Cheap yet Reliable: Best Door Bell Cameras Under $100 for 2024
Ever miss an important package delivery because you were stuck in traffic? Ever wonder who keeps ringing the doorbell and running away (especially on Halloween night)? We've all been there. No Worries! There are several fantastic doorbell camera options available for under $100, giving you peace of mind without breaking the bank. Here's a quick comparison to help you find the perfect fit for your needs:
Top 10 Doorbell Cameras Under $100: Security on a Budget
(In no particular order)
1. Kangaroo Doorbell Camera + Chime Wireless ($39.99):
Best Budget Option: This unbeatable price tag makes it a steal!
Features: Motion & Ring Detection, Recorded Images, Plug-in Chime extends battery life.
Link: Kangaroo Doorbell Camera + Chime: https://heykangaroo.com/products/doorbell-camera-chime
2. Kangaroo Video Doorbell Wired and Wireless Option($69.99):
Upgrade Your Kangaroo Security: For a bit more than the basic Kangaroo Doorbell, this option offers additional features.
Features: Night Vision, HD Video, Two-Way Talk, Night Vision, Motion & Ring Detection, Recorded Images.
Link: Kangaroo Video Doorbell: https://heykangaroo.com/products/video-doorbell-chime
3. Ring Video Doorbell Wired ($69.99):
Solid Value: A well-known brand offering great features at a reasonable price.
Features: HD Video, Night Vision, Two-Way Talk, Connects to Existing Wiring.
4. Wyze Video Doorbell Camera Pro (wired) ($93.99):
Feature-Packed: Offers more than the basics at a competitive price.
Features: HD Video with Night Vision, Two-Way Talk, Person Detection, microSD Card Slot (for local video storage).
5. Eufy Security Video Doorbell Pro Wireless ($65.00):
Crystal Clear Video: Excellent image quality for sharper identification.
Features: Full HD Video, Wide Viewing Angle, Night Vision, Two-Way Talk
6. Blink Video Doorbell (wired or battery) ($59.99):
Subscription Option: Free tier available with limited storage, paid plans for extended storage.
Features: HD Video, Two-Way Talk, Night Vision, Optional Cloud Storage, Connects to Existing Wiring (wired version).
Link: Blink Video Doorbell
7. Google Nest Doorbell (wired) ($98.63 on Sale):
Familiar Interface: Integrates seamlessly with other Google Nest products.
Features: HD Video, 2-Way Talk with Noise Cancellation, Pre-recorded messages, Person Detection, Connects to Existing Wiring.
Link: Google Nest Doorbell
8. Amcrest Video Doorbell Camera (wired) ($89.99):
Dual Video Modes: Choose standard definition for smoother viewing or high definition for sharper details.
Features: 1080p or 720p HD Video, Night Vision, Two-Way Talk, MicroSD Card Slot (for local video storage), Connects to Existing Wiring.
9. Anker Eufy Video Doorbell (battery) ($84.79):
Dual Wi-Fi Option: Connects to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks for a stronger connection.
Features: 2K Resolution Video, Wide Viewing Angle, Night Vision, Two-Way Talk, Optional Cloud Storage.
10. Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell ($49.99):
Wire-Free or Wired Flexibility: Choose between battery or wired power for installation convenience.
Features: HD Video, 180° Viewing Angle, Night Vision, Two-Way Talk, Connects to Existing Wiring (optional).
Choosing the Right Doorbell Camera Under $100
Even within the sub-$100 range, there are some key differences to consider:
Wired vs. Battery: Wired doorbell cameras require an existing doorbell electrical wire connection for power. Battery-powered options offer more flexibility in placement but require occasional recharging.
Video Quality: Video resolution can range from standard definition (SD) to high definition (HD). Consider how important clear video footage is to you.
Night Vision: Night vision allows you to see visitors even in low-light conditions.
Two-Way Talk: This feature allows you to speak with visitors through the doorbell camera.
Additional Features: Some doorbell cameras offer extras like pre-recorded messages, cloud storage options, and compatibility with smart home ecosystems.
Need help in hardwiring your doorbell? This may help - Mastering the Task: How to Hardwire a Doorbell without Professional Help
Doorbell Q & A: Choosing the Best Option for You
Your Question Answered!
Q: I'm looking for a video doorbell, which one is the best?
There isn't a single "best" doorbell camera, as it depends on your needs and budget. Here's a breakdown of some popular options:
Budget-friendly: Kangaroo Photo Doorbell + Chime, Blink Video Doorbell, Wyze Video Doorbell
Wired or Wireless: Kangaroo Video Doorbell, Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (wired/wireless), Ring Video Doorbell (wired/battery)
Smart Home Integration: Google Nest Doorbell (Nest Aware subscription), Ring Video Doorbell (Ring Protect plan), Arlo Video Doorbell (Arlo Secure plan)
Video Quality: Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K Wired (2K resolution)
Q: What are the benefits of a wired doorbell vs. a wireless doorbell?
Wired doorbell: Relies on constant power for uninterrupted recording, typically offers better video quality.
Wireless doorbell: More flexible for installation, but requires battery changes and may have spotty video quality due to Wi-Fi connection.
Q: Do I need to consider doorbell wire?
Only if you're installing a wired doorbell. Existing doorbell wiring can be used for most wired video doorbells.
Q: Does a video doorbell need a chime?
Not necessarily. Most video doorbells send notifications to your smartphone when someone rings the bell. Some models have built-in chimes, and some are compatible with separate chime purchases.
Q: What features should I consider when choosing a video doorbell?
Night vision: For clear visibility at night.
Motion detection: To receive alerts when activity is sensed.
Two-way talk: Allows you to communicate with visitors through the doorbell.
Cloud storage vs. local storage: Cloud storage is convenient but requires a subscription fee. Local storage via microSD card is an option for some video doorbells.
Smart home compatibility: Works with your preferred smart home system like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit.
Video quality: Higher resolutions (1080p or 2K) offer sharper images.
Field of view: Wider angles capture more activity at your door.
Q: What other terms should I know when researching video doorbells?
Ring: A popular brand of video doorbells.
Nest Aware/Ring Protect/Arlo Secure: Subscription plans for cloud storage and additional features on certain doorbell models.
Smart doorbell: A video doorbell with additional smart home functionalities.
Home security camera: A broader term, video doorbells are a type of home security camera focused on your entryway.
Porch pirate: Someone who steals packages delivered to your porch.
Chime: The audible alert that sounds when someone rings the doorbell.
Netatmo: Another brand that makes video doorbells.
Smart display: A device with a screen for controlling smart home devices and viewing live video feeds from security cameras.
Here are some additional terms you might encounter:
Battery doorbell: Powered by a rechargeable battery.
Hardwired: Installed with a physical electrical wire for power.
HomeKit Secure Video: Apple's secure video storage option for compatible HomeKit cameras.
Wireless doorbell: Doesn't require any physical wires for power or connection (uses Wi-Fi).
Alexa/Google Assistant: Virtual assistants for controlling smart home devices with voice commands.
Arlo Doorbell S330: A specific model of Arlo video doorbell.
