Which Video Doorbell Cameras Are Best?
Smart doorbell cameras are smart security devices that allow you to effectively weed out uninvited guests, never miss a package delivery again, or let your relatives in while you are away on vacation. Thanks to their features, they can be used to answer the door from any remote location outside the house and even communicate with the persons ringing the bell. If you are currently in the market for the best doorbell camera without a subscription, you would like to invest in a doorbell with camera and speaker, or you want to know what is the best security camera doorbell for 2024, keep reading. Our expert locksmiths have done all the research and testing, and created this guide. We hope you find it helpful.
How to Shop for the Best Rated Doorbell Security Cameras
Prior to investing in a video doorbell security camera, it is important to know what are the main features, options, pros, and cons of these devices. Without further ado, here is what you need to know about video doorbells before buying them:
Storage: Cloud VS Memory Cards
While memory card storage is a free and convenient way of saving footage from your doorbell camera, it is advisable to opt for a model that allows you to save footage straight in the cloud. This will allow you to get unrestricted and instant access to the images straight on your smartphone or computer that interest you while benefitting from a much more generous storage space.
Quality Video Resolution
Another thing you should pay attention to when shopping for a new video doorbell camera is the quality of the video. Search for a model that can capture video at a resolution of at least 1080p. A 2K model will provide you with an even richer plethora of details that could prove to be helpful in case of a home break-in.
Battery vs Wired Video Doorbells
Opting for a wired doorbell camera means maintenance should not be on your mind too often. However, a battery-operated video doorbell will need to be recharged once every few weeks, even though there are models with a six-month battery life to choose from.
Setup for Alerts
While the great majority of doorbell cameras respond well to detecting movement. However, some models can accurately distinguish among passing cars, pets, people, or parcel deliveries. All you need to do is decide the type of movements your camera should alert you to prevent false alerts and keep them to a minimum.
Subscription vs No Subscription
While many doorbell cameras from known brands ask homeowners to pay a monthly subscription to benefit from cloud storage and other additional features, there are plenty of doorbell cameras without subscriptions that come with excellent features.
The Best Doorbell Cameras for 2024
These are some of our top recommendations in terms of doorbell cameras worth investing in.
The Best Doorbell Camera without Subscription: Eufy 2K Video Doorbell
This wireless model is capable of recording in 2k resolution and its lens provides a 160-degree wide-angle with night vision and dual power options including both a wired and a wireless variant of the same video doorbell camera device.
The Eufy 2K Video Doorbell is fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and incorporates numerous features used for smart motion detection. The camera also comes with an external HomeBase that includes 16GB of encrypted local storage.
The Best Overall Doorbell Camera for 2024: Arlo Video Doorbell
Arlo is one of the most reputable brands on the market thanks to their premium cameras and top-notch video doorbells. The device’s smart camera has a 1536×1536 resolution, and a 180-degree viewing angle, and can easily distinguish between passing vehicles, wandering pets, and people and keep false alarms to a minimum. The good quality of the camera also lets users enjoy excellent night vision while the two-way communication system allows them to carry on conversations with the persons standing on their doorstep without having to actually open the door.
The Arlo VideoDoorbell can be used together with Google Assistant, Alexa, and If This Then That (IFTTT) which enables users to create different interconnected reactions using their smartphones. For example, they can program their exterior lights to automatically turn on whenever someone rings the doorbell or they can have the front door unlock itself when you or another household member are found in the proximity of the door. Homeowners who choose to pay a small monthly subscription of only $3 enjoy one full month of cloud video storage while also benefitting from local storage. One small con of this smart security device is the fact that it does not allow homeowners to instantly access their recorded video footage using their smartphones.
Best Wireless Doorbell Camera: Nest Doorbell
With a full HD resolution of 960 x 1280, regular memory card and cloud storage options, good compatibility with Alexa and Google smart home systems, and a 145-degree viewing angle, the Nest Doorbell wireless doorbell is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a wireless doorbell camera. Installation is extremely fast and simple and the out-of-the-box smarts are all free. This includes alerts that can detect movement from persons, passing cars, and animals. Plus, the gadget offers three hours of event storage.
Best Doorbell with Camera and Speaker: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
If you are looking for a high-end video doorbell with a camera and speaker, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 model is a good start. The gadget is a hardwired model and can be used both inside and outside the house. The video doorbell comes with a 2K resolution with a 1536 x 1536 camera with a superwide 150-degree viewing angle. The gadget also offers a cloud storage alternative and enhanced compatibility with Alexa and Google smart home systems. Some of its most distinguishing features are the radar sensing and the bird's-eye-view mode that allow homeowners to keep close track of all the movement of interlopers wandering around the yard. This model also comes with an option for end-to-end video encryption for people interested in preserving their privacy.
Ready to Make Your Choice?
Whether you are looking for the best outdoor security camera doorbell that can fit into your home security budget, or you need the best wireless or wired model with extended cloud storage, top motion detector sensors, high resolution, and good compatibility with your smart home system, you could use our suggestions as a good starting point.
If you need additional information on these smart home security gadgets or you are interested in investing in a standard home monitoring solution, new locks on your doors, or a fresh set of keys for better access control, get in touch with LocksmithsLocator today.