Ring My Bell – A List Of The Best Doorbell Cameras Around
Once you are convinced that a smart video doorbell is a better and safer option compared to a traditional doorbell, then choosing the best doorbell camera and device is the next step.
We have reviewed many video cameras to give you this list of our top recommended best video doorbells.
*Notice: On mobile devices, scroll right to see entire table.
Product Name | Our Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
Best Doorbell Camera | ||
Best Smart Doorbell
Winner: Ring Pro - Video Doorbell Pro
The Ring Pro really has everything you could want or need from a modern video doorbell and is, in our eyes, the best doorbell camera out there. To back that up we include a Ring video doorbell review that's detailed below. Some notable features of this product:
Display
The clear 1080p HD video feed means you will see the person standing at your door in full high definition. Thanks to this high definition, details are a lot easier to see. You will have to trouble reading the nameplates, ID badges or wine bottle labels.
Like most video doorbells, the Ring Pro also has a motion-detection sensor that activates the camera whenever it detects movement.
Thankfully, the Ring also lets you customize the “alert zone” of the motions detector. For example, you could have it activate when it detects motion on your doorway or walkway, but ignore the neighbor’s yard or the trashcans.
Say you want to check out what is happening in your front yard, even if no one is ringing your doorbell. No problem, the Ring Pro allows you to check-in remotely and activate the camera anytime you want. Video on demand, if you will.
Advanced Technological Features
Our favorite feature has to be the infrared night vision. Nothing can be more disconcerting than an unexpected nighttime doorbell ring. Thanks to the infrared LED’s of the Ring, you can feel safe knowing that you can check who is at the door and is necessary even record footage. Another very important feature is the fact that the Ring allows for a two-way talk conversation.
Source: ring.com
OUR RATING
Ask the delivery man to hold his ID in front of the camera, ask the neighbor why she is at the door, or tell the neighborhood kids they have permission to retrieve their ball from your backyard. The Ring allows you to hear, see and talk to the person or persons standing at your door.
This video doorbell also allows you to record a video feed on their Cloud Video Recording service. Purchase of the Ring Pro includes a 30-day trial, and you can purchase the recording service separately after that time.
On looks, this video doorbell also gets high grades. The Ring Pro is super slim, it’s only 1 inch thick, 2 inches wide and 4.5 inches long.
Customizable Features
The weatherproof casing comes with four different, interchangeable faceplates in Satin Black, Venetian (brown), Satin Nickel and Pearl White. The Ring Pro will be a non-intrusive but very powerful doorbell, which is easy to install thanks to the included tool kit and instructions.
Necessary To Function
The Ring Pro requires an existing hardwired doorbell. It used this wiring to connect to the electrical system of your home and make use or your existing doorbells "ring."
The Ring Pro also requires a working Wifi connection to send alerts and video feeds to your connected devices.
Runner Up: Ring Floodlight Camera
The Ring Floodlight Camera has all the features of the Ring Pro but adds a couple of extra security measures.
Just like the Ring Pro, the Ring Floodlight Camera has a 1080HD wide-angle video that captures high definition footage. Seeing details and recognizing faces will not be a problem with this camera. Some notable features of this product:
Unique Operating System
Ring Floodlight Camera also offers a two-way speaking system, thanks to the built-in speakers and microphone. The feed is sent to your device from where you can see, hear and speak to the person at the door. And not just your door.
The Ring Floodlight Camera speakers are so powerful that you can speak to anyone on your property, from anywhere you are connected to the device.
Advanced Technological Features
The Ring Floodlight Camera has some impressive motion-detection features. The sensors can cover a 270-degree field of view and come with a facial-detection feature.
Source: ring.com
OUR RATING
Pair that with the ability to customize the detection areas and zones and you can say goodbye to false alarms and hello to one of the most advanced motion sensors in home security available today.
Floodlight Feature
Let us get into the most noticeable feature of the Ring Floodlight Camera- the floodlights. As the name suggests, the Ring Floodlight Camera comes with a pair of built-in floodlights, each illuminating up to 3k kelvin each.
That means that you can set the lights to turn on with the motion detector but can also flash them at will using the app on your smartphone or tablet.
Another added security feature in the Ring Floodlight Pro is the alarm. While the slogan on the site “Sound the Alarm on Crime” is a little cheesy, the concept is an important one. The built-in 110-decibel alarm is an undisputable deterrent and can be sound from the app at your digression.
Just like the Ring Pro, this doorbell comes with on-demand video (check-in anytime from anywhere), option to record video feed on their cloud, infrared night vision, and weather-resistant design.
This video doorbell, however, only comes in white and is quite large, weighing in at three pounds.
Necessary To Function
This doorbell needs to be connected to the main power supply. In fact, it connects to standard junction boxes and can replace any existing floodlights. Also, it needs to connect to Wi-Fi, so do make sure to install it within reach of a signal.
Alternative: Zmodo Greet
If you are looking for a lower cost, more entry-level video doorbell option than the Zmodo Greet may be a good option for you. Some notable features of this product:
User Friendly
When you buy the Zmodo Greet video doorbell, the package will also include a quick start guide, the Zmodo Beam Wi-Fi Extender and Smart hub, and the Noise Corrector.
The package also includes a Zmodo Beam Extender and Smart Hub; This device enhances and amplifies the Wi-Fi beam of your home, ensuring your doorbell is always connected. Conveniently, this device also allows you to connect other Zmodo devices to work together.
Source: bestbuy.com
OUR RATING
Some mechanical chimes interfere with the Zmodo device and create a buzzing sound. The included Noise Corrector to suppress that sound. It also helps regulate the power supply to the doorbell.
Advanced Technology
As you would expect from a video doorbell, the Zmodo comes with motion detectors and a 720p HD wide-angle camera. When the motion detector is activated, the Zmodo will automatically send you a clip for you to review. These clips are saved in de Zmodo cloud for up to 36 hours.
Thanks to an advanced night-vision sensor and light sensibility adjustments, the camera can automatically switch to a black and white night vision when the lighting conditions require it.
You can count on the camera settings to be the best possible for whatever the lighting conditions are.
Customizable Options
One of the unique features of the Zmodo video doorbell is the fact that you can pre-record a message that you can set to play when the doorbell is rung, but you cannot open or come to the door. Something like "I'm putting the baby to bed, please come back later" or "Please leave packages at next door neighbor" etc.
The Zmodo also offers a cloud storage service with the option of choosing a 30-day or 7-day plan. Perfect for selecting a continuous service or when you would rather just count on the service during your vacation.
2nd Alternative: AKASO Video Doorbell
The Akaso Video Doorbell is another excellent option for those looking for a good quality video doorbell but also for a lower price point. Some notable features of this product:
Installation Ease
Let us start right away with a feature that will appeal to many people-straightforward installation. This doorbell can run off a battery pack (batteries not included), so the installation can really be as easy as place doorbell, download app, connect devices and voila.
Eco-Friendly
If you are worried about the battery life, do not be. The Akaso boasts an ultra-low energy consumption technology that can keep the doorbell in working condition for up to 4 months (or a year if you only have it in standby mode).
Source: smarthomeshop.org
OUR RATING
While the two 18650 batteries are not included in the package, they will last you a decent amount of time.
However, if you do want to connect the Akaso doorbell to the main power line, that is also an option. You will need to purchase two rechargeable 18650 batteries and connect the doorbell to wiring or USB for continuous non-stop power without having to replace the batteries.
Advanced Technical Features
As for the technical features, you can expect the standard. A two-way audio feed, a 720p HD wide-angle camera, and an IR Night Vision; so you can hear, see and speak to anyone who is at your door, from anywhere you access the app.
This doorbell also features motion detection that automatically sends a video clip to your device. The sensitivity of the sensors is adjustable, and the resulting clips are stored in the 8 GB memory.
Note however that each new clip will be recorded over existing ones; it keeps your files organized, but you will have to download the clips to your device if you want to keep them.
The Akaso Video Doorbell is not waterproof, so please consider this when installing the doorbell.
3rd Alternative: SkyBell HD
While you may have seen many Ring vs. SkyBell reviews online, we prefer the Ring Pro to the SkyBell HD, but they are admittedly quite close. Some notable features of this product:
Unique Design
The SkyBell HD is probably a unique video doorbell regarding design. Instead of the oblong rectangular box-shape that is so common for video doorbells, the SkyBell HD is round. It is only 0.9 inches deep, and the circular shape of the bell has a 2.8-inch diameter.
Special Zoom Feature
One of our favorite features is the fact that the SkyBell HD app allows you to adjust the image of the video. While the SkyBell HD comes with a powerful 1080p HD camera with a 5x zoom, this may be too much power for your Wi-Fi. Therefore, when needed, you can adjust the image quality settings in the SkyBell app.
Souce: skybell.com
OUR RATING
The image quality of the video will also affect the size of the files and the amount of storage needed to save the videos. This leads us to another significant feature of the SkyBell HD Video Doorbell, which is the free cloud storage.
SkyBell allows you to store any video or photograph taken by the SkyBell HD free on their cloud for up to 7 days. You can record, review and download any video or photo taken by the SkyBell free of charge.
As you would expect of a good video doorbell, this doorbell also comes with night vision and motion detectors. The SkyBell motion detector’s sensitivity can be adjusted in the app between low, medium and high.
The SkyBell will automatically save video clips when the motion detectors are activated, as well as send you alert to your smartphone. You can also opt to check-in and record or see live video on demand when you want.
Diverse Application Compatibility
Another cool feature of the SkyBell HD is the fact that it has its own IFTTT channel and integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Nest. This video doorbell can really become part of your home network.
This video doorbell is weatherproof, but it does need to be connected to your existing hard-wired mechanical doorbell for energy supply and chime-use. And, like all video doorbells, it requires a stable and working Wi-Fi connection.
4rd Alternative: YIROKA Wireless Doorbell Camera
Yiroka aims to provide all the features necessary compete with Ring and other similar doorbells but for a significantly lower price point. Some notable features of this product:
Ease of Use
When it comes to installing the YIROKA doorbell it doesn't get any simpler, you get a choice of screw mounting it with 2 screws or a simple adhesive tape for ultra fast installation. It also has the option to be powered by an USB cord that you can easily install with some handiwork for that carefree, battery free experience.
In case you're worrying about battery life the Yiroka Doorbell comes with a state of the art Samsung 18650 3200 mAh battery that's guaranteed to last you at least 2~3 month.
OUR RATING
While other doorbells might charge you a subscription to access your videos or data the YIROKA comes built in with 16 GB of memory that ensures you'll have at least a weeks worth of footage at your fingertips when you need it. If you're worried about that being to little there's also an option to upgrade with a micro-SD slot on the side.
Another thing to mention is the simplicity and ease of use of the app, simply downloading and syncing it and you're a go. It's both free and hassle free.
Alarms and Security
Should anyone try to tamper with the doorbell or try to remove the micro-SD card the alarm will sound notifying you via the app and producing a loud noise. This can naturally be turned off in the app itself for when you need to charge or remove the card.
The doorbell is waterproof and tamperproof but should anything happed to your Yiroka Doorbell the company will replace it if it's stolen.
Why Should You Choose Your Smart Doorbell Camera Carefully
The best wifi doorbell or video doorbell adds an extra level of security to our homes that previously was not possible. The video doorbell allows you to screen visitors at your door without having to open the door or even show your face.
Thanks to the remote access possibilities offered by Wi-Fi signals, you can check the ID, nameplate, package or any other aspect of the person or object you want to check even if you and when you are not home.
Thanks to the two-way speaker and microphone systems, you can not only see the person on your doorstep remotely but also hear and speak to them.
You can have a conversation with this person, offer instructions or even warn to stay away, all again, even when you are not home or without even opening the door.
The motion detecting capabilities of most video doorbells, add an extra level of security. Even if someone should approach the house and not ring the doorbell, the camera will still be activated, and a clip of recorded video will be saved.
In some cases, you can even set the smart doorbell device to send an alert to your smartphone when the motions sensors have been activated.
When choosing a video doorbell, consider that most good quality video doorbells need to be a:
So make sure it can do at least all three of these things.
What To Look For When Choosing Your Smart Doorbell Camera
Any good doorbell camera review will tell you that the system should contain at least an embedded camera, a two-way audio (microphone and speaker), motion detector sensors, and let you interact with the system remotely via a smartphone or tablet app.
It should go without saying that it also needs actually to ring an audible doorbell, or buzzer or chime or whatever you have installed in your home.
Other than these key ingredients there are many levels of quality and add-ons that will influence whether the doorbell systems is right for you. Let us look at some of them:
Features
The list of possible features on a video doorbell can be endless as each manufacturer will try to outdo it is competition on these aspects. A couple of handy features to have are:
Notifications
The app should be able to send you prompt notifications when the doorbell is rung, and the motion detectors have been activated.
Adjustable Motion Detectors
It is true that having motion detectors significantly increase the security features of your smart video doorbell. However, you do not want to receive a notification or record a video clip every time a car goes down the street.
So make sure that the motion detector sensitivity is adjustable or that you can exclude certain areas from being detected.
Remote Check-In
While not strictly necessary, an option for remote check-in or video on demand feature can really increase your sense of security. This feature allows you to access and activate the camera even if the doorbell has not been rung or the motion detector sensors have not been activated.
Integration
If you already have home devices, say a Google Nest or an Amazon Alexa we would advise you look for a smart video doorbell that can integrate with these systems. It will save you a lot of hassle dealing with several different apps during the day.
Video Quality
Obviously, the video quality of a video doorbell is important. Video doorbell reviews will always include information on the quality of the camera and image of the smart doorbell. The better the quality, the better the image.
This is important because a grainy video image will almost completely negate the whole point of a video doorbell by obscuring any identifying features of the visitor. When possible always opt for the doorbell with the highest resolution.
Even if you can scale down the quality to a lower pixel density (for example because your Wi-Fi connection is slow or your storage capacity is limited), it is best to have the option to upgrade to a higher definition is needed.
Some video cameras also offer a digital zoom and the option to capture still images instead of video and store them as photographs.
Cloud Technology
It may not have crossed your mind the first time you thought about smart video doorbell, but all that video has to go somewhere. Like wifi doorbell reviews will tell you in great detail, in most cases that is the cloud.
You can think of the cloud as an online storage facility. Thanks to the fact that the files are stored online; you can access them remotely from your smartphone or tablet.
Having the videos in the cloud means that you can review or download, save or forward any image material your doorbell collects.
Most smart video doorbells come with their cloud storage, which is usually limited in some way, either there is a time restriction (only saves automatically for free for a certain number of hours or days) or by charging a fee (monthly or daily).
In all cases, you should be able to download the videos within the amount of time given to you free of charge. You will want the option to store video material on your computer if you need or want to.
Night Vision
Here we also add the night vision quality. You should not have to compromise the quality of the image due to lower lighting conditions. Make sure your video doorbell allows for a clear image during the nighttime.
Take into consideration that the quality of the night-vision of a low light video.
This is an important feature if your front door is inside an archway or under a roof or any other architectural feature that reduces the amount of natural sunlight that can get to your door (and video doorbell) during the day or evening.
Conclusion
Having a smart video doorbell can really improve your life and the safety of your home and family. Choosing the right one might not be that easy though.
Pay attention to out tips on what to look for when buying a camera doorbell or better yet, choose an option for our recommended list.
The Ring Pro is really on the top or our list thanks to the quality of its features. If you are looking for something even more robust than the Ring Floodlight might be better for you.
We have also included several Ring alternatives, like the Zmodo Greet and Akaso, which are at a lower price point, and the SkyBell HD, which is also highly recommended.
Do not take a chance on safety and choose the best doorbell camera.
