The best video doorbells are practically synonymous with convenience. These smart home devices are not just excellent security tools, so you can catch package thieves or vandals in the act. Theyre also perfect for seeing whos at your door without having to physically be there yourself whether youre away from home, trying to avoid Jehovah’s witnesses, or you just cant be bothered to get up from the couch.In addition, video doorbells are a perfect complement to that smart lock youve just installed. Alongside a set of wireless security cameras, they make an ideal home security system thats easy on the pocket and free from exorbitant monthly service fees. Take a look at our top picks for the best video doorbells.TL;DR These are the Best Video Doorbells:
1. Google Nest Hello
Best video doorbells
Resolution: 1,600 x 1,200 Viewing angle: 160° Storage: Nest Aware Subscription ($5/month) Compatibility: Google Assistant, Nest products, Alexa Power source: 16-24V AC
Googles Nest Hello is the best video doorbell hands down, complete with all the bells and whistles you could ever want pun intended. This nifty little device already has all the makings of a great video doorbell, including 24/7 live streaming and video recording, a video format that captures your visitors from head to toe, HDR capability, two-way audio, night vision, an IPx4 rated weather resistance, and of course, alerts and notifications.However, it beefs up its feature set with things like facial recognition so youll know if a familiar face is coming. Package tracking, meanwhile, notifies you immediately if a package has been removed. You can even leave a pre-recorded messages for when youre not home, and noise and echo cancellation ensures any audio captured in your security recordings is loud and clear. Youll need a Nest Aware subscription to get some of the more advanced features like intelligent alerts and timelapse, but it starts at $5 a month, which is less than the cheapest Netflix plan.
Our only gripe here is that its installation is best left to professionals, as youll need a wired doorbell, a compatible chime and the right transformer. However, for all the features it brings to the table, the Nest Hello is well worth the extra $99 installation service fee.
2. eufy Video Doorbell 2K Pro
Best Budget Video Doorbell
Resolution: 2,560 x 1,920 Storage: 32GB Local storage – military-grade encryption Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant Power source: 16-24V AC, 30VA
The eufy Video Doorbell 2K was already a strong budget pick, but it’s gotten even better with the introduction of the new eufy Video Doorbell 2K Pro model. This upgraded option features many of the same quality capabilities of its predecessor but has two notable improvements. The first is beefed up local storage. With 32GB of onboard memory, the eufy Video Doorbell 2K Pro can record and store 5 whole days worth of footage.This video doorbell can be set to record whenever the doorbell is pressed or when it detects a human, and it’ll record crisp footage with HDR (though the continuous recording mode saves footage at 1080p). It can send you notifications with facial snapshots so you know who’s at the door, and it’ll even let you communicate back and forth. The other upgrade with this version is the chime you put inside your home. The new chime unit offers eight different ringtones and has an adjustable volume.
3. Wyze Video Doorbell
Best Ultra Cheap Video Doorbell
Resolution: 1,536 x 2,046 Viewing angle: 88° horizontal, 120° vertical Storage: Free cloud storage (rolling 14-days) Power source: 16-24V AC
Just check the price. The Wyze Video Doorbell is just $30, making it an almost unbeatable value. You might pay that much for a normal doorbell. But, with the Wyze Video Doorbell, you’re not only getting the video doorbell but also a chime to go inside your home. Wyze keeps the value coming by also offering free cloud storage, capturing 12-second videos when the camera detects motion and storing all clips for the previous 14 days.The camera is sharp, and features a light to let visitors spot it and let unwelcome guests know they’re on camera (as well as infrared lights for night vision). The Wyze Video Doorbell also does things a bit differently by using a portrait aspect ratio, letting you see more vertically, so you can spot if packages are dropped off. This system also supports notifications directly to your phone, so you can see in real-time who’s at your door and communicate with them.
4. Arlo Video Doorbell
Best in unique features
Resolution: 1,536 x 1,536 Viewing angle: 180° Storage: Local storage, Arlo Smart subscription ($2.99/month) Compatibility: Alexa Power source: 16-24V AC
The Arlo Video Doorbell has a few tricks up its sleeves that you wont find in other video doorbells on the market. While it has all the trimmings that make for an excellent video doorbell, including intelligent motion detection alerts, 2-way audio, pre-recorded messages, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, it also boasts a few features that make it unique.Among those features is its video call function. You can set this device to call your mobile phone directly if someone presses the doorbell. That way, you wont just know when someones at your door, youll also be able to interact with them directly without that extra step of going through the app.
Other features that set it apart are its 180-degree field of view, 1:1 video aspect ratio, and that built-in siren that you can either set to go off automatically or trigger remotely in case of suspicious activity. Whats more is you also have the option to save your videos directly to your Arlo base-station or Smarthub, so you can keep your video footage locally.
5. Ring Video Doorbell 3
Best battery-powered doorbell
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 Viewing angle: 160° Storage: Ring Protect subscription ($3/month) Compatibility: Alexa Power source: Rechargeable battery pack, 8-24V AC
Whether hardwired or battery-powered, Ring Video Doorbell 3s versatility makes it ideal for both homeowners and apartment renters. Its definitely a favorite among folks who either do not have existing doorbell wires or cannot make too many big changes to the unit they are renting. In fact, its battery-powered model takes only a few minutes to install, and you wont be needing the help of an electrician to do it.Its also popular among consumers who want extensive smart home integration. Thats because this video doorbell is easier to pair with existing locks, smart lights, and home alarms than many of its rivals.
Unfortunately, its video resolution isnt as high as the top three contenders on this list. However, its just as reliable in terms of motion detection, alarms and notifications, and two-way audio, which boasts noise cancellation. And, its cloud storage service is pretty affordable, starting at $3 a month. Besides, 1080p resolution is pretty standard these days, so its not like youre getting pixelated footage and images.
6. Ring Peephole Cam
Best for basic features
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 Viewing angle: 155° Storage: Ring Protect subscription ($3/month) Compatibility: Alexa Power source: Rechargeable battery pack
If you like the Ring Video Doorbell 3s battery-powered feature, but you just dont have the funds to spend $200 on a video doorbell, the Ring Peephole Cam might just be the perfect budget alternative. Youll still be paying a little over $100, but youre also saving $70, which could go into paying for that Ring Protect subscription for almost 2 years.There are, of course, things that the Ring Video Doorbell 3 can do that the Ring Peephole Cam cant. This cheaper alternative has a narrower field of view, for example, and it doesnt give you the option to connect to your existing doorbell wires. However, it offers the same fundamentally important features like two-way audio, live viewing, night vision, and motion detection. Its also compatible with many smart locks on the market.
Plus, it has a couple of unique tricks. It has a built-in impact sensor that notifies you when someones knocking at your door, for one. And, it takes care of that aging, unflattering peephole youd rather not display, but still want to utilize.
7. Amcrest Video Doorbell Camera Pro
Best budget with local storageResolution: 1,920 x 1,080 Viewing angle: 140° Storage: MicroSD Storage up to 128GB Compatibility: Amazon Alexa Power source: 16-24V AC
The Amcrest Video Doorbell Camera Pro may be the least popular and one of the cheapest products on our list, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt take it seriously. Sure, it has its share of limitations: namely, the 1080p resolution, the 140-degree field of view, and the 2.4GHz only support.However, it also has a few things going for it. We certainly appreciate the MicroSD local storage, for one. You can put in a MicroSD card with up to 128GB storage space, instead of having to commit to a monthly subscription. And, its operating temperature range of -22 to 122°F certainly comes in handy to those folks living in places with the coldest winters.
Factor in its up to 16 feet of night vision and motion detection, 2-way audio, and motion detection alerts, and youve got yourself a great value. The catch? To get the live streaming function, youd have to get the Amcrest Smart Home Cloud app and subscribe. The good news? You get your first year free with your purchase. Not too bad a deal.
What to Look for in the Best Video Doorbells
Most video doorbells on the market offer basic features. They all have 2-way audio so you can communicate with whoevers at the door even if youre not home. These doorbell cameras are capable of recording videos, naturally, and at resolutions of 1080p and up. They have night vision, though some are better at it than others. And, they all offer compatibility with one or more of the most popular smart home systems and virtual assistants right now.However, they do differ in quite a few ways that matter a lot to consumers. Here are the some of the main things you must consider when choosing the best video doorbell:
Installation and power
When it comes to installation, not all video doorbells are created equal. Some require a bit of electrical knowledge and experience similar to the best home security cameras, while wireless doorbells can be installed in minutes by anyone capable of inserting a battery.It really boils down to the type of power source the video doorbell requires. Quite a few of them actually need doorbell wiring to work, although there are others that only rely on rechargeable batteries, making them perfect for many apartment renters. One or two have adapters so you can make them work even if you dont have existing doorbell wiring at home.
Before you click that buy button, find out what kind of power source your choice needs and whether or not its something you can accommodate.
Storage and subscription
Cloud storage solutions are all the rage these days, which makes sense as theyre generally more secure. However, most video doorbells do not offer their cloud storage for free. Subscriptions typically start at $3 per month and can go all the way up to $30 a month.Granted, if youre getting the basic plan, you might be paying less than your Netflix or Disney+ subscription. And, youre also getting additional features like live streaming, timelapse recording, and intelligent alerts.
However, that monthly subscription can still add up, which isnt good if youve got limited funds. Luckily, there are video doorbells out there that come with free, albeit limited, subscription, or better yet, a MicroSD card compartment.
Resolution
There are still some video doorbells out there with only 720p resolution. Thats hardly a surprise; many high-end ultrabook laptops only have 720p webcams. However, when it comes to your home and familys security, the higher the resolution, the better. You wouldnt want your home invaded by an intruder, and then realize that the only chance you have of finding the perpetrator is an extremely grainy, low resolution video.These days, 1080p is standard and good enough. If you want something better, however, there are a few that offer 1,536 x 1,536 and 1,600 x 1,200 resolution.
Field of View
The field of view or viewing angle is another thing that differs from video doorbell to video doorbell. And, unlike camera lenses, it doesnt follow that the more expensive ones typically offer the widest angles. A lot of video doorbells boast a 160-degree viewing angle, while there are some that give you a whopping 180 degrees of viewing pleasure. A handful still only have around 140 degrees.Find out whats best for your home or apartment before deciding. If you have a broader area to cover, then the widest field of view is better for you. However, if you only need to cover a smaller area like if youre in the corner apartment, for example then a 140- or 150-degree video doorbell should suffice.
Michelle Rae Uy is a freelance tech and travel writer, part-time production editor, and a full-time traveler from Los Angeles, California. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world. Follow her on Instagram @straywithRae.
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