Best Video Doorbell Cameras of 2023
In this article:
- What’s the best video doorbell camera?
- Best doorbell cameras of 2023
- How we test video doorbells
- How to choose a doorbell camera
- Doorbell camera FAQs
Which is the best video doorbell camera?
The Arlo Video Doorbell comes with added features you won’t get with other devices, such as night vision and a wide, 180-degree field of view.
Arlo
The Arlo Video Doorbell is our pick for the overall best video doorbell camera. It has a wide field of view (180 degrees), built-in siren and night vision. This camera will meet and exceed expectations for most households, making it stand above the competition.
As shown by Arlo’s model, not all video doorbell cameras are created equal — design, installation cost, video quality and video storage subscriptions for each doorbell cam can vary immensely. Some also have features that may give you pause on ethical grounds.
If you aren’t sure where to begin in your search for a smart video doorbell, take a look below, where we’ve rounded up our favorite models. We’ve also offered a few general pointers on finding the best security camera device for you. If you’re looking for the best doorbell camera, chances are it’s among those we’ve tested. We update this list periodically.
Best doorbell cameras of 2023
How we test video doorbells
Testing to determine the best video doorbell is similar to testing any other home security camera.
Installation and setup process
First, a reviewer will download the corresponding app and create an account. While a lot of products include tutorial booklets in the box with your purchase, a good app includes detailed steps on the installation process, as well as how to connect to your Wi-Fi network and actually get the smart device up and running. It’s your one-stop shop for taking your doorbell setup from start to finish.
We make sure the doorbell is installed based on the manufacturer’s specifications — either a hardwired doorbell, or a battery- or solar-powered one.
Here are two wireless video doorbells, Wyze and Blink, that we installed to the CNET Smart Home for testing.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Additional features and settings
As soon as it’s connected and we’re able to view the live video feed, we check the settings. We make sure features like motion detection, two-way or activity zones are enabled (they aren’t always turned on by default) to get a complete sense of what it’s like to use the product — and to see how well the device actually works as a replacement to a regular, nonsmart doorbell.
To test motion zones, we first determine the motion zone, then move around it to see when we get an alert and when we don’t. The aim is to discover how precise those zones really are. For two-way talk, we’ll have a conversation with a partner on the porch via the doorbell to listen for clarity and latency.
While testing, we always check how seamlessly the video doorbell camera integrates with third-party smart home voice assistants, like Alexa, as well as how usable the brand’s app is for installation and monitoring.
Chris Monroe/CNET
App integration
Like smart locks and home security cameras, many top-notch video doorbells will allow the camera to be integrated with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. We download the respective apps, connect the video doorbell and see the ease (or hassle) of using voice commands to control the doorbell camera, plus how easily the doorbell cam integrates into the wider ecosystem of smart devices.
If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells.
Video doorbell cameras compared
Arlo Video Doorbell | Eufy Dual camera doorbell | Nest Doorbell (w/ battery) | Wyze Video Doorbell Pro | Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 | Eufy Video Door Lock | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $150 | $260 | $180 | $90 | $260 | $400 |
Resolution | 1,536×1,536 | 1,440×1,440 | 1,280×960 | 1,440×1,440 | 1536p | 2K |
Field of view | 180 degrees | 160 and 97 degrees | 145 degrees | 150 degrees | 150 degrees head-to-toe view | 160 degrees |
Setup | Wired, outdoors only | Rechargeable Battery | Battery-powered | Wireless, outdoors only | Removable, rechargeable battery pack or hardwired | Removable 10,000mAh battery, requires lock replacement |
Extra features | Live streaming, arm/disarm modes, two-way talk, motion zones, night vision and an integrated siren | Extra camera for packages, local storage, AI detection | Live streaming, two-way talk, smart alerts, facial recognition, integration with Google Assistant | Two-way talk, live streaming, smart alerts, cloud storage | Radar tracking, bird’s-eye-view, push alerts, integration with Amazon Alexa | Motion detection, local storage, remote lock and unlock |
Review score | 8. |
8.5 | 8 | 8.9 | 7.5 | 8.9 |
What to consider before buying a doorbell camera
Does it work with smart home platforms? If so, do the smart features work well together? Nowadays a smart home device is expected to work with at least one major smart home platform. Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit are the main ones you need to look for.
How’s the latency? If your smart doorbell camera takes a long time to send a push notification after someone rings your doorbell, then you risk missing your visitor completely. You also need to be sure you’re getting notifications when something sets off the motion detector, as you can set the motion sensor of most video doorbells to notify you of activity happening near your door, even if no one rings the buzzer. If you have latency problems, start with your Wi-Fi connection. If it isn’t strong where the doorbell is installed, you might consider moving it (or, more easily, getting a Wi-Fi range extender). But it could also be the way the software works.
How’s the live view? Doorbells are often exposed to direct sunlight, but many others are installed under porches, near shady trees and in all sorts of other settings. It’s important that the camera has night vision and can handle any of these scenarios so you don’t get stuck with a nonfunctioning product that can’t see faces under a porch.
How’s the two-way audio? If the doorbell’s microphone and speaker don’t work well, you’re going to have a tough time communicating with whoever’s there. We tested this out multiple times to see how the doorbell’s audio sounds over my phone.
Doorbell camera FAQs
How much is the monthly charge for a video doorbell?
Do video doorbells get stolen?
How long do videos stay on video doorbells?
Can you recover deleted doorbell camera videos?
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Best Ring Doorbell of 2023
In this article:
- Best Ring video doorbells
- How to choose a Ring video doorbell
- How we test
- Ring doorbell FAQs
If you are on the fence regarding whether to invest in a video doorbell, let me tell you right away that they are the perfect way to improve your home security. Video doorbells allow you to see exactly who’s at your door, and with the ability to record, they become even more useful. The best Ring doorbells also let you interact with whoever is at the door, even when you’re not home.
If you’re considering upgrading your home security with a video doorbell, Ring has probably crossed your mind. Amazon’s home security brand has become increasingly popular and has a reputation as one of the best video doorbells on the market. While Google Nest buzzers and Arlo doorbell cams are great alternatives, many people looking to buy a video doorbell still opt for the industry’s biggest brand.
Ring has an extensive selection of video doorbells that meet the needs of a wide variety of homes. Are you looking for a wireless or hardwired option? Do you want to prioritize buying something affordable, or do you want the latest devices with all of the bells and whistles? Ring has a complicated history with privacy and police partnerships, so you might also be wondering if some devices are better at protecting your privacy than others? Yes, shopping for video doorbells can give rise to a lot of questions.
We’ve got all the answers for you. Let’s take a look at Ring’s most popular recent devices — the Ring 4, the Doorbell Pro 2, the Video Doorbell (2020) and the Ring Video Doorbell (Wired) — and help you break down the best Ring doorbell options.
Best Ring doorbells
How to choose Ring video doorbells
When you’re looking for a video doorbell, the most important question isn’t “Which one is best?” so much as “Which one is best for me?” All of Ring’s video doorbells perform well — and all of them come from the same company, with the same troubling history of facilitating video sharing with police. Not all of them will be ideal for you.
If you’re curious about trying out a video doorbell for the first time, mostly for basic features like live monitoring, two-way talk and so on, a starter device like the Ring Video Doorbell (the 2020 model, or its Wired version) should do what you need.
On the other hand, if you really want to see what a smart video doorbell can accomplish in 2023, the Video Doorbell Pro 2 is pretty unbeatable in terms of smart doorbell features — and especially with that option to use end-to-end video encryption.
That leaves the Video Doorbell 4 as the middle child, with a bit for both kinds of people, but not necessarily the best value or features around.
If you’re interested in video doorbells, don’t forget to take a look at the video doorbell competition, too.
Ring camera doorbell compared
Ring Doorbell | Price | Resolution | Field of view | Aspect ratio | Setup | Extra features | Review Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ring Video Doorbell 4 | $220 | 1080p | 160-degree | 16:9 | Removable, Rechargeable Battery Pack or Hardwired | Two-way talk, motion detection, full-color preroll, integration with Alexa | 7.4 |
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 | $250 | 1536p | 150-degree head-to-toe view | 1:1 | Removable, Rechargeable Battery Pack or Hardwired | Radar tracking, bird’s-eye-view, push alerts, integration with Alexa | 7. |
Ring Video Doorbell (2020) | $100 | 1080p | 155-degree horizontal, 90-degree vertical | — | Built-In, Rechargeable Battery or Hardwired | Night vision, HD video, two-way talk, motion detection, package alerts, integration with Alexa | 7.2 |
How we test Ring video doorbells
Testing to determine the best of the best in video doorbells is similar to how we test any other home security camera. For this article, I started by downloading the Ring app. I recommend starting with the app rather than sifting through the tutorial booklets that ship with the hardware, because a good app includes detailed steps on the installation process, as well as how to connect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi network. The app will also be where you can check your notifications, alerts and settings, making it your one-stop shop for all things video doorbell-related.
After installing the video doorbells based on the manufacturer’s specifications, it was time to test the specs. Each video doorbell, despite all being Ring products, has slightly different features, so I took the time to test each unique feature to determine which was best. As soon as the Ring video doorbells were connected and I could view the live video feed, I checked their settings. I enabled features like motion detection, package alerts and bird’s-eye-view to get a sense of how well each feature performed.
Watch this: Ring 4 or Nest Doorbell Battery? Find the better fit for your porch
After hours of testing, I gave the highest rating (7.5) to the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2. While it’s not the best value on the market, the advanced specs — a super-wide field of view, a 1:1 aspect ratio, 1536p resolution and all the basics you’d want your smart buzzer to have — make it a great choice for a high-end video doorbell.
Though rated lower than the Pro 2 at a 7.4, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is my recommendation for best standard Ring doorbell. If you’re looking for a doorbell that’s a fair value and packed with nifty features, but just doesn’t send package alerts, then this is the best choice.
Finally, we gave the Ring Video Doorbell (2020) our lowest score (7.2) because it’s certainly an improvement over the original Ring Video Doorbell, but the built-in battery that needs to be removed to charge is a bit of a hassle. While it’s not our very favorite, it’s a decent buzzer with solid features at a fair value.
Ring camera doorbell FAQs
How long does a Ring doorbell battery last?
Is Ring a one-time purchase?
How are Ring doorbells powered?
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Home Security with EUFY Video Doorbell Black Video Doorbell 2K + Home base 2
Home Security with EUFY Video Doorbell Black Video Doorbell 2K + Home base 2 – EUFY by ANKER
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About company
Guarantee
Where to buy
Wireless Video Intercom (Battery Powered) with 2K HD, No Monthly Fee, Built-in AI for Human Detection, 2-Way Audio, Easy Self-Install
(
0 reviews )
- 2.
5x Clarity: Sony’s built-in 2K sensor and professional-grade lens let you view activity in perfect image resolution. See visitors in great detail as they approach your door.
- No Monthly Fees: Designed to protect your home as well as your wallet, eufy security products are one-time purchases that combine security with convenience. All your data is stored locally, which means you never have to pay for cloud storage.
- Dual power options: six months of coverage on a single charge or non-stop power through a wired connection.
- Extended Field of View: The increased 4:3 aspect ratio ensures you get a head-to-toe view of anyone approaching and gives you the perfect viewing angle every time.
- Next level detection: Have full control over what is detected with motion sensor, intelligent person detection and activity zones. Get real-time alerts when someone is approaching so you never miss a delivery.
19 599 ₽
2K & WDR
See visitors in sharp detail as they approach your door in any light.
Low power connection
Low power wireless connection between doorbell and home base reduces standby power consumption by 58%.
A vault you can trust
AES-256 military grade data encryption ensures your footage is kept private in transit and at rest.
Advanced Human Detection
The artificial intelligence on the device analyzes every event instantly and accurately determines if a person is present. This ensures that only relevant alerts are sent and that you are notified in real time.
Individual detection
Draw an activity area to set the area where motion is detected. Eliminate busy pedestrian areas or roads to reduce the number of false alerts you receive.
– Hey Alexa, show me my front door”
Connect your doorbell to Google Voice Assistant or Amazon Alexa and check what’s going on outside your home anytime.
Communicate in real time
Talk directly to anyone who approaches your front door with two-way audio.
Communication made easy
Record and set up to 3 instant responses. When you receive an activity notification, simply select one of your pre-recorded responses to interact and give instructions.
Package dimensions (weight and dimensions) | 1.19 kg, 181 mm * 109 mm * 77 mm |
FAQ
Installation
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Connecting Home base 2 to Wi-Fi
This article will help you switch your home base from an Ethernet cable connection to a Wi-Fi connection.
Theoretically, the home base can be located 15 meters from the WI-Fi router. The actual range will vary depending on a number of factors such as wall thickness, obstacles inside the home, and the location of the router.
Before you do
1. If the range of the home base and camera is within acceptable limits and the signal is strong, it is recommended to use a standard Ethernet cable connection.
2. If your home base and camera range are out of range, you can set your home base to connect via Wi-Fi. Of course, the corresponding network transmission will become less stable and the real-time stream may have more delays.
How to do
1. During the setup process, the home base must connect to the router using an Ethernet cable.
2. After setting up the home base, you can switch to Wi-Fi connection in the device tab > Select Home base > Home base settings > General > Wi-Fi connection . This step in the application also applies to other versions of home base.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first to review.
KP top 11 rating
Doorbells are installed in modern apartments and houses, but now they are far from what they used to be. Even in such devices modern technologies are used. They allow not only to know in advance what kind of guests have arrived to you, but also, for example, to listen to pleasant music instead of a standard call. And if you are not at home, then with the help of such devices you can monitor the situation.
KP figured out what makes the best smart doorbells in 2023. There are enough manufacturers of such goods on the Russian market, but the choice must be approached wisely so as not to regret later that it broke down after six months.
Editor’s Choice
Ring Video Doorbell 3
Ring Video Doorbell 3. Photo: yandex.market.ru
A great option for those who are often away from home and are worried about what is happening there. This smart video doorbell is equipped with a camera, motion sensor, microphone and speaker, as well as an adjustable motion range from 1.5 to 5 meters. With the help of these functions, the guest can be seen on the screen of his gadget. You can also talk to him, and it doesn’t matter where you are. You can manage the call through the proprietary Ring application, available for iOS, Android, Mac and Windows 10.
You can also control your device using the Alexa voice assistant. Thanks to the People Only Mode, it is possible to set the camera in such a way that it reacts only to people, and not, for example, cars that pass by. The built-in camera of this smart doorbell has a 160° viewing angle and broadcasts video in HD quality (1080p). Thanks to infrared LEDs, you can see the visitor even at night.
Characteristics
Bell type | electronic wireless |
Button shape | round |
Camera | yes |
Motion sensor 900 96 | Yes |
Viewing angle | 160 degrees |
Video | FullHD 1080; Live View, Night Vision |
Two-Way Communication with Active Noise Cancellation | Yes |
Advanced Motion Detection with Adjustable Motion Zones | Yes |
Operating temperature | -20°C to 48°C |
Pros and cons their items.
You can track guests from almost anywhere in the world
The lowest price on the market
Top 10 best smart doorbells in 2023 according to KP
Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (T82101W1)
Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (T82101W1) . Photo: yandex.market.ru
Smart doorbell with a sensor that allows you to study the visitor even in the smallest detail. This is a one-time purchase, there is no need to pay a monthly fee for additional services. All personal data is stored locally, without spending money on cloud storage. The 4:3 lens aspect ratio gives the perfect viewing angle. The charge is enough for six months, if the connection is wired, then the power is non-stop.
Characteristics
Bell type | electronic wireless |
Number of buttons | 1 |
Button shape | rectangular |
Waterproof button | |
Button protection rating | IP65 |
Camera | yes |
Motion sensor | yes |
Maximum resolution | 2560×1920 |
Sensor | Sony IMX335 |
WDR support | yes |
Video compression | |
Built-in battery | up to 180 days battery life |
Intelligent Motion Detection (People, Face) | Yes |
Optional | HomeBase required for operation |
Pros and cons
Good image quality. There is a motion detection system. Long battery life
Requires HomeBase to work
Google Nest Hello
Google Nest Hello. Photo: yandex.market.ru
Beautiful and stylish model. Yes, it’s not the most affordable option on the market, but it has great specs and a lot of features available. So, users can easily block the sound at night – why scare someone if you are not waiting for anyone. If you still wonder who came at a late hour, a night vision system is available. The picture quality reaches HDR scales, the view is available at 160 degrees.
Characteristics
Bell type | electronic wireless |
Button shape | round |
yes | |
Motion sensor | yes |
Mute | yes |
Camera | yes |
Viewing angle | 160 degrees |
Video | 1600 x 1200 H. |
Night Vision | Yes |
Face Recognition | Yes 9009 6 |
Night time blocking | Yes |
Dimensions | 4, 3 x 11.6 x 2.5 cm |
Weight | 106 g |
Pros and cons
The model has a stylish design. There are many useful features here: night-time sound blocking, night vision, face recognition and others
This model is not the easiest to install and may require the assistance of an electrician.
REXANT GS-215
REXANT GS-215. Photo: yandex.market.ru
An interesting option, which is not the most expensive. It is equipped with a motion sensor with a response radius of 110 degrees. The device can turn on automatically when someone comes to the door, or work with the usual press of a button. The distance that the device covers during operation is 10 meters. The sensor sensing distance can also be adjusted. The bell is powered autonomously – AAA batteries last for 6 months. The alarm sound can be selected from 12 available melodies.
Characteristics
Ring type | electronic wireless | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of melodies | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mute | Yes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Motion Sensor | Yes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Volume Level | 90 dB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Speaker power | offline/mains powered | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Button power | offline/mains powered 9Pros and cons
The model has a low price. Works flawlessly, the battery lasts a long time, as the manufacturer claims. Photo: yandex.market.ru Affordable and interesting option. According to the manufacturer, this is a great replacement for standard doorbells. The device will increase the level of security, protect children from opening the door to strangers. The owner of such a device can fully control everything that happens near his home. Characteristics
Pros and consFor added security, the SafeSound feature allows you to easily change the tone of your voice. There is a memory for faces Incomprehensible instructions, you need to further understand NSH-DB-01-WiFiNSH-DB-01-WiFi. Photo: yandex.market.ru With this smart call you can see the visitor on the screen of your smartphone. The device has a built-in microphone and speaker. Characteristics
Pros and consAutomatically capture photos and videos and then save them. Night vision and sharing system Not the lowest price on the market. The battery works autonomously for three months – competitors have stronger batteries Smartron T195-W IP44 Smartron T195-W IP44. An interesting and inexpensive option. It features a stylish modern design. It is simple yet elegant at the same time. The call is waterproof, which allows you not to worry about rainy weather. The model is equipped with a dustproof remote button. Large operating range – up to 200 m in open areas allows you to hear the bell and open the door in time. For a call, you can choose one of 45 melodies. Characteristics
Pros and cons Affordable price. Compared to more modern and expensive models, there is a modest functionality here Ezviz DB2CEzviz DB2C. Photo: yandex.market.ru The kit includes not only an intelligent wireless video doorbell, but also an additional sound module. The visitor can be heard from anywhere. With a 236W FHD lens, the DB2C video doorbell provides 1080p pictures and captures a large area with a 160 degree wide angle. It has a night vision function that makes your home even more secure. The built-in microphone and speaker in the video doorbell allow you to instantly talk to the person standing at the door through the EZVIZ application, without being distracted from everyday activities. Characteristics
Pros and cons Multifunctional model, can save images, PIR motion sensor available, and a sound module that notifies the owners not only by phone, but also in the apartment. Not the most affordable option on the market. Also, in places where the device will be subject to mechanical stress, it is better to take the option with an anti-vandal system Darho D1Darho D1. Photo: yandex.market.ru This call can be a great solution for a home, apartment or office. It reacts to movements and works within a radius of four meters from a person. Both a pleasant melody and a frightening alarm can be triggered. You can leave a pre-prepared voice message. Installation of such a bell is simple, all the necessary holders are included. Characteristics
Pros and cons Not the highest price on the market. Low number of modern features Lemon Tree 2 in 1Lemon Tree 2 in 1. Photo: yandex.market.ru This is not only a waterproof wireless Wi-Fi camera, but also an excellent doorbell that has a night vision function. Day and night modes switch automatically, PIR human detection is supported. The picture is automatically recorded. With a mobile application, you can see everything that happens near your home. The manufacturer also assures that the device has low power consumption technology. Characteristics
Pros and cons Good camera performance. There is no instruction in Russian, users complain about the lack of batteries in the kit “Vibro” Zamel ST-229/N“Vibro” Zamel ST-229/N. Photo: yandex.market.ru This bell can be used not only as a device notifying about the arrival of guests, but also as a device for internal signal communication. The call “Vibro” has many advantages. Among these are duplication of the sound signal by light indication and vibration of the receiving device. The maximum range of the call radio signal is 100 meters. The sound can be turned off so as not to disturb those who live near you. Characteristics
Pros and cons Easy to operate. A small number of functions How to choose a smart door bellKomsomolskaya Pravda told Komsomolskaya Pravda about the features of smart bells and tips on choosing the best model programmer Danil Kosyagin . Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat details should I pay attention to first?Wireless signal transmission sensors There are bells with a mechanical principle of operation, they hardly belong to the category of “smart”. Electronic devices are equipped with sensors and microcircuits capable of wireless signal transmission. More expensive models even have a video communication system. Thanks to the installation of special applications, you will be able to see what is happening at your home from anywhere in the world. Weatherproof Look out for features such as dust and moisture resistance. Protection must be reliable so that the device does not deteriorate. Volume The volume level is different – both for ordinary doorbells and for “smart” ones. The best option is models where the volume can be adjusted. In modern times, this option is available to almost everyone. The loudest devices are those with a sound level of 80 to 100 dB. Power Power is required not only for the receiver, but also for the button in the bells where it is available. The speaker, as a rule, can be connected to the electrical network of a house or apartment. True, for installation, drilling of the walls may be required. Functions In smart calls, this is the most important thing. Pros and cons of wired and wireless smart bell connection Wired calls are cheap. This is generally a reliable and easy to use design. At the same time, holes will have to be made in the wall and door to install a wired bell. Wireless calls reach communication through a radio signal. There are no “cosmetic” consequences when installing them for your home. They have more features, they look modern. But these devices are more expensive. In addition, the signal may be lost when passing through doors and walls. How to set up a smart bell with artificial intelligence? In most smart home devices, the call is controlled using the official application. |