In this age of increased vigilance, it is almost impossible to ignore video doorbells.
In fact, your neighbor probably has one already, and there is a good reason for that.
The best video doorbells are an excellent addition to your smart home.
They act as a receptionist, virtual guard, and video recorder on the same device.
Your video doorbell can help you watch out for vehicles on the drive, deter port pirates, welcome visitors and deliveries, and, of course, improve the security of the neighborhood.
So, investing in the best video doorbell is worth it. Video doorbells offer a solid combination of convenience and security, allowing you to monitor your home whether you are there or away.
Some of them come with extra features, such as replaying a pre-recorded response.
While these important features are often locked behind a subscription, you can rest assured that your home is safe and functioning smartly.
In this article, we will analyze some of the best video doorbells on the market to help you make the right choice.
These video doorbells are suited for every kind of home, including homes with wide yards, apartments, and shared stairs. So, let’s get started.
The Best Video Doorbells
1. Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Generation)
The second generation of Arlo Video Doorbell offers top-quality recording and a wide view.
Specifically, it records up to 2K or HD video with a 180-degree field of view that offers a head-to-toe view at your doorstep.
It also offers you the option to install it wirelessly, with about four months of battery life. If you prefer the hardwired option, this model lets you use a standard 8–24 volt transformer.
Another thing that made us believe that Arlo Video Doorbell is one of the best video doorbells is the fact that it integrates seamlessly with Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Google Home, and IFTTT.
So, it means that it works with several third-party devices.
But keep in mind that you have to opt for Arlo Secure (a premium subscription) if you want to view event-triggered video recordings and access other features like interactive notifications and motion alerts.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Sharp videos – Affordable – Wide viewing angle -Simple wireless installation – Smart object detection – Impressive third-party device support | – No color night vision – Lack of support for Apple HomeKit – You need a subscription to access recorded video. |
Price: $89
Here is a detailed review of the Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen).
2. Wyze Video Doorbell Pro
This is one of the best video doorbells that are available for under $100. While it is not perfect or premium in any way, it offers value for your money.
The package comes with a system that can run on battery power alone or be wired, including package detection and an electronic chime.
Another thing we liked about this video doorbell is that it offers a wide 150 x 150-degree field of view.
What it means is that you can watch as much vertically as you would horizontally.
The only challenge with using this video doorbell is that you need a subscription in order to access saved recordings and use package detection features.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Available in two options: battery and hardwired – It comes with a chime – Package and person detection | – Doesn’t have local storage – Requires a subscription to access premium features |
Price: $149
https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/wyze-video-doorbell-pro
3. Eufy Video Doorbell Dual
This is another impressive video doorbell that works flawlessly in any setting.
Eufy understood that package theft is a common menace, and for this reason, they adapted their system with cameras that can better view your front porch.
On top of this, Eufy took things one step further by including a second camera that points downward, offering you an improved view.
As if that were not enough, Eufy Video Doorbell Dual comes with package detection, so you will know when someone drops a package.
Perhaps what stands out the most about this model is that you don’t need a subscription to access its features.
Apart from this, we also liked the fact that Eufy can store your footage on a local, secure base.
The good thing with this setup is that your doorbell will continue recording videos even when the internet drops.
But you should note that the model will cost you more upfront.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – There is no need for a subscription – Easy installation – Video stored locally – Functional persons and package detection feature | – Non-removable battery – Doesn’t support HomeKit |
Price: $140
Here is a detailed review of the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual.
4. Ring Video Doorbell Wired
We believe that this Ring doorbell is one of the best video doorbells because it is affordable and functional.
Just like other Ring security systems, this doorbell records clear video and audio but comes with a slightly narrower 155-degree field of view.
Another shortcoming is that you will not use it on battery power. It will also stop any existing chimes in your house.
What it means is that they will not count when the doorbell is pressed, but the good thing is that you can connect it with Echo speakers.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Record clear videos. – Excellent value for money – It works perfectly with Amazon Echo devices. | – Requires an existing wired doorbell – Lacks support for Google Home and HomeKit – Limited features without a subscription |
Price: $49
Here is a full review of the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro.
5. Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)
This is an excellent pick for Google Home users.
It isn’t a particularly good value for budget buyers, but it offers impressive video quality and accurate motion alerts.
On top of this, the Google Nest Doorbell comes with dual-band WiFi and can easily differentiate between cars, people, and animals in motion events.
The system will also alert you for package deliveries.
Its only drawback is that you have to pay for a subscription to be able to use cloud storage for videos.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Wireless installation – Dual-band WiFi – Easy to install and use – It works perfectly with Google Assistant. – Intelligent alerts – Sharp videos | – It is expensive. – Lacks support for Alexa and HomeKit – Some features are only available via a subscription. |
Price: $179
Here is a detailed review of the Google Nest Video Doorbell (Battery).
6. Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi Video Doorbell
This is a less-popular brand but an effective video doorbell that offers impressive features typically associated with more expensive entries.
These useful features include free intelligent alerts, video resolution, Ultra HD video resolution, and dual-band WiFi.
We also included it in this list of the best video doorbells because of its support for Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands.
This is your ideal doorbell if you are looking for something affordable yet intelligent enough to integrate into your smart home.
You will also love it for its impressive features and expansive field of view that covers the entire doorstep.
The fact that it has a microSD slot means that you can store your recordings locally, saving you the pain of paying for expensive subscriptions.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Wide vertical viewing angle – It is affordable. – Good video quality – Local and cloud storage options – Dual-band WiFi – Support Alexa, IFTTT, and Google Assistant. | – It requires wiring. – Alexa-streamed videos are in fish-eye mode. |
Price: $99
Here is a detailed review of the Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi Video Doorbell.
7. Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus
This new video doorbell from Ring is among the best video doorbells on the market because of the improved camera and lots of intelligent features built into the system.
The new doorbell comes with a head-to-toe view and better resolution.
With impressive 1536p resolution and improved night vision, you can be sure that the camera system will simplify the security management of your property.
Besides the above improvements, Ring did point out that this model offers up to three times the battery life when compared to previous models.
Unfortunately, the Battery Video Doorbell Plus comes with a few downgrades.
Notably, it doesn’t have pre-roll, motion alerts on compatible Echo devices, or 5G connectivity.
But the good thing is that the improved view, battery life, and overall motion detection easily outweigh these few shortcomings.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Offers 1536p HD video – Expansive vertical view – Easy to install and operate – Improved battery life | – Lacks local storage – Spotty package detection – It is slightly expensive. |
Price: $149
Here is a full review of the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Naturally, wireless doorbells are easier to install because they don’t need any wiring or tampering with your home’s wiring system.
But the downside is that their batteries usually deplete so fast, especially if you live in an area with cold weather.
Wired doorbells, on the other hand, are difficult to install.
But the good thing is that most homes already have doorbell wiring, so all you need to do is disconnect wires from old doorbells and connect them to your new one.
In most cases, you will need to connect your doorbell to an existing chime box as well.
As you may have noticed, most of the above doorbells work seamlessly with smart home systems.
In fact, your video doorbell will be an add-on component of a smart home.
And the best thing is that they don’t require a system hub to run.
They will easily link up with your locks, lighting, and sirens.
What’s more, you can control them via Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands.
Smart home security cameras and video doorbells usually offer the same benefits.
For instance, both show you what is happening outside your house and can even let you speak to whoever is out there.
However, if you are downstairs doing some house chores and your phone is far from you, then your security camera might not tell you that someone is at the door.
This is only possible with a doorbell, if someone presses it.
Closing Remarks
Video doorbells aren’t just your ordinary cameras that you stick on the door.
They are a useful addition to your smart home as they can record and stream videos when they detect movements or objects and allow you to communicate with delivery guys and other visitors.
Simply put, they act as your first line of defense if someone tries to enter your home forcefully.
The good thing is that the best video doorbells work seamlessly with smart home devices and can be coordinated via voice commands.
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