Reviews Report
- The best video doorbell cameras include popular features such as two-way audio, motion detection and smart home compatibility.
- The best video doorbell based on our evaluation is Blue by ADT’s Video Doorbell Camera. But SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro is a runner-up.
Video doorbells give you extra surveillance and control of your home. You’ll get more than just a peephole view with digital panning, tilting, and zoom functions from your smartphone. Today, the best video doorbells give you full control of your home’s surveillance with easy-to-control features on your smartphone.
We narrowed down the best video doorbells based on smart home compatibility, video resolution, night vision, and other must-haves. Each video doorbell was also evaluated based on price, installation, and useability. We’ve selected the top five video doorbells to help you choose from the industry’s best.
The 5 Best Video Doorbell Cameras
- SimpliSafe Doorbell Pro: Best for Budget
- Ring Video Doorbell 3: Best for Installation
- Google Nest Hello: Best for Smart Features
- Arlo Essential Wireless: Best for Video Storage
- Blue by ADT Doorbell Camera: Best for Mobile App Control
Compare the Best Video Doorbell Cameras
| SimpliSafe Doorbell Pro | Ring Doorbell 3 | Google Nest Hello | Arlo Essentials Wireless | Blue by ADT Doorbell Camera | |
| Reviews.com Score | 3.8 | 3 | 2.8 | 3.8 | 4 |
| Price | $169 | $229 | $229 | $199.99 | $199.99 |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080p | 1920 x 1080p | 1600 x 1200p | 1920 x 1080p | 1920 x 1080p |
| Field of View | 162 degree | 160 degrees | 160 degrees | 180 degrees | 180 degrees |
| Night Vision | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Information accurate as of March 2021
Best for Budget
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Dual sensor trigger for personal alerts
- Easy mobile app controls
- Works as a standalone
Cons
- Requires Wi-Fi
- Requires existing doorbell wiring
- Subscription required for cloud storage
Features
- Two-way audio
- Night vision
- Door chime
- Motion detection
Storage
30 days of cloud storage for up to 10 cameras for an average of $25/mo.
Best for Installation
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Battery-powered video doorbell without wiring
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- People-Only Mode to only detect people
Cons
- Doesn’t work with Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit
- Subscription required for some features
- Live preview not included
Features
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- Customizable motion zones
- Live video and audio with mobile app
Storage
- 60 days of cloud storage starting at $3/mo.
Best for Smart Features
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Includes prerecorded messages
- Optional professional installation
- Continuous video recording available
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- Doesn’t work with Amazon Alexa
- No battery-powered option available
Features
- Person alerts
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- Quiet time feature
Price
- $229 for the video doorbell
- 30 days of cloud storage for $6/mo.
- 60 days of cloud storage and 10 days of continuous video history for $12/mo.
Best for Video Storage
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Doesn’t require doorbell wiring
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- Subscription required for some features
- Wi-Fi connection required
- Doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit
Features
- Object detection
- Intelligent alerts
- Activity zones
- Two-way audio
Price
- 30 days of cloud storage in 2K resolution for $2.99/mo. for one camera, or $9.99/mo. for up to 5 cameras
- 30 days of cloud storage in 4K resolution for $4.99/mo. for one camera, or $14.99/mo. for up to 5 cameras
Best for Mobile App Control
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- Works as a standalone doorbell camera, with Blue by ADT or LifeShield systems
Cons
- Existing doorbell wiring required
- Additional fee for cloud storage for multiple cameras
- Doesn’t work with Google Assistant or IFTTT
Features
- Custom motion detection zones
- Facial recognition
- Two-way audio
- Night vision
Price
- $6 per month for 30 days of cloud storage
Video Doorbell Cameras: What You Need to Know
Both video doorbells and security cameras come with features to help improve home surveillance and security. Both include motion-triggered mobile alerts, night vision, video recording, and video storage. But video doorbell cameras are slightly different from today’s security cameras.
Doorbell cameras are primarily used to monitor your porch or door. The field of view is often not as wide as a security camera’s, but users may have more control features to interact with guests such as two-way audio, person detection alerts, and prerecorded messages.
How video doorbells work
Video doorbells are easy to work with, even when you’re not home. The camera’s motion sensor will send an instant mobile alert if there’s any activity. Some doorbell cameras show a live preview with the notification so users can see what’s happening before opening the app. Users can also answer using the camera’s two-way audio, or send a prerecorded message while away.
If you’re unable to see the live activity right away, the best cameras will record and save all video clips on the app to playback later on a smartphone. The best doorbell cameras also come with additional features including sirens, LED motion-triggered lights, and customizable motion zones for extra peace of mind and home security system control.
How to Choose the Best Video Doorbell Camera
There are a few doorbell camera popular features you’ll want to look for when choosing the best one for your home. Here are a few popular features that our top picks include:
- Night vision: All of the best doorbell cameras are equipped with night vision to transmit a clear view outside of the home in the dark. Some doorbell cameras have color night vision for a better view of activity in the dark. Keep in mind that the night vision range varies.
- Power source and installation: Some doorbell cameras, like the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro, require an existing doorbell wiring for installation and power. Others require an AC power outlet and come with a backup battery for power outages. But, if you’re a renter or looking for hassle-free installation, we recommend a battery-powered video doorbell with a rechargeable battery pack.
- Smart home compatibility: Depending on the doorbell, users can also control settings using a voice assistant for hands-free commands. A screen-enabled Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant device may be able to show activity and allow access to other doorbell camera features.
- Two-way audio: Users speak to guests outside the door using the mobile app with two-way audio features. See and speak to guests using the camera’s microphone and speaker — even when you’re not home. Some video doorbells also include noise and echo cancellation for a crisper sound.
- Motion detection: Doorbell cameras take out the guesswork of wondering if someone’s at your door. If a camera’s sensor notices activity users receive a mobile alert before hearing the chime. And with a live activity feed from a smartphone, users can determine to answer the door or not.
Video Doorbell FAQ
Methodology
We evaluated doorbell cameras based on price, operating temperatures, warranty, field of view, and resolution to determine Reviews.com scores and create our best video doorbell camera reviews. To compare video doorbell cameras with other products across the board, we calculate each Reviews.com score based on the following:
- Price: The lower the cost of a video doorbell camera’s price, the higher the score. Inversely, the higher the cost, the lower the score in this metric.
- Resolution: Cameras with higher resolutions were awarded higher scores, because we believe that it is important to see as much detail as possible with doorbell cameras.
- Warranty: Doorbell cameras with longer warranties scored higher than camera manufacturers with shorter or no warranties available.
- Field of View: We compared the field of views for each doorbell security camera and awarded higher scores to products with wider fields of view in this metric.
- Weather Rating: Operating temperature helps determine the weather at which a camera can withstand. Because doorbell cameras are primarily placed outside and must face the elements, products with a wider range of operating temperatures, typically -4 to over 140 degrees Fahrenheit, received higher scores.
About the Authors
Erica Mace is a freelance writer based in Provo, Utah. She writes extensively in the home security and automation fields, and has written for brands including Vivint, Your Local Security, Abodo, and the Smart Home Blog.
