Best Smart Doorbell Cameras

In an era where home security meets technological convenience, smart doorbell cameras have become an essential addition to modern homes. These innovative devices do more than just announce visitors – they act as your eyes and ears even when you’re miles away, offering peace of mind through real-time video feeds, two-way communication, and motion detection alerts straight to your smartphone. Whether you’re keeping an eye on package deliveries, screening unexpected visitors, or simply wanting to enhance your home’s security, choosing the right smart doorbell camera can make a significant difference in how you monitor and protect your entryway. In this guide, we’ll break down the top smart doorbell cameras of 2024, comparing crucial features like video quality, smart home integration, storage options, and value for money, to help you make an informed decision for your home’s first line of defense.

Top 5 Smart Doorbell Cameras:

1. Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell

 

 

The Arlo doorbell helps you take your home security to the next level, providing valuable features that keep you in the know and connected. With a super-wide 180-degree field of view, you’ll get a full view of your front porch—making sure you see everything you need to know, whether it be a visitor or a package. So you can expect fast alerts and clear notifications so that you always know who is at your door.

HD with HDR quality footage ensures that you’ll see the finer details, daylight or nighttime, making it easier to identify whoever is approaching your home. You’ll love the user-friendly companion app, which loads live views and recorded footage faster than most other smart doorbell apps, putting control right at your fingertips.

Plus, real-time communication via clear two-way audio also allows you to speak directly with visitors or answer them with pre-recorded messages, adding that extra layer of convenience. Then, with the Arlo Secure plan, you’ll get smarter notifications for people, vehicles, packages and pets, so you can respond quickly right from the lock screen of your phone.

And with Arlo Foresight, you’ll never miss the moment it happens, as it captures video before motion activates the recorder. That way, you can always remain one step ahead in keeping your home safe. Because safety and convenience are paramount, pick a smart doorbell designed to snap into your lifestyle.

 

2. eufy Security E340 Video Doorbell

 

 

Video doorbells provide an invaluable service: Peace of mind when you’re away from home. When you invest in a video doorbell, you want to be confident that you’re getting a reliable product that can help monitor deliveries and increase your home security. But many standard models have blind spots, especially directly below the camera, where significant activity can fall through the cracks. Enter the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual.

The main camera is 2K, and the second one is at an angle, so that you can see your entryway/doorstep and the floor of your porch. This configuration allows a full, clear view of your entryway — peace of mind you deserve.

The newer E340 model improves on this approach by simplifying the connectivity. It is capable of operating without a HomeBase hub and includes one of the most convenient features available. You can still link up to the HomeBase 3 for even more, though, if you like.

Maintenance is a breeze, thanks to 8 GB of built-in storage and an easily removable battery, enabling you to seamlessly work the EGO into your day-to-day. Installation is equally simple; you wire it into your existing doorbell system.

The Eufy E340 Video Doorbell Dual gives you even more control over your home security. No more missed packages or visitors which are recorded by clear details. This doorbell is more than a gimmick; it’s an investment, offering you security and peace of mind.

 

3. Aqara G4 Video Doorbell

 

 

If you live in an Apple-centric household and want a multi-use battery operated doorbell, the Aqara G4 could catch your eye. Its flexibility is one of its most notable features; it can either be installed as a battery-operated device or plumbed directly into your existing home installation.

This doorbell records in 1080p through a 16:9 aspect ratio camera and a 162-degree field of view. While this wide-angle lens helps monitor your entryway, we do note the view doesn’t extend down to the porch floor, which may be a downside if you receive packages regularly.

The G4’s performance is sensitive to lighting conditions — as it lacks HDR recording capabilities, you may find it difficult to clearly see visitors when they’re backlit by bright sunlight. The Aqara app itself is also very good for integration, but the best way to integrate it for Apple users you could say is to easily connect it to HomeKit Secure Video. That is why it enriches your experience by providing a robust functionality and advanced security.

If you are weighing how this device becomes a part of your life, imagine the greater ease and security it provides, particularly inside of an Apple universe. You’ll gain the ability to keep an eye on your front door through a whole new level of home security, all from your Apple devices—whether you’re at home or not. Aka Fuji since he seems to enjoy reading this, so thanks Beijing! So if you appreciate ease of use and powerful functions in your smart home devices, you will be rewarded with the Aqara G4.

 

4. REOLINK Video Doorbell

 

 

If you’ve ever struggled with having to replace the batteries in a smart doorbell, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a wired device like Reolink. This doorbell is reliable and basically never requires battery replacement, and it often goes on sale.

The Reolink app is also easy to use so you can watch clear, 2K video footage, making your home monitoring simple. Also, the footage is saved to a microSD card, so you’re not locked into any monthly service fees. Not only does this save you money, but it also allows you review footage as you find time to.

As a bonus, you’ll be glad to hear that Reolink packs a plug-in chime in the box, helping you avoid the expensive add-ons often found with many other competitors. Although it’s important to mention that the night vision can be a little choppy, with a maximum frame rate of 20, it still does the job for nighttime monitoring.

Built-in microphone and speakers facilitate communication. You can start talking directly to visitors, so you have the opportunity to tell the FedEx driver to just hold on for a second before he’s gone from your doorstep. The Reolink does away with all of that and delivers straightforward practical functionality and modern features to your home security set up without added complexity. In the end, this doorbell keeps you in the know and in charge, so whether it is day or night your home is secured.

 

5. Google Nest Video Doorbell

 

 

Looking at ways to upgrade your home security, Google‘s Nest Video Doorbell is one of the most impressive in its class, with a lot of kitchen sink features geared toward your needs. It also does package detection, cloud storage and subject identification alerts — all subscription-free, a rarity among the options on the market. That means you get to monitor your home proactively without worrying about recurring service fees.

You can also control your Nest Video Doorbell using the Google Home app. Try this easy app which lets you control all the devices connected to you. With smart doorbells, you can get real-time notifications when someone approaches your door, monitor recorded footage, and even communicate with visitors, all from your smartphone.

Combine this with the fact it works right within the Google Home ecosystem and you’ve got the entire package of a good smart home integration while bringing the security aspect to them as well. Picture an alert that lets you log in from anywhere — the office or on holiday. You will have complete control knowing that your home is being monitored and you can react immediately if ever needed.

Time to opt for smart home security to help bring great peace of mind! We hope you make this investment today not only for the future but to also to know that you can continue to feel safe that you have a virtual companion on your front door — the Nest Video Doorbell!

 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Smart Doorbell Camera:

You want to enhance your home security, and a smart doorbell camera can be a fantastic addition. However, before making your purchase, it’s important to assess several factors to ensure the device meets your needs. From video quality and storage options to compatibility with your smart home systems, understanding these elements will empower you to choose the right doorbell camera for your lifestyle. This guide will help you navigate the key considerations that can influence your buying decision.

Features and Functions

For selecting a smart doorbell camera, examine the features and functions that cater to your specific security needs. Key elements include video resolution, night vision, motion detection, and cloud storage options. Look for models offering notifications to your smartphone and integration with smart home devices for enhanced security.

To maximize the effectiveness of your smart doorbell camera, assess features like advanced motion detection alerts that can distinguish between people and pets, and two-way audio to communicate with visitors. You might also want to explore options with facial recognition technology, customizable motion zones, and video storage plans. All these aspects can significantly enhance your security setup while providing convenience.

Resolution and Video Quality

Any smart doorbell camera worth considering should offer high-definition resolution for clear video playback. Look for options that provide at least 1080p HD quality, as this can help you identify faces and details even from a distance.

Storage Options

For your smart doorbell camera, storage options are fundamental for saving and accessing recorded footage. Many models offer cloud storage subscriptions, while others may allow local storage via an SD card.

The choice between cloud and local storage can impact both convenience and costs. Cloud storage often provides easy access to footage from anywhere through an app, but it usually requires a monthly or yearly fee. Local storage, on the other hand, can save you money in the long run but may limit your access to footage unless you are at home.

Field of View

To maximize your security coverage, consider the field of view offered by the smart doorbell camera. A wider field of view allows you to see more of your surroundings and catch any potential intruders.

Consider that a camera with a field of view of at least 120 degrees can give you a broader perspective, capturing more details without having multiple cameras. This feature can significantly improve your overall monitoring capability, ensuring that you don’t miss anything happening at your door or nearby areas.

Assessing Your Needs

Right from the start, determine how you plan to use your smart doorbell camera. Will it primarily serve to enhance security, or do you also want it to monitor package deliveries? Additionally, consider the size of your home and the specific areas you wish to cover. Understanding your unique requirements will lead you to the most suitable model.

Budget Considerations

Clearly, your budget plays a significant role in your decision-making process. While it’s tempting to opt for a budget-friendly option, focus on quality features that matter most to you.

Choosing a doorbell camera involves balancing your desired features with your budget. Premium models often come with advanced functionalities, such as cloud storage and higher resolutions, but can be pricier. Weigh the importance of features like video quality and audio capabilities against their costs to ensure you invest wisely. Assessing your long-term needs could save you from having to upgrade prematurely.

Preparation

The first step in installing your smart doorbell camera is preparation. Ensure you have all required tools, such as a screwdriver, a drill, and wire connectors. Additionally, confirm that your current doorbell wiring is compatible with your new device.

Installation Process

Now, it’s time to explore the installation process. Start by mounting your doorbell at a height that captures the best view for your entryway. Once mounted, carefully connect the wires according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and ensure a tight connection.

For instance, after you’ve attached your doorbell, check the level of the camera to ensure it’s positioned correctly. Once everything is secured, power the device on and follow the app’s prompts to sync it with your Wi-Fi network. This will enable notifications and access to the live feed, completing your installation.

Common Issues and Solutions

Regular operation issues may arise with your smart doorbell camera, but many can be easily resolved. Whether it’s connectivity problems or recording failures, being aware of common solutions helps you manage these challenges effectively.

It’s necessary to troubleshoot connectivity issues by checking your Wi-Fi signal strength and ensuring your router is functioning properly. If recordings are missing, verify your cloud storage settings and check your subscription’s status. Other common problems include poor video quality, which may necessitate adjusting the camera angle or cleaning the lens. Addressing these typical concerns can enhance the performance of your smart doorbell camera significantly.

To wrap up

Following this guide, you should carefully evaluate your needs when selecting a smart doorbell camera. Consider factors such as video quality, storage options, connectivity, and compatibility with your existing smart home devices. Additionally, think about your budget and any necessary subscriptions for premium features. By assessing these aspects, you can make an informed decision that enhances your home security and provides peace of mind.