Stay Connected With Our Favorite Video Camera Doorbells

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Doorbell video cameras are a valuable tool for modern home security, thanks to their convenience and ability to offer peace of mind about the safety of your home. Since you can monitor your doorstep in real time via your smartphone or tablet, these devices add an additional layer of protection against vandalism, theft, and unwanted visitors.

Video doorbells monitor your property’s most accessible entry point with live video and motion detection alerts. This lets you keep an eye on visitors and packages from your phone, whether you’re at home or away. Having a video doorbell camera helps ensure that you’re always aware of who is at your door, so you can make more informed decisions about answering or ignoring that next knock.

Doorbell cameras usually come equipped with two-way audio systems, sensors, cameras, and wireless connectivity, so you can communicate with anyone on the other side of the door. This technology comes in handy for relaying instructions to a delivery person or deterring a potential intruder.

Below you’ll find the best smart doorbells we’ve vetted and tested from popular brands like Arlo, Ring, and Google, so you can keep up to date with the comings and goings of your property. Read on for our recommendations, as well helpful buying info and full reviews for these high-ranking options.

Best Video Doorbell Cameras

• Best Overall: Google Nest Doorbell

• Budget: Wyze Wireless Video Doorbell Pro

• Easiest to Use: Arlo Essential Video Doorbell

• Most Comprehensive: Ring Pro 2 Video Doorbell

• Best with Universal Compatibility: Eufy Dual+ Security Video Doorbell
  

What to Consider

Compatibility

Before you purchase a doorbell camera you should take stock of your existing security system. Chances are you already have a smart home hub or security camera installed in your home.

We recommend sticking with the same brand whenever possible to ensure compatibility and seamless integration between devices. Some of these doorbell cameras are designed to work with other companies’ products. But it’s often simpler to control and set automations across devices under a single platform like the Eufy Security or Ring apps.

If you’re new to smart home security but already have an Amazon Alexa smart home hub, you may want to select a Ring video doorbell for easier control through your existing ecosystem. Not only will this automatically sync a live feed of your door with your phone and Echo Show smart display, but it will also pop up on a Fire TV when the doorbell is rung. On the other hand, Google users will gravitate towards the Nest doorbell camera and device lineup. Most third-party models are compatible with both Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa.

Just keep in mind that other products—like indoor/outdoor cameras and motion sensors—will likely only be compatible with doorbell cameras from the same company. If you’re planning on expanding your security suite in the future, look into a system that offers all of the accessories you might add later, such as sprinklers, smart locks, and cameras.

Installation

All of these doorbell cameras are easier than ever to install, thanks to a recent shift towards battery operated models. You now have a choice between sticking a rechargeable model to any doorway using a single screw or adhesive backing for an effortless setup in minutes, or mounting with an existing doorbell wiring. We prefer the latter, since this method offers continuous power and more consistent performance.

If you’re connecting a new doorbell camera to an existing output, check your current AC voltage. Most of these cameras are compatible with voltages between 16 and 25. However, some work with as little as eight volts. Though wired doorbell cameras require electric connection, some have battery packs as backup in case of a power outage.

Video Clarity

High-definition (HD) clarity is generally recommended for better quality footage. Look for cameras with at least 1080p resolution, so you can make out smaller details like tattoos or a license plate in the case of an emergency. Brightness, viewing angle, and night vision are all important, as they make up overall picture quality.

Notification Alert Time

Warning time is a huge consideration—in an emergency, seconds are crucial, and you want a system that gives you prompt peace of mind. For phone notification speed, zero to two seconds is fast, three to four is middling, and anything over five is painfully slow. Around one to two seconds is ideal because you get alerted quickly without it being too immediate, so you have time to respond to the notification based on the video feed.

If you live on a busy street with constant passerby or other non-threatening activity and you don't want to be inundated with frequent alerts, a longer notification time might be more suitable.

We've noted the amount of processing time it takes each camera doorbell to open up into a live camera view after an event trigger

Person & Zone Motion Detection Accuracy

Look for video camera doorbells that offer adjustable sensitivity settings, so you can fine-tune motion detection and minimize false alerts. Customizable zones allow you to focus on particular areas of interest, like your porch or driveway, instead of areas like the sidewalk or street to encourage accuracy.

Smart detection features, like person detection or facial recognition, can differentiate between people and objects so you never miss a thing. Overall, consider doorbells that offer setting flexibility so you can tailor to your specific home needs.

Features (With or Without a Subscription)

Pay close attention to the features and subscriptions offered by each of these brands. Because most video doorbells store footage via the cloud, you will likely need to pay for a monthly subscription to get access to all of your video history.

Though these may cost as low as $3 a month, some plans can get pricier as they provide access to premium features like advanced motion detecting and professional monitoring.

How We Selected

To create our pool of video doorbells for testing, we researched and cross-referenced best-selling models on retail sites with reviews to ensure we had a range and balance of compatibility, features, and performance. For models that we got hands-on experience with, we installed each doorbell and used it over the course of a week. This time allowed us to evaluate picture and response times in the dark, daylight, and overcast conditions.

For models that we haven't had the opportunity to test, we assessed each camera's quality, prioritizing models that have high resolution to deliver a clear image and optimal coverage of the doorstep. We examined field of view, motion detection accuracy, and subscription options to make our selections. We've created the following list of the best video doorbell cameras so you can have a safer, more secure home.

Unlike its rivals, Google’s Nest Video Doorbell includes extensive features like package detection, cloud storage, and subject identification alerts without the need for a subscription. You control the doorbell entirely through the Google Home app, and it seamlessly integrates into this ecosystem.

The narrow field of view can be off-putting to those who want the picture to extend to both sides of their door—however, the wide vertical captures compensate for this. Short and tall people, as well as any packages left by the door, quickly show on your phone or Nest Hub.

The Nest Doorbell is also very easy to set up. To get started, we connected it to a USB-C wire, scanned the QR code from the Google Home app, then plugged in the Wi-Fi password. The doorbell instructed us to install the mounting plate with the two included screws and slide it downward to lock it in. From the Google Home app, you can click for a live view, watch recorded events, and adjust settings such as video quality and wake-up sensitivity.

Within 2.3 seconds of the doorbell detecting a person, our test phone pinged with an alert. Notifications lack an accompanying screenshot, which other options do to help identify if an alert is worth checking out.

On the flip side, it registered a minimal amount of false events—throwing a ball across the device’s field of view didn’t trigger an alert, as we’d hoped it wouldn’t. This accuracy saves energy, helping the battery to last longer.

Unfortunately, the Nest Doorbell might have too much discretion, waiting to register until someone is basically at the door rather than catch them at the approach. You can view a preview of each event as well as jump into the feed within four seconds, but the Ring Pro 2 below trumps this, loading into footage nearly instantaneously.

The picture remains clear after dark with night-vision infrared lighting. Even in this non-deal lighting the camera is clear enough to make out details like text on a shirt, a forearm tattoo, and the words on packaging as seen by the nighttime shot above. It’s also clear enough to identify faces, with the advanced facial detection using photos to identify and announce visitors on devices like a second-generation Nest Hub.

Another benefit to owning a Nest hub is that the doorbell feed shows up directly to the smart display, from which you can then respond with your voice or preset messages. The wireless installation, fast notification times, and clear picture day or night make the Nest hard to beat, especially for the price.

This improved version of Wyze’s affordable doorbell is surprisingly powerful for its sub-$100 price tag. It packs a sharper 2K resolution, wide 150 degree field of view, and fast notification speeds in a sleek, compact design. Outside of performance, the Wyze software is easy to use, automate, and integrate into your entire home setup. You can see and control Wyze camera and lock statuses from all of your devices such as a Nest Hub or Echo Show.

Like the Google doorbell above, the Wyze Pro is powered by either a battery or wired installation. All you need to do is screw the base into your doorway and mount the doorbell inside of it. The ultra bright LED lighting helps illuminate the area when the doorbell detects motion and is an effective warning for anyone approaching your door. Thanks to the sharp resolution you should make out fine details like textures, but a lack of HDR means color reproduction can appear a bit dull.

Notifications roll in at just under four seconds which is fast, especially for a budget device. The plug-in chime is a nice touch—so you not only get the phone and smart home notifications, but an audible ring as well. Wyze locks its most impressive features behind its subscription which comes in at $3 a month. This grants you smart alerts that identify activity (person, pet, package), extensive clip storage, and less frequent cooldown periods.

However if you have frequent power outages, Wyze products are a hit or miss when it comes to reconnecting to Wi-Fi on their own. While this isn’t a major deal if you’re home for a quick reset, you won’t be able to see doorway activity if you travel often or are on vacation when an outage strikes.

The Essential Wireless Video Doorbell from Arlo is another reliable choice for your front door, especially if you get packages delivered often. The 180-degree field of view gives you a wider sight range than others we’ve tried, so you’re more likely to see what’s getting dropped off. Since this is a wireless model, it comes equipped with a removable battery, so you don’t have to completely dismount the doorbell in order to give it a charge (though you do have to remove the entire device to access it).

Notifications of movement came within seconds, and the recorded video quality was clear. While the image quality is reliable, colors and details can be a little muddy in the dark. Setup was fairly simple and fuss-free. The app has easy-to-follow instructions, and you connect the doorbell via a QR-code in the Arlo app. The app also provides tips and directions on how to mount the doorbell.

Something to keep in mind is that a lot of features for the doorbell require a subscription—in this case, Arlo Secure. But it’s very affordable, starting at $2.99/month for one device, or $9.99 for unlimited cameras at the same location.

Some notable features of the subscription include package detection, so you can get alerted when something has been delivered to your front door, and messaging capability so visitors can leave a message if you aren’t able to answer the door within 20 seconds. The doorbell also won’t save any videos unless you’re signed up for Arlo Secure. You do get a free trial for initial testing, but you’ll later have to make an in-app purchase for long-term access.

The Ring Pro 2 lives in the extremes. It’s a beastly video doorbell with a sharp 1536p resolution, vivid HDR colors, and advanced features like plotting a subject’s movement path over a bird’s eye view of your property. On the other hand, it’s almost excessively expensive, locked to the Alexa ecosystem, and only comes in a wired installation option. Still, it’s one of the best video doorbells we’ve tested, with the option to expand the system from a basic base station to indoor/outdoor security cameras, smart lighting, and a variety of other sensors.

Right off the bat, the image is a bit wider and clearer than the Google Nest. While Amazon touts its 3D motion-detection feature, which indeed cuts down on false alerts from moving branches and light changes, it still failed to stop alerts from deer or possums in the early morning hours.

As for human detection, the camera responsively triggered notifications within three seconds of an arm entering its wide field of view. This sensitivity ensures that you’ll know if someone even thinks about stepping foot near your door. Even after withdrawing said arm quickly, the Ring Pro 2 managed to catch it and send a screenshot of it to our test phone with an alert. And whether our tester stole a plastic envelope or a large box, the Ring caught everything without a cool-down period.

Captures are processed virtually instantaneously (compared to the brief processing time of competitors), despite the higher resolution and better color. This means you can jump right into clips from notifications without any friction.

Perhaps the best feature of the Ring Pro 2 is the automatic time-lapse that passively captures periods of inactivity so that you can see what occurred overnight or in a certain period. If you have an Echo Show device, you can get a feed of your doorbell sent straight to the smart display as well as respond to visitors with a tap. The Pro 2 is the most expensive option here and requires electrical wiring. But if you want the latest features, best colors, and fastest clip processing times, it’s worth the splurge.

Like our other video doorbell picks, the Eufy Dual has two-way audio, an easy-to-press doorbell button, and solid night vision. But unlike most of the other options, it offers exceptionally good resolution, works wired or with a battery, and integrates into either an Alexa or Google smart home. Your clips are saved both locally and to the cloud without a subscription.

Oftentimes, video camera doorbells just show you a direct glimpse of who is ringing the bell. But rather than being limited to a single camera view, the Dual also has a Porch View camera that helps eliminate blind spots, which we found to be a beneficial feature for an entryway without a big porch or front stoop.

There are also two small LEDs on either side of the second camera that light up when motion is detected. Once the camera is online, there is a noticeable wide color range and high resolution imagery. Zooming in on footage still retained detail without a drastic drop in quality.

The model is on the larger side and has a pretty sizeable camera, so it’s not the most discrete and could be a little intimidating to visitors. It measures over six inches in length, and a little over two inches wide, likely to account for the long-life battery. It took about six hours to get a full charge, and even after weeks of use it hasn’t required another juice.

Another aspect to keep in mind is that the doorbell has to be connected to the Homebase security system (included), which plugs directly into your router. We had to scan the QR code on the Homebase, the doorbell, and the Eufy app to get the camera online. While that may complicate the setup, the Homebase stores all the videos from the doorbell and also alerts you when the doorbell is being rung, which is convenient for moments when you're not directly next to your phone.

Overall, the Eufy is a great high-end option that plays nice with Alexa and Google ecosystems and works with your smart hub of choice. As a jack of all trades, it doesn’t pack all the cool features of a first-party device, like facial recognition. And the notifications are slow, with around a seven-second reaction time. But for those looking for the highest clarity doorbell camera, this is your best bet.

If you’re an Apple loyalist, you know that the HomeKit doesn’t have as many compatible smart home devices as some of the other ecosystems out there. Accessories that do work with it, however, often perform well because of lightning-fast response times and Siri assistant integration. Logitech’s Circle View is one of these supporting devices and offers the fastest installation setup, cleanest UI, and quickest response times out of the pool. Unfortunately, it’s locked to Apple’s walled garden and requires not only an iPhone but also a HomePod or an Apple TV to act as hub, which makes it hard to recommend for most people.

Unlike with other wired systems that require you to wrap the wiring below screws to transfer power, you simply feed the mounting plate holes the two low-voltage wires— securely locking them into place with contact plates. The camera snaps into the mount and receives power instantly. Similar to connecting other Apple accessories like Airpods or a HomePod, the pairing process is streamlined so you simply tap the Circle View camera with your phone or scan a QR code to kick off pairing. Your doorbell connects to Wi-Fi automatically and immediately integrates into your HomeKit app within seconds. The others here each take a few minutes to integrate.

Once the device detects motion, it sends a notification and a screenshot to your phone in an average of 1.21 seconds. It’s the fastest of our entire pool and can mean the difference between being able to catch an event taking place and being too late. Clicking the notification brings you directly into the feed with no loading, so you can respond immediately. From here you can talk, pressing the button once, and the sound is clear on both ends.

The user interface is smooth, working like you’d expect an Apple-compatible camera to. From your view, you can see a scrollable history, interact with the camera, and adjust settings from a tap without needing to dive into submenus.

The 3:4 vertical and 1200 x 1600 picture looks decently sharp but doesn’t impress in the dark, as you can see in the image above. The motion detection is super sensitive—great for peace of mind, but bugs and light changes often set off the camera. There’s no way to adjust this, so you either have to be OK with a mountain of notifications or turn them off entirely.

Overall, the effect is more pleasant to look at than a colorless infrared image, but the Circle View can’t reliably recreate lifelike hues. Though, like Google- and Alexa-compatible doorbells, this one can integrate directly into your photos to announce the names of visitors on your HomePod or AppleTV hub.

The safety of the exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. With the Blink video doorbell camera, you also receive a mini camera that can be used inside. It acts as a plug-in chime that sounds when the doorbell has pressed, while also monitoring other rooms of your home. You can check in on pets, or speak to visitors when you aren't present. The doorbell can be installed wired or wire-free, and instructions are available in the easy-to-use app.

The camera has daytime and nighttime visibility, though even with 1080p video resolution, the image can be undefined in overcast weather conditions. The field of view is narrower than other options on this list, but that might be beneficial if you live in an apartment with a small entryway and don't need to see every available angle.

If you have Alexa-compatible devices, you can link the Blink doorbell to alert you to motion detection and doorbell activation. Users have noted that the doorbell has a long response time, so there may be a lag between when you get notified and when the doorbell was rang.

It's important to note that if you want two-way audio, or to recall on a live feed you might have missed, you have to purchase the Sync Module 2 separately. That way you can store videos locally and revisit any time you want. But this camera does come with a 30 day free trial to save and share clips in the cloud, so you can test the feature before you decide to purchase the add-on.

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