5 Remarkable Video Door Bells for Your Safe Home in 2024

In an era where convenience and security are paramount, video doorbells have emerged as a must-have smart home device. They provide a real-time view of your doorstep, allowing you to see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. To help you make an informed decision.

Top-rated video doorbells in 2024

Google Nest Doorbell (Battery):

Features: 960p HD video, HDR, night vision, two-way talk, facial recognition (with Nest Aware), package detection (with Nest Aware), Google Assistant integration
Pros: Excellent video quality, sleek design, advanced features with Nest Aware subscription, seamless integration with Google Home ecosystem
Cons: Nest doorbell requires subscription for advanced features, shorter battery life than some competitors
Best For: Tech-savvy homeowners who want advanced features and seamless smart home integration

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2:

Features: 1536p HD video with Head-to-Toe view, 3D motion detection, bird's eye view, color night vision, pre-roll video previews, Alexa compatibility
Pros: Highest resolution video, advanced motion detection, wide 155° field of view, pre-roll video previews, works with Alexa
Cons: Requires Ring Protect subscription for video recording and some features
Best For: Homeowners who prioritize high-resolution video and advanced motion detection features

Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell:

Features: 1080p HD video with HDR, 180° diagonal viewing angle, direct-to-mobile calls, customizable motion zones, wired connection
Pros: Widest field of view, high-quality video with HDR, direct-to-phone calls feature, compatible with Apple Homekit and HomeKit Secure Video.
Cons: Wired installation (less convenient), requires Arlo Secure subscription for cloud storage
Best For: Homeowners who prioritize a wide field of view and high-quality video, and don't mind a wired installation

Kangaroo Video Doorbell + Chime:

Features: 1080p HD video, two-way talk, night vision, motion detection, customizable chimes, weatherproof design, affordable price, can be used in wired or battery-powered options.
Pros: Budget-friendly, easy installation, no subscription required for basic functionality, flexible power options.
Cons: Fewer advanced features than some high-end models.
Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners who prioritize value and simplicity, those who want the flexibility of wired or wireless installation

Eufy Security Wi-Fi Video Doorbell 2K:

Features: 2K HD video, 160° field of view, no monthly fees, local storage (4GB), expandable storage (up to 128 GB microSD card), human detection
Pros: Affordable, no subscription required, high-resolution video, local storage for privacy
Cons: Lacks some advanced features (e.g., facial recognition), may not integrate with as many smart home devices as other brands
Best For: Privacy-conscious homeowners who want high-resolution video without paying a monthly fee

Why Video Doorbells Matter

The rise in package theft and home intrusions has heightened the need for vigilant security measures. Video doorbells address this by providing a visual and audio record of your doorstep activity. Unlike traditional peepholes or doorbells, they empower you with real-time monitoring, remote access, and even two-way communication.

Traditional vs. Video-Equipped Doors: A Paradigm Shift

Gone are the days of blindly opening your door to strangers. Video doorbells bridge the gap between convenience and caution. They allow you to see who's at your door before you open it, deterring potential intruders and ensuring your safety.

The Allure of Video Doorbells: Key Advantages

Deterrence: The mere presence of a video doorbell can discourage would-be burglars.
Real-Time Monitoring: See who's at your door from your smartphone, tablet, or computer, no matter where you are.
Two-Way Talk: Converse with visitors, delivery drivers, or even potential intruders.
Package Protection: Monitor deliveries and prevent package theft.
Visual Evidence: Record footage for potential evidence in case of a crime.
Peace of Mind: Gain a sense of security knowing your home is under constant watch.

Essential Features to Seek in Your Video Doorbell

When choosing a video doorbell, consider the following features:

Video Quality: High-definition (1080p or higher) ensures clear images and identification.
Field of View: A wide-angle lens captures a broad area of your doorstep.
Night Vision: Infrared or low-light capabilities enable monitoring in darkness.
Motion Detection: Alerts you to activity at your door.
Cloud Storage: Securely store video footage for later review.
Subscription Options: Some brands offer additional features with subscription plans.
Smart Home Integration: Seamlessly connect with other smart devices.

Installation & Maintenance: Your Video Doorbell Companion

Most video doorbells are designed for DIY installation. Here's a simplified guide:

Mount the Bracket: Attach the provided bracket to your door frame.
Connect the Wires: If wired, connect the doorbell wires to the camera.
Secure the Camera: Snap the camera onto the bracket.
Set Up the App: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for app configuration.
Test It Out: Ring the doorbell and ensure everything works as expected.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Connectivity Issues: Check Wi-Fi signal strength and router settings.
Video Quality Problems: Clean the lens and adjust the video settings.
Motion Detection Errors: Refine the motion sensitivity settings.
Battery Life: Recharge or replace batteries as needed.

In conclusion:

Video doorbells, especially innovative options like Kangaroo, are transforming home security. They offer a powerful blend of protection, convenience, and technological advancement. By understanding the features, options, and the power of integration, you can create a safer and smarter home environment for yourself and your loved ones.

Did You Know?

By 2025, over 50 billion connected devices will be in use by homeowners everywhere, with video doorbells ranking among the most popular smart home devices. Source: https://www.safehome.org/doorbell-cameras/statistics/

Video Doorbell FAQ: Your Ultimate Guide

Your Question Answered

Q: What is the best video doorbell on the market?

A: The "best" video doorbell depends on your needs and budget. Popular options include:

Kangaroo Video Doorbell: Affordable, easy to install, and offers great value for the features.
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery or Wired): Sleek design, facial recognition, and excellent video quality.
Ring Video Doorbell 4 (Battery or Wired): Offers a pre-roll feature and various subscription options.
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (Wired): Wide 180-degree field of view and HDR video.
Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K (Wired): Local storage with no subscription fees required.
Blink Video Doorbell: Budget-friendly and easy to set up.

Q: Do I need existing doorbell wire for a video doorbell?

A: Not necessarily. There are two types:

Wired Video Doorbells: These connect to your existing doorbell wiring (usually two low-voltage wires). They offer continuous power and don't require battery recharging.
Battery-Powered Video Doorbells: These run on rechargeable batteries and are easier to install since they don't require wiring. However, they'll need recharging periodically.

Q: Which video doorbells work with my smart home system?

A: Many video doorbells integrate with smart home platforms like:

Amazon Alexa: Ring video doorbell, Blink video doorbell, and some eufy video doorbell models.
Google Home: Nest doorbell, someeufy video doorbell models.
Apple HomeKit: Logitech Circle View (with a HomeKit-compatible hub).
SmartThings: Ring video doorbell, S330, Arlo video doorbell, and some eufy video doorbell models.

Q: What features should I look for in a video doorbell?

A: Consider these features when choosing a video doorbell:

Video Quality (1080p or higher): Ensures clear images day and night.
Field of View: Wider angles capture more of your surroundings.
Night Vision: Enables visibility in low-light conditions.
Motion Detection: Alerts you to activity at your door.
Two-Way Talk: Allows you to communicate with visitors remotely.
Cloud Storage (Nest Aware, Arlo Secure, Ring Protect Plan): Stores video footage securely for later access.
Local Storage (e.g., microSD card, Eufy base station): Provides an alternative to cloud storage.
Chime: A separate or integrated chime to alert you indoors.
Smart Display Integration (Echo Show, Nest Hub, etc.): See your video doorbell feed on your smart display.
HomeKit Secure Video: End-to-end encrypted video storage for Apple HomeKit users.

Q: What if I don't have a chime?

A: You can buy a separate wireless chime to use with your video doorbell. Some video doorbells (like the Kangaroo Video Doorbell + Chime) come with a chime included.

Q: Can video doorbells prevent porch piracy?

A: Video doorbells can deter porch pirates and provide evidence if a package is stolen. They also allow you to communicate with delivery drivers and give instructions (if you have a safe place for packages).

Q: Are video doorbells worth it?

A: Yes, they offer numerous benefits like increased security, convenience, package protection, and peace of mind.

Q: How much do video doorbells cost?

A: Prices vary depending on the brand and features. You can find video doorbells ranging from around $50 to $300 or more.

Q: Are there any video doorbells that don't require a subscription?

A: Yes, some models like Kangaroo and Eufy Security video doorbells offer local storage options, so you don't have to pay for cloud storage.

Q: Can I install a video doorbell myself?

A: Most video doorbells are designed for DIY installation and come with instructions.

Q: Are there any weatherproof video doorbells?

A: Yes, many video doorbells are designed to be weatherproof and withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

Q: Which video doorbell has the best battery life?

A: Battery life varies depending on usage, but Kangaroo video doorbell and eufy video doorbell camera are known for their long battery life.

Q: Are there any video doorbells that work with Netatmo Weather Station?

A: Netatmo offers its own smart doorbell, the Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell. While it doesn't directly integrate with the Netatmo Weather Station, you can potentially create custom routines through smart home platforms like IFTTT to link them.

Q: I'm interested in a battery-powered doorbell camera like the Ring battery doorbell. How do they compare to traditional wired video doorbells in terms of features and installation?

A: Battery-powered video doorbells, such as the Kangaroo Video doorbell with a built in rechargeable battery and Ring battery doorbell, offer a convenient alternative to wired video doorbells for those who don't want to deal with existing wiring or prefer a simpler installation process. They typically share many of the same features as wired models, such as high-definition video quality, two-way talk, motion detection, and night vision. However, they rely on rechargeable batteries, which means you'll need to recharge them periodically (usually every few months). Some models also offer the option to hardwire them for continuous power.

Here's a quick comparison:

Battery-Powered Video Doorbells

Pros: Easy installation, no wiring required, portable.
Cons: Need to recharge batteries, potentially shorter lifespan for batteries, may have slightly less reliable connection compared to wired models.

Wired Video Doorbells

Pros: Continuous power, no need for battery recharging, potentially more reliable connection.
Cons: More complex installation, requires existing doorbell wiring.