A video doorbell is a great upgrade for your front door, allowing you to see (and greet) guests whether you’re at home or away on vacation. They also record and store motion events — offering added peace of mind and an additional layer of security to your property.
Today, the best video doorbells include the Google Nest Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell, and Wyze Video Doorbell v2, among others. While these all offer their own advantages and unique features, they all capture high-quality footage, are easy to use, and are reliable enough to last you several years before needing to be replaced.
If you need help finding the right product for your porch, here’s a look at the five best video doorbells. Whether you need a premium product or want to start with something budget-friendly, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye.
John Velasco / Digital Trends
Google Nest Doorbell
Best video doorbell overall
Pros
- Gorgeous minimalist design
- Intelligent alerts
- Doesn’t require subscription for video history
- Useful quick responses
Cons
- Fine video details are on the soft side
- Inconsistent capture rates
Google didn’t hold back with this Nest video doorbell, which blends practical features into a modern design that’s easy on the eyes. Even better, Nest offers free video history out of the box, which is notable because this sort of feature typically requires users to pay for a subscription service.
This model is arguably one of the best-designed wireless doorbell options to date, sporting a matte plastic chassis that blends well with any décor. You’ll also be treated to intelligent alerts because the smart doorbell’s 1.3-megapixel security camera features HDR video, night vision, and detection for pets, people, vehicles, and motion. If you’re not able to answer the doorbell, you can select any of the available Quick Responses options through the Google Home app to have the doorbell speak answers to whoever is at the door. A subscription adds more intelligent features, but this model is excellent all on its own thanks to the free hours of video storage, something few models ever offer.
There is also a wired version of this Nest doorbell, a 2022 model with a smaller design that adds always-one power, which enables extra features like continuous video recording, two-second previews, and more. Both are very good choices, but we’re still favoring the battery model as it’s so easy to install, and the battery lasts for a good three months before needing to recharge.
Google Nest Doorbell
Best video doorbell overall
Ring
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
Best video doorbell (runner-up)
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Great app experience
- Privacy Zone censors specific areas
- Simple installation
Cons
- No removable battery
- Glitchy video and audio
The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a massive update to the original Ring model. The 2020 version is ready for the modern home in every way, while remaining more affordable than elite models with features you may not need.
The main changes to the smart doorbell include an upgrade to 1080p resolution (up from 720p), two-way audio with noise cancellation, and adjustable motion zones that will monitor specific areas to lessen false alerts. You can also set “Privacy Zones” that allow you to exclude areas of the camera’s field of view from recording. Improve the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) with the $50 Solar Charger, which fits over the doorbell to supply it with power — reducing the need to remove the Ring doorbell and recharge its battery.
While the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen) may not offer some high-end qualities found in other cams, like 2K resolution or object recognition, it’s hard to overlook its very affordable price, as well as options like the Solar Charger that other doorbells don’t really offer. However, you will need to sign up for Ring’s security subscription to get any cloud storage, with the Protect plans starting at $3 per month.
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
Best video doorbell (runner-up)
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Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Best premium video doorbell
Pros
- High resolution
- High-quality video day and night
- User-friendly installation
- Radar detection
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a substantial improvement not just over its predecessor, but to all video doorbells because it adopts a radar sensor to offer 3D motion detection technology. This model has the ability to tell exactly where it has detected people on your property, thus giving users a bird’s-eye view of their movement across the front door.
You could say it’s a game-changer, and beyond this new piece of tech, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 Pro also features a 1536p HD live video camera complete with color night vision, wide 150-degree views both on the horizontal and vertical, built-in Alexa greetings, two-way communication, and more. It’s one thing to know who’s at the front door, but it’s also another to know their movements before and after.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Best premium video doorbell
Wyze
Wyze Video Doorbell v2
Best budget video doorbell
Pros
- Incredible price
- Built-in microSD card slot
- Captures 2K footage
Cons
- Wyze privacy issues
- Not as premium as other products
Clocking in at less than $50, the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is an incredible deal. It offers 2K video capture, two-way talk, and a generous 166.8-degree field-of-view that allows you to see packages at your doorstep without putting tall guests out of the frame.
One of its most unique features is a built-in microSD card slot that allows you to store footage locally. That makes this product incredibly budget-friendly, as you won’t need to opt for a monthly subscription that offers access to cloud history. You can use a card up to 256GB, and if you don’t want to shop for your own card, you can bundle in a 128GB card for an extra $15.
Wyze also designed the video doorbell to handle extreme weather, with an IP65 rating and operating temperatures ranging from -4 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn’t look quite as premium as the more expensive items on this list, but when it costs less than $50, that’s a minor complaint.
You should also take Wyze’s previous privacy concerns into consideration before making a purchase, but there’s no doubt that frugal shoppers will find much to love about this video doorbell.
Wyze Video Doorbell v2
Best budget video doorbell
Arlo
Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen
Best 2K video doorbell
Pros
- Available in 2K or HD
- Supports wired and battery power options
- Impressive viewing angle
Cons
- No color night vision
- Underwhelming battery life
This powerful video doorbell is offered in both 2K and HD models – and aside from video resolution, they’re nearly identical. Both models are loaded with useful features such as two-way audio, weatherproofing, and support for both wired and battery installations.
A big selling point is the video doorbell’s 180-degree field-of-view, which is great for capturing a large section of your porch without cutting off packages at the foot of your door. The 2K model is the most compelling, though the HD model and its $80 price tag is perfect for frugal shoppers.
One minor caveat is that it doesn’t offer color night vision. That’s a minor knock for an otherwise well-rounded product, so be sure to give it consideration if you’re looking to upgrade your video doorbell.
Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen
Best 2K video doorbell
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you compare different video doorbells?
Video doorbells have many features in common, including video, alerts, motion detectors, night vision, two-way audio, and more. However, there are a few important specs to compare between models:
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Size: Will the video doorbell fit in the space you have in mind?
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Power: Do you need a doorbell with a battery? How easy is the battery to recharge?
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Resolution: Usually, 1080p/HD is fine for video doorbells, but if you want more, you’ll need to look for a 2K resolution or higher model.
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Storage: Does the video doorbell offer onboard storage? Any room for SD cards? Does it offer cloud storage? Do you have to pay for cloud storage, or do you get it free?
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Detection: Some video doorbells are smarter than others. Newer models may have options to detect faces, cars, pets, and packages. Sometimes these features are free, but often you have to pay for a subscription to enable them.
How do you install a video doorbell?
Video doorbells can be relatively easy to install, especially if it’s battery-powered. All video doorbells are typically installed by fastening a mounting plate to an area near your door, whether that’s around the outside frame or somewhere else nearby. Once you screw the mounting plate into place, most video doorbells are then positioned on them — requiring a special release key to remove the doorbell to recharge it.
However, things can get a bit more complicated if you choose to install a video doorbell to an existing wired connection. Instructions on how to connect the appropriate wires to your doorbell vary, but you may want to hire a professional to ensure that it’s installed properly. The benefit of choosing to go with a wired connection versus a battery-operated model is that you never need to worry about recharging it. If you’re installing a Ring video doorbell, we break down the instructions on how to do it with our guide.
Where can you get video doorbells?
Video doorbells are extremely popular. If you’ve done your research, you can choose to purchase one online through retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, and Newegg. Some popular consumer electronics stores like Best Buy have some on display to check out in person. You shouldn’t forget about home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes. Those stores can be great places to ask questions about installation specifics.
Or, if you’d like to save a little time and money, we keep an updated list of the best current video doorbell deals you should check out.
Do video doorbells need a subscription?
No, video doorbells don’t need a subscription to work, but a subscription may be particularly important for some models. Subscriptions usually add a few features to doorbells, including:
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Cloud storage: This allows you to save video to the cloud for a certain period of time, where you can view and download it at will. Some plans, like Ring Protect, only add cloud storage if you pay for it. Others expand cloud storage capabilities or make them more useful.
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Better detection options: Subscriptions usually allow for more in-depth AI detection of faces, cars, packages, and so on. This comes with rich alerts that specify what looks like happened, such as, “It appears a package was just dropped off at your door.”
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More customization: Subscriptions may also add customization options for your alerts, as well as the motion zones that trigger the doorbell.
Is my door large enough for a video doorbell?
First, there are narrow video doorbells, like the Nest Doorbell and similar models, that are designed to fit in narrow spaces. If your doorway has a reasonable amount of trim, that’s often sufficient. Doorbells may come with methods to angle them during installation so they face away from walls.
Second, you don’t have to put a video doorbell right by the door. It can go on a nearby wall or away from the entryway on an exterior wall. You will want to make sure they have some protection from the elements, though. Also, note that some siding is a lot harder to drill into than others (fiber cement. for example), and you’ll want to avoid any potential water damage.
Are video doorbells legal?
Privacy laws vary by state, but you don’t need to worry about using a video doorbell. By their nature, video doorbells are designed to view public entryway places and street sides where there’s no real expectation of privacy. They can’t really be repositioned to spy on neighbors or anything else illegal.
While many video doorbells do allow for two-way communication, they don’t actually record the audio, which is what can trigger privacy laws, so there’s no concern there, either.
Does my video doorbell record all the time?
No. That would be impractical for storage and would quickly wear out battery models. Video doorbells only record when their motion sensors are triggered, and many models have motion zones and other settings you can change so that only certain types of motion will trigger the video. Some models also have a background recording function that allows them to preview the first couple of seconds before the motion sensor is triggered.
How long does a battery on a video doorbell last?
That can depend on how often the doorbell is triggered by motion. In the best-case scenarios, we’ve found doorbells last around three to six months. But a doorbell on a busy street that gets triggered by cars or dog walkers will last far less, and a doorbell watching a long driveway that’s only occasionally used can last much longer.
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