Best Video Doorbell Cameras Guide & Reviews of 2021

Doorbell cameras might not be the first thing someone thinks of when they hear the word Vivint. Even so, the smart security brand offers one of the greatest options, especially for those who want to create their ideal intelligent surveillance system. Perhaps because the company waited to unleash its front door accessory, it was able to make something special. The product comes with infrared night vision and one of the widest angle lenses on the market.

Something particularly convenient about Vivint’s offering is that it is flexible in terms of power and connectivity. People can hook it up to their WiFi network, or they can stick a couple of batteries in it and use it that way. It is also lightweight and sleek, so it can easily replace an existing bell. That said, it does require expert set-up, which can be more time-consuming and costly.

A cool function of these doorbell cameras is that they record 30-second clips for playback. Clients can store all of the footage in the cloud for convenience. Keep in mind that this product is designed for the ADT Pulse package, so people will need a subscription to use it. This can be confusing for consumers since the company did partner with Ring. It looks like this relationship will continue through 2021.

At $199, this is an affordable option. There’s an interesting trade-off because the ADT device has a wide-angle lens but only 720p HD resolution. Other choices in this best home doorbells review may not have the greatest viewing angles, but they have better image quality. Even so, customers can enjoy the wireless connection, motion-activated notifications, and easy-to-use mobile applications. It works well with other third-party devices, including Google Assistant. Wired and battery-operated connectivity is also available.

SimpliSafe has always had a lot going for it. The company has great ratings with the Better Business Bureau, it has an affordable line-up of products, and its reputation remains stable to this day. Besides its monitoring subscriptions and security cams, it also offers doorbell accessories. The Pro came out in 2018 and includes the high-tech specs and sleek design consumers want without the exorbitant price tag.

One of the greatest things about SimpliSafe is that most of its plans don’t call for a long-term contract. While the recording function only works with a subscription, it starts at $4.99 a month, so it’s highly affordable. Another thing to look out for is that if families don’t already have a doorbell, they’ll be out of luck because the Pro requires existing wiring.

Those who already do have that in place will find the installation process to be no-fuss and quick. Moreover, the dual sensors reduce the chances of false alarms, and the wedge kit helps with angling it just right. There are also custom sensitivity modes, which comes in handy for pet owners.

Arlo set out to make residential surveillance faster and more intelligent. It’s worth noting at the start that these doorbell cameras need the base station to work, which will add $80 to the cost. Plus, customers won’t be able to see their guests without an Arlo camera, which cranks the price up even more. That said, existing clients are more likely to enjoy this item. It’s capable of rolling 7-day file storage in the cloud for added convenience. Users can get mobile notifications any time another family member answers the door.

Visitors can leave a voice message with the push of a button. Likewise, clients can speak to their guests or deliverymen via the two-way audio microphone. It’s quite easy to use, and the do-it-yourself installation shouldn’t take too long. The important thing to remember here is that this device is more of a supplement to the system rather than a stand-alone item.

As a Ring competitor, the Nest Hello is among the best doorbell cameras, especially for people who want sharp images and unlimited access to live to stream. Nest Hello also comes with a three-hour snapshot window so families can see who recently stopped by the home. Even though the pricing is a bit expensive, there are regular deals that consumers can take advantage of in the new year. Plus, the company has one of the widest viewing windows on the market.

Nest Hello doorbell cameras have a 180° lens and a larger-than-average hub touchscreen to ensure users don’t miss anything. The Hello can even recognize delivered packages and the individual faces of visitors. Two-way talk and ambient noise reduction maintain great audio quality no matter what’s going on outside. For those who want the full experience, they can get even better quality and convenience by pairing the Nest Hello with a subscription bundle, starting at just $5.

Ring has gained recognition over the years for its easy-as-pie systems. At the start, Ring was one of the few DIY brands that offered doorbell cameras. As more and more businesses started adding this solution to their line-up, Ring continued to stand out. One unique feature is the Neighborhood app, which allows users in the same region to share news and updates to create a safer community.

Even though Ring’s smart doorbell cameras call for hardwiring, it shouldn’t be too difficult. Most Ring customers can handle the wiring themselves and don’t need to call in any technicians or experts. The aesthetic faceplates are another convenience and make it easier for the camera to blend in. Those who are too busy to deal with a rigorous system can still get comprehensive coverage with Ring. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee so people can try it risk-free.

Many people know the August company for its smart locks, but it also has some of the best doorbell cameras on the market. The pricing is competitive, and the do-it-yourself set-up is quite simple and keeps costs low.

On top of that, the brand offers free cloud storage, although that only lasts for 24 hours. For up to 30 days of file storing, clients need to pay a low monthly fee of $4.99. Other benefits include voice controls and compatibility with third-party devices like the Google Nest or Amazon Echo.

August has been recognized by Forbes for its integrated smart capabilities and best doorbell camera. Even though the 120° wide-angle lens isn’t that impressive, the doorbell cameras’ night vision and low-light clarity is a huge asset. The product is weatherproof and comes in two sleek colors. Keep in mind that it does require a mechanical chime to work, but this shouldn’t be too much of an issue for homeowners.

Some of the most impressive details of these smart doorbell cameras include full-color night vision and real-time movement sensor alerts. This device comes with free cloud storage, plus there are no monthly fees or contracts to deal with. That said, the business expects clients to pay for the SkyBell in full at the time of purchase. There is a 60-day trial period so consumers can decide if it’s a good fit for their household.

SkyBell has only been around for six years or so, but it is a nationally-recognized brand and is worthy of being called the best doorbell camera or at least one of the best doorbells. Here, consumers won’t find long-term agreements and high monthly fees. Instead, they can pay for a product upfront and bypass the subscriptions and contracts.

The HD solution comes with a 5x digital zoom, a wide-angle lens, and cloud storage at no extra cost. Through the accompanying app, customers can talk to their guests even when they’re out of the house.

Remo is a young business, but it quickly learned from its competitors to create high-quality devices and doorbell cameras that can put rivals to shame. It’s Remo S is fast-responding and can replace most existing hardwiring. Although it’s not wire-free, it can get a stronger connection via the WiFi network. The product costs just $99 and has three days of free cloud storage included. Clients can opt for a paid plan to access more file space. This ranges from $3 to $28 per month.

With its customizable viewing zones and adjustable sensors, clients can pinpoint exactly where the movement is coming from. It also has a wide viewing angle, both horizontally and vertically. Combine that with features like the infrared lights, and it’s easy to see movement after sundown.

This is a game-changer. The device records in real-time with live on-demand streaming and has new state-of-the-art tech advancements to ensure a clear, proportional picture each time. The app caters to multiple accounts and sends push notifications as soon as it catches anything.

This company is trying to simplify residential security without skimping on the capabilities and products that households need. The brand is part of Anker Innovations, an American electronics business. The Eufy front door accessory records in black-and-white or color and stores local encrypted files for up to 30 days. Custom settings and detection zones can help families lookout for vehicles, animals, and more. Plus, they can see three seconds of footage before the alert went off to get a clearer picture.

Eufy’s 2K HD quality is impressive, and while it doesn’t work with most devices, it can sync with Google Assistant or Amazon products. This makes for seamless voice commands. Setting it up can be a bit tricky since it requires hardwiring, but the accompanying app has plenty of tutorials and instructions. Besides its stellar images, Eufy boasts crisp and clear audio, too. There’s also a digital zoom function and mounting plates to help angle it just right.