Stories

The Complete Guide to Buying a Smart Video Doorbell

Your Guide to buying the best Smart video doorbells

Overview

Smart video doorbells are becoming increasingly popular as a way to monitor and secure your home. By connecting to your home wifi, you can see who is at your door with the use of an app, whether you're at home or away. This buying guide will provide an overview of the features to consider when selecting a Smart video doorbell, from video quality, to motion sensors, to night vision capabilities. It will also provide a comparison of the various brands available in order to make an informed decision on the best doorbell for your needs.

Key features

Video Quality - Look at video resolution and frame rate to ensure that the video doorbell will provide clear images and video that you can use. You should also check to see if the video doorbell has night vision capabilities.
Connectivity - Check to see what type of connection the video doorbell uses, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular, and whether it is compatible with your home's existing network. You should also look for security features like encryption and authentication.
Installation - Find out if the video doorbell is easy to install and if it comes with all the necessary components for installation. Some video doorbells may require additional hardware.
Compatibility - Make sure the video doorbell is compatible with other devices in your home, such as your smart home hubs, surveillance cameras, and door locks.
Features - Look for features like motion sensors, two-way audio, and facial recognition, to make sure the doorbell is able to meet your needs.
Price - Compare the price of different video doorbells to make sure you are getting the best value for your money.

Important considerations

Pros

Two-Way Communications: Smart video doorbells allow for two-way communication between the visitor at the door and the homeowner, allowing for a more secure and interactive experience.
Motion Detection: Smart video doorbells are equipped with motion detection technology that will alert the homeowner if someone is near the door.
Remote Access: Smart video doorbells allow the homeowner to access the doorbell remotely from a smartphone or other device, allowing them to see who is at the door without having to be physically present.
Night Vision: Smart video doorbells are equipped with night vision capabilities, allowing the homeowner to see who is at the door at any time, even in complete darkness.
Ease of Installation: Smart video doorbells are usually easy to install and can be done by the homeowner without the need for professional assistance.

Cons

Price: Smart video doorbells can be expensive, ranging from around $100 to over $250.
Installation: Installing a video doorbell usually requires some technical know-how, as you may need to connect the doorbell to your home’s existing wiring.
Connectivity: Smart video doorbells require a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection, and you may face issues with weak or inconsistent signal strength.
Battery: Many smart video doorbells are battery powered, which means you’ll need to regularly check and replace the batteries.
Privacy: Smart video doorbells may pose a risk to your privacy, as they can be used to spy on you or your visitors.
Monthly Fees: Some smart video doorbells require a monthly fee for their services, which can add up over time.

Best alternatives

Smart Door Lock -- A smart door lock is a device that connects to your door and allows you to open and close it remotely, usually through a keypad or a smartphone app.
Smart Garage Door -- A smart garage door is an automated garage door that allows you to remotely open and close it, usually through a smartphone app or a voice assistant.
Video Surveillance Camera -- A video surveillance camera is an outdoor security camera that records motion and sends notifications to your smartphone when motion is detected.
Smart Thermostat -- A smart thermostat is a device that allows you to control the temperature of your home from your smartphone, and can even learn your preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Smart Lights -- Smart lights are LED lights that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app or a voice assistant, and can be programmed to turn on and off at certain times.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

Doorbell Camera - This is a camera that attaches to the doorbell and allows the occupant to see visitors from their smartphone or computer.
Two-Way Audio - This feature allows the occupant to communicate with visitors at the door using their smartphone or computer.
Motion Sensor - This feature detects motion and can trigger an alert to the occupant's smartphone or computer.
Night Vision - This feature allows the occupant to see visitors even in low-light conditions.
Smartphone App - This is an app that allows the occupant to control the doorbell and view visitors from their smartphone or computer.
Weatherproof Casing - This is a durable casing that protects the doorbell from weather and other elements.
Battery Backup - This feature ensures that the doorbell will still function in the event of a power outage.

Common questions

What’s the difference between a Smart video doorbell and a regular doorbell? A Smart video doorbell is a digital doorbell that connects to an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This enables users to see and hear visitors at their door without having to physically open the door, as well as receive notifications when motion is detected. In comparison, a regular doorbell is a physical device that produces a sound or vibration when activated.
Does a Smart video doorbell come with monitoring or recording features? Yes, most Smart video doorbells offer monitoring or recording features. Depending on the device, these features may include motion detection, night vision, two-way audio, and recording capabilities.
Do I need to be connected to the internet to use a Smart video doorbell? Yes, Smart video doorbells require an internet connection in order to function properly. This connection allows the device to communicate with a user’s electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
How easy is it to install a Smart video doorbell? Installing a Smart video doorbell is typically easy and straightforward. Most devices come with detailed instructions and can be installed in just a few minutes. However, if you are unfamiliar with electronic devices or installations, it is recommended that you seek assistance from a professional.
What type of maintenance and upkeep is required for a Smart video doorbell? Maintenance and upkeep for a Smart video doorbell is minimal. Most devices require occasional cleaning with a damp cloth, and battery-operated doorbells should have their batteries replaced every 1-2 years. Additionally, users should check their device’s settings periodically to ensure that the system is running efficiently.
Are there any additional costs associated with owning a Smart video doorbell? Yes, there may be additional costs associated with owning a Smart video doorbell. These could include a monthly subscription fee for cloud storage or monitoring services, as well as the cost of purchasing additional accessories.

Trivia

A funny fact about smart video doorbells is that some of them use facial recognition technology to recognize their owners and even announce their names when they arrive home. This could be a great way to surprise visitors, as well as make sure that the right people are allowed into the house. According to a Wired article, this technology is also being used to recognize and notify the owners of pets and other animals that are roaming around the home. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.