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The Best Smart Doorbell Camera for Your Security

A smart doorbell camera allows you to see who’s on the other side of your door, even when you aren’t home, so that you can feel home. We recommend the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wired because it delivers fewer false alerts than any other video doorbell tested.  It also has a subscription plan that improves these alerts by distinguishing among people, animals, cars, and packages. If you don’t have existing doorbell wiring, the Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K (Battery-Powered) is an easy to use option we recommend. It has great image quality, and its battery can deliver about four months of service on a full charge. 

    Things to consider

   → Storage options

Storing video on a memory card is convenient and free. But for security’s sake, we prefer models that save footage in the cloud.

    →Video quality
 

Look for models that capture video at 1080p resolution or greater; 2K provides even more detail.

   → Power Source
 

Wired doorbells are lower-maintenance, since battery-operated models need to be recharged every few weeks or months.

   → Specific alerts
 

All cameras respond to movement, but some can distinguish among people, pets, passing vehicles, and package deliveries.

 

The best smart doorbell camera

This slick doorbell can alert you to packages on your porch, as well as to people, animals, and cars going by. Its wide, 180-degree field of view and square aspect ratio reduce blind spots so you can see people and packages.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (with a compatible base station, such as the Arlo SmartHub), Google Assistant, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings

The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wired is our top pick because—along with its great hardware and fast response times—it can accurately distinguish among people, animals, vehicles, or packages. This means it also keeps false alerts (a problem with many other models) to a minimum. For that advanced sensing and the ability to capture video clips up to five minutes long, you need a $4-per-month Arlo Secure subscription. But we find these features to be essential, and the price is fair (otherwise you’re restricted to motion/bell alerts and live video streaming). The Arlo doorbell camera also captures crisp video, with a 1536×1536 resolution and a wide, 180-degree viewing angle in a square format; this provides a comprehensive vertical and horizontal view of what’s going on in front of your door, whether it’s your Amazon delivery or visiting squirrels.

 

A subscription-free hardwired option

This affordable smart doorbell packs a lot of complex features, including a 2K image, person detection, local storage, customizable responses, and a separate wireless chime.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

The Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K (Wired) has a lot of included features that most other companies charge for, including enough internal memory to store up to 30 days’ worth of video and the ability to distinguish between people and other motion, such as from birds or swaying branches. The wired Eufy doesn’t have as wide a viewing angle as the Arlo, but it creates clear recordings (as long as it detects motion) for up to five minutes. It stores those clips in its 4 gigabytes of built-in memory or Eufy’s cloud service (which offers 30 days of history for $3 per month per camera, or $30 per year per camera). Although this Eufy model draws power from your existing doorbell wires, it doesn’t work with your existing chime. But it does come with its own wireless plug-in chime, so that isn’t really a problem.

The best battery-operated doorbell camera

Similar to our runner-up model, this doorbell offers a clear 2K image and options for cloud and local storage. However, it doesn’t need doorbell wiring because it has a battery that can operate for up to four months on a full charge.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Just because you don’t have doorbell wiring doesn’t mean you can’t have a video doorbell. We like the Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K (Battery-Powered) because it combines solid performance with a strong battery that lasts about four months. It can store up to six months’ worth of footage on the included base station, or you can opt for Eufy’s cloud service, which offers 30 days of video history for $3 per month per camera (or $30 per year per camera). It also delivers a bright 2K image and clear two-way audio. Unlike with its hardwired counterpart, with this model recording is limited to 60-second clips. And, as with many battery-operated models, this one may leave a small gap in between those events if motion continues. However, this model’s performance and flexibility make it the best option for people who need to go wire-free.

For advanced security

The Nest offers around-the-clock video recording, with AI-powered motion detection and facial recognition, so it’s a great home-security option. For simply watching your door, it’s overkill.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings

The Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) is the most advanced DIY smart doorbell camera we’ve tested. Unlike most smart doorbells, it can record and store video in the cloud 24/7. But it does so at 1600×1200 pixels, which is still crisp but a slightly lower resolution than that of our top two picks. For easy access, Google’s cloud service also automatically tags clips that include motion or people, using facial-recognition software to learn and identify over time who is coming and going. This comprehensive approach comes with an elevated price, however: A Nest Aware subscription, which is essential for video recording, costs $6 a month to capture motion events and store them for 30 days; it costs $12 per month to store events for 60 days or to store 24/7 recording for 10 days. So the operating costs are higher than for most doorbell cameras we tested. (If you pay annually, you can save a few bucks, from $12 up to $24 for the top-tier plan.)

An affordable alternative

The wire-free eufy video doorbell offers a clear 1080p view with advanced WDR and 4:3 aspect ratio, and provides 120 days of coverage on a single charge. There’s no subscription required, and installation is easy on any doorframe. Your footage is stored securely on the device and requires a micro-SD card.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

See who’s at your door in Full HD! The eufy security, Battery Video Doorbell Kit has advanced WDR and 4:3 aspect ratio provide a clear and color accurate view every time. With the wire-free eufy video doorbell and Wi-Fi chime, you’ll have 120 days of front door security on a single charge. No need for a subscription! Installation is a breeze and can be done in minutes. The slim and sleek design allows for a seamless fit on any doorframe. Your footage is stored locally and securely on the Wi-Fi doorbell chime inside your home through advanced encryption, so you can have peace of mind. (Requires micro-SD Card)

Wireless or wired (Your Choice)

The Ring Video Doorbell comes in two colors – Bronze and Silver. It allows you to see, hear, and speak to visitors from your phone. You can receive mobile notifications when someone presses the doorbell or triggers the motion sensors.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, IFTTT (Google & Apple)

The Ring Video Doorbell is a high-quality device that allows you to see, hear, and speak to anyone from your phone, tablet, or PC. It has been updated to include better motion detection, privacy zones, and night vision. You can also receive mobile notifications when someone presses the doorbell or triggers the motion sensors. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery or connects to existing doorbell wires for constant power. It’s easy to set up and connect to your home WiFi network using the Ring app and the included tools. With a Ring Protect Plan (subscription sold separately), you can record all your videos, review them for up to 180 days, and share them with others. The device can also be paired with select Alexa-enabled devices to enable announcements and two-way talk for convenient in-home monitoring. With a Ring Protect plan, Alexa can even make voice announcements and show live video feed on an Echo Show, Fire TV, or Fire Tablet when your Ring doorbell detects a person or package.

Home security is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, and one of the most effective ways to protect your property is through the use of a front doorbell camera. A front doorbell camera is a smart device that allows you to see who is at your door and monitor any suspicious activity, even when you’re not home. Here are some of the reasons why having a front doorbell camera is crucial for improving your home security:

Our first recommendation is aa front doorbell camera because it acts as a deterrent for potential burglars and intruders.

Most burglars will approach a home with the intention of breaking in through the front door. With a visible camera, they are less likely to attempt a break-in, as the risk of being caught on camera is much higher. In fact, according to a recent survey by the University of North Carolina, over 60% of burglars would avoid a home with a visible security camera.

Front doorbell cameras provide you with real-time information about who is at your door, and allow you to communicate with them remotely. This is particularly useful if you are away from home, as it allows you to monitor any deliveries or visitors, and even communicate with them using the two-way audio feature of the camera. You can also use the camera to monitor any suspicious activity, such as someone trying to break in through your front door.

Keep in mind, front doorbell cameras are very easy to install and use. They typically connect to your home Wi-Fi network and can be controlled using a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. This means you can access the camera feed from anywhere, at any time, and receive notifications when someone is at your door.

Don’t forget, front doorbell cameras are an affordable and effective way to improve your home security. If the list we have above is over your budget, search for upcoming deals or discounts and check out the current deal on Blink Doorbell Camera under $50. With a wide range of options available on the market, you can choose a camera that suits your budget and specific security needs.

In conclusion, a front doorbell camera is a crucial tool for improving your home security. Not only does it act as a deterrent for potential burglars, but it also provides you with real-time information about who is at your door and allows you to communicate with them remotely. With easy installation and use, and a wide range of affordable options available, there’s no reason not to invest in a front doorbell camera for your home.

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