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the best doorbell cameras Smart video doorbells have transformed home security, allowing homeowners to monitor their front doors from anywhere in the world.

the best doorbell cameras

Introduction to Video Doorbells

With a smart video doorbell, your front door’s communication skills go from 1980s landline to a modern smartphone. Combining a motion-activated camera with a microphone, speaker, and buzzer, a doorbell camera sends alerts to your phone, allowing you to see who’s at the door without needing to open it or even be at home. Whether you’re curled up on the couch, hard at work in your office, or sunning on a beach in the Bahamas, a video doorbell keeps you in touch with what’s happening on your doorstep.

Having tested dozens of video doorbells, I can confirm that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Like smartphones, the best choice often depends on personal preferences and specific use cases. Here are my top recommendations for the best doorbell cameras available today.

Wired vs. Battery-Powered Doorbells

Before diving into specific models, it’s essential to consider the power options for doorbell cameras. My top advice is to use existing doorbell wires if you have them. Wired doorbells are generally cheaper, work better, and are more compact, making them aesthetically pleasing. They also eliminate the hassle of battery replacements.

If you don’t have wires and prefer not to hire an electrician, consider using an AC power adapter. Brands like Ring and Google Nest offer their own adapters, but generic options are also available. If all else fails, I have recommendations for good battery-powered buzzers. Just remember to plan for extra batteries or factor in the inconvenience of removing the doorbell every few months to charge it.

Best Doorbell Camera

Nest Doorbell (Wired)

The Nest Doorbell Wired stands out as the best option for most people, thanks to its 24/7 recording, facial recognition, reliable smart alerts, and some free video recording. Priced at $179.99, it is available at various retailers, including Google, Best Buy, and The Home Depot.

Video quality: 960 x 1280p, 6x zoom, HDR
Smart alerts: Person, package, animal, vehicle, and facial recognition (subscription required)
Aspect ratio: 3:4
Field of view: 145 degrees diagonal
Power options: Wired
Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Storage: Cloud and local
Subscription fee: $10 a month
Works with: Alexa, Google, SmartThings

The Nest Doorbell Wired (2nd-gen) allows for continuous recording, making it easy to scroll through a timeline view of everything that has happened at your front door. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to ensure they don’t miss any important events. Its proactive package watch feature alerts you when a package arrives and sends another notification when it’s gone, making it an excellent choice for package protection.

Unlike many competitors, such as Ring and Arlo, Google does not charge for smart notifications. The Nest Wired will inform you if it detects a person, package, animal, or vehicle at your door without any additional fees. You also receive free activity zones to reduce unwanted notifications and three hours of event-based recordings, thanks to local storage and processing.

While the Nest Wired does not have the highest specifications on paper, it delivers excellent video quality with its 960 x 1280 pixel resolution and 6x digital zoom. The 3:4 portrait aspect ratio and 145-degree field of view provide a comprehensive view of your porch. Notifications are quick and rich, allowing you to interact with alerts directly from your phone or watch.

Best Battery-Powered Doorbell Camera

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus

If you prefer a battery-powered option, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is an excellent choice. Priced at $149.99, it offers high-quality video, a good head-to-toe view, and speedy response times.

Video quality: 1536 x 1536p, HDR, color night vision
Smart alerts: Person, package (subscription required)
Aspect ratio: 1:1
Field of view: 150 degrees horizontal, 150 degrees vertical
Power options: Battery, wired trickle charge, solar
Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz
Storage: Cloud and local (with Ring Alarm Pro)
Subscription fee: $4.99 a month
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings

The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is more affordable than the Ring Battery Pro while still offering a head-to-toe view and high-quality video resolution. Unlike the standard Ring Battery Doorbell, the Plus uses removable, rechargeable batteries, making it easier to keep charged. Just have a second battery on hand for quick swaps.

While the battery life is not exceptional—lasting around two months with all features enabled—the Plus offers features like color night vision and quick live view access. However, if you need to capture footage of people approaching your door, consider the Battery Doorbell Pro, which adds preroll and improved motion detection.

Best Budget Doorbell Camera

Blink Video Doorbell

For those on a budget, the Blink Video Doorbell is an excellent option, priced at $59.99. It offers motion-activated recording, night vision, two-way audio, and an impressive battery life of up to two years.

Video quality: 1080p
Smart alerts: None
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Field of view: 135 degrees horizontal, 80 degrees vertical
Power options: Wired or battery
Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz
Storage: Cloud or local with a Sync Module
Subscription fee: $3 a month
Works with: Amazon Alexa

The Blink Video Doorbell is ideal for those looking for a no-frills solution. While it lacks smart alerts and records at a standard 1080p resolution, it gets the job done and boasts an impressive battery life. The doorbell can also function as a hardwired option, activating an existing chime when connected.

Best Doorbell Camera Without a Subscription

TP-Link Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera

The TP-Link Tapo D225 offers a feature-packed experience at under $100, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer not to pay a subscription. Priced at $99.99, it includes free local recording, 24/7 recording, and smart alerts.

Video quality: 2K HD (no HDR)
Smart alerts: People, packages, pets, vehicles (free)
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Field of view: 180 degrees horizontal
Power options: Battery, wired trickle charge
Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz
Storage: microSD card or cloud
Subscription fee: $2.79 a month
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home

The Tapo D225 requires a microSD card for local recording but offers a robust smart home ecosystem. While it may be bulky, it provides excellent video quality and smart alerts without the need for a subscription. The doorbell can work with your existing chime and comes with a plug-in chime if not wired.

More Expensive, But More Flexible

Reolink Battery Doorbell

The Reolink Battery Doorbell is a sleeker option with excellent video quality and HDR support, but it does not offer 24/7 recording. Priced at $119.99, it can record locally on a microSD card or connect to a platform like Home Assistant.

Best Wired Video Doorbell That Works with Amazon Alexa and Ring

Ring Wired Doorbell Pro

The flagship Ring Wired Doorbell Pro offers the best video quality, good connectivity, and excellent motion detection. However, it is expensive, priced at $229.99, and requires a subscription for most features.

Video quality: 1536 x 1536p, HDR
Smart alerts: Person, package (subscription required)
Aspect ratio: 1:1
Field of view: 150 degrees horizontal, 150 degrees vertical
Power options: Wired
Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Storage: Cloud and local
Subscription fee: $3 a month
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home

The Ring Wired Doorbell Pro is an excellent choice for those who want high-quality video and seamless integration with Amazon Alexa. However, potential buyers should be aware of the subscription requirements for full functionality.

Conclusion

Choosing the right video doorbell depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. From wired options like the Nest Doorbell to battery-powered alternatives like the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and budget-friendly choices like the Blink Video Doorbell, there are plenty of options available. Each model offers unique features, making it essential to consider what matters most to you in a doorbell camera.

Source: Original report