How many times have you been sitting in your living or bedroom, engaged in a favorite TV show, a good book, or catching up on some work, when the doorbell rings and you are forced to pull yourself away from your activity to see who it is? Then when you answer the door, you get stuck talking to unwanted solicitors, taking away time from the things you want to be doing. Well, if you are anything like me, this has happened to you too many times — even once is too many! That’s where smart doorbell cameras come into play.
Or, if you’re like me, you worry about the possibility of the doorbell ringing while you are away from home by a criminal, who is checking to see if you are home before breaking in. In fact, a home intrusion in the U.S. occurs once every 13 seconds, adding up to over 2,000,000 reported home burglaries a year, so this is not an entirely unfounded worry.
Thankfully, a solution to both of these problems exists, and it comes in the form of smart video doorbells.
What is a Smart Wireless Video Doorbell?
Video doorbells, at their most basic, are devices which are equipped with video cameras that allow a person to see and communicate with whoever is at their front door, using a smart phone or included screen, from anywhere.
Why you need a Smart Wireless Doorbell
A video doorbell is a great option for helping to increase the overall security of your home. In fact, ABC’s wate.com writes about how video doorbells have recently been used to identify potential burglars, alert homeowners quickly to potential threats and even scare off potential criminals by tricking them into thinking you are home.
Additionally, video doorbells will send notifications to the user’s smartphone or device when a guest rings, thereby making them aware someone is at their door. This means being able to speak with delivery persons while you are at the office, your children’s friends when they come to the door to ask if their friends can play and you are at the grocery store and more.
Why should you trust ideaing?
Since 2013, our team at ideaing holds extensive background in technology, from electrical engineering to product managers at Fortune 500 companies. We pride ourselves in providing truly objective incite into our reviews and recommendations. Our expert panel of product experts spend thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products. After our extensive research on over 50 of the top smart doorbells on the market, here are our 6 best picks for most people.
The Best Smart Doorbell Cameras for 2020
Based on our research, here are the best Smart WiFi Doorbell Cameras you can buy.
1. Ring Door View Cam: Best of the Best
HD peephole, anyone?
We chose the Ring Door View Cam Video Doorbell for spot numero uno. That makes it the best smart doorbell. Would you like to know why we made this choice?
For one, the Ring Door View Cam is equipped with 1080 HD that enables you to see, hear, and speak to visitors, doesn’t matter where you are. When you think about it, it’s like a virtual upgrade of your peep hole. When someone knocks at your door or presses the doorbell or triggers the motion, you’ll get alerts right on your phone, tablet or PC. And you can make it focuson a certain area for tighter security.
If paired with Alexa, your home security and convenience will be unparalleled.
Why You Should Get It
This one is easy to install yourself, works as promised, and is the perfect doorbell if you already have (or are planning to get) Alexa devices. When both are used together, there are added benefits, such as the ability to see who’s at your door and then lets you see and talk to visitors using Echo devices. It’s the ultimate doorbell, and there’s no other video doorbell that can top it — so far.
Pros
- 1080 HD video with two-way talk
- Real time notifications
- Works with Alexa and Echo devices
- Removable battery pack that can be directly plugged to an outlet
- Knock and ajustable motion detection
- Replaces your peephole in 5 minutes
- If stolen, it can be replaced for free
Cons
- Some concerns on its motion detection bot being stable
2. Nest Hello: Best recorded videos
Excellent security for when you need it from this smart doorbell.
If you want to interact with visitors at your door, the Nest Hello is a product that can help. It’s built with an HD camera (along with night vision) to allow users to see people, talk to guests (or potential intruders), and protect their home with smart technology.
One of my favorite features of the Nest Hello is the ability to see recorded activity via a three-hour snapshot history. Excellent if you’re away from your phone and receive notifications later.
Why You Should Get It
I love this device for simplicity of aesthetic. It’s a great looking, and has plenty of features that appeal to any home owner. The 160-degree view covers lots of ground, with the night vision offering 24/7 coverage.
Pros
- 160-degree view
- Talk and listen with HD video quality
- Smart detects when a person it at your doorstep
Cons
- Some users express challenges with the device differentiating between people and motion alerts
3. Ring Doorbell 2: Best in Style
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 is the best smart doorbell that lets you capture, share and store footage in the cloud.
Want the best smart doorbell with awesome cloud storage features?
The successor to the popular Ring Video Doorbell, the new Ring Video Doorbell 2, offers stronger motion sensors, captures video in 1080p high definition (HD), and includes night vision — which is great for those of us who worry about night time visitors. Not to mention, it comes with the ability to create your own custom shaped motion zones. What this means for me, is the areas in front of my home that I find most important, are always being monitored. That really helps to put my mind at ease. Also, cloud recording allows me to store videos online and view them later.
Why You Should Get It
Sleek design and feature-rich, the Ring Video Doorbell is for anyone who wants the best of the best. It’s ideal for those who want to be alerted to any movement outside their front door, regardless of whether or not a person rings the doorbell. Additionally, the Ring 2 offers interchangeable faceplates, meaning you can change out the look of your Ring to make sure it seamlessly fits into your home’s outer decor and style all year round.
Pros
- Cloud video recording
- Free trial for 30 days
- Advanced motion protection 1080p HD video and night vision
Cons
- Subscription fee after 30 days
4. Ring Pro: Reliable Smart Doorbell
Non-stop power, 24/7 security
Want the best smart doorbell that monitors your home in HD with infrared night vision? This is your guy, right here!
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro offers an HD camera, live view, two-way talk, motion detection, and high-quality night vision. In short, it offers all the things I’ve come to expect in a great video doorbell.
What makes this particular video doorbell special is it works with Alexa to illuminate your Echo devices and send announcements along with it whenever your doorbell is pressed or motion is detected. That’s right, Ring Pro allows for alerts to multiple devices that are scattered within your home (if you have multiple), meaning you’re going to be made aware on important occasions–whenever you have a visitor or if someone is trying to break into your home. Also, it includes lifetime theft protection. If your doorbell gets stolen, you’ll get a free replacement!
Why You Should Get It
Considering how feature rich and how effective the alerts are, it is highly recommended. Especially if you are a heavy Alexa user and want to have reliable video capture even at night. It can easily capture photos of your visitors when they approach your home, record each video interaction and review any events you may have missed throughout the day.
Pros:
- Illuminates Alexa and send alerts whenever your doorbell is pressed or motion is detected
- Lets you talk with people at your doorstep
- Monitors your home in HD
- Infrared night vision
- Lifetime theft protection (if it gets stolen, you get a free replacement)
Cons:
- Requires hardwired installation to existing doorbell wires
5. Remobell: Best Value
Select areas of interest for tighter security
Imagine asking your doorbell to closely monitor one area of the house the most? That’s all made possible with the Remobell Doorbell Camera. It allows you to select an area of interest so you can monitor that spot closely. Get alerts whenever motion will be detected in the video doorbell’s view.
Not only that, this doorbell also provides 24/7 surveillance of all your front door (or back yard) activity. And you don’t even have to pay for the cloud storage. Videos are kept for up to 3 days for free. So if you’re okay with that, you can save yourself from paying hefty monthly fees. Of course, it can stream all your live videos in HD and covers huge ground with a 180-degree angle and infrared vision.
Why You Should Get It
If you are most concerned of specific areas of the house, you can go with Remobell for enhanced security. The free cloud storage of up to 3 days is also a win, especially if you don’t like paying just to save all the pointless and previously recorded videos days before.
Pros
- 24/7 surveillance
- Stores up to 3 days of all motion activity for free
- Lets you select areas of interest for increased security
- Hear, talk, and talk from your smartphone or tablet
- HD and 180-degree viewing angle
Cons
- Joining the network is not seamless
6. Ring Doorbell: Best Starter
Answer the door from anywhere
A lot of doorbells are out in the market. But Ring Video Doorbell is a classic and still a standout. Ring Video Doorbell has all the basic features that you will want for your video doorbell: 720 video, motion-activated alerts, two-way talk, on-demand video. It’s also easy to install, you don’t need to have advanced electrical wiring skills. You can also adjust the level of sensitivity of the sensors so you won’t get those false alerts.
Plus, if you’re fond of Alexa, you’ll like this. It works seamlessly with Alexa, sending alerts whenever it senses motion. You can also use Alexa to view the live activity at your door. What more could you ask for?
Why You Should Get It
It’s really very convenient to use and it’s affordable. If you’re looking for a starter video doorbell without breaking your budget, then the Ring Video Doorbell is a classic doorbell that will cover your needs.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Works with Alexa for alerts and voice commands
- Two-way talk with visitors at your front door
- Works on any home, with or without doorbell wires
- Monitors your house in HD with infrared vision
Cons
- Battery can discharge in only 2 days
7. eufy Video Doorbell: Best Doorbell with No Monthly Fees
No expensive monthly fees to worry about!
Some video doorbells seem to be the doorbell of your dreams, until you buy them and get surprised that you have to pay extra fees to be able to store your recorded videos. If you don’t want to get stressed by this, then you should go with the eufy Wireless Video Doorbell. It has no hidden fees, protecting both your home and your wallet.
eufy are one-time purchases security products and they cover all the basic doorbell needs: HD video, real-time response, 2-way talk with your visitors on your front porch, alerts, and weatherproof construction. Anker has done a phenomenal job of becoming the de facto leader in mobile charging accessories. I would be hesitant to introduce another brand into my smart home ecosystem, but if they keep on releasing well-built, functional smart home products at a great price, it makes them an obvious choice.
Why You Should Get It
It’s really very convenient and practical to use. No need to worry about adding a monthly fee to your budget just to keep the videos that your doorbell captures.
Pros
- Crystal-clear HD image and videos
- Solid motion detection, 2-way audio
- Easy instructions to follow for setup
- Speak to visitors in real time
- No subscription fee
- Alerts you when humans are on your porch, doesn’t when they’re cats
- Weatherproof, and build materials are high quality
Cons
- Doesn’t continually record videos
- Smart home integration is lacking
- Need cloud service integration
8. Ring Video Doorbell 3
Convenient rechargeable battery pack
This is the latest product from the industry-leader: Ring, featuring vastly improved video quality and the option to power with a built-in rechargeable battery. Plus, with the Ring Video Doorbell 3, you get improved Wi-Fi connectivity over the previous generation, for faster and stronger connection. Furthermore, over the Ring 2, you get the addition of a “near” motion zone to tailor your notifications depending on how far away the motion was detected.
The rechargeable battery pack has a quick-release function so you can easily remove and charge without a fuss. Add this convenience with the security of night-vision camera recording, and you’ll have greater peace of mind than ever before.
Why You Should Get It
If you are new to the smart doorbell market, or well-versed in all your options, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 upgrades your home security and personal convenience. Plus, you will receive a complimentary 30-day trial of Ring Protect, giving you access to video recording and photo capture so you never miss a security event (of just your neighbor being their nosey self).
Pros
- Alexa integration – answer your front door from your Alexa Show
- Real time notifications with two-way talk functionality
- Integrated dual band Wi-Fi for a strong and stable Internet connection
- Full HD resolution with a 60-day recording option with the Ring Protect Plan
- Versatile options with power from rechargeable batteries or wired connections
Cons
- Outer casing to the product is made from plastic
Here are the best wireless video doorbells comparison.
— Smart Doorbells Buyers Guide & FAQ —
What To Look For When Buying a Smart Doorbell
Are you tired of standing up from your relaxing seat just to check on who pressed that doorbell again? If yes, purchasing a smart doorbell may be a good idea. Different smart doorbells are now available on the market. If you’re not sure which one to buy, here are some guides for you:
Price Check – Smart doorbells may be a lot pricier than your ordinary doorbell because of its features. It can range somewhere between the prices of $75-$250. Aside from its regular specs, it now has a camera for you to monitor and see who is outside your home without having to get up from your seat.
Ease of Installation – Most brands provide easy-to-follow instructions for installation. Most come with detailed instructions you can follow within just minutes, if you’re not too sure about installing one correctly.
Camera Quality – The quality varies from one brand to another, but there are some that reach up to 1080p HD video that can be zoomed up to 5 times. Also, some have night vision cameras in which you can clearly see even from 16 feet away.
Connectivity – For you to operate a smart doorbell, you’ll need a WiFi connection. With this, you can check who’s outside your door even when you’re far away from home.
Additional Features – When products go smart, most of them can be connected with Alexa and Google. Both are smart speakers you can use by giving a voice command. With these, you have easier access to your device.
How to install and use a Smart Wireless Doorbell
Most video doorbells are pretty easy to install. Generally, they each include detailed instructions for mounting where your existing doorbell is and for connecting to your home Wi-Fi network. This makes installation a relatively painless process. In fact, mine only took 20 minutes before I was able to bring it to full functionality! However, if you don’t feel like going through the process yourself, there are professionals which you can locate to install your video doorbell for you.
Do note, to get the best performance from these Doorbell Cameras, your Wi-Fi signal should be strong enough to reach near the front of your home.
How much does a Smart Wireless Doorbell Cost
For the doorbells I’ve picked, expect to pay somewhere between the prices of $75-$250. Prices will drop in the coming years, but they are worth investing in now because of the convenience and security they offer.
Smart Doorbells FAQs
A lot of smart doorbells are accessible on the market. But if you were to invest in one, be sure that it fits your needs and if it’s worth the price. In case you’re still having difficulty in choosing one, here some questions frequently asked:
Q: Is it waterproof?
A: Since doorbells are placed outside your home, it should be waterproof. Not just that, it also must be durable through any weather conditions.
Q: Does it require power for it to work?
A: It depends. But most doorbells have built-in batteries to give it power. Since most smart doorbells have additional features and make use of a camera, be sure to check the batteries every now and then to see if they need to be charged or replaced.
Q: Do I need to have a monthly subscription?
A: A lot of brands do not offer monthly subscriptions for their products, but if you were able to purchase one with a monthly subscription, be sure to check if you’re getting the feature inclusive in that fee.
Q: Does the camera record all the time?
A: It depends on the product’s features. Some cameras will take photos and videos depending on your command. Others offer continuous videos and photos for you to use in case you need to view again clips.
Q: Where will the photos and videos be stored?
A: Most products require you to download an app in order for you to use your device. The app will then allow you to view photos and video clips which can be stored directly to your device. However, some products have built-in memory that saves your photos and videos.
Q.Does this smart doorbell need a wire to function?
A: No, it does not need a wire to function. You just to sync the product on your device to use it whenever you need.
Video doorbells are incredibly useful tools and great additions to any smart home. They do everything from adding an extra element of security to your home, to help you avoid solicitors and even let you see and communicate with family and friends when they come to visit at the door. With so many benefits and ever-decreasing prices, there is no reason not to invest in your own today. Add a Smart Door Lock for additional security to your home – it’s actually proven.
What do you think of our list? Do you see your top pick for the best smart doorbell?
If you are interested in increasing your smart home’s security even further, check out Keep an Eye On Your Home From Anywhere With These best Wi-Fi Cameras, to learn about which security camera might be best for you.
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