Best video doorbells
Video doorbells are one of the best security items you can add to your home because they don’t just capture crimes in progress (like someone stealing a package or keying your car); they can also prevent crimes. The video and two-way audio let you talk to anyone at your door without opening it, which can help prevent assault and forced entry.
There are several categories of video doorbells, however, so shopping may be confusing. We’ve found information about some of the best video doorbells to help you choose the right one for you.
5 best doorbell cameras
After trying dozens of video doorbells in hands-on testing, we narrowed to a list of the five best in the different categories we researched: stand-alone video doorbells, video doorbell locks, budget video doorbells and security system video doorbells.
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What we like
One of our favorite features is you can stick this doorbell anywhere since it doesn’t need wiring. Typically the downside of wireless is that you need to charge the battery every couple of months, but Ring solved that problem. For around $40 you can get an accessory that charges the battery using a small solar panel.
Some other features include:
- 1080p HD
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- 160-degree field of view
- Amazon Alexa compatibility
What to consider
If you want the option of adding a compatible security system down the road, Ring offers that, too. Its full security systems offer sensors, cameras, car monitoring, security lights and more.
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What we like
Some other features include:
- 1080p HD
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- Pan and zoom
- 162-degree field of view
- Person detection
- Alexa and Google Home compatibility
What to consider
Fortunately, you just need to pay $10 per month to get the added features. For professional monitoring, you’ll need the Fast Protect monthly subscription, which costs around $30 per month.
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What we like
With the Nest, you can choose from four color options to best match your home’s exterior. Plus, you can choose between wired or battery-powered.
Probably the most impressive feature, though, is Nest Doorbell’s AI. It can learn the faces of people who frequently visit your home so you have fewer alerts on your phone. If you choose, your doorbell will only notify you if it catches a stranger near your door (but not when your kid runs in and out 100 times in a row).
Some other features include:
- 1600p HD
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- 160-degree field of view
- Google Home compatibility
What to consider
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What we like
The monthly subscription plans are fairly inexpensive. Cam Plus subscriptions start at around $2 per month. You’ll need a Wyze Cam Plus subscription to get smart features like pet, person and package detection and video recording.
Some other features include:
- 1440p HD
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- 150-degree field of view
- Alexa and Google Home compatibility
What to consider
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What we like
Another great feature is the solar charging — no need to worry about charging the battery or buying a separate solar panel. The Lockly Vision Elite has a solar panel built in.
Some other features include:
- 1080p HD
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- 130-degree field of view
- Motion detection
- Alexa and Google Home compatibility
What to consider
We also found the installation instructions a little hard to follow. We were able to set it up, but it took around an hour, which is far longer than with our other picks.
What to look for in a video doorbell
There are some key features to look for when choosing a video doorbell. Here are some terms you need to know:
- Field of view: This is how much area the camera lens can “see.” Most quality video doorbell cameras have a field of view of 120 degrees or more.
- Resolution: This term is basically how clear the camera’s video will be. Look for cameras that have a resolution of 1440p HD or better.
- AI identification: Cameras that use AI identification can tell the difference between simple motion, like the movement of a tree branch, and a person. More advanced AI can tell the difference between people, cars, pets and packages. The most advanced AI can even tell one person from another.
- Wired vs. wireless: When it comes to video doorbells, some run on batteries, while others need to be connected to existing doorbell wiring. If you’ve never had a doorbell with wiring in your home, it’s best to go with a wireless version.
- Smart-home integration: Many video doorbells are compatible with smart-home devices like Alexa Echo or Google Home Nest Hub. When connected, you can see videos from your doorbell on the device. The doorbell can also be connected to other smart-home devices to set up routines.
- Two-way audio: Once an added feature, two-way audio is now a basic addition to video doorbells. It allows you to talk with anyone at your door without even being at home. There is a microphone and speaker built into the doorbell. When someone’s at your door, you talk through the doorbell using the app.
» MORE: Best home security systems
How to install a video doorbell
Installing most video doorbells takes just a few minutes. In most cases, your first step is to download the app, then the app will take you through the installation steps. Generally, you connect the doorbell to your home’s Wi-Fi and then mount the doorbell.
If you have a wired doorbell, mounting will consist of attaching the mounting plate to your doorframe, connecting two wires coming from your home to two wires on the back of the doorbell and attaching the doorbell to the mounting plate.
With wireless video doorbells, you’ll just need to install the mounting plate and then attach the doorbell. With lighter versions, you can skip the mounting plate and attach the doorbell beside your door with double-sided tape. This is a good option if you’re a renter and want to minimize damage during installation.
FAQ
How much does a video doorbell cost?
Most video doorbells cost anywhere from around $100 to $200. Video doorbells with built-in smart locks can cost up to $500.
Is there a monthly charge for a doorbell camera?
You don’t have to sign up for a subscription in most cases, but without a monthly subscription, you often won’t be able to record footage or access extra features like AI detection.
What are the benefits of a video doorbell?
With a video doorbell, you can catch a package thief, talk to someone at your door without being there and keep an eye on who’s coming and going at your home.
Do video doorbells require batteries?
Some do. Others connect to your home’s electrical system or use small solar panels for power.
Do camera doorbells record all the time?
No, most will only record when they sense motion. Then they send a push notification to your phone to let you know there is a recording you can watch.
