New technology has revolutionized the home security industry, as evidenced by the abundance of smart locks, security cameras, and security systems on the market. One of the most subtle and effective security measures you can add to your home is a video doorbell, as they provide insight into who — or what — is at the front door before they ever come in.
Video doorbells serve two purposes: record footage of people who approach your front door and alert you when someone rings your doorbell. Smart doorbells can be very useful if you want to increase your home’s security, but it can also be tough to sift through all the different video doorbells available on the market.
To make your decision easier, we’ve analyzed the top video doorbells in 2023. From budget finds to the best compatibility with home automation systems, here are the models that hold our attention over competitors.
Although all video doorbells record video and play a sound when rung, they can differ significantly across their features. Here’s what we’d recommend you look for when choosing a video doorbell for your home:
Video quality and field of view
You should strive to get a video doorbell camera with enough resolution for your needs. Video doorbell camera resolution can range from 480p to 1080p (or even 4K resolution). While 4K resolution is not necessary for most people, 1080p provides a crisp, clear picture if you don’t mind spending a little extra cash on your doorbell camera. In addition, detail and color will be more vibrant, and individuals will be easier to recognize with better video resolution.
Motion detection
Motion detection is another factor to consider when choosing a video doorbell. Many doorbell cameras have motion sensors built-in, so they will alert you if someone is approaching or leaving your door. Motion detection features are useful if you want to monitor who comes to your home and when.
Taking motion detection one step further, most modern video doorbells can now tell the difference between a person, vehicle, animal or package. You can adjust settings to receive alerts when items you care about are detected.
For example, you may not want to know every single time a car drives by your house, but you do want to know when FedEx has left a package at your front door.
Night vision
Similarly, night vision functionality adds practical value to your video doorbell. Night vision cameras transmit and/or record video in black and white using infrared technology or in color, which allows you to clearly see who approaches your door when there isn’t enough ambient light for color.
This can provide better security — for example, it may help you identify someone who attempts to break in while you are away on vacation.
Power source & installation
Doorbell cameras are typically powered through one of two methods: Hardwired into existing wires to replace your regular doorbell, or batteries — either built-in or not.
Battery-powered options are better if you don’t have a traditional doorbell installed in your home already or want to install the video doorbell by a back door, for example.
By contrast, hardwiring is more convenient and secure if you do have a traditional doorbell and it lets you use your existing chime with your video doorbell.
Smart home integration and cloud storage
Consider whether you want your video doorbell to connect to your smart home network, especially if you want to control it through voice commands. Integration with a smart home automation system can also be pivotal if you want to store video recordings in the cloud, as these options tend to be linked.
Through smart home integration, you’ll gain greater control over your video doorbell, including extra features, like permissions and face recognition.
Cloud storage is also important to consider. Most doorbell video cameras have optional cloud storage subscription services. These require a monthly or annual fee, but remove the need to replace microSD cards or HDDs.
Features
Before buying a video doorbell, investigate all the advertised features that it provides, such as two-way audio, which allows you to talk to whoever is on the other side of your door.
Other features to consider are facial recognition technology and the ability to set activity zones, which can prevent false alarms when leaves blow by.
