The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Video Doorbell

Your Guide to buying the best Video doorbells

Overview

A Video doorbell is an increasingly popular home security solution that gives homeowners the ability to see and communicate with anyone at their doorstep, even when they aren't home. With the right doorbell, you can get alerted on your phone or other device when someone rings the bell, so you can see and even talk to them in real-time. Choosing the right video doorbell can be tricky as there are many different models, features, and price points to consider. This buying guide will help you find the perfect video doorbell for your home. We'll cover everything from features to cost, installation, compatibility, and more.

Key features

  1. Video quality: Check the video resolution and frame rate of the doorbell camera, as higher resolution and frame rate will provide better quality video.
  2. Audio quality: Check if the doorbell has two-way audio, so you can listen and talk to someone at the door.
  3. User interface: Check the app interface and see how easy it is to set up notifications and view video footage.
  4. Night vision: Check to see if the video doorbell has night vision, which will allow you to see who is outside in the dark.
  5. Motion detection: Check if the video doorbell has motion detection capabilities, which will alert you when there is movement outside.
  6. Integrations: Check to see if the video doorbell integrates with any other smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
  7. Installation: Check how easy it is to install the video doorbell, as some require additional wiring or hardware.
  8. Price: Compare prices of different video doorbells and find one that fits your budget.

See the most popular Video doorbells on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Convenience: Video doorbells provide a convenient way to identify who is at your door before you open it, so you can avoid potential security risks or unwelcome guests.
  • Motion Detection: Video doorbells feature motion detection sensors that will alert you when movement is detected near your door, so you can be aware of your surroundings.
  • Two-Way Audio: Video doorbells allow you to have conversations with visitors at your door, without having to open the door, which can provide increased security and peace of mind.
  • Live Video: Video doorbells provide live video feeds of what is happening at your front door, so you can check in at any time.
  • Nighttime Vision: Video doorbells typically have infrared LED lights that allow you to see in the dark, so you can still be aware of your surroundings.

Cons

  • Privacy Concerns: Video doorbells can record audio and video, which can raise privacy concerns for the homeowner and their guests/visitors.
  • Cost: Video doorbells can be expensive, with some models costing several hundred dollars.
  • Installation: Installing a video doorbell can be complicated and might require professional help.
  • Batteries: Some video doorbells require batteries to function, which can be an extra hassle.
  • Maintenance: Video doorbells require regular maintenance and updating to keep them functioning properly.
  • False Alerts: Video doorbells may generate false alerts due to their motion sensors.

Best alternatives

  1. Smart Doorbell Camera - A camera-based doorbell that allows you to see who is at the door. It also includes features such as motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio.
  2. Smart Lock - A lock that can be programmed to open with a code or a keycard. It can also be connected to a smart home system and can allow remote access.
  3. Video Intercom System - An intercom system that connects to a video monitor and allows you to communicate with visitors from a distance.
  4. Keyless Entry System - An access system that uses an RFID card or keypad to control access to a door.
  5. Doorbell Chime - A small device that fits inside the door frame and plays a chime when someone rings a doorbell.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Chime - A device that connects to the video doorbell and allows you to hear doorbell notifications inside your home.
  • Drill Bits - Special bits needed to drill into concrete, brick, or stucco surfaces when mounting a video doorbell.
  • Screwdriver - Needed to secure the mounting plate to mount the video doorbell.
  • Mounting Plate - A weather-resistant plate used to mount the video doorbell.
  • Power Adaptors - A device used to convert power from one source to another, such as a battery to a plug.
  • Batteries - Specialized batteries used to power the video doorbell.
  • Mounting Tape - Tape used to adhere the mounting plate to the wall without drilling.

Common questions

  1. What are the advantages of having a video doorbell? The advantages of having a video doorbell are increased security, convenience, and the ability to monitor visitors from the comfort of your home. Video doorbells also have motion sensors that can detect activity outside of your door, allowing you to see who is at the door without having to answer it.
  2. What are the differences between wired and wireless video doorbells? The main difference between wired and wireless video doorbells is the installation process. A wired video doorbell requires hardwiring into your existing home wiring, while a wireless video doorbell does not. Wireless video doorbells are typically easier to install and more convenient to use, but wired video doorbells provide more reliable connections.
  3. How do I know which video doorbell is right for me? When selecting a video doorbell, consider what features are important to you such as video quality, motion sensors, two-way audio, and ease of installation. Additionally, consider whether you want a wired or wireless video doorbell. Different video doorbells offer different features, so make sure to compare and contrast different models before making a purchase.
  4. How do I install a video doorbell? The installation process for a video doorbell will depend on whether you are installing a wired or wireless video doorbell. For a wired video doorbell, it will require hardwiring into your existing home wiring. For a wireless video doorbell, you will need to mount it using the included mounting hardware and connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi network.
  5. What other accessories do I need to use a video doorbell? Depending on the video doorbell you select, you may need additional accessories, such as a chime or transformer. Additionally, most video doorbells require a subscription to a cloud-based storage service in order to access video recordings.

Trivia

In 2018, a video doorbell camera recorded a thief stealing a snowman decoration from a homeowner's front porch. The homeowner shared the video online and it quickly went viral, leading to the thief being identified and the decoration being returned. The story was widely reported in the news and sparked a larger discussion about how the use of video doorbells can help protect homes and deter crime. 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.