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Want to know who’s on your front porch when you’re out of the house or snatching your packages (porch pirates!)? Whether you live in a high-traffic neighborhood or a remote location, it’s important to keep your home safe from intruders.
We review the top doorbell cameras on the market with pros, cons, pricing and user feedback.
Article Overview
- Why Get A Doorbell Camera?
- Best Doorbell Cameras
- Comparison Table
- Six Other Brands To Consider
- Wired vs Wireless
- Don’t Stop At Your Front Door
Why Get A Doorbell Camera?
The most common point of entry for residential burglars is a home’s front door. An estimated 34% of home break-ins occur in the most visible part of your home.1
A doorbell security camera is an excellent starting point to keeping an eye on your home while you’re out. It adds another layer of protection against home intruders.
Best Doorbell Cameras
Most of the first generation doorbell cameras are already behind the times technologically. We’ve reviewed the best doorbell cameras on the market and ranked them based on several factors, including technology, reliability, features and more.
Ring Video Doorbell Review
Ring leads the WiFi doorbell camera industry in sales and customer satisfaction. They currently offer 6 models, the Video Doorbell (2nd Generation), Video Doorbell 3, 3 Plus, Pro, Elite and Peephole Cam. All models are among the best on the market. With each, you get good video quality, advanced motion detection and the ability to monitor via your smartphone or desktop.
With Ring, you’ll get the confidence of having quality and reliability that many other doorbell cameras don’t deliver. We also appreciate that their doorbell integrates with other security systems including their own.
Personal Experience
Kimberly A. from Safe Smart Living has a Ring Video Doorbell 2. Here is her experience.
Overall, I’m happy with its performance. A few times, we have experienced notification delays, and sometimes the app takes a while to load footage. But asides from that, it performs great.
The video and audio quality are both fantastic. I like viewing activity history to see what I missed while I was away. I wish there were an option to disable the doorbell, because there are times where we are playing in the front yard, and our phones continue to notify us of motion at the front door.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- 1-year warranty on parts
- Lifetime purchase protection replacement (in case of doorbell theft)
- WiFi connection: 2.4GHz or 5GHz (depending on model)
- Operating temperature: -5°F to 120°F
| Video Doorbell | Video Doorbell 3 | Video Doorbell 4 | Video Doorbell Pro | Video Doorbell Elite | Peephole Cam | |
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| Price | $99.99 | $149.99 | $159.99 | $249.99 | $349.99 | Check Amazon for availability |
| Installation | Existing Wiring or Rechargeable Battery | Existing Wiring or Rechargeable Battery | Existing Wiring or Rechargeable Battery | Requires Existing Doorbell Wiring | Requires Professional | Replaces Peephole |
| Video | 720p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Field of View | 180° | 160° | 160° | 160° | 160° | 155° |
| Advanced Motion Detection with Adjustable Motion Zones |  |
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| Other | Pre-Roll 4 Seconds Before Motion Event | Human Detection | Human Detection | Knock Detection | ||
| Dimensions | 4.98″H x 2.43″W x 0.87″D | 5.1″H x 2.4″W x 1.1″D | 5.1″H x 2.4″W x 1.1″D | 4.5″H x 1.85″W x 0.80″D | 4.8″H x 2.75″W x 2.17″D | Indoors: 2.26”H x 4.40”W x 1.16”D Outdoors: 1.85”H x 3.83”W x 0.78”D |
| WiFi Connectivity | 2.4GHz | 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 2.4GHz |
Recording Plans
Recording plans are optional and allow you to review, save and share your videos at any time. Below are the plans available and their features
| Included Free | Basic | Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $3/month or $30/year | $10/month or $100/year |
| Number Of Devices | 1 | 1 | All Ring Devices |
| Motion-Activated Notifications | |
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| Real-Time Video With Live View | |
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| Two-Way Talk | |
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| Lifetime Theft Protection | |
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| Video History For 60 Days | |
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| Video Saving & Sharing | |
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| Snapshot Capture | |
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| 24/7 Professional Monitoring For Ring Alarm | |
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| Extended Warranties For All Devices | |
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| 10% Off Select Products At Ring.com | |
Read Our In-Depth Comparison Of Ring Doorbell Cameras
Watch Ring In Action
CBS This Morning did an excellent piece on the Ring Video Doorbell. See how Ring works to help deter would-be intruders.
SkyBell HD WiFi Video Doorbell Review
The SkyBell HD (the newest model) is a feature-rich wireless doorbell camera with motion sensors, color night vision and on-demand video streaming that works with your smartphone.
SkyBell offers an impressive list of third-party integrations including IFTTT and Amazon’s Alexa. You can even sync the SkyBell with the Nest Cam and Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
If the circular shape doesn’t work with your current door frame, they offer a Slimline edition (this is the version Frontpoint home security offers as their outdoor camera) that is more like the Ring Slimline but comes at a slightly higher price.
Why isn’t SkyBell our top pick? Several reviewers on Amazon had complaints about the system not being reliable, particularly the motion sensor. But there are also a lot of thoroughly satisfied customers so SkyBell comes in solid second.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- SkyBell HD Bronze: Check Amazon for availability
- SkyBell HD Silver: Check Amazon for availability
- Alarm.com Compatible Bronze Edition:
- Alarm.com Compatible Silver Edition:
- One-year warranty for parts
- Lifetime protection (in case your doorbell gets stolen)
- Must be hardwired
- 1080p HD video with 5x zoom
- Bandwidth: requires 1.5mbps upload speed
- 180-degree field of view
- WiFi connection: 2.4GHz
- Operating temperature: -40°F to 140°F
- Dimensions 2.8”H x 0.9”D x 2.8”W
August Doorbell Cam Review
Known for their smart lock technology, August also has a product that acts as a doorbell camera. As a first generation doorbell, the August Doorbell Cam is a little outdated in terms of looks, but still has a lot going for it. Like our top picks, you can get alerts and view video via your smartphone. The August Cam also gives you on-demand video viewing and integration options with its August SmartLock (front door lock), the Nest Cam, IFTTT and Amazon Alexa.
What’s missing? You don’t get infrared night vision or lifetime protection from theft of your doorbell. They do have motion detection and video recording capabilities similar to the other cameras. We’re also keeping an eye out for their 2nd gen model, which should be a major contender for our top picks.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- Price: Check Amazon for availability
- One-year warranty for parts
- Must be hardwired
- 960p HD video
- WiFi connection: 2.4 or 5GHz
- Dimensions 2.9”H x 2.9”W x 0.9”D
Comparison Table
| 1st: Ring Video Doorbell | 2nd: SkyBell | 3rd: August | Nest Hello | Kangaroo | RemoBell | SimpliSafe | Wyze | Zmodo | |
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| Price | $149.99 | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability | $229 | $19.99 | $146.00 | $29.99 | Check Amazon for availability | |
| Field Of View | 160° | 180° | Unknown | 160° | 60° | 120° | 162° | 120° | 155° |
| Video Resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 960p | 4:3 | 480p (Photos Only) | 720p | 1080p | 1080p | 720p |
| Zoom | |
5x | 8x | |
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| Operating Temperature | -5°F to 120°F | -40°F to 140°F | Unknown | 0°F to 122°F | -4°F to 60°F | 0°F to 122°F | 14°F to 104° F | -4° to 122° F | Unknown |
| Two-Way Audio | |
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Limited (No Infrared LEDs) | |
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24 Hours | N/A | 30 Days | 14 Days | ||||
| Installation | Hardwired | Hardwired | Hardwired | Hardwired | Wireless | Wireless | Hardwired | Hardwired | Hardwired |
| Battery | Rechargeable | 1 Lithium Ion Battery | 3 AA Batteries | 6 AA Batteries | |||||
| Customizable Motion Zones | |
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| Dimensions | 5.1″H x 2.4″W x 1.1″D | 2.8”H x 2.8”W x 0.9”D | 2.9”H x 2.9”W x 0.9”D | 4.6″H x 1.7″W x 1″D | 4.57″H x 1.97″W x 0.71″D | 6″H x 2.8″W x 1.3″D | 6.65”H x 2.91”W x 4.48”D | 3.25″H x 1.5″W x 0.625″D | 5″H x 2.8″W x 1.4″D |
| WiFi Connection | 2.4 or 5GHz | 2.4GHz | 2.4 or 5GHz | 2.4 or 5GHz | 2.4GHz | 2.4GHz | 2.4GHz | 2.4GHz | 2.4GHz |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 2 Years | 1 Year | 1 Year | 3 Years | Unknown | 3 Years |
More Doorbell Cameras Reviewed
The following doorbell cameras didn’t make our top three, but you may want to consider them as well.
Hello (by Nest) | Kangaroo | RemoBell | SimpliSafe | Wyze | Zmodo
Nest Hello Review
Nest, which offers the popular smart home thermostat and smoke detector, is at it again with their latest doorbell camera, Hello.
Those who are already loyal to the Nest family of products will appreciate this doorbell camera which integrates with their existing systems. Plus, it has all the bells and whistles you’ve come to expect with a doorbell camera as well as some unique features like face recognition and prerecorded messages.
However, Nest has some catching up to do in the doorbell camera category as many complain about the long lag time between when the doorbell rings and when you’re actually notified in addition to the camera not working below certain temperatures. Also, some people complain about it being unreliable if the wireless connection is weak.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- Price: $229
- 4:3 HD video with a 160-degree field of view
- 24/7 streaming with Nest Aware subscription (recordings saved up to 30 days)
- Operating temperature: 0°F to 122°F
- Requires a wired doorbell, chime, and a 16-24VAC, 10VA transformer
- Dimensions: 1.7″W x 4.6″H x 1″D
Kangaroo
Relatively new to the home security system market is Kangaroo. They offer highly competitive monitoring plans and low-cost equipment, including a $20 video doorbell. For the price tag, you don’t get video recordings or audio; only photo snapshots are sent to your phone (and the option to store in the cloud for an additional fee). Also, the resolution and picture are lower than most other cameras, it has a smaller view range, and capture options.
Both the doorbell and chime are completely wireless and don’t require hard-wiring (you’ll only need a WiFi connection, batteries for the doorbell (replaceable every few years), and a power outlet for the chime). Lastly, you can mount the camera peel-and-stick adhesives (no drilling required) or using screws and the mounting bracket.
Kangaroo’s doorbell isn’t a complete waste of money, but it’s a decent starter doorbell with no strings attached. For the price of an Andrew Jackson, it might be worthwhile for some less risky areas (like a dorm room or privacy gate). But if security is a concern, you should probably invest in something that will give you better quality, more options, and peace of mind. Learn more in our Kangaroo Review.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- Price: $19.99
- 480×640 images with a 60-degree field of view
- Porch Protection Plan: 365 days of recordings plus reimbursement up to $150 for stolen packages
- Operating temperature: -4°F to 60°F
- Requires three AA Batteries (included)
- Dimensions: 4.57″H x 1.97″W x 0.71″D
RemoBell Review
RemoBell has some great features, but what really holds it back is that some of the features just don’t perform as well as our top three doorbell cameras. For example, customers complain about false motion detection alarms and not being able to hear the doorbell inside the house.
Since the doorbell runs on batteries, these false alarms can wear the batteries down sooner, and some users have complained about the doorbell alerting them when cars drive by, which contributes to the false alarms. We’d like to see RemoBell come out with an updated version addressing these issues.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- Price:
- 120-degree field of view angle
- 720p HD video
- WiFi connection: 2.4GHz
- Operating temperature: 0°F to 122°F
- Dimensions: 2.8″W x 6″H x 1.3″D
SimpliSafe Doorbell
View on AmazonIf you’re already a SimpliSafe home security customer (or planning to be), this is a sleek addition to the existing system. You can also use it without the SimpliSafe system. Its modern design provides a high-definition recording and wide-range view. It’s relatively easy to install and uses your existing doorbell’s wiring for power.
There’s two-way audio, smart notifications, night vision, and the ability to pan and zoom. However, while you don’t need a SimpliSafe system, you must purchase their subscription service for $4.99 per month for recording capabilities.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- Price: $169.99
- 3-year warranty
- 1080p HD
- 162° field of view
- Operating temperature: 14°-104°F
- Dimensions: 6.65”H x 2.91”W x 4.48”D
In-Depth Review Of SimpliSafe Doorbell
Wyze Video Doorbell
The Wyze doorbell is the latest doorbell camera to hit the market. What sets their doorbell apart from others is the 3:4 aspect ratio recordings, so your alerts fit the size of your phone’s screen. It also more small and compact compared to other doorbells.
There’s a motion-activated LED light so visitors can see the doorbell as they approach. It also comes with a traditional chime that’s a physical box you install (and you can add more to hear from multiple rooms in the house). It’s too early to say whether or not this doorbell will live up to its small size and low price tag.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- Price: $43.99
- 120° field of view
- Operating temperature: -4°-122° F
- 1080p Full HD video
- 5GHz WiFi not supported
- Dimensions: 3.25″H x 1.5″W x 0.625″D
Zmodo Greet Smart WiFi Video Doorbell Review
Zmodo is another wireless doorbell camera that you use with an app on your smartphone. It has some impressive features including motion detection, on-demand video viewing, night vision and more. The Zmodo Greet automatically records 30 seconds of video when it detects motion and sends the clip to your smartphone.
Although, at time of publishing, more than a third of Amazon customer reviews rate Zmodo with only one or two stars. The most common complaints involve unreliability, poor video quality and faulty motion detection. The features are solid, but the product’s execution needs improvement.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- Price: Check Amazon for availability
- Three-year warranty for parts
- Must be hardwired to existing doorbell wiring
- 720p HD video
- 155-degree field of view
- 2.4GHz WiFi connection
- Dimensions: 5″H x 2.8″W x 1.4″D
Wired vs Wireless Doorbell Cameras
In addition to the wireless doorbell cameras, these hardwired doorbell cameras also use your smartphone to monitor your front door, but they require a wired connection which may mean drilling and pulling wire through your walls. If you’re interested, here are some brands to consider:
- digitharbor Video Door Scope Viewer ( $37.99 )
- Eques Digital Doorbell ( Check Amazon for availability )
Don’t Stop At Your Front Door
Your front door isn’t the only area of your home that needs monitoring. Consider a complete home security system that you can have professionally monitored. You’ll be able to expand your security beyond cameras to door and window sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, and more. And burglars aren’t the only thing you should be on the lookout for. Kitchen fires are the most common form of house fires. Monitored systems come with environmental hazard detection including smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, flood, and more.
And if you’re looking to learn more about cameras, you can go far beyond your doorbell. Our experts cover outdoor, WiFi, wired and wireless, pet-friendly, hidden, app-based, and entire camera systems (CCTV). Learn more about these models, how they work, how to install them, and where to get the best deals in our comprehensive security camera guide.
Sources: [1] Nachi
Tagged With: Comparison, Doorbell Camera
