Buying guide for Best video doorbells
Whether you’re concerned about home security or you just don’t want to get off the couch to answer the door for someone you’re not expecting, a video doorbell can save you time and worry. It will reduce your need to open your door to someone you don’t know, and you can even keep track of who’s ringing your bell when you’re not home.
A video doorbell can be a somewhat pricey investment, so you want to be sure to choose the best model for your home security needs. That means knowing what power type, resolution, field of view, app support, and other features would work best for your house.
What is a video doorbell?
A video doorbell is a doorbell connected to a camera. A WiFi connection enables it to transmit information to a specially designed app that allows you to use your smartphone, tablet, or other connected devices to see who’s at your door.
A video doorbell usually comes equipped with speakers and microphones, too, so you can communicate with the person at your door. You get an alert on your device whenever the doorbell rings, enabling you to see who’s at your door even if you’re away from home. Video doorbells often have additional features, such as motion detection, for added home security.
When evaluating the best video doorbells, we give top billing to the models that are the easiest to install and configure.
We make a special note of which video doorbells support battery power, so you don’t have to worry about any challenging electrical wiring.
When deciding which video doorbells to recommend, we take into consideration subtle but helpful features, such as removable faceplates for matching your home’s exterior.
Part of our investigation into the best video doorbells involves picking out models that let you customize the sounds you and your visitors hear.
A wide field of view is one important consideration we make when figuring out which are the best video doorbells on the market.
We take into account advanced features such as fingerprint readers when recommending the top video doorbells for savvy smart home enthusiasts.
We’re careful to note which video doorbells make it easy to store and view videos locally, and which ones require subscriptions to access all the features.
In case you’re replacing a traditional model, we include in our research wired video doorbells that eliminate any worry of batteries running out.
We make absolutely certain that none of the video doorbells we recommend are susceptible to hacking or physical tampering.
Quality audio, high resolutions, and effective night vision are important aspects that contribute to our ranking of the best available video doorbells.
Video doorbell benefits
Convenience: Because a video doorbell is connected to an app, you can answer your door from the sofa or the office.
Versatility: Most video doorbells are equipped with night vision, which means you’ll be able to clearly see who’s at your door both day and night.
Increased Security: Through the video doorbell app, you can speak to the visitor no matter where you are, so no one will know that you aren’t at home. You’ll also be able to record any suspicious activity at your door in case you need to report it.
Delivery Alerts: If you’re worried about a delivery person leaving a package on your doorstep where it might be vulnerable to thieves, your video doorbell can alert you when it arrives. You can then direct the deliverer to leave it in a secure location, or you can hurry home to bring the package inside.
Did you know?
Because you can answer your doorbell from anywhere with the connected app, potential thieves won’t know that your home is empty when you’re away.
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Video doorbell features to consider
Field of view
A video doorbell’s field of view (FOV) is the size of the area the camera can capture.
Ideally, you want a camera with as large a field of view as possible.
A 90° FOV will only show the area in front of the doorbell and just a bit on the sides.
A 180° FOV will show the area directly in front of the doorbell, as well as to the sides.
Some models offer a 120° FOV, which can be a little bit less expensive than a 180° video doorbell but provides nearly as wide a view.
"Many video doorbells have a live-streaming function through the app, so you can check on your property at any time."
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Power source
Video doorbells are powered in one of two ways: they can be wired into your home’s electrical system or run on a battery.
Wired video doorbells are the most difficult to install. These typically work best if you have an existing doorbell already wired into your home’s electrical system. Most video doorbells are compatible with the types of connectors in existing wired doorbells. If you don’t currently have a wired doorbell, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician to install the video doorbell.
Battery-operated video doorbells are extremely easy to install. These contain an internal battery that you charge to operate the device. Most video doorbells can be charged using a USB cable and take about five to eight hours to charge. You won’t need to recharge your video doorbell very often: a charge can last anywhere from six months to a year. Most video doorbell apps alert you when the battery is low, so your doorbell won’t just suddenly stop working.
"Battery-operated video doorbells are extremely easy to install. You simply screw the mounting plate in place outside your door and set the doorbell inside."
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Resolution
For a video doorbell to be useful, its camera must provide a sharp, clear image. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the resolution. The higher a video doorbell’s resolution, the better its images will be. Some models offer a resolution as low as 480p, while others are as high as 1080p. Choose the highest resolution you can afford.
Motion detection
Some video doorbells are equipped with motion sensors that alert you when someone is moving around near your front door. If home security is a priority, this feature is particularly helpful.
You may want to look for a model with advanced motion-detection capabilities. These video doorbells allow you to monitor a specific area while ignoring others. If you live on a heavily trafficked street, this feature can help prevent the video doorbell from alerting you every time a car passes in front of your home.
"Some video doorbells have a “do not disturb” setting, so if someone in the house is sleeping, you don’t have to worry about the bell ringing."
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Night vision
Since security is often a greater priority after dark, it’s important to choose a video doorbell that provides clear images even in low light. Choose a model that offers night vision capabilities, so you can tell who’s at your door no matter how dark it might be outside.
Expert Tip
For the best performance, your video doorbell should be placed as close to your home’s WiFi router as possible.
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Audio
For many homeowners, what makes a video doorbell so helpful is the ability to communicate with visitors without opening the door – or even being home. If you choose a model that offers two-way audio, you can speak to people at your door and hear what they have to say in response.
If you live on a busy street, it’s also a good idea to look for a video doorbell audio system with a noise-cancellation feature. That way, you’ll be able to hear what visitors are saying even if there is traffic noise or a lawnmower in the background.
"Most video doorbells have a recording feature. This is a nice security feature to have."
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App
Video doorbells are connected to an app that allows you to view the images from the camera, speak to visitors, and receive alerts about the system even if you’re away from home. Choose a model with an app that offers a user-friendly interface, is easy to connect to, and provides reliable customer support in case you experience any issues.
Cloud storage
Some video doorbells provide cloud storage that allows you to save footage from the camera for a certain period of time. This feature is handy for home security because you’ll have video evidence in the event of a burglary or some type of vandalism.
Expert Tip
If you opt for cloud storage with your video doorbell, you’ll likely need to pay a monthly fee.
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Video doorbell prices
Prices for video doorbells vary depending on the resolution, whether they’re wired or battery operated, and what other features they provide. In most cases, video doorbells range from $50 to $500.
Inexpensive
A low-resolution, battery-operated video doorbell with a smaller FOV usually costs between $50 and $100.
Mid-range
A medium-resolution, battery-operated video doorbell with just under a full FOV costs between $100 and $200.
Expensive
A high-resolution, battery-operated or hardwired video doorbell with a full FOV costs between $200 and $500.
"If your video doorbell will be hardwired into your home’s electrical system, you may also be able to connect it to your home’s security system."
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FAQ
Q. What devices can I use with a video doorbell?
A. The devices or operating systems compatible with a video doorbell depend on the model. Most doorbells and apps work with Apple and Android devices, but it’s important to check the product specifications to verify that the model you choose will work with your smartphone, tablet, or another device.
Q. Can my video doorbell be used in place of a security system?
A. While a video doorbell can alert you to strangers at your door, it doesn’t replace a security system. If someone attempts to break into your home, a security system will alert your local police department automatically. A video doorbell is unable to notify authorities. A security system also monitors other possible dangers in your home, such as smoke or other evidence of a fire, which a video doorbell can’t do. However, a video doorbell can be a great addition to an existing security system if you want to make your home as secure as possible.
Q. Does a video doorbell require a Bluetooth connection to operate?
A. No, most video doorbells are WiFi connected. That means the WiFi connection in your home must be strong enough to reach the area where you plan to install the doorbell, so it can send the necessary notifications to your device through its app.
