The Best Doorbell Cameras to Protect Your Home

As a homeowner concerned about security, you want to know who is at your door at all times. Doorbell cameras provide an easy solution to monitor your home’s entrance and give you peace of mind. With a wide variety of options on the market at different price points, you can find an affordable doorbell camera to suit your needs.

In this article, we review some of the best doorbell cameras based on video quality, ease of use, smart features, and cost. Whether you want a basic camera to see who is ringing the bell or a more advanced system with motion detection and night vision, there are great choices available. We walk through the pros and cons of popular wired and wireless doorbell cameras from brands like Ring, Nest, Arlo, and more.

A doorbell camera is a simple way to boost your home security and gain awareness of visitors and deliveries. With the right device guarding your door, you’ll always feel at ease knowing what’s happening right outside. Read on to find the perfect doorbell camera for your home and budget.

What to Look for When Choosing a Doorbell Camera

When choosing a doorbell camera, there are several factors to consider:

Resolution and Video Quality

For the best images, look for a camera that captures video in at least 1080p HD resolution. Some offer 4K resolution for even sharper video. A wide field of view, at least 100 to 140 degrees, will provide the most coverage of your entryway and surrounding area. Infrared night vision is also helpful for monitoring activity in low light or dark conditions.

Power Source

Doorbell cameras are either wired to your existing doorbell system or wireless battery-powered. Wired options don’t require charging but may require professional installation. Wireless cameras are easier to install yourself but require recharging the battery every few months. For the most consistent power, look for a wireless camera with a long-lasting battery or a wired model.

Connectivity

Most doorbell cameras connect to your home Wi-Fi network so you can view live streams and recordings on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Consider the range and strength of your Wi-Fi signal at your front door. Some cameras also offer offline storage options in case your Wi-Fi goes down.

Additional Features

Other useful features to consider include two-way audio, motion detection alerts, night vision, and storage options for recorded video clips. Some doorbell cameras also integrate with smart home systems, allowing you to unlock doors or turn on lights right from the camera app.

By considering these factors, you can choose a doorbell camera that suits your needs and provides security and convenience for your home. Carefully evaluating resolution, power options, connectivity, and extra features will help you find the best solution for monitoring visitors at your door.

Reviews of the Top 5 Doorbell Cameras on the Market

To determine the best doorbell camera for your needs, review the top options currently available.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro is a popular, wired option that provides sharp 1080p HD video quality. It has motion detection with adjustable sensitivity and zones to minimize false alerts. Night vision, two-way audio, and compatibility with Alexa are included. At $250, it offers a good blend of features for the price.

Nest Hello Smart Wi-Fi Video Doorbell

Google’s Nest Hello doorbell camera streams live video 24/7 and sends alerts when someone’s at your door. It provides HD video with HDR, night vision, and two-way talk. Facial recognition identifies familiar faces so you know exactly who is there. At $230, the Nest Hello is a high-quality, full-featured smart doorbell.

Arlo Video Doorbell

Arlo’s Video Doorbell streams live HD video to your phone and records clips when the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected. It offers night vision, a 180-degree field of view, and two-way audio. The Arlo Smart subscription adds facial recognition, package detection, and 24/7 professional monitoring. Starting at $150, the Arlo doorbell is very affordable for its capabilities.

Ring Spotlight Cam Battery

For locations without existing doorbell wiring, the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery is a good option. It provides live HD video streaming, motion-activated recording, and LED spotlights for enhanced visibility. The battery lasts 6-12 months per charge. At $200, the Spotlight Cam Battery brings smart doorbell features without the wiring.

RemoBell S

RemoBell’s wireless doorbell camera offers live streaming, motion alerts, night vision, and two-way talk for under $100. The RemoBell S streams HD video detects people up to 30 feet away, and sends alerts to your phone. An affordable, no-frills option to provide basic smart doorbell functionality.

FAQs About Doorbell Cameras

FAQs About Doorbell Cameras

Doorbell cameras are becoming increasingly popular for home security. However, you may have some questions about how they work and which one is right for you. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about doorbell cameras:

What do doorbell cameras record? Doorbell cameras typically have a motion sensor that detects activity in front of your door. Once motion is detected, the camera will begin recording video and audio. The camera records when someone approaches or rings your doorbell. The footage is stored either in the cloud or locally on the device.

How much does doorbell camera storage cost? Doorbell cameras that offer cloud storage for video footage usually charge a monthly or annual storage fee. Fees typically range from $3 to $10 per month for a few days of video history. Some brands offer additional storage plans for more video history. If storage cost is a concern, look for a doorbell camera that offers local storage on a microSD card.

Do I need a subscription to use a doorbell camera? No, not always. Some doorbell cameras offer free basic features without a subscription, including live view, motion alerts, and the ability to view recent activity. A subscription is typically only needed if you want extended video clip storage or advanced features like facial recognition.

Will a doorbell camera work without WiFi? Most doorbell cameras require a WiFi connection to provide live streaming video and alerts to your smartphone. However, some battery-powered doorbell cameras use cellular connectivity instead of WiFi so they will work even without an internet connection. These cellular doorbell cameras typically require a data plan to operate which may have an additional monthly cost.

In summary, doorbell cameras are a convenient way to monitor activity at your front door and enhance home security. With some research on the options and costs, you can find an affordable doorbell camera solution that meets your needs.

Conclusion

You have many options for doorbell cameras on the market today that can provide added security and peace of mind for your home. By installing one of the highly-rated, Wi-Fi-enabled doorbell cameras discussed here, you’ll gain 24/7 monitoring of your front entryway and receive alerts whenever the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected. You can see, hear, and speak with visitors using your smartphone or tablet, no matter where you are. With the range of affordable, DIY doorbell cameras available, there’s no reason not to invest in one of these innovative devices to help protect your home and provide security for your family. Adding an extra layer of safety and security has never been so easy.