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Doorbell Cameras Buying Guide
As you might’ve noticed on social media, doorbell cameras are rising in popularity, . If you’re considering one for your own home, this guide can help you make the right decision without all of the trial and error. This guide can help you understand what factors to consider when buying a doorbell camera, including equipment cost, features, the field of view, resolution, compatibility with other apps, warranty and reviews.
What is a Doorbell Camera?
A doorbell camera is a security camera that looks just like a doorbell and helps thwart break-ins and theft. It works just like a regular doorbell and chimes when you ring it, but has a video camera built-in that you can use to monitor your home. With some cameras, you can keep tabs on your home security when you’re away using Wi-Fi and a smartphone or tablet. Most doorbell cameras allow you to speak directly to whoever is on the other end using a speaker. Some come with motion detectors so you can record only when activity is detected.
How to buy the best Doorbell Cameras
Now that you know exactly what a doorbell camera is and what it can do to help secure your home, take a look at the factors to consider when shopping for the best doorbell camera.
Types of Doorbell Cameras
Doorbell cameras come with all kinds of features, price points and video resolution. Doorbell cameras are both wired and wireless, and some can connect to your Google Home or Alexa. There are also doorbell cameras that provide HD video resolution and clear two-way audio. Some cameras require a monthly subscription fee for monitoring.
Choose the Right Size
Choosing the right-sized camera is important because your doorbell camera should cover the entirety of the area you want surveilled.
Compare Doorbell Cameras cost
Several different factors contribute to the overall cost of a doorbell camera, including video resolution and the field of view. You’ll find doorbell cameras ranging from $99.99-$400.
Read Doorbell Camera reviews
Before you decide on a doorbell camera, it’s best to research reviews for each brand. Look for detailed reviews that speak to features, resolution, wireless capabilities, design and overall operation. Look for specific details that help you make a purchasing decision that’s right for you and your home.
Installation
Most doorbell cameras can be installed without the need for a professional. You can easily do it yourself fairly quickly.
Doorbell Camera brands
In this section, we’ll take a look at the top doorbell camera brands and one or two of each brand’s popular doorbell cameras.
1. Ring
Ring is a top-rated doorbell camera brand that offers a variety of plans and Wi-Fi connectivity for all of its doorbell cameras. Take a look at two of Ring’s best doorbell cameras.
- Ring Video Doorbell 2
- Wireless operation
- 1080p video resolution
- Integration with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro
- Easy setup
- 1080p video resolution
- Motion detection
Cost: Starting at $99.99 (monthly fees starting at $3/month)
2. August
August is another top-rated doorbell camera brand that integrates with Amazon Alexa and is available with cloud storage.
- August Cam
- 960p resolution
- Cloud storage for $4.99 a month
- Motion detection
Cost: Starting at $170 on Amazon
3. RemoBell
RemoBell provides great overall value with live on-demand streaming and infrared night vision.
- RemoBell S
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT integration
- HD video
- Customizable motion zones, adjustable motion sensors and a 180-degree field of view (horizontal and vertical)
Cost: Starting at $99.00
4. Google Nest Hello
Nest Hello is a great doorbell camera brand due to features and Bluetooth connectivity options. It’s perfect for Nest Device users.
- Google Nest Hello
- 160-degree field of view
- HD video
- Package arrival notification
Cost: Starting at $149.99 on select sites for a limited time – normally $229 ($5/month)
5. SkyBell HD
SkyBell is great for those who want all of the perks of a doorbell camera in HD video quality. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa, and all cameras come with a one-year warranty.
- SkyBell HD
- 1080p HD video with full-color night vision
- Motion sensor alerts
- Rain and weatherproof
Cost: Starting at $141.57
6. Vivint
Vivint is a high-quality brand that offers top-of-the-line doorbell cameras that can easily integrate with your smart home.
- Vivint Doorbell Camera
- Vivint Smart Clips (30-second video clips on-demand)
- Smart visitor detection
- Custom notifications
Cost: About $199 and about $60 per month (long-term contract required). Toll-free number: 855-688-6632
7. SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is a quality doorbell camera brand that offers crisp, clear video and works with doorbells on almost any kind of home.
- SimpliSafe Doorbell Pro
- 1080p video resolution
- Connectivity with every sensor in SimpliSafe system
- Works with existing doorbell
Cost: Starting at $169
8. Frontpoint
Frontpoint is a top brand known for affordability. Its doorbell cameras come with a three-year warranty.
- Frontpoint Doorbell Camera
- 720p video resolution
- Cloud storage
- Night vision
Cost: Starting at $99 with monthly fees of $49.99
9. Doorbird
Doorbird is a German brand of doorbell cameras that provides superior video quality and top-notch features.
- Doorbird Video Doorbell Camera
- Push notifications for up to eight devices
- Voice with deliveries
- Free cloud recording
Cost: Prices starting at $416
10. Zmodo
Zmodo Greet is a brand known for its features and affordable prices.
- Zmodo Greet
- 720p video resolution
- Night vision and motion detection
- Zmodo Cloud
Cost: Starting at $74.55 on Amazon and monthly costs starting at $4.99
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