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- Quick list
- 1. Best overall
- 2. Budget
- 3. Easy to use
- 4. For packages
- 5. Wireless
- 6. No subscription
- 7. Google Home
- 8. With AI
- We also tested
- How we test
- FAQs
Installing one of the best video doorbells can be a huge boon for your home, whether you want to improve its security or just need a more convenient way to manage entry.
These clever cameras are far more than digital peepholes, offering two-way communication, that allows you to communicate with guests, delivery drivers, and other callers from your phone or one of the best smart displays. Some can even record footage when a visitor is detected and give alerts if there's a potential break-in, and can even offer a litany of other excellent advanced features; but these are often ringfenced by subscriptions, which is why it's important to consider the ongoing costs of whatever you buy, and perhaps tie it in with one of the best home security cameras from the same manufacturer to make the biggest bang for your buck.
- Amazon Black Friday deals are live: here are our picks!
It's a busy time in the world of video doorbells, with Google and Amazon both releasing new AI-enhanced models. We'll be testing the new Ring and Google Nest doorbells very soon, so watch this space.
The quick list
Below is our quick guide to the best video doorbells available today. Use it to narrow down your options, then either hop down to the more in-depth entry, or head straight to a retailer to buy.
Best all-round
Best video doorbell overall
The latest video doorbell from Philips really impressed us with its sharp video, wide field of view, and ability to store footage locally without a subscription. We found it a piece of cake to install too, and you can choose to use it wired or wireless, making it suitable for any front door. It's an excellent all-rounder and comes highly recommended.
Read more below
Best for the UK
Best video doorbell for UK buyers
The Philips 7000 Series isn't available in the UK yet, but the excellent EZVIZ EP3x Pro offers very similar features, including the ability to store your video clips at home rather than paying a monthly subscription fee. Like the Philips model it can be used wired or wireless, and the EZVIZ has the advantage of dual cameras so you can easily see both people and packages on your doorstep.
Read more below
Affordable option
Best budget video doorbell
This slim and stylish video doorbell is one of very few that integrate with all the main smart home ecosystems, and comes highly recommended whether you have other Arlo products or not. We were particularly impressed by its picture quality, despite its low price compared to others on test.
Read more below
Hassle-free
Easiest video doorbell to use
The Doro Hemma is designed with senior homeowners in mind, but is also a great choice for anyone who wants a fuss-free video doorbell. It's affordable, with thoughtfully implemented security features like the ability to summon help is an unknown caller arrives, and in our tests it delivered crisp video in an excellent mobile app that puts all the controls you need front and center.
Read more below
See your packages
Best video doorbell for package deliveries
As the name suggests, this doorbell has two cameras - one facing the font to record people, and another pointing at the ground to let you see packages. There's no subscription necessary either (footage is stored in the base station, supplied) and it's battery-powered so installation is easy.
Read more below
Wireless
Best battery-powered video doorbell
If you rent, or just don't want to fit a hard-wired doorbell, this is our top recommendation. Battery life, field of view, and motion detection are all impressive, particularly considering the modest price. It's just a shame there's no pre-roll feature that saves video from just before a person rings.
Read more below
Subscription-free
Best video doorbell with no subscription
Some video doorbells require a monthly payment to unlock their full features, but not this one. Our reviewer really appreciated its 32GB onboard storage, which lets you keep up to six months' worth of video and review it later whenever you want to. Its twin cameras are excellent too, letting you see visitors and packages left at your door clearly.
Read more below
Google-friendly
Best video doorbell for Google Home
Most video doorbells can only record at 2K resolution, but the latest model from Lorex can capture super crisp 4K footage instead, and really impressed our reviewer with its fantastic viewing angles. It's compatible with both Alexa and Google Home, and there's no subscription necessary to save videos because your footage is stored on an SD card.
Read more below
Smart replies
Best video doorbell with AI
The SwannBuddy4K is a little different to most video doorbells - rather than just using pre-recorded snippets of speech, it can generate dynamic replies in response to what's happening on your doorstep. During our tests we also found its video quality superb, and were impressed by the quality of its software.
Read more below
The best video doorbells 2025
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The best video doorbell overall
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(Image credit: James Holland)
(Image credit: James Holland)
(Image credit: James Holland)
(Image credit: James Holland)1. Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell
The best video doorbell you can buy todayOur expert review:
SpecificationsResolution: 2KFootage recording: 8GB internal storageAudio: Two-wayPower: Battery or mainsToday's Best DealsCheck Black Friday at Amazon SingaporeView at Philips USReasons to buy+Sharp 2K video quality with a wide field of view+Wired and wireless connectivity+Easy installation+No subscription neededReasons to avoid-Delay when using two-way audio-A little on the pricey sideBuy it if✅ You don’t want to pay for a subscription: Since it has a decent amount of onboard storage, there's no need to keep footage in the cloud.
✅ You want a clear view: This doorbell boasts a 157-degree field of view, dual cameras that show visitors from head to toe, HDR, and night vision.
Don't buy it if❌ You’re on a budget: Though the price is justified, the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is one of the more expensive video doorbells we've tested.
❌ You need immediate communication: Though its 10-second delay is probably just due to it also recording, that latency can make interactions frustrating.
The Philips 7000 Series, which launched earlier this year, takes our vote for the best video doorbell of 2024 thanks to its sharp picture quality, ease of use and value for money.
Unlike most video doorbells we've tested, it can be used wired or wirelessly, and comes with a charm that you can use anywhere in your home. We found it a piece of cake to install (just screw on the mount and install the mobile app via a QR code), and its video footage proved crisp and clear even in challenging lighting conditions. The picture quality is excellent during the day, and night vision works well too, helping you easily identify callers after dark.
The twin camera setup works well too, giving you a clear view of visitors, plus parcels left at your door. The only thing we found frustrating was the slight delay when using two-way audio to speak with callers, which made having an extended conversation somewhat difficult. For everyday use, though, this video doorbell is hard to beat.
Read our full Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell review
Swipe to scroll horizontallyPhilips 7000 Series Video Doorbell: report cardAttribute
Notes
Score
Value
It’s a little on the expensive side, but worth the cost.
4/5
Design
Easy to install wired and wirelessly, and has quite a bit of onboard storage.
4.5/5
Performance
Great video quality, but has a significant delay, not to mention two-way audio sometimes cuts in and out.
4/5
The best budget video doorbell
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(Image credit: Arlo)
(Image credit: Arlo)
(Image credit: Future / Ring)
(Image credit: Arlo)2. Arlo Video Doorbell
The best affordable video doorbellOur expert review:
SpecificationsResolution: 1536 x 1536Footage recording: Unlimited video for up to 30 days with subscriptionAudio: Two-wayPower: MainsToday's Best DealsView Black Friday at Amazon Singapore (Black)Reasons to buy+Good video quality +Slim and stylish design+Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit integrationReasons to avoid-Limited features without subscription-Mains-powered onlyBuy it if✅ You want excellent video quality: Arlo's doorbell offers great quality without the price tag associated with a 4K camera.
✅ You have other Arlo devices: The Video Doorbell works great with the Arlo app and other Arlo devices.
Don't buy it if❌ You’re on a serious budget: If you want the cheapest option, you can grab a Ring video doorbell for less than this.
❌ You don’t have an existing wired doorbell: If you don't already have doorbell wiring, then don't pay out to get this installed; opt for the wireless version.
In our opinion, Arlo's first video doorbell is the best available on the market right now. If you already have other Arlo devices, it's a no-brainer; if not, it should still be top of the list of considerations.
Slim and stylish, it displays super-detailed footage. Thanks to the camera's 180-degree field of view and 1:1 aspect ratio, you can view the entire length of the person at your door, including any packages on the ground by their feet.
This is a mains-powered unit, so we'd recommend it's professionally installed, but Arlo does offer a battery-powered version called Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free.
It's one of a handful of doorbell cameras that integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit. However, you'll need to subscribe to the Arlo Secure service to get the most out of the doorbell, including features such as going back and viewing who was at the door if you missed the call and giving callers the chance to leave a message for you.
Why not check out our Arlo coupon codes to save money on your purchase?
Read our full Arlo Video Doorbell review
Swipe to scroll horizontallyArlo Video Doorbell: report cardAttribute
Notes
Score
Value
The same price as a similarly-specced Ring doorbell, but often available at a steep discount. Some features require a subscription though.
4.5/5
Design
Looks smart and although quite compact, offers a large button that's easy for callers to use.
5/5
Performance
Great video quality and smart features, though options are limited without a paid plan. No battery; requires a wired connection.
4/5
The easiest video doorbell to use
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)3. Doro Hemma
Best for ease of use and securityOur expert review:
SpecificationsResolution: 1440pFootage recording: 128GB storage on MicroSD cardAudio: Two-wayPower: BatteryToday's Best DealsCheck Black Friday at Amazon SingaporeView at doro.comReasons to buy+Great features such as siren and assist buttons to help when an unknown knock occurs+Straightforward setup+Great app that showcases the important features front and centerReasons to avoid-Lack of HomeKit support is a shame-Battery needs recharging every weekBuy it if✅ You want an accessible video doorbell: Doro's Hemma Doorbell is a great first video doorbell, and is designed with seniors in mind.
✅ You don't want to pay a monthly subscription fee: This doorbell keeps things as simple as possible, with just a one-off payment for the hardware.
Don't buy it if❌ You want a doorbell to integrate with your smart home: The Doro Hemma isn't compatible with Google Home, Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa.
❌ You want a doorbell you don't have to charge: There's no wired version or solar panel, so you'll need to take the doorbell down to charge it occasionally.
UK-based company Doro makes tech with senior users in mind, but the Hemma doorbell is a great pick for anyone who wants a video doorbell that's affordable, well made, and easy to use.
The doorbell itself is easy to install and charge (which you'll need to do every 10 days), and our reviewer found the mobile app refreshingly straightforward, putting key features at your fingertips, including thoughtful security features. For example, if you don't recognize a visitor, you can redirect the call to a friend or neighbor, or sound a loud siren to attract attention. There was minimal lag when we used two-way audio to speak with visitors (no more than you'd expect on a Zoom call).
For us, the only drawback was that the motion sensor seemed to be a bit too sensitive, generating false alerts when neighbors passed by, but this is unlikely to be a problem if you live in a detached house, and you can always choose to deactivate it if not.
Read our full Doro Hemma review
Swipe to scroll horizontallyDoro Hemma: report cardAttribute
Notes
Rating
Value
Well priced for a wireless video doorbell, with no monthly subscription fee to pay.
4.5/5
Design
Simple and easy to use. Some home owners may think the white case looks stark.
4.5/5
Performance
Video is clear and the app lets you chat in real time with minimal delay, but motion detection is over-sensitive.
4/5
Recent updatesThe Doro Hemma won the prize for best video doorbell in the 2024 TechRadar Choice Awards.
The best video doorbell for package deliveries
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(Image credit: Daniel Hessel)
(Image credit: Daniel Hessel)
(Image credit: Daniel Hessel)
(Image credit: Daniel Hessel)
(Image credit: Daniel Hessel)4. Eufy Video Doorbell Dual
The best video doorbell for viewing packagesOur expert review:
SpecificationsResolution: 2560 ×1920Footage recording: 16GB of free local storage using base stationAudio: Two-wayPower: BatteryToday's Best DealsCheck Black Friday at Amazon SingaporeReasons to buy+Two cameras provide an expanded view+No subscription required+Battery-operatedReasons to avoid-Bulkier than most video doorbells-Doorbell out of action when unit requires charging-No HomeKit supportBuy it if✅ You receive a lot of packages: The additional downward-facing camera and delivery detection make this doorbell ideal for anyone who receives a lot of parcels.
✅ You want facial recognition: This doorbell can recognize faces and lets you assign names to them, making it easy to see at a glance it’s a friend/family member at your door.
Don't buy it if❌ You want a sleek, slim device: It may not be as big as the Ring Video Doorbell 4, but this model from Eufy is still relatively chunky.
❌ You use Apple HomeKit: Plenty of Eufy devices support HomeKit; but this isn’t one of them.
With not one but two cameras, one of which faces the ground, this video doorbell is ideal for anyone that gets lots of deliveries. Not only does the second camera pick up any parcels that might be at the feet of anyone at your doorstep, but handy features, including pre-record messages that can be broadcast when anyone approaches said package, are good for deterring any would-be opportunist thieves.
Like the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wireless), which appears further down in this list, the Video Doorbell Dual is battery-powered, making it suitable for renters or DIY novices. Even better, it ships with a base station that offers 16GB of local storage for videos recorded by the doorbell, so no subscription is required to get the most out of it.
However, it's bulkier than many doorbells on this list, and the battery isn't swappable, so the doorbell will be out of action when it needs recharging. Also, while it integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant, Apple fans will be dismayed to hear there's no HomeKit support. That said, this doorbell could prove invaluable if you get regular deliveries when you're not at home.
Read our full Eufy Video Doorbell Dual review
Swipe to scroll horizontallyEufy Video Doorbell Dual: report cardAttribute
Notes
Rating
Value
Relatively expensive for a video doorbell, but includes base station and doesn't require a monthly subscription.
4.5/5
Design
Fairly bulky, but has two cameras for increased video coverage. Can be used wired or wireless.
4/5
Performance
Video is clear and super detailed, built-in speaker and mic are solid, and bundled base station offers local storage for footage.
5/5
The best battery-powered video doorbell
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)5. Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus
The best wireless video doorbellOur expert review:
SpecificationsResolution: 1536 x 1536Footage recording: Unlimited video for up to 30 days with subscriptionAudio: Two-wayPower: BatteryToday's Best DealsView at AmazonReasons to buy+New head-to-toe view+Improved camera quality+Improved battery lifeReasons to avoid-Best features hidden behind subscription-2.4GHz Wi-Fi only -ExpensiveBuy it if✅ You want a top-notch camera: The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus has hands-down one of the best cameras we’ve seen.
✅ You want to avoid frequent charging: This model offers greatly improved battery life, and its removable, rechargeable power pack is very convenient.
Don't buy it if❌ You don't want a subscription. It’s not compulsory, but you don’t get the most out of the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus unless you at least have the Ring Protect Basic membership.
❌ You can’t use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: If you struggle to get smart home devices to play ball with your home Wi-Fi, consider opting for a different doorbell.
The new Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus brings some marked improvements to camera quality, as well as new intelligent features that make the upgrade well worthwhile. Its new head-to-toe view, in particular, makes a marked difference in everyday use.
The new model is packing a new camera with 1536p resolution, night vision with color, and a snazzy new head-to-toe view thanks to the increased vertical field of view (150 degrees by 150 degrees), and is a noticeable iterative improvement on the Ring Video Doorbell 4 for an ever-so-slightly higher price. Ring also says the Battery Video Doorbell Plus offers up to three times the battery life of previous models.
There are some downgrades among the upgrades, however. There's no pre-roll (which captures motion four seconds before a motion event is triggered), 5GHz connectivity, or motion alerts on compatible Amazon Echo devices. However, the head-to-toe view, improved overall motion detection and battery life go a long way to making the extra expense worth it.
Read our full Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus review
Swipe to scroll horizontallyRing Battery Video Doorbell Plus: report cardAttribute
Notes
Score
Value
While the doorbell itself is moderately priced, the ongoing cost of Ring Protect sours the price significantly.
3.5/5
Design
It's a familiar design by this point, but a solid and inoffensive one - I'd love to see Ring completely reinvent its standard form soon, though
4/5
Performance
With its upgraded camera quality and advanced features, this is one of the best video doorbells we've seen.
4.5/5
The best video doorbell with no subscription
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)6. EZVIZ EP3x Pro Doorbell
The best video doorbell with no subscriptionOur expert review:
SpecificationsResolution: 2KFootage recording: 32GB internal storageAudio: Two-wayPower: BatteryToday's Best DealsCheck Black Friday at Amazon SingaporeView at ezviz.comReasons to buy+32GB built-in storage that can store up to six months of clips+Very useful solar charger+Great camerasReasons to avoid-App can be confusing to use-Slow notifications can be a concernBuy it if✅ You want a doorbell without a paid subscription: Yes, you can use every feature that the EP3x Pro provides without paying a monthly fee, with 32GB on-board storage.
✅ You want something wireless and reliable: The battery in the EP3x Pro lasts a long time, but if you forget to charge it, the included solar panel will keep it running.
Don't buy it if❌ You need instant notifications: There were times when we received a notification five minutes after someone rang the bell.
❌ You're on a budget: The EP3x Pro isn't cheap, but it doesn't require a monthly subscription, so the high price may be justified
The EZVIZ EP3x Pro is a great option if you want to hang onto videos for a long time without having to commit to a rolling subscription fee. That's because this doorbell has a remarkable 32GB internal storage, which lets you store up to six months of footage that you can scour through at a later date.
It's certainly not small (in fact it's one of the biggest video doorbells we've tested), but there's no arguing with its built quality. Video is super clear too, even at night, when the EP3x Pro emits a bright floodlight to illuminate nocturnal visitors.
All of this comes at a surprisingly affordable price - the doorbell retails for a mid-range price $149.99 / £129.99 (about AU$220), but can often be found at a discount if you know where to look. We've found today's best prices for you above.
Read our full EZVIZ EP3x Pro Doorbell review
Swipe to scroll horizontallyEZVIZ EP3x Pro: report cardAttribute
Notes
Rating
Value
Competitively priced, with no subscription fee necessary, unlike most similarly specced video doorbells.
5/5
Design
Clean and practical design with well placed high-res cameras, though some may find the solar charger ugly.
4.5/5
Performance
Video is clear and motion detection works well, though notifications were sometimes delayed.
4.5/5
The best video doorbell for Google Home
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(Image credit: James Holland)
(Image credit: James Holland)
(Image credit: James Holland)
(Image credit: James Holland)
(Image credit: James Holland)
(Image credit: James Holland)7. Lorex 4K Battery Doorbell
Google and Alexa compatibility, plus super-crisp footageOur expert review:
SpecificationsResolution: 4KFootage recording: Internal SD cardAudio: Two-wayPower: BatteryToday's Best DealsCheck Black Friday at Amazon SingaporeReasons to buy+Sharp 4K video quality with a helpful head-to-toe aspect ratio+Both wired and wireless connectivity+Easy installationReasons to avoid-Battery seems to run down quickly-No independent ringerBuy it if✅ You want to see everything in front of your door: Thanks to that 9:16 aspect ratio and 4K resolution, you get a full view of whoever and whatever is there.
✅ You want voice assistant support: This doorbell works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Don't buy it if❌ You want a long-lasting wireless doorbell: During our tests, the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell needed to be recharged almost weekly.
❌ You’re limited on funds: Not only is it a bit pricey for a video doorbell, it doesn’t come with a doorbell chime, which is sold separately.
Even the best video doorbells usually only record at 2K resolution, but ones that can capture 4K footage from your doorstep are starting to become more common. This new model from Lorex is one of the best examples, and during our tests, we were particularly impressed by the way its wide viewing angles give you a super clear view of people, packages, and more.
It's also great if you're looking for a video doorbell that you can use with a smart speaker or one of the best smart displays, thanks to its compatibility with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Unlike some other models, this is a doorbell that can integrate seamlessly into your existing smart home setup.
It's certainly not the cheapest doorbell in this listing, but your super-sharp footage is stored on an internal SD card, so there's no need to pay a monthly subscription fee to see your videos.
We also found its battery life to be shorter than average (possibly due to the energy demands of its high-res camera), and at the time of writing it's only available to buy in the US.
Read our full Lorex 4K Battery Doorbell review
Swipe to scroll horizontallyLorex 4K Battery Doorbell: report cardAttribute
Notes
Score
Value
Except for the fact that the chime must be purchased separately, the price is about what one would expect for a 4K video doorbell.
4/5
Design
Not only does it come with a microSD reader (and included card), but it has two differently angled brackets.
4.5/5
Performance
The high resolution and aspect ratio are big pluses, but the battery life is not.
4/5
The best video doorbell with AI
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(Image credit: Chris Price)
(Image credit: Chris Price)
(Image credit: Chris Price)
(Image credit: Chris Price)8. SwannBuddy4K
A doorbell with smart replies, and even better video qualityOur expert review:
SpecificationsResolution: 4KFootage recording: MicroSD card up to 128GBAudio: Two-wayPower: BatteryToday's Best DealsCheck Black Friday at Amazon SingaporeReasons to buy+Excellent software+Superb video quality+Local MicroSD storageReasons to avoid-Only compatible with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi-‘AI’ voice assistant is a bit of a gimmick-Metal installation bracket isn’t great for some doorsBuy it if✅ You want pre-recorded voice messages: This video doorbell offers several messages to play to those who come to your door.
✅ You don’t want to pay for a monthly plan: The Swann 4K video doorbell has a generous amount of local storage (up to 128GB).
Don't buy it if❌ You want to install at an angle: The device’s smallish metal bracket and fiddly anti-tamper screw are tricky to install on the architrave of a front door.
❌ You're on a limited budget: Although it’s not expensive, there are cheaper video doorbells out there to choose from
The SwannBuddy4K video doorbell launched in early 2024, but received a major software update later in the year that added something unique: AI voice responses generated on the fly in response to what's happening on your doorstep - with a tone of voice chosen by you.
It's an interesting idea, but during our tests it was this doorbell's superb video quality and well-designed software that really impressed us - it's exceptional even without the new voice assistant. We found it refreshingly simple to install (though the metal mount may limit your options when it comes to positioning a little depending on your doorframe), and the mobile app makes customizing settings and defining detection zones a piece of cake.
We also appreciated the fact that the SwannBuddy4K offers internal storage via a MicroSD card, so there's no need to pay a monthly fee to access your video archives (though a subscription plan is available if you want cloud storage as well). This, combined with the relatively low initial cost and frequent discounts, makes the SwannBuddy4K particularly good value.
Read our full SwannBuddy4K review
Swipe to scroll horizontallySwannBuddy4K: report cardAttribute
Notes
Rating
Value
The SwannBuddy isn’t the cheapest video doorbell on the market, but usefully it comes with a 32GB MicroSD slot (upgradeable to 128GB) so you don’t have to pay a monthly subscription.
4/5
Design
A well-built and sturdy unit, but the metal mounting bracket and anti-tamper screw make it difficult to install on some doors with decorative edges.
3.5/5
Performance
The SwannBuddy offers outstanding extremely high quality images, both day and night. However, the SwannShield voice assistant is a little bit of a gimmick.
4/5
Average score
Swann is a trusted name in the industry and, generally, this video doorbell doesn’t disappoint. However, it would be nice to see greater flexibility when it comes to installation and improvements made to the SwannShield voice assistant over time.
4/5
We also tested
We've tested lots of video doorbells here at TechRadar. Here are some that didn't quite make our shortlist.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4
This stylish video doorbell impressed us with its Apple HomeKit compatibility and ease of use, but footage looked more pixilated than we'd like, and its field of view is narrower than that of the Ring Video Doorbell Pro. The tamper alarm also triggered whenever we tried to replace the batteries.
Read our full Aqara Video Doorbell G4 review
Reolink Doorbell (Battery)
This wireless video doorbell is well-constructed, easy to install, and subscription-free. However, it goes into standby mode to save power, and takes up to 10 seconds to 'wake' when it detects motion, compared to 2-3 seconds for most other doorbells. Its battery life seems quite short as well.
Read our full Reolink Doorbell (Battery) review
Yale Smart Video Doorbell
This good-looking doorbell is great value for money, particularly if you forego the premium subscription (though you'll miss out on a few features by doing so). Image and sound quality is respectable too, but there was a noticeable delay when speaking to visitors at the door.
Read our full Yale Smart Video Doorbell review
Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro
This is an excellent doorbell, but for us, it's beaten by the more affordably priced Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus, which we think offers a better balance of features for the price.
Read our full Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro review
How we test video doorbells
All the video doorbells which you have seen in this guide have been reviewed in the homes of our contributors and editors to ensure we know how they handle real homes and real-world conditions. We take our testing as seriously as we would if we were spending our own hard-earned cash, because we don't want you to waste yours.
To compare the best video doorbells, we review the quality of the footage they capture both during the day and at night. We also judge the sound quality of the video, as well as how easy it is to have a conversation with someone on the doorstep.
We also assess the ease of installation and, if relevant, the battery life, along with how simple the app is to navigate and the benefits offered by any subscription services. Many such services offer secure storage for footage and more advanced features designed to identify what triggered a motion alert and reduce unwanted notifications about activity in the doorbell’s field of view.
FAQs
Why do I need a video doorbell?
Video doorbells are a great example of tech that seems unnecessary until you have it, at which point it becomes impossible to imagine life without it. The main benefit is that you can see a video of who is standing outside your front door, but there are plenty of other features that you can find just as valuable – and this is one of the few smart home devices that can suit homeowners and renters alike.
Video doorbells' best feature is that they can answer the door when you are not in. By this we don't mean they physically open the door; they enable you to tell delivery drivers where to put parcels, for example.
Most video doorbells also sync with other smart home devices such as security cameras and smart alarms, usually (but not always) with the condition that the other devices need to be by the same brand. You'll usually find that you can connect each of the smart devices to your Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit smart home system so you can respond to activity outside or inside the home without having to lift a finger. Essentially, once you've got a video doorbell, you won't go back.
How do video doorbells work?
Video doorbells work the same way as home security cameras, connecting to your home Wi-Fi and sending a notification to your smartphone if motion is detected. You can log in and view a live feed from the camera and even converse with whoever is at your threshold. Alternatively, you can ignore the notification and review the footage at a later date, provided you have a subscription where necessary.
The higher the resolution of the doorbell’s camera, the more detailed the footage. In addition, some video doorbells offer a wider field of view so you can see the full length of the person at the door and any packages they may have with them: the latest Ring Video Doorbell Plus has an unusual full-height view that enables you to see callers from top to toe.
Our article, how do video doorbells work, tells you more.
Do video doorbells work with Alexa (and other voice assistants)?
Most video doorbells work with Alexa, and other voice assistants such as Google Assistant or HomeKit, so a compatible smart speaker in your home will announce and play an audible alert when someone is at the door and let you converse with them through the speaker. The most comprehensive Alexa integration comes from doorbells from Amazon-owned brand Ring and Blink, which has recently released its first video doorbell, the Blink Video Doorbell. Find out how the two brands compare by reading Blink vs Ring.
On top of that, if you have one of the best smart displays, such as an Amazon Echo Show 10, you can also view the doorbell's feed on its screen. A handful of video doorbells work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit; others only work with one or two of these voice assistants.
It's very important to check smart home compatibility when you're looking at doorbells: you shouldn't assume that a doorbell will work with your smart home platform unless it's specifically listed as such. That's particularly true if you use Apple HomeKit: it's one of the least well-supported smart home platforms here.
How to choose the best video doorbell
There are several key factors you need to consider before choosing the best video doorbell for you and your household.
Battery vs wired
Video doorbells are widely available in both battery and mains-powered options, meaning that your current preferences and setup could help you choose. For example, those who already have existing wiring for an old doorbell might find it easier to choose a hardwired option. At the same time, renters could be better suited to a battery-powered model.
If you do opt for a mains-powered doorbell and aren't completely confident about working on your home's wiring, ensure you opt for professional installation. Meanwhile, a battery-powered alternative requires far less DIY and can be a better alternative despite needing to be regularly charged.
Additional extras
However, you may need to purchase an additional chime to hear a sound inside your house when the doorbell is pressed or set up a compatible smart speaker or smart display to do this for you. The quality of the video doorbell records video in should also be considered - most record footage in Full HD. In contrast, others offer a higher resolution, which is ideal if you have a long driveway and want to clearly see small details in the field of view.
Aspect ratio
If you get a lot of deliveries, also consider a video doorbell that offers a 1:1 aspect ratio - so you’ll be able to see the full length of someone on your doorstep and if they have a package at their feet too.
Storage and subscriptions
Finally, consider how the video the camera captures is stored - does it require a subscription to save the video in the cloud so it can go back and be reviewed after it has happened? These will set you back a little extra each month, so remember to factor in this cost. Some video doorbells offer local storage, so you don’t have any ongoing costs associated with the camera, while others provide free cloud storage for a limited time after the video has been recorded.
- Check out the best Ring video doorbell deals and prices
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Cat EllisSocial Links NavigationHomes EditorCat is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, having worked on print magazines including PC Plus and PC Format, and is a Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) certified barista. Whether you want to invest in some smart lights or pick up a new espresso machine, she's the right person to help.
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