Video doorbells are partly doorbell, partly Security Camera. They send you real-time notifications on your phone and give you access to a live video feed of who is ringing at your door. A built-in microphone and speaker in the doorbell allow you to chat with your guest. In some cases the device also works with intelligent locks So you can let the person in without opening the door yourself.
Most of the candidates for the best video doorbell camera today are Wi-Fi enabled and offer features such as a rechargeable battery, two-way communication, video feed and recording, and the traditional doorbell button. However, the design, video quality, subscriptions to video storage, and the installation process for each doorbell camera can vary.
For more of that
Subscribe to the Smart Home newsletter, receive notifications and see related articles on CNET.
We've highlighted our favorite models below and explained exactly how we test video doorbells. So if you are looking for the best video doorbell it is probably one of the ones we tested.
The best video doorbells we've tested
Tyler Lizenby / CNET
The $ 150 video doorbell camera from Arlo is easy to install, performs well, and has competitive features and cloud storage fees starting at $ 3 per month. With a cloud storage subscription, you get access to advanced features like custom person, animal, vehicle, and package notifications.
The Arlo Video doorbell, our pick for the best video doorbell overall, also has a built-in siren, two-way audio, motion detection zones, and enable / disable modes. Read more about the Arlo Video Doorbell.
Tyler Lizenby / CNET
The Arlo video doorbell isn't cheap, but this device offers great overall value. For $ 3 per month, you get access to advanced doorbell camera features such as people, animal, vehicle, and motion alarms. Like the Arlo Pro 3 outdoor surveillance camera, the camera has arm disarm modes, two-way audio, motion zones and an integrated siren. Read more about the Arlo Video Doorbell.
In addition to the basics like 1080p HD video footage, live streaming, motion detection, and alerts, the Hello camera also offers free people detection. People recognition doesn't tell you who's at the door (it's not face recognition - more on that below), but it does tell you that they saw a person. You can also upgrade to the Nest Aware Cloud Storage Subscription Service for a monthly or annual fee. In addition to access to stored HD video recordings (Hello, excellent video quality), this service offers additional face recognition. Read the Nest Hello review.
Best for apartment residents
Ring peephole cam
Chris Monroe / CNET
The $ 199 Peephole Cam is Ring's answer to apartment doors - or doors with peepholes. If you don't want or can't drill into a door frame to install a hardwired or battery operated doorbell, the Peephole Cam is a solid alternative.
The Peephole Cam is fully battery operated and replaces your standard peephole in a few simple steps. You can still peek through it like a normal peephole, but you can also get a live video feed of your front door if necessary and talk to all visitors. If you subscribe to Ring's Protect Cloud service, you can also view saved clips.
The Ring Peephole Cam is definitely worth considering for its streamlined installation and clever workaround for apartment residents. Read the CNET test.
More video doorbell options
How we test video doorbells
Testing to determine the best video doorbell is similar to testing everyone else Home security camera. First, I download the appropriate app and create an account (if I don't already have one). While many products come with tutorial brochures when they buy, I prefer to start with the app. A good app has detailed steps on the installation process, as well as connecting to your Wi-Fi network and actually getting the device up and running. It's your one-stop-shop that lets you set up your doorbell from start to finish.
Make sure the doorbell is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions - either hard-wired or battery or solar powered. Once connected and I can view the live video feed, I'll check the settings. I make sure features like motion detection or activity zones are turned on (they're not always on by default) to get a full idea of what it's like to use the product - and to see how good the device actually is as a replacement works with a normal, non-intelligent doorbell.
Nest Hello Video Doorbell: Smarter Than Your Average ...
Look what
Does it work with smart home platforms? If so, do they work well together? Nowadays, smart home devices are expected to work with at least one major smart home platform - Amazon Alexa, Google assistant and Apple HomeKit are the most important ones to look for.
What's the latency? If your smart doorbell camera takes a long time to get a push alert after someone rings your doorbell, you risk missing your visitor completely. The same may be true even if the doorbell simply detects movement. You can set the motion sensor on most video doorbells to notify you of activity near your door even if no one is ringing the buzzer.
If you're having latency issues, start with your Wi-Fi connection. If it's not strong where the doorbell is installed, you may be able to move it (or, more simply, get a Wi-Fi range extender). But it could also be how the software works.
How is the live view? Doorbells are often exposed to direct sunlight, but many others are installed under porches, near shady trees, and in all sorts of other environments. It's important that the camera has night vision and can handle each of these scenarios so you don't get stuck with a non-working product that can't see faces under a porch.
How is the two-way audio? If the doorbell microphone and speaker are not working well, you will find it difficult to communicate with whoever is there. I am testing this several times to see how the doorbell sound on my phone.