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Video doorbells provide a host of exciting features, as well as increased security for your home. We conducted research about today’s most popular video doorbells, and we’ve selected three of the best. Based on their app functionality, variety of notifications, video quality, and free doorbell camera features, we chose the Nest Hello, Arlo Video Doorbell, and Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus as our top contenders.
The 3 Best Video Doorbells
- Nest Hello: Best App
- Arlo Video Doorbell: Best Price
- Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus: Best Overall
Comparison Chart
| Price starting at | Field of Vision | Video Resolution | |
| Nest Hello | $0 / month | 160 degrees | 1600 x 1200 p |
| Arlo Video Doorbell | $0 / month | 180 degrees | 1536 x 1536 p |
| Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus | $0 / month | 160 degrees | 1920 x 1080 p |
*Data as of 5/2/2020
Nest Hello
Pros
Appearance
Camera abilities
Integrations
Cons
Restrictive temperature range
No vertical wedge included
Pricing
- Basic Plan: Free
- 5-day Plan: $5/month or $50 yearly
- 10-day Plan: $10/month or $100 yearly
- 30-day Plan: $30/month or $300 yearly
For $229, the Nest Hello video doorbell features HD video quality, night vision, pre-recorded responses, basic alerts, and Person Seen alerts. It withstands temperatures from 5 to 104-degrees Fahrenheit. With a Nest Aware subscription, add features such as intelligent motion alerts, package detection, Familiar Face alerts, motion activity zones, and cloud video storage.
Most Nest Hello purchases come with a free trial of Nest Aware. For permanent use of the advanced features, choose the 5-day Nest Aware plan and enable five days of recorded video storage. For additional storage, 10-day and 30-day options are also available. Nest Hello comes with a two-year limited warranty.
Customer Service
Google-owned Nest has extensive online resources for answering user questions, and the Nest app receives excellent ratings on both Android and iOS platforms. Installation is fairly simple, but if you’d rather, you can book professional installation with OnTech for $99.99.
Phone support is not currently available, but customer service is active online through Twitter, Facebook, and direct messages on Google’s sites.
Compatibility
Nest Hello syncs with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and connects through Wi-Fi to other home security devices. Its Person Seen alerts distinguish between people and other types of motion, and Nest Aware subscribers can access Familiar Faces for facial recognition. Users can also temporarily silence the sound of the doorbell with Quiet Time.
Related: Nest Thermostat Review
Arlo Video Doorbell
Pricing
- Basic Plan: Free
- Arlo Smart Premier Plan: $2.99/month for one camera
- Arlo Smart Elite Plan: $4.99/month for one camera
The $149.99 Arlo Video Doorbell features a 180-degree viewing angle, 12x digital zoom, built-in siren, and two-way talk. It’s weatherproof and withstands temperatures between -4 and 113-degrees Fahrenheit. Select from prerecorded voice messages when the doorbell rings, or answer it live from your phone. The doorbell comes with a one-year warranty and a three-month trial of an Arlo Smart subscription.
The Premier and Elite Plans come with 30-day video storage, intelligent alerts, package detection, person detection, and customized alerts. Premier stores videos in 2K resolution, while Elite pairs with 4K cameras to store videos in 4K quality.
Customer Service
The Arlo app usually performs well, but as always, strong Wi-Fi enables quicker notifications. Phone support is available with Arlo Smart subscriptions, and customer service online chat is available to all Arlo users.
The doorbell comes with an instruction book, as well as app support and video walk-throughs. Some users found that it was difficult to install on stucco houses, but for the most part, installation is intuitive. Older doorbells may need a transformer, but this is standard for any new video doorbell.
Compatibility
Amazon Alexa syncs with the Arlo Video Doorbell, and it’s easy to control via a smartphone. Arlo Smart subscriptions enable smart person detection alerts, but not to the level of exact facial recognition.
Related: Best Home Security Cameras
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
Pricing
- Free Plan: No cost
- Basic Plan: $3/month or $30/year
- Plus Plan: $10/month or $100/year
The free plan allows live-stream video access and two-way talk with doorstep visitors, not to mention the exciting Pre-Roll feature that captures four seconds of footage before a visitor rings the bell. To store the footage, subscribe to a Ring Protect plan, otherwise, the footage is stored as a picture-in-picture in Live View. All who purchase the doorbell receive a free 30-day trial of Ring Protect.
The Basic Plan connects one device with 30 days of video and photo storage, in addition to an extended warranty and various other features. The Plus Plan offers the same features, but for all connected Ring devices in the home. Regardless of the plan, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus withstands temperatures from -5 to 120-degrees Fahrenheit and offers advanced motion detection.
Customer Service
Ring provides good customer service, though some users experience connectivity and notification issues with older Ring cameras. Fortunately, Ring offers trade-in programs for older Ring devices.
Installation is fairly simple, beginning with the app setup. After removing your previous doorbell, mount the new bracket, drill screws, and then connect the wires. Place the doorbell on the bracket and screw in place, and then enjoy!
Compatibility
Users can control the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus with Amazon Alexa, and those with a Basic or Pro Plan can upgrade their notifications to “People Only” for more tailored alerts. It doesn’t go as far as specific facial recognition, but the Pre-Roll feature adds extra detail that most cameras don’t.
Related: Ring Alarm Review
How We Chose the Best Video Doorbells
We reviewed multiple doorbell cameras, looking for app functionality, user experience, and more. Based on app reviews, technical specs, and customer comments, these video doorbell cameras perform better than their competitors.
Video Doorbell FAQ
Do doorbell cameras have a monthly fee?
Most doorbell cameras function without a monthly fee, though many require a subscription to access desirable features and cloud video storage.
Can a doorbell camera actually make you safer?
Depending on their usage, doorbell cameras can deter thieves. Safety depends on many variables, however, a doorbell camera can’t necessarily compensate for other safety flaws.
Do doorbell cameras record all the time?
Most video doorbell cameras don’t record continuously. They rely on motion sensors to trigger the camera and then begin recording.
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.
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