Ever wish you could see who’s at the front door before you answer it? The best doorbell cameras let you screen and greet visitors right from your smartphone — even if you’re not home. These high-tech devices also double as security cameras, capturing what’s happening outside your door all day and night, even if you don’t have outdoor lights.
Experts Say
“While doorbell cameras are primarily for identifying visitors, people end up using them for all sorts of things, from tracking deliveries to monitoring activity around their homes.” —Kirk Macdowell, home security expert at Batten Safe
To find the best video doorbells, we tested eight popular models at our homes, logging over 6,000 hours of video footage. We evaluated each product on its setup, design, features, and ease of use, and the following seven models proved to be effective security tools we’d recommend for any home.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/arlo-video-doorbell-2k-2nd-generation-4c74863b259a4406948d4b53f447b1b6.jpg)
Throughout testing, the Arlo 2K Video Doorbell proved to be a versatile and easy-to-use security tool, and as a bonus, it’s more affordable than many other models. This doorbell was easy to set up, and we love that it can either be wired into your home or run off batteries, depending on what’s more convenient for you.
This doorbell delivered crisp, clear video footage and had the widest field of view of all the models we tested. Its motion detection was able to accurately identify people within the frame, and we were able to clearly speak with delivery drivers using the camera’s two-way audio. It also held up well against extreme weather — we tested it in Florida, where the temperature was often 100 degrees with an average of 90 percent humidity, and the camera had no performance issues.
The Arlo Video Doorbell does require a subscription for use, and there are three plan options to choose from, starting at $7.99 per month. We also noticed that the video occasionally lagged, and the app occasionally labeled dogs as humans in the motion detection alerts.
Dimensions: 1.85 x 1.45 x 5.63 inches | Type: Wired or wireless | Resolution: 2K | Field of View: 180 degrees diagonal
Experts Say
“Everyone should have a doorbell camera these days. They provide a significant measure of security and crime deterrence in monitoring your front door and recording suspicious activity.” —Harry Kazakian, Los Angeles–based private investigator
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/blink-video-doorbell-sync-module-2-doorbell-system-998c5831f38845a5b9083f17b0335e42.jpg)
-
Informative, user-friendly app
-
Adjustable motion detection settings
-
Syncs with other Blink security devices
Despite its under-$100 price, the Blink Video Doorbell performed excellently in our testing. It’s another option that can be used wired or wirelessly, giving you more flexibility with installation, and we found its app to be user-friendly, offering lots of helpful information about the product. The video footage was smooth and clear, and we loved that you could adjust the motion detection sensitivity so, for instance, it wouldn’t be triggered by car traffic out on the street.
Blink offers two subscription plans for this camera for as low as $3 per month, and the doorbell cam can be synced up with other Blink security devices through the app. However, because it’s a more basic product, there are limited chime options for the doorbell, and we also noticed a slight delay when testing its two-way audio.
Dimensions: 1.7 x 1 x 5.1 inches | Type: Wired or wireless | Resolution: 1080p | Field of View: 135 degrees horizontal, 80 degrees vertical
Pro Tip!
“Avoid placing the camera in direct sunlight, as it can affect visibility. It’s best to install it at a 45-degree angle facing away from where the sun rises or sets, if possible.” —Kirk Macdowell
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/eufy-s330-security-video-doorbell-a2b25e9e26e14043a5f77fbe5a7d5f90.jpg)
The Eufy S330 Video Doorbell has a battery-powered design, so it doesn’t need to be hard-wired into your home for installation. This wireless model impressed us with its dual camera design, which provides a wide view of the scene outside your door, as well as a close-up of packages left on the ground — ideal for monitoring deliveries when you’re not home. The Eufy camera also has AI motion detection, and we found that it helps to reduce false alarms that would be triggered by things like cars in the distance.
Another major selling point of this video doorbell is that it doesn’t require a monthly subscription, but the caveat is that you have to purchase the Eufy HomeBase before you can set it up. We also noticed that the video can occasionally be a bit choppy, but not so much so that it detracts from the footage.
Dimensions: 2.1 x 1.1 x 6.5 inches | Type: Wireless | Resolution: 2K | Field of View: Front camera 160 degrees, package camera 97 degrees
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ring-79d28c9cbaed49aba80ae38a83d7f069.jpg)
-
Clear video footage, both day and night
-
Minimal false alarms thanks to advanced motion settings
-
Easy to integrate with Alexa
If you already have a doorbell hardwired into your home, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro is our top recommendation. It’s slightly more complicated to install than a wireless option, but the brand offers lots of documentation and hardware to make the DIY installation as seamless as possible.
Once the camera was set up, it provided impressively clear video footage, and we loved that you could zoom in on the images without them getting grainy. The doorbell’s advanced motion detection also proved handy and only sent us push notifications when a person was detected, reducing the number of false alarms.
This video doorbell can be integrated with Amazon Alexa for even more features, and Ring offers three subscription plans starting at $4.99 per month. While the video quality was great, we were a bit disappointed with the incoming audio, which was muffled unless visitors spoke close to the doorbell. Additionally, some of the features were a bit gimmicky, such as the Bird’s Eye View, which provides an aerial location of people in your yard.
Dimensions: 1.9 x 0.87 x 4.49 inches | Type: Wired | Resolution: 1536p | Field of View: 150 degrees horizontal, 150 degrees vertical
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ring-video-doorbell-wired--ebea4f5838b04ea1bcf366357f788789.jpg)
-
High-quality video footage
-
Minimal false alarms from motion detection
-
Integrates with other Alexa devices
If you don’t mind a doorbell with fewer features, the Ring Video Doorbell is a budget-friendly option that still delivers high-quality video footage. Similar to the higher-end model from the brand, this camera was able to differentiate between people and other sources of movement, resulting in very few false alarms. We also liked that it can be easily integrated with Amazon Alexa devices for voice commands or to monitor the camera footage.
The biggest downside of this Ring camera is that, despite being a wired model, it doesn’t work with your home’s existing doorbell chime. Instead, it solely sends notifications to your phone if someone is at the door.
Dimensions: 1.81 x 0.88 x 3.98 inches | Type: Wired | Resolution: 1080p | Field of View: 155 degrees horizontal, 90 degrees vertical
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Google-Nest-Doorbell-2nd-Gen-dea269dc383747bf9b726f1085809d16.jpg)
Many video doorbells require a monthly subscription to access key features, but the Google Nest Doorbell is one of the few that you can use without this recurring expense. Its motion detection alerts, two-way audio, and high-quality live streaming are all free to use, and you also get three hours of saved event history for free. The video quality from this camera was clear and detailed, and the audio was easy to hear, even when it was raining.
This wired doorbell is a bit more complicated to install than others, as it requires a compatible chime and transformer, which are sold separately. Additionally, while it works with Amazon Alexa, it can’t be integrated with Apple smart home devices — something to keep in mind if you predominantly use the HomeKit ecosystem.
Dimensions: 1.7 x 1.1 x 5.2 inches | Type: Wired | Resolution: 1280p | Field of View: 145 degrees diagonal
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/eufy-battery-powered-wi-fi-video-doorbell-87255814793041dda50fd6eb9e4ea068.jpg)
The Eufy S220 Doorbell has a battery-powered design that’s easy to install, making it well-suited for those living in apartments. It will allow you to see what’s going on outside your door with its crisp, smooth video footage, and if you ever move, you can simply uninstall the unit and take it with you.
This doorbell comes with the brand’s HomeBase, which needs to be hooked up to your internet modem for operation, and we liked that there’s no monthly subscription fee. The two-way audio is clear and lag-free, and you can even set up custom activity zones for motion detection. However, the app isn’t the most user-friendly — it tends to try to upsell you on other Eufy devices instead of making it easy to access the camera’s features.
Dimensions: 2.1 x 1.1 x 5.5 inches | Type: Wireless | Resolution: 2K | Field of View: 160 degrees
Other Doorbell Cameras We Tried
Wyze Wireless Video Doorbell Pro: This battery-powered camera can be installed without any drilling, which is handy for renters, and while you can technically use it without a monthly subscription, its features are limited unless you pay the added fee. Still, the video footage was clear and the motion detection was accurate, but its battery needed to be recharged every few days and the app wasn’t the most user-friendly.
People / Annabell Canela
What to Know About Doorbell Cameras
Wired vs. Wireless
There are two main styles of doorbell cameras: wired and wireless. Wired models are designed to be hardwired into your home’s electrical system, typically using the wires from an existing doorbell. As you might suspect, these models are more complicated to install and require more tools, but they don’t need to be recharged and may even work with your home’s existing doorbell chime.
On the other hand, wireless doorbell cameras are easier to install and ideal for renters, as they can be taken down if you ever move. The caveat is that their batteries only last for so long and may run down quickly if there are a higher-than-average amount of motion alerts. Some wireless doorbells have rechargeable batteries, while others use standard-sized disposable batteries like AA or AAA.
Camera Resolution
Another factor to look at when selecting a doorbell camera is its video quality. Models with higher resolution may be more expensive, but they’ll capture clearer images that let you keep a close eye on everything within view, from your outdoor furniture and yard decor to packages left on your doorstep: “You want a higher resolution, at least 1080 pixels or better, to ensure clear images and videos, and a good field of view to capture more of the scene, so look for a wide-angle lens of about 160 degrees,” recommends Harry Kazakian, Los Angeles–based private investigator.
Monthly Fees
One downside of doorbell cameras — and other smart security devices and pet cameras — is that they often require a monthly subscription to access certain features. For video doorbells, you may need to pay a recurring fee if you want the ability to store video footage, receive smart motion alerts, and access other premium features. These fees are generally a few dollars per month, and many brands offer multiple subscription plans depending on the features you want.
Don’t want to pay a recurring fee? There are a few doorbell cameras that can be used without a subscription, such as those from Eufy.
Price Range
On the low end, you can find budget-friendly doorbell cameras for around $50. These models tend to be basic with limited features, but they’re ideal if you’re on a budget. Mid-priced cameras cost between $80 and $120, and the latest models with high-tech features often retail for $150 or higher.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of required hubs, mounting hardware, and other supplies that might not be included with your camera. If you’re installing a wired camera and don’t have an existing doorbell set up, you may also need to hire an electrician to run the appropriate connections into your home.
People / Henry Yung
Behind the Scenes
We tested eight doorbell cameras, which were installed at the homes of our product testers. In total, we logged 6,700 hours of testing and monitored more than 70 package deliveries via the video doorbells, and in the end, we found that the main differences between products boiled down to ease of installation, available features, and how well the system integrates into the user’s existing life. Here’s what we looked at for each product:
- Setup: We tested both wired and wireless doorbell cameras, and our testers installed the units at their homes. We noted how easy the product was to install, whether any special tools were required, and if the camera synced with its app easily.
- Design: While testing the video doorbells, we considered how well they stayed in place while mounted, whether the design felt durable and weather-resistant, and how easy they were to use. We also evaluated the quality of their live video footage, stored video clips, and motion detection alerts.
- Features: We compared the features available on each doorbell camera with and without a monthly subscription. We also tested features like two-way audio, night vision, adjustable motion settings, and virtual assistant compatibility.
- Value: Finally, we considered the price of each camera — including any necessary accessories or monthly fees — in relation to its overall performance.
At the end of testing, we tallied up all our scores, and seven of the doorbell cameras we tested earned a four out of five or higher. Our top performer was the Arlo 2K Video Doorbell, which has the widest field of view and can be installed wired or wirelessly.
People / Lucas Peters
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her over six years of experience as a product tester, she’s reviewed many smart security cameras, including several video doorbells. Her work appears in publications such as PEOPLE, The Spruce, and Homes & Gardens. While writing this article, Camryn reviewed the firsthand results from our product testers, using their insights on each product’s setup, ease of use, and performance. She also spoke with two security experts for additional information on the benefits of doorbell cameras and how to best use them for security at home.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
