There are many reasons for purchasing a doorbell video camera. The following reviews will outline what are considered the best doorbell cameras on the market.
Take the guess work out of which system to purchase and give yourself the peace of mind and extra security.
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Popularity of Doorbell Video Cameras
While these cameras have been around since 2014 they have sky rocketed in popularity in the past few years.
As simple as connecting your home security system through an app on your smartphone allows the user to check in at any time of the day.
24/7 monitoring, recording and user notifications are all offered by these security providers.
The price of a video doorbell camera compared with outdoor surveillance cameras is significantly less as well as much more discreet.
Best Doorbell Camera Reviews
1. Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell in Satin Nickel
Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell
Free shipping
Features
- Works with Alexa to illuminate and send announcements to Echo devices when your doorbell is pressed or motion is detected, allowing you to hear and speak to visitors with two-way talk
- Lets you see, hear and speak to visitors from your phone, tablet and PC
- Sends alerts as soon as motion is detected or when visitors press the Doorbell
- Works on any home, with or without existing doorbell wires
- Monitors your home in HD video with infrared night vision
The number 1 selection for the best doorbell video camera. The Ring Video Doorbell is the most popular camera on the market at the moment.
The company was initially Doorbot. They re-branded to Ring after a $28 million dollar investment from Richard Branson.
Ring video doorbell pros and cons:
Pros
- Very easy to install- within minutes
- Lifetime guarantee
- Motion detection if someone is within range of the doorbell
- Customizable motion detection zones
- Two way microphone
- Wide angle HD camera
- Night vision
- Easy app to use
- Weather resistant
- Easy installation
- Rechargeable battery
- Extra indoor siren available
- Fantastic customer service
- Available in venetian bronze, satin nickel, polished brass, antique brass
Cons
- Motion detector can set off easily.
Definitely the most popular doorbell video camera for a reason. This product was the initial doorbell video camera on the market and has Richard Branson as an investor.
Although it doesn’t have the same functionality as a full home alarm set up, as far as door bell video cameras go this is the better product on the market. See anyone who comes to your door at anytime of the day.
Easy to install and great functionality, this product is well worth the price. With tens of thousands of positive Amazon customer reviews and a life time warranty the Ring Video Doorbell camera won’t disappoint.
2. SkyBell HD Bronze WiFi Video Doorbell
SkyBell HD Bronze WiFi Video Doorbell
$194.32
1 used from $ 139.00
Free shipping
Features
- ONLY BUY SKYBELL PACKAGED PRODUCT - be sure to buy SkyBell HD in the SkyBell branded retail package (shown here) to ensure you are getting what you pay for.
- AWARD WINNING PERFORMANCE - SkyBell HD has won numerous awards and named the Best Video Doorbell by CNET in 2016, 2017, and 2018
- WORKS WITH ALEXA - use simple voice commands using your Amazon Echo or Echo Dot for more convenience.
- Answer your door with your smartphone or tablet - all the convenience of using your mobile device to see, hear, and speak with whomever is at your door!
- NO MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION FEES - recorded video is available to multiple users on your account FREE to download for up to 7-days.
A stylish and sleek design, the Skybell HD Doorbell provides a live video notification to your phone whenever someone presses the Skybell button.
You have the ability to talk to the visitor through the door bell. Another positive feature is that the small white bubble is a motion sensor. This means you’ll be notified anytime someone is close to your door even if they don’t push the Skybell button.
While there are more positive reviews than negative there are a few reoccurring customer complaints.
There are a few complaints of poor customer support while others have faced technical difficulties while installing and setting up the system.
Skybell video doorbell pros and cons:
Pros
- 1080p HD video camera
- Night Vision in color
- Can talk to the visitor through the app on your phone/tablet
- Alerted even if the button isn’t pushed due to the motion sensor
- Easy to use app for smartphones & tablets
- Made in the USA
- Available in bronze and silver
Cons
- Cannot save recorded footage
- Can be difficult to install. It is a hardwired installation
- Branded doorbell button makes it less discreet
The main negative review is the lack of professional installation help. If you are not technically minded or don’t want to try then consider a different product.
However, after installation the Skybell HD Doorbell is reliable and performs well.
3. Zmodo Greet – Smart WiFi Video Doorbell
Zmodo Greet - Smart WiFi Video Doorbell
Free shipping
Features
- Answer the door wherever you are - see and speak to visitors directly from your smartphone
- Easy setup - use existing wiring for quick installation and connect to WiFi using the free app
- Smart motion detection - receive an alert and a recorded video clip whenever motion is detected
- Personalized voice message - a recorded message will play when you can't answer the door
- On demand access - access live video at any time from your smartphone or the web
If you are looking for a basic doorbell video camera that functions well then the Zmodo Greet is a great choice. Although there are quite a few negative reviews this product still makes our top 4 list for a few reasons.
The Zmodo Greet Package includes a Greet WiFi doorbell and a Beam WiFi extender.
Relatively easy to set up using WiFi through the Zmodo app, from there everything is controllable through your smartphone.
With motion detection you will receive an alert to your device and have the ability to speak with the visitors. If you are unable to answer the door you can play an automated message.
Zmodo Greet video doorbell pros and cons:
Pros
- 24/7 continuous recording
- Answer the door and speak to the visitor through the smartphone app
- Includes a Greet WiFi doorbell and a Beam WiFi extender
- Motion detector
- 720p HD live video
- Night vision – infrared lights
- Cheapest doorbell video camera on our list
Cons
- Not the best customer support
- Difficulties during installation
- Software update issues causing the app to crash
Overall if you are looking for a cheap doorbell video camera for basic surveillance without the price tag then the Zmodo Greet is a great option.
4. Ring Video Doorbell Pro (Existing Doorbell Wiring Required)
Ring Video Doorbell Pro
Free shipping
Features
- Works with Alexa to illuminate and send announcements to Echo devices when your doorbell is pressed or motion is detected, allowing you to hear and speak to visitors with two-way talk
- Lets you see, hear and speak to visitors from your phone, tablet and PC
- Sends alerts as soon as motion is detected or when visitors press the Doorbell
- Requires hardwired installation to existing doorbell wires. Compatible with ios, android, mac and windows 10 devices
- Monitors your home in 1080HD video with infrared night vision
Another great product by the team at Ring. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro is the next step up from our #1 selection. If you have the extra budget to spend then this is a great set up.
Works with IOS and android devices through WiFi connectivity- either through your mobile device or home wireless network.
Motion detection which is automatically recorded and the user notified.
Night vision, infrared allowing for clear footage even if the lighting is low. 2 way audio allowing you to speak with the guests and vice versa.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro pros and cons:
Pros
- Wired to an existing doorbell – no batteries required.
- Lifetime purchase protection
- Night vision
- Video on demand – check in whenever you like
- 2 way audio
Cons
- Live video view is not that great
- Audio volume can be quiet
Overall if you already have the Ring product then upgrading will not boast that many more features. If this is your first video doorbell camera then the Ring Video Doorbell Pro is a great choice.
5. August Doorbell Camera
August Doorbell Camera
$68.00
1 used from $ 73.60
Free shipping
Features
- See and speak with visitors at your door with your smartphone.Connects to your existing analog wired doorbell and uses existing house current (16-24v).
- Secure your home. Always know who is at the front door with live HD video.
- Stay Aware. With motion detection, get instant alerts when there's activity at your doorstep.
- Speak with visitors even when you are not home.
- Replay video of missed visitors with optional cloud recording.
The August doorbell alerts the user via smartphone as well as in house sound. You also have the ability to communicate through the app on your phone to the doorbell speaker.
Featuring a HD camera the doorbell will provide a clear image as well as video recording. In addition the doorbell has motion sensing abilities.
This camera can replace your current ‘normal’ doorbell through the existing analog wiring.
Pros
Cons
- Very slow to update
- More installation steps than other systems
Overall the August doorbell is a simple, easy to use doorbell that does the job effectively.
Additional Security Tips
While that covers the best doorbell camera reviews there are other ways of increasing the safety at the front of your home.
Declutter Outdoor Areas
This may not be the first thing that springs to mind but a clutter free patio area is less inviting to criminals.
Not only is it easier for your home security system to notice if things are astray, the neighbors will also be able to notice if packages go missing too.
Place a ‘Protected by’ alarm sign on the gate/entranceway
Something as simple as a security sign is quite a strong deterrent for burglars thinking of entering the property.
Many security companies go out of business and many Americans have signs from no-longer operating businesses. Be sure that you stickers or signs are up to date.
Inform the Mailman/Delivery Companies
Be sure to inform your mailman that you are installing a video doorbell camera system. That way the mailman will be aware that you can talk to them through the audio and provide instructions for where to leave packages.
Not only does this provide extra peace of mind it also provides video footage of it and will also capture anyone who does steal it.
Bottom Line
If you are done with having packages stolen from your doorstep or just want a bit of added security around your home, then a video doorbell camera is a great buy. If you have an unwanted visitor or salesman, then you can avoid the situation.
While we do recommend a full home security system a doorbell video camera is a great start and extra piece of equipment. We hope you found the best doorbell camera reviews helpful. Our favorite is the Ring Video doorbell with Motion detection & HD Camera. Have you used any of the above doorbell cameras? Leave a comment about your experiences and thoughts.
The Review
Best Doorbell Camera Reviews
Given the variety and price associated with the cameras we have reviewed which one you end up buying is very personnel. However we believe the top 5 listed are the best on the market today.
Review Breakdown
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Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell
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SkyBell HD Bronze WiFi Video Doorbell
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Zmodo Greet - Smart WiFi Video Doorbell
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Ring Video Doorbell Pro
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August Doorbell Camera
