The tech behind the video doorbell is ever evolving, so this updated list includes the best options based on what’s available today, plus a few recommendations.
Since this series first compared Ring and Nest in 2020, much has changed in the video doorbell realm. The technology has improved, new models have come out and options have expanded. We’ve been able to test eight popular new video doorbells to provide you with the most up-to-date information so you can make the best decision for yourself and your clients.
This guide is designed to help you decide what features are most important to you, which video doorbell will be the best option based on the setup of your home, and what’s included at various price points.
Important Feature and Setup Considerations
Video doorbells range in price from $49.99 to $259.99. Still, beyond price, homeowners should consider key factors related to the doorbells themselves, like power supply, video quality, storage, integrations and ongoing subscription costs.
It’s also important to consider how the location determines the available setup options. First, decide whether you’ve got functional doorbell wiring available. If you’d like to install the new video doorbell in a location where the wiring is workable, you will want to buy a wired doorbell for continuous power.
However, if the wires have become disconnected or are not working properly or you’d like to put the video doorbell in a new location, a battery-powered model will be a better fit.
Next, decide which features of the doorbell are important to you and within your price range. More expensive doorbells tend to have additional features, including motion zones that trigger recording, sensitivity adjustments, and higher-quality cameras with a larger field of view. Some offer the ability to use an existing doorbell chime and Wi-Fi network rather than an adapter or investing in an add-on chime.
Regarding camera footage, there are two options: cloud storage and local storage. Cloud storage allows you to access footage from nearly any location, but this service comes at a monthly cost. Local storage is limited in that you often cannot access recordings away from home, but it does not cost extra.
Other available features to consider include integration with existing smart-home devices such as locks, lights, security systems and voice assistant hubs. This might be a deciding factor for those who like to build out smart-home features within the same ecosystem. It is convenient to be able to control all your devices from one app. If you’re just starting in the smart-home realm, though, integration might not be a high priority.
Current Video Doorbell Options
Ring Doorbell(link is external)
Pricing:
Entry level: $64.99 for the base, wired doorbell without a chime
Battery version: starting at $99.99
Pro version: $169.99
Pro 2: $259.99
Elite: $349.99 (this version is powered over Ethernet and typically installed by a professional)
There are also upgraded versions of the original battery-powered doorbell, including Video Doorbell 3, which retails for $199.99 and Video Doorbell 4, priced at $219.99. These versions include removable battery packs and dual-band Wi-Fi.
Subscription/storage: A Ring doorbell service subscription for one camera costs $4 per month or $40 for one year; a subscription for all Ring doorbells at one house is $10 per month or $100 a year. The subscription includes up to 60 days of cloud-based video storage.
Video quality: Most of these models offer the standard 1080p HD at 15 frames per second and 16:9 aspect ratio. However, the newest models offer “Head to Toe” view at 1536p resolution.
Ecosystem: Amazon smart devices, such as the Echo and FireTV; Ring also works with compatible devices such as Schlage, Kwisket and Yale. Smart locks from Level are also newly compatible.
Battery or hardwired: Both versions are available.
Installation: Easy. Wired versions that will use an existing chime require additional wiring, although some include an add-on plug-in replacement chime.
Detection: The hardwired version of the Ring Doorbell includes adjustable zones and sensitivity, and it can identify people. The rechargeable-battery versions of Ring allow only adjustments for sensitivity. The newest Ring Doorbell Pro 2 has features called “Bird’s-Eye View” and 3D motion detection, which show the origin of motion activity and track movement within the space during the duration of the captured video.
Nest Doorbell(link is external)
Pricing:
Battery version: $179.99
Wired version: $229
Subscription/storage: Nest Aware costs $6 per month or $60 a year and includes 30 days of event video history. Nest Aware Plus costs $12 per month or $120 a year and includes 60 days of event video history and 10 days of 24/7 video history.
Video quality: 1600×1200 HD, up to 30 frames per second and 4:3 aspect ratio.
Ecosystem: This doorbell works through Google only.
Battery or hardwired: Both versions are available.
Installation: Easy to install. Additional wiring is required for an existing chime; otherwise, installation takes approximately 10 minutes.
Detection: Nest Hello identifies people and packages, including “familiar faces” with a Nest Aware subscription.
Arlo Video Doorbell(link is external)
Pricing:
Wired version: $149.99
Battery version $199.99
Subscription/storage: Three months of Arlo Smart is included with the purchase of the doorbell. The Premier Plan is $3 per month for one camera and $10 a month for up to five cameras, with up to 2560 by 1920 resolution and 30 days of video history. The Elite Plan costs $5 a month for one camera or $15 per month for up to five cameras, with up to 3840 by 2160 resolution and 30 days of video history. Continuous video recording is available for an additional fee.
Video quality: Wide, 180-degree view; 1536×1536 HD at 24 frames per second; 1:1 aspect ratio (square).
Ecosystem: This video doorbell is compatible with the Arlo app, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Homekit, SmartThings and the IFTTT programmable app on Android.
Battery or hardwired: Both versions are available.
Installation: Easy to install.
Detection: Smart Detect can identify people, animals, vehicles and packages.
Eufy Video Doorbell(link is external)
Pricing:
$149.99 to $259.99 depending on configuration
Subscription/storage: No monthly fees are required for local storage on Eufy’s Homebase device, which comes with 16GB of memory (approximately 180 days).
Video quality: There are 1080p and 2560 by 1920 versions that record at 20 to 30 frames per second and a 4:3 aspect ratio are available. The newest version features dual cameras to detect packages.
Ecosystem: Eufy, Alexa and Google Assistant are compatible.
Battery or hardwired: Both versions are available.
Installation: The hardwired and battery models both are easy to install and use a remote plug-in chime.
Detection: Activity zones and facial snapshot trigger notifications.
Remo+ RemoBell S(link is external)
Pricing:
Hardwired and battery versions: $99
Subscription/storage: Three days of rolling cloud storage is included for free. Thirty-day plans cost $3 a month or $30 per year.
Video quality: Video is shown in 1536×1536 at up to 30 frames per second and 1:1 aspect ratio (square).
Ecosystem: Compatible systems are Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT.
Battery or hardwired: The RemoBell S is hardwired; RemoBell is the battery version.
Installation: These are easy to install.
Detection: Customizable motion zones are available.
Wyze(link is external)
Pricing:
Original wired version: $42.99
Pro battery powered version: $93.99
Subscription/storage: Twelve-second videos are stored in the cloud for free for 14 days. An optional Cam Plus subscription is offered at $1.99 a month.
Video quality: The video quality is 1080p with a 3:4 full-body aspect ratio.
Ecosystem: The Wyze app is the only option.
Battery or hardwired: Both versions are available.
Installation: These are easy to install.
Detection: The Cam Plus subscription will notify you when the camera detects people or packages.
Simplisafe(link is external)
Pricing:
Hardwired: $169.00
Subscription/storage: Thirty days of video from up to 10 cameras costs 83 cents per day or $24.90 per month.
Video quality: Video streams at 1080p.
Ecosystem: This doorbell works only through the Simplisafe App.
Battery or hardwired: Hardwired only.
Installation: These are easy to install.
Detection: The Simplisafe video doorbell uses passive infrared sensors and image recognition for intelligent alerts.
Our Top Picks
For those who own an Echo Show, other Ring cameras or a different security system, the Ring Doorbell Pro is a great value. Whenever possible, we feel it is best to use the wired version so you don’t need to worry about charging batteries. Additionally, though the Pro 2 has added features, we don’t think they’re worth the cost.
Anyone who is heavily invested in the Google ecosystem or already paying for Nest Aware may want to add the Google Nest Hello doorbell. We like the ability to identify familiar faces, control everything within one app and display footage right on the Google Nest Hub.
Because of the added cost of a required subscription for Arlo and Simplisafe doorbells, we only recommend these doorbells as add-ons for those who already pay for the subscription.
Remo+ and Eufy Doorbell are great options for anyone who wants to avoid paying monthly subscriptions. While additional services are available on both, they are not required, offering flexibility. At a price point of $49.99, Wyze is a great budget-friendly option that gets the job done.
©National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission
