Best Doorbell Cameras of 2022
Updated: May 01, 2023These high-tech gadgets do double-duty, serving as a functional doorbell and security camera. We help you choose the one that's best for you.
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Even if you work from home, you’re not always available to answer the door (and may want to avoid it entirely if there’s a sales person on your porch!). A doorbell camera is a smart home device that allows you to screen unwanted visitors, record suspicious activity, check on package deliveries and even talk to visiting friends if you’re away from home.
What are the best doorbell cameras?
The best doorbell cameras are easy to install and operate, but you’ll want to avoid models with pricey monthly fees or storage limitations. We curated this list of the top brands including Arlo, Ring and Eufy to find you the most reliable and highly-reviewed cameras on the market. Now you can spend less time scrolling through options, and more time monitoring your new security device!
What to consider when buying a doorbell camera
When shopping for a doorbell security camera, you’ll find most products offer 1080p or 2K high-definition video footage, as well as two-way audio. Smart doorbells typically allow you to view a live feed from your smartphone and sends you notifications when motion is detected, allowing you to pull up the video to see what’s happening.
There are both wired and battery-operated devices on this list. Wired models are a little more complicated to install, but you won’t have to worry about the charge running out. While wireless models are a breeze to set up and great for renters who can’t make any permanent changes.
The higher-priced doorbell cameras will include extra features like 24/7 monitoring and more sensitive motion detection. Budget options might only operate when the doorbell button is pushed, and sometimes their alert systems lag behind the more expensive models.
Evaluation Criteria
We chose the very best doorbell cameras based on user reviews, star ratings and these essential features:
Video Storage: Many cameras automatically record clips when motion is detected, but they usually only save these video snippets for a short period of time—sometimes just a few hours. While there are devices without monthly fees, some brands allow you to purchase a separate subscription for longer access to clips, so consider whether this fits into your budget. And look for a product that is compatible with your existing smart home system, whether it’s Amazon’s Alexa, Apple HomeKit or Google Home.
Motion Detection Zones: With some video doorbells, slight movements like cars driving by or a flag waving in the wind can set off motion sensors, resulting in a lot of unnecessary notifications. More advanced doorbells can filter out these “false alarms,” or may allow you to set defined areas where motion is relevant.
Video Resolution: The best doorbell cameras use high resolution video like 1080p and 2K. The higher the resolution, the clearer the picture, but higher quality videos also take up more storage space; so keep that in mind. You’ll also want a camera with quality night vision to check out any suspicious after-dark visitors.
Best Overall Doorbell Camera
Ring Video Doorbell
The popular Ring Video Doorbell is the best doorbell camera option for most people, because it offers standard features for a reasonable price and is easy to install and operate. It can be connected to existing doorbell wires or installed wirelessly, running off its rechargeable battery. In addition, it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa devices. Speaking of Amazon, customers love it: There are more than 105,000 five-star reviews!
The Ring Doorbell offers adjustable motion zones. But if you want to view and save videos from it, you have to subscribe to Ring Protect, which starts at $4 per month.
Pros
- Easy installation
- See, hear and speak with visitors with the app
- Improved motion detection
Cons
- Need subscription plan to record and share videos
- No removable battery pack (must remove the whole doorbell to recharge)
Best Value Doorbell Camera
Blink Video Doorbell
The Blink Video Doorbell is Amazon’s more affordable version of the Ring. It doesn’t have as many features; but at only $49.99 for the standalone option, it’s a smart budget-friendly option.
You can install it with existing doorbell wires or wirelessly—but unlike the Ring, it isn’t rechargeable, running on two AA batteries instead. It includes live-view and two-way audio, but only in response to a doorbell press or motion event. Like the Ring, you’ll need a subscription to record and share videos, but it’s slightly cheaper at $3 a month.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy setup with a QR scan
- Compatible with Alexa
Cons
- Must buy Sync Module 2 and USB drive for local storage
- No rechargeable battery
Best Doorbell Camera Without a Subscription
Eufy Security Doorbell
The Eufy Security WiFi Video Doorbell has everything you need in a video doorbell, including streaming in 2K video resolution, two-way audio and motion detection. But the best part? No monthly subscription! It stores footage locally instead of in the cloud, so there are no monthly fees or subscriptions required to access saved clips.
And although the Eufy doorbell doesn’t work with your existing doorbell chime, it comes with an electronic chime (other models will only chime on your phone) that simply plugs into any outlet, and includes eight different ringtones to choose from.
Pros
- No monthly fees
- Higher 2K video quality (compared to 1080p)
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Voice
Cons
- Wired installation only
- Might need two electronic chimes if you have a big house
Best Wireless Doorbell Camera
Google Nest Wireless Doorbell Camera
The Google doorbell camera features a built-in rechargeable battery, simply remove it using the release tool and charge it with the included USB-C charging cable. It also offers various high-tech features that set it apart from other doorbell cameras, including person and motion alerts, package monitoring and pre-recorded responses. It automatically lets you know when a package arrives, as well as if the package is removed from your porch or front step. And you can save up to three messages to play to visitors when you’re not home.
You’ll be able to see snapshots from the past three hours for free. For longer access, you can subscribe to Nest Aware (starting at $6 per month), which also provides event-based recording, continuous video recording and more intelligent alerts.
Pros
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- HDR and night vision
- 3:4 vertical ratio means you can see more including packages left on the ground
Cons
- Need monthly subscription for some features
- Some reviews say the battery life isn’t long enough
Best Doorbell Camera for Expandable System
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell
If you’re hoping to include a video doorbell as part of a larger home security system, the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell seamlessly integrates with the brand’s top-rated security cameras and/or floodlight. It lets you monitor all video feeds from the same app. If you subscribe to Arlo Secure (starting at $3 per month) you’ll get additional features, such as 30 days of video recordings, advanced object detection, package detection and more.
In addition, the Arlo Video Doorbell includes a built-in siren that can be triggered from the app. It even allows people to record messages for you when you’re not home.
Pros
- Works seamlessly with award-winning Arlo Security System
- Rechargeable battery
- Built-in smart siren
Cons
- More expensive than other models
- Need monthly subscription for some features
Best Camera Doorbell for Apple Users
Logitech Circle View Doorbell
Few video doorbells are compatible with Apple smart home products. If you use this operating system, your best option is the Logitech Circle View Doorbell. It was developed exclusively to work with the redesigned Home app, which allows you to control all your smart home accessories—on all your Apple devices. The Circle View, which works with your current doorbell, has custom activity zones to monitor different areas, and it stores recorded footage in iCloud for 10 days—free!
Another fun feature: Face recognition recognizes family and friends based on people you tag in your photos, and sends you a notification the moment a visitor arrives.
Pros
- Two-way audio in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac and Apple TV
- Securely store recorded footage in iCloud for 10 days
- Color night vision
Cons
- Wired installation only
- More expensive than other models
Doorbell Camera with the Best Motion Detection
Aosu Doorbell Camera
Most other doorbell security cameras on the market only have one passive infrared (PIR) sensor for motion detection. The Aosu wireless doorbell camera uses both a radar sensor and a PIR sensor, plus AI body detection technology to reduce false alarms by 95%. The camera can distinguish between near and far objects and judge whether they are people or animals.
Another noteworthy feature: Your videos are stored directly to your HomeBase with built-in 8G memory, so you can view them anytime or anywhere with no monthly fee.
Pros
- Triple motion detection
- 5MP Super HD for a crisp image
- Wired or battery installation options
Cons
- Difficult to share recordings
- Playback is spotty when not using a WiFi network
Most Stylish Doorbell Camera
SimpliSafe Doorbell
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell features a sleek rounded body style and comes with three interchangeable colored faceplates, making it one of the most stylish picks for your home. There are multiple sensors designed to detect people and ignore distractions, so you only get notification that matter. It has a wide field of view and an impressive infrared night vision to see in the dark, making it one of the best outdoor cameras.
However, it doesn’t save any video clips or photos unless you opt into a subscription monitoring plan starting at $10 per month.
Pros
- Stylish design with interchangeable color options
- Crisp 1080 HD video
- Small and discreet
Cons
- Wired installation only
- Needs a subscription monitoring plan for cloud storage
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