The Best Smart Doorbell Camera
If you don’t have existing doorbell wiring, the Eufy Security Video Doorbell S220 (Battery-Powered) is an easy-to-use option with a great image, and its battery can deliver about four months of service on a full charge.
We recommend the Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) because it delivers fewer false alerts than any video doorbell we tested, accurately distinguishes between people, animals, cars, and packages, and includes the option for 24/7 recording.
A smart doorbell camera allows you to see who’s on the other side of your door—even when you aren’t home—so you can weed out guests who don’t come bearing Girl Scout cookies.
This battery-powered model lasts up to four months with regular use, produces sharp 2K images, and has options for cloud and local storage.
This compact model performs consistently and is cheap and easy to install, but it lacks some of the more advanced features of our top pick.
It displays a wide, 180-degree field of view in a square aspect ratio, which reduces blind spots around your porch. It also can ID people, animals, packages, and cars.
Most video doorbells can detect motion up to 25 feet away, but details start to get washed out around 15 feet.
Storing video on a memory card is convenient and free. But for security’s sake, we prefer models that save footage in the cloud.
Wired smart doorbell cameras
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
The second-generation Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) delivered the best performance of any video doorbell in our latest tests. It was the most accurate when it came to identifying types of motion (person, animal, vehicle, or package), as well as when restricting alerts using activity zones to monitor specific areas. It can even identify specific people by name (with a Nest Aware subscription), although it needs to get a good look at the subject. We also found it to be very quick, both with smartphone notifications and producing a live look at activity as it was happening, without a delay. The Nest is also the only one of our picks to supply free cloud storage—although it’s restricted to three hours. If you want to record and store motion clips from an unlimited number of devices for up to 30 days and get the aforementioned Familiar Face detection, a Nest Aware plan is $8 per month or $80 per year; bumping that up to $15 per month (or $150 per year) will get you motion event storage for up to 60 days or 10 days of 24/7 recording.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (with a compatible base station, such as the Arlo SmartHub), Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings
The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell can distinguish among people, animals, vehicles, or packages—although we didn’t find it to be as accurate or quick to respond as the Nest. For that advanced sensing and the ability to capture video clips up to five minutes long, you need an $8-per-month Arlo Secure subscription. But we find these features to be essential, and the price is fair (otherwise you’re restricted to motion/bell alerts and live video streaming). The Arlo doorbell camera also captures crisp video, with a 1536×1536 resolution and a wide, 180-degree viewing angle in a square format; this provides a comprehensive vertical and horizontal view of what’s going on in front of your door, whether it’s deliveries or visiting raccoons.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Works with Ring
The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is the solid sub-$75 smart doorbell camera we’ve been waiting for. It’s smaller than most Ring doorbells (and cheaper, too), it captures clear 1080p video, and it’s accurate with motion and person alerts. However, it doesn’t offer alerts that are as detailed as our top two picks and the only smart-home platform it works with is Amazon Alexa. And even though it’s inexpensive, it does require a Ring Protect Basic plan to record motion events, which starts at $4 per month or $40 per year (and will be increasing to $5 per month or $50 per year beginning March 11, 2024).
Battery-powered smart doorbell cameras
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
The Eufy Security Video Doorbell S220 (Battery-Powered) combines solid performance with a strong battery that lasts about four months. It can store up to six months’ worth of footage for free on the indoor base station, or you can opt for Eufy’s cloud service, which includes 30 days of video history for $3 per month per camera (or $30 per year per camera). As with many battery-powered models, recording time is limited (in this case to 60 second clips), and there may be a brief gap in between recordings if motion continues. However, the S220’s sharp 2K image and strong battery life make it the best smart doorbell for anyone who wants to go wire-free.
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Ring is one of the go-to brands for video doorbells and home security — and for good reason. Ring devices are easy to install, simple to use, and offer impressive features. From custom motion controls to nighttime viewing, there’s a Ring doorbell for everyone. We’ve put together this exhaustive guide to help you choose between some of the most popular Ring doorbell options. With an increasing portfolio that also spans smart lighting, indoor cameras, and a home security system, Ring offers a complete solution that caters to your needs.
We’ve also gathered some of the best Ring Video Doorbell deals and home security camera sales for your perusing.
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Ring Doorbell Wired Ring Battery Doorbell Plus Ring Doorbell 2nd-generation Ring Doorbell 3 Ring Doorbell Pro Ring Doorbell Pro 2 Ring Doorbell Elite Finishes Black Satin Nickel
Satin Nickel, Venetian Bronze
Includes two faceplates: Satin Nickel, Venetian Satin Nickel Satin Nickel Includes four faceplates: Satin Nickel, Pearl White, Venetian, Satin Black Compatible transformers 10-24 VAC at ~40 volt-amps 8-24 VAC, 40VA max, 50/60Hz 8-24 VAC, DC not compatible 8-24 VAC, DC not compatible 16-24 VAC at ~30 volt-amps 16-24 VAC at ~30 volt-amps Cannot run off a doorbell transformer Motion detection Customizable motion detection zones Customizable motion detection zones 6 selectable zones and customizable sensitivity scale 6 selectable zones and customizable sensitivity scale Customizable motion detection zones Customizable motion detection zones Customizable motion detection zones Battery life N/A — hardwired Up to 8 months 6 to 12 months with normal usage 6 to 12 months with normal usage N/A — hardwired N/A — hardwired N/A — hardwired Compatible networks 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connection @ 2.4GHz 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz or 5.0GHz (Channels 11-13) 802.11 b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz or 5.0GHz (Channels 11-13) 802.11 b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz or 5.0GHz 802.11 b/g/n Field of view 155 degrees horizontal, 90 degrees vertical 150 degrees horizontal, 150 degrees vertical 155 degrees 160 degrees horizontal, 90 degrees vertical 150 degrees horizontal, 150 degrees vertical 150 degrees horizontal, 150 degrees vertical 160 degrees horizontal, 90 degrees vertical Dimensions 3.98 x 1.8 x 0.88 inches 5.1 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches 4.98 x 2.43 x 0.87 inches 5.05 x 2.5 x 1.08 inches 4.49 x 1.9 x .87 inches 4.49 x 1.9 x .87 inches 4.80 x 2.75 x 2.17 inches Video resolution 1080p HD 1536p HD+ 1080p HD 1080p HD 1536p HD 1536p HD 1080p HD Price $60 $180 $100 $180 $170 $250 $350Ring Video Doorbell Wired
The newest Ring doorbell is also the most budget-friendly. The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is only $60, although it requires a wired connection, which means it won’t be compatible with every setup, and you’ll need to do a bit of wiring to get it working.
For almost $200 less than the Doorbell Pro, what exactly do you lose? For starters, the Doorbell Pro comes with four exchangeable faceplate options; the Doorbell Wired only comes in black (you can still purchase additional faceplates separately). The Doorbell Wired also drops the 5GHz compatibility of the Doorbell Pro. But you keep HD video and two-way audio features, along with motion detection and the expected alerts (along with Ring’s Alexa functionality). You’re also wired right into your old chime, so you don’t need to worry about the sound changing.
Bottom line: For the money, the Ring Video Doorbell Wired brings all the essentials of a Ring doorbell. If you want more faceplate choices, more Wi-Fi options, and fewer installation steps for keeping your home’s existing doorbell chime, go with the Ring Video Doorbell Pro.
Read our in-depth Ring Video Doorbell Wired review
Ring Video Doorbell 2nd-gen
Ring entirely revamped its standard doorbell with the 2nd gen model. As a result, it has some of the most modern features, outclassing the previous generation (but still looking about the same).
On this unit, you’ll find a 1080-pixel camera with a 155-degree field of view, plus two-way audio options, motion sensors, and night vision features. A lot of the technology is upgraded too: There’s an additional motion zone, and motion zones are easier to customize. The night vision functions work better, and the mic has noise cancellation to enable easier conversations. Alexa voice compatibility is also included.
Ring also made the doorbell easier to mount with a new design on the back to make sure users will have no problems setting it up. There’s a built-in rechargeable battery to manage, but the option to hardwire the doorbell remains.
Bottom line: The new Ring Video Doorbell is a great improvement over the old model while offering the same basic functions. It’s also more affordable at $99, making it a great recommendation for the average home.
Read our in-depth Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) Review
Ring Video Doorbell 3
The Doorbell 3 is about twice as expensive as the new Ring Video Doorbell 2nd gen, but does it offer twice the value? Well … not really. The biggest difference is compatibility with the 5GHz band for dual-band routers and a more durable design. It also comes with a “quick-release” battery pack that makes recharging easier. Otherwise, most of the specs are about the same.
Oh, and all customers should also know there’s a “Plus” version of the Doorbell 3. It’s about $30 more and includes what Ring calls “Pre-Roll” technology, which can show you four seconds of footage before the motion sensor is activated, giving you a clearer idea of what’s going on.
Bottom line: It’s baffling that the Doorbell 3 is twice as much as the standard model, with few changes beyond a better battery pack and 5GHz support — we suspect this model may be in for a price drop in the future. If you want this model, it may be wise to consider the Plus version, as Pre-Roll options may be useful for certain businesses or keeping a closer eye on your porch.
Read our in-depth Ring Video Doorbell 3 Review
Ring Video Doorbell Pro
The Video Doorbell Pro remains a very popular option even though the Pro 2 has arrived. While the Pro 2 includes the latest technology, the Doorbell Pro sticks closer to the basics, which allows you to save a whole lot of money. The wired design is still top-notch, with a 1080p cam, two-way audio, motion detection, night vision, and all the other expected features.
The Pro distinguishes itself from models like the Wired and latest Battery 2020 Doorbells by offering enhanced dual-band Wi-Fi, more choices for interchangeable faceplates, options for built-in Alexa greetings, and a few other additions. It’s a nice halfway point between the feature-packed Pro 2 and the budget Wired model if you are most interested in a wired model.
Bottom line: If you’re not interested in extra features like improved audio, a bumped-up resolution, and better A.I. motion detection, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro is a high-quality doorbell that you can get for a much lower price than the Pro 2.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
The Pro 2 begins to differ more significantly from the Doorbell and Doorbell 3. There’s no battery option for this model since it’s designed to be hardwired right into your existing doorbell wiring. That leaves fewer options for placement, but you also don’t have to worry about replacing a battery. Alexa functionality also means you can view the video right from an Amazon Echo Show.
You also have an enhanced dual-band option, allowing you to run the doorbell on the 5GHz band of your Wi-Fi router. There’s a beautiful new slim design that fits into the background more easily, and four faceplate options come in Satin Nickel, Pearl White, Venetian, and Satin Black.
The specs on this doorbell receive a significant upgrade over other models in the lineup. The camera is 1536p HD+ with a 150-degree field of view on the horizontal and vertical. However, its standout feature is the ability to track individuals in and around your front door with its 3D Motion Detection with Bird’s Eye View. It uses radar technology to pinpoint the exact location on a map where someone’s been in the vicinity of your front door.
Bottom line: The upgrades make this Ring doorbell the best option for your home if you don’t mind paying the higher price. The only exception is if you don’t have any current doorbell wiring. In that case, you should weigh the costs of installation to see if it’s worth it, and you may want to go with the original Doorbell or Doorbell 3.
Read our in-depth Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 review
Ring Video Doorbell Elite
The petite Elite model is very similar to the Pro version, except for two main areas. First, the doorbell is even slimmer than before. Second, it cannot utilize the existing doorbell wiring. Instead, it uses the Power over Ethernet protocol via an Ethernet cable to get energy. If you’re willing to install an Ethernet cable, you have more placement options.
Bottom line: The Elite is twice the price of alternatives. However, with the higher price, you get a more reliable connection (Power over Ethernet). Ethernet may make installation more versatile, but it’s also likely to make it more expensive (unless your doorbell already has an Ethernet cable).
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
If you don’t want to mess around with wires, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is for you. Not only does it offer an easy installation process (just toss in some batteries and mount it to your home), but you’ll benefit from its enhanced 1536p resolution — which is better than most other doorbells in the Ring catalog.
Beyond that, this is your standard, high-end Ring doorbell. Motion alerts, customizable settings, and a quick-release battery pack are all here, as is support for Alexa and the robust Ring smartphone app. The HD+ resolution and head-to-toe video ratio make this one of the pricier items carrying the Ring logo, but there’s no doubt that your $180 is a worthwhile investment.
Bottom line: The Battery Doorbell Plus is a premium video doorbell that uses a head-to-toe aspect ratio to capture everything happening beyond your front door. Toss in an easy installation process, and it’s easy to see why the newest member of the Ring family is so popular.
Accessories
Ring also provides a number of accessories that can work with many of its doorbells, offering various enhancements. These include:
- Chime and Chime Pro: Indoor chime and notification speakers for the entryway.
- Solar Panel for the 2020 Doorbell: Helps charge the Doorbell’s battery in sunny conditions.
- Plug-in Adapter: A plug-in option that serves as a workaround for wired doorbells.
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