necessary.
How do the doorbell camera recordings work?
Most doorbell cameras come with either a continuous recording feature or an intermittent recording feature that only records when it detects activity. The continuous video recording feature will record everything 24/7. The intermittent recording feature will only record when it senses activity. That means if you want to be able to see what's happening at your door at any given time, you will need to purchase a doorbell camera that has the continuous recording feature.
Do video doorbell cameras record audio as well?
A few other things you might want to inquire about are whether your chosen doorbell camera has a video recording feature and that it is also capable of recording audio as well. However, with that being said, you need to be careful when using the audio feature because in some states you cannot record audio without having the other person's consent. But if your chosen camera does come with an audio feature and you do not want to use it, you might be able to disable the audio recording feature, depending on the brand.
Should I opt for local video storage or cloud video storage?
A cloud video storage feature is good to have if you can afford it. There is also a local video storage option that has internal storage capabilities or you can store your video using a microSD card neither of which require you to pay for storage other than the price of the microSD card. However, once the storage is full, the camera will record over the pre-existing video, which could present a problem if you ever need to access the recorded history of your doorbell camera. That is where cloud storage has the advantage because you can store as many hours of video recordings as you are willing to pay for.
Installing a doorbell camera doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, you can have your system setup in a matter of minutes, with limited tools, and without breaking a sweat. Some doorbell cameras even come with the tools (drill bits, screwdrivers, screws, etc.) that you need.
We’ve provided a basic rundown of how to install a doorbell camera. By no means are the bullets below a substitute for your doorbell camera’s instructions. This is only meant to illustrate how fast and easy DIY installation can be.
Doorbell camera installation steps might include:
(Again, this is not a replacement for an instruction manual. Always defer to the manufacturer’s instructions, as every doorbell camera has different installation requirements)
It’s also possible to install a doorbell camera even if you don’t have an existing doorbell. However, this is a bit more involved and takes more patience and time to install. But in the end, you can keep a hawk-eye on your entryway, grant access to friends and family, and shoo away pesky porch pirates.
Want the safest and most futuristic apartment unit in the complex? If so, start by outfitting your front door with a doorbell camera. If you rent an apartment or condo, you have a handful of doorbell camera options to choose from. Certain video doorbell cams also work great for duplexes, flats and lofts, penthouses, Airbnb units, and the list goes on.
With a doorbell camera, you can watch your doorstep in real-time. It doesn’t matter if you have an upstairs or downstairs unit, you can view who’s creeping in the hall, and even give them a stern warning with two-way voice. So… what exactly should renters look for in a doorbell camera?
The best doorbell cameras for apartments and condos have a few things in common. First, they should be wireless. After all, getting permission from management to install a doorbell camera (even a wireless one!) can be a losing battle. So the less invasive, the better. Wireless doorbell cameras don’t require drilling or splicing wires, so they can be set up and taken down in a jiffy.
Also, you want to make sure the doorbell camera comes equipped with HD video, night vision, a wide-angle lens, and real-time motion-activated alerts via mobile app. These are standard features that most video doorbell cameras come with, and are important for renters and homeowners alike.
It’s worth mentioning Ring’s latest product for apartment-dwellers. The new Ring Door View Cam actually attaches to the peephole in your door and provides the same HD image quality and nifty features of other Ring Doorbells. This wireless device sends motion-activated alerts when someone comes to your door and/or rings your doorbell. But Ring is just one option for renters. There are plenty of others worth looking into.
Is it legal to have a doorbell camera in my apartment?
That’s a great question. And to answer it you should start by checking with your apartment manager. The law isn’t so black-and-white, but the management should have the most recent codes and laws on file. Now, even if you get their permission, you should also check with neighbors who might be impacted by a live-feed doorbell video camera. Many apartment units are opposing, where doors face one another. So in a way, your fancy new doorbell camera could be considered an infringement on your neighbor’s privacy. And the last thing you want is a disgruntled neighbor. Even if it’s not required by law, it’s best practice to run it by your neighbors before installing a doorbell camera.
The most affordable doorbell cameras fall around the $100-$150 range. This is downright cheap, especially when you consider the technology you’re getting. When you go with a low-cost doorbell camera, you don’t have to skimp on features. In fact, the best affordable video doorbells come stacked with HD image quality, night vision, 24/7 live-streaming, a nifty companion app, and other impressive features. Be sure to refer back to our Top 10 list above. Several of our top picks can be purchased for under $200.
What’s a smart home without a doorbell camera that works with Alexa? The truth is, doorbell camera companies are racing to put out smart-home compatible devices. And Amazon’s Alexa tops the list. So if you’re considering an Alexa compatible doorbell cam, you’re in luck. We’ll highlight just a few of your options here. But rest assured, more companies will be releasing smart doorbells that integrate seamlessly with the almighty Alexa.
With an Alexa compatible doorbell camera, you can flex your vocal chords from pretty much anywhere in the house to see, hear, and talk to people at your front door. You can access your live feed for viewing and control, and even give more advanced commands like “Alexa, show my front door.” However, it’s important to note that video-based commands do require Amazon’s Echo Show or Spot devices.
First up, we have the Ring Doorbell — the industry standard. The Ring Video Doorbell 2 is 100% compatible with Alexa. This powerful combination of devices lets you view, listen, and speak with visitors at your door. Tell the pizza man to hang tight, or tell the porch pirate to get lost. You can start and stop your Ring feed and even view your most recent video. The more advanced Ring Doorbell Pro allows for Alexa voice commands. Say “Alexa, show my front door,” or “Alexa, hide my front door” to close out the live feed. And you better believe Alexa will do your bidding. You can also nickname your front door anything you want to suit your fancy.
Moving on from Ring, the Nest Hello video doorbell is also compatible with Alexa. With this doorbell cam, you can view a live-feed of your entryway using Amazon’s Echo Show or Spot. And finally, we have SkyBell, another doorbell camera like Ring and Nest that works with Alexa. With SkyBell, you can tell Alexa to take snapshots of your front entryway, record video, and other commands.
There are other Alexa compatible doorbell cameras, but these are a few of the most popular and most purchased of the bunch. It’s one thing to have a doorbell video camera that you can view from your smartphone. But the moment you connect your doorbell cam to Alexa, you’ve officially entered the upper echelon of smart home enthusiasts.
Video storage is yet another important factor to consider. You see, your camera will capture images and video of everyone — from the mailman to masked men. So when you need hard evidence to find a crook, the best thing is crisp and clear video.
So this begs the question: where are you going to store your video clips? Some doorbell cameras (like DoorBird) offer local video storage via a microSD card, while most others have cloud storage that you pay to access. The main difference is convenience, quantity of video stored, and price.
Local storage is limited in its storage capacity. MicroSD cards typically range between 16GB and 128GB. Of course, 128GB offers loads of storage space. But video recordings can fill a card pretty quickly — especially if you configure your camera to continuous recordings (24/7!), opposed to even-based recordings (when motion is detected). Most doorbell cams that offer local storage will generally include a microSD card. The best part about local storage… there’s no monthly subscription fee!
On the other hand, you have to pay to access the convenience of ‘the cloud’, which is often viewed as the superior storage option. The cloud is an outside server that stores your doorbell camera video clips for you. And there’s really nothing the cloud can’t handle; you can continuously record for 10,000 lifetimes and it will still have room for more video recordings. The biggest drawback is that you have less control of your video when it’s in the cloud, compared to when it’s in your physical possession on a microSD card.
So which is better? Local storage or cloud storage? Well, it’s apples and oranges, really. The 21st century folks who value speed, efficiency, and limitless storage capacity typically go for a low-priced cloud storage plan. Others tend to be cagey about their video data and want complete control over their video clips. Those people go with local storage. So it’s really a matter of personal preference. But the best doorbell cameras today offer cloud video storage.
Video doorbells add an extra layer of security to your home. But, so does any piece of security equipment. What makes video doorbells so special?
Well, video doorbells are positioned at the main entrance to your home. That means anyone who tries to get in the normal way – and it turns out, most criminals start by trying the front door – have to go by it. It’s like having a butler, a doorman, and a security guard all in one.
What does it do? Plenty. It shows you who’s at your door, friend or foe. Depending on the settings, it can show you a lot more of your property, so you can know who’s walking by on the sidewalk, who’s going too fast down your street, and whether or not the neighbor’s lost dog came by your place. And you won’t just see who’s outside. With two-way talk, you can communicate with them as well. Have latch-key kids? A video doorbell ensures they never have to open the door. They can answer without giving away whether they’re home or not.
Want more features? Even when you’re at work, you know when a package has arrived and you can keep an eye on it so it doesn’t fall prey to porch pirates. You’ll also know when your kids get home from school, so you don’t have to worry about them. Use video recording to keep track of who’s coming and going and when they’re doing all this coming and going. If the senior from next door goes missing, you may be able to help locate them. If a neighbor’s car gets broken into, you may have valuable evidence for the police.
Finally, don’t forget that having a video doorbell can substantially reduce neighborhood crime. It’s a clear sign to anyone passing by that you have eyes on your home and you take your security seriously.
Absolutely. A home security system is made up of component parts, and the more parts you have working in harmony with each other in that system, the more secure you’re going to be. A video doorbell adds to your overall security posture and will be a great way to deter would-be intruders before they even consider stepping foot on your property.
OK, that all makes sense, but what if you do not have the money for a doorbell camera? The answer is…even the cheapest doorbell camera is better than not having one at all. And, having a doorbell camera and being able to prevent a crime rather than being a victim of crime would ultimately be cheaper than having to pay insurance deductibles, paying to replace stolen items, or worse…having to pay for medical bills, etc. Doorbell cameras like those by Eufy can be a bit pricey, but the features make it worth it.
We have lots of great affordable options on our list that, when it really gets down to it, are something you could afford for less than a cup of coffee a day. So skip that cup of coffee for the next few months and you will have easily paid for that doorbell camera without much extra effort on your part.
Doorbell camera online reviews are a dime-a-dozen, but not all reviews are created equal. This is crucial to remember, as many reviewers have the best intentions, but completely mislead people to the wrong products and services.
All of our reviews are the result of extensive research and testing. We dig deep into the best home security products available. Our objective reviewers discuss the pros and cons of different systems — in this case, doorbell cameras.
We then assign a SecureScore™ to each product. Our SecureScore™ rates customer service, value, equipment, features and tech, and ease-of-use. This gives you, the reader, a well-rounded picture of the product. And there is no other resource anywhere online that covers home security products and services with the same attention to detail that we do.
The aim is to educate our readers so that they can acquire the knowledge and confidence to make a wise buying decision. And to that end, we do everything we can to earn and maintain the trust of our readers. It’s why we do what we do.
Video doorbell cameras serve important functions. Of course, they keep you informed about who is coming to your house. They can also give you information on who is coming by your house but notcoming to your door. The best video doorbells integrate with other smart home devices so you can connect what happens inside your house to what happens outside of it. Most importantly, though, they serve as a first line of defense, safeguarding you and your family from potential breaches. The truth is, every home needs one.
Luckily, most doorbell cameras are relatively inexpensive. They’re easy to install and use. So whether you choose Ring, Nest, SkyBell, August — or any of the other doorbell cameras that we reviewed — you can’t go wrong. In fact, at this point, we’re confident that you’re equipped with everything needed to make the right choice for you. What are you waiting for?
