4 Best Video Doorbell Cameras (2023): Smart, Wireless, and a Word About Eufy and Ring
Wired Vs. Battery Powered: Smart doorbells require more power than traditional doorbells. You may need a new transformer, and you will likely want to hire an electrician for safe installation. The main advantages of wired doorbells are that you shouldn’t need to touch them again after installation, and they will ring your existing doorbell chime. Wired doorbells are usually a bit cheaper and slimmer than models with batteries, too.
Battery-powered smart doorbells are easy to install yourself and can be mounted wherever you like. The main downside is that you must remove and charge the battery every few months, which means some downtime unless you buy a spare battery to switch in. Remember also that your regular doorbell chime won’t work with a battery-powered smart doorbell, so you will probably need to buy a wireless chime device to plug in somewhere in your home, though you can also configure smart speakers to act as doorbell chimes.
Most battery-powered video doorbells can also be wired, which may be the best solution if you have concerns about power outages.
Resolution and HDR: The higher the resolution, the clearer the picture you get, but consider that higher resolution video also requires more bandwidth to stream and takes up more storage space. If your front porch is in direct sunlight or strong shade, we strongly recommend opting for a video doorbell with HDR support as it helps to prevent bright areas from appearing blown out or shadowy areas from being too dark to see.
Field of View and Aspect Ratio: If you want a head-to-toe view of the person at your front door, then think about the field of view and aspect ratio offered by your prospective pick. A wider field of view will take more in but can cause a fish eye effect. Rather than a traditional landscape aspect ratio, you may prefer a square or portrait view to ensure you can see a visitor’s face and any packages that might be on your porch.
Local or Cloud Storage: If you don’t want to sign up for a subscription service and upload video clips to the cloud, ensure your chosen doorbell offers local storage. Some video doorbells have MicroSD card slots, while others record video to a hub device inside your home. You can expect to pay somewhere around $3 to $6 per month for 30 days of storage for a video doorbell.
Advanced Features: Many video doorbells offer features like package detection and person recognition. These features can be handy for filtering alerts, so you only get useful notifications. Bear in mind that you may need a subscription to gain access to advanced features.
Choosing a Brand: If you already have a security camera system or plan on getting one, it makes a lot of sense to stick with the same brand for your doorbell. That way, you can access everything in the same app and get a single subscription if required. If you have a smart home setup, check that the doorbell is compatible with your preferred ecosystem and voice assistant.
Security: A couple of things we recommend looking for are two-factor authentication (2FA) to ensure that someone with your username and password cannot log into your doorbell and encryption to ensure anyone accessing the manufacturer’s servers cannot see your Wi-Fi login details or watch uploaded videos.
Best Video Doorbell Cameras of 2023
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. 5 |
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?
More home security recommendations
- Best Home Security Cameras
- Best Indoor Home Security Cameras
- Best Outdoor Home Security Cameras
- Best Cheap Home Security Cameras
- Best Facial Recognition Security Cameras
- Best Wireless Home Security Cameras
- Best Cheap Home Security Devices
- Best Nanny Cams
- Best Dash Cams
- Best Home Security Systems
- Best Solar-Powered Security Cameras
- Best Smart Locks
- Best LED Floodlights
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 distinguishes 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 21 | 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 monitor 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 | |
| Degree of protection of the button | 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 |
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23267910/jtuohy_220222_5043_0004.jpg)
265, H.264
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. 264 HDR |
| Night vision | yes |
| Face detection | yes |
| 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, may need the help 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 supply | standalone/mains powered | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Button power supply | standalone/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 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 doorbellKomsomolskaya Pravda told Komsomolskaya Pravda about the features of smart calls 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 are hardly classified as “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. As a rule, the ringer camera will need to scan the generated code and the device will be added to your gadget. Next, you need to establish a pairing between the call and the room speaker, check the connection, adjust the sound and image. In the application, you can select the desired date and specify what to display. Real-time video is activated after pressing the bell call button. You can easily see who is going to visit you. You also need to upload faces – your own and loved ones – so that the AI system determines who came to you. Among the significant settings are also volume mode, ringtone setting, call camera backlight – all this can be adjusted in the application. Management in high-quality models is simple and understandable for everyone. Some doorbells need their own base station, but usually they can easily communicate with well-known smart home devices. Home Security with EUFY Video Doorbell Black Video Doorbell 2K + Home base 2Home Security with EUFY Video Doorbell Black Video Doorbell 2K + Home base 2 – EUFY by ANKER Vacuum robots Wireless Video Intercom (Battery) with 2K HD, No Monthly Fee, Built-in AI for Human Detection, 2 Way Audio, Easy Self Install (
19 599 ₽ 2K & WDR See visitors in sharp detail as they approach your door in any light. Energy efficient 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 during transmission and storage. Advanced human detection The artificial intelligence on the device instantly analyzes every event 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. Chat 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.
FAQ Installation
|
It is important that here you do not have to change the battery often. The bell is equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery with a capacity of 5200 mAh. 
You can communicate with guests at any time – even if you are not at home. The video with the visitor does not disappear, it is saved to a microSD card, to the cloud or directly to a smartphone. Built-in sensors allow you to record video or take photos even in automatic mode when motion is detected in the control zone. Night mode and image sharing are available. 
Photo: yandex.market.ru 
There is a thermometer that allows you to find out the temperature outside 
The device is also of good quality 
Easy to install 
Presence of useful functions 
The sound can be adjusted at your discretion 
Some electronic devices in cold weather do not respond to pressing the call button. Therefore, the choice of model will depend on the climatic features of the region. 
The detection of motion sensors, night vision system, automatic saving of frames – all this increases the safety of the user and his family. So, modern models allow you to determine exactly who is approaching your door – to “distinguish” a person from a passing car. There are devices that allow you to change your voice – this can also scare off intruders. More expensive calls have a face recognition system. 
After installing the call itself at home – the process should be reflected in the instructions – the application needs to be downloaded. 
The most common of these include Amazon Echo and Google Home speakers. In any case, check or check with a specialist whether they are compatible with your system. 
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. 
