Smart homes have become more commonplace than craze over the past few years. While some devices help homeowners better control their energy use, other items, like smart doorbells, enhance security and safety.
There are dozens of options for smart doorbells, which makes it hard to decide which device is the best for you. We’ve rounded up the top five options based on pricing, features, compatibility, and functionality.
Good to know: if you’re converting your house into a smart home, our beginner’s guide to smart home setup can help.
1. Best Overall: Google Nest
If you want a high-quality smart doorbell for an affordable price, look no further than Google Nest. For just over $100, you get a fully-functional doorbell that integrates into the Google Home app, making it a no-brainer for anyone whose smart home operates with Google. The wireless option can be installed in mere minutes and is easy to remove when you need to recharge.
Pros
- Wireless
- Easy installation
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- HD video quality + package detection
- Alerts via smartphone
- Connects to Google Home and Apple HomeKit
- 2-way communication
- Easy removal for charging
- No hub required for use
Cons
- Needs to recharge about every two weeks
- Not compatible with Amazon Alexa
Tip: add outdoor security cameras to your smart home setup to see other vantage points besides your front door.
2. Best Wired: Arlo Video Doorbell Essential
The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is an incredible option for anyone who doesn’t mind dealing with the installation process of a wired smart doorbell. As a third-party brand, this smart doorbell is one of the few devices that play well with nearly any smart home interface, including Samsung SmartThings. Also, the battery will continuously charge, since this doorbell is wired into your existing system.
Pros
- Installs directly into existing doorbell wiring
- High-resolution HD video
- No hub required
- 180-degree field of view
- Night vision
- No hub required
- 2-way audio
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT
Cons
- Requires wiring knowledge to install
- Some features require Arlo Secure subscription
- Expensive compared to alternatives
- Possible issues with Wi-Fi connection and delays in audio
3. Best Wireless: Ring Video Doorbell 4
Wired doorbells don’t need to recharge, but they are also challenging to install. For that reason, many people prefer wireless smart doorbells like the Ring Video Doorbell 4. Since Ring was one of the first smart doorbells made, the Amazon-owned company makes devices with many great features. It also easily integrates with other Amazon Alexa devices in your home.
Pros
- HD video quality
- No hub required
- Night vision
- Option to set auto-replies based on what camera sees
- Ability to set parameters on what doorbell monitors
- Removable battery recharges without taking down the doorbell
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings
Cons
- Larger than other brands
- Some features require subscription
- Not compatible with Google Home or Apple HomeKit
- Lacks some additional mounting hardware to change angle
Also helpful: you can set up your Ring doorbell to work with your Amazon Echo Show and your smartphone.
4. Best Bargain: Blink Video Doorbell
As you may have noticed, many of the best smart doorbells cost over $100. However, that’s not the case with the Blink Video Doorbell. This bargain doorbell offers most of the same features as the other options on this list; plus, it takes AA batteries instead of requiring you to take down the doorbell and recharge for several hours each time it runs out of juice.
Pros
- Easy, wire-free installation
- Two-way audio
- Connects through Wi-Fi
- Notifications through app
- Connects to Amazon Alexa and can notify devices
- Night vision and motion detection
- Takes AA batteries instead of being a rechargeable unit
Cons
- Video clips max out at 30 seconds
- Some users experience weak motion detection
- Not compatible with Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings
Good to know: you can create new Alexa skills to help control your smart doorbell or other smart devices.
5. Best “Classic” Doorbell: Wyze Video Doorbell With Chime
With the Wyze Video Doorbell + Chime, you get the benefits of a smart doorbell, along with that same “classic” doorbell chime some people love. It’s also one of the smallest doorbells. Many people like it because it doesn’t stand out from the street.
Pros
- 1080p HD video quality
- Two-way audio
- Connects through Wi-Fi
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa & IFTTT
- Night vision
Cons
- Only 120 degrees field of vision
- Not compatible with Google Home or Apple HomeKit
- Requires wiring to install
- Some features require paid subscription
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a smart doorbell?
When purchasing a doorbell, consider your current smart home infrastructure, whether you want a wired or wireless model, and how much money you’d like to spend. This and determining any must-have features will help you narrow down your options.
Do wireless doorbells interfere with your home Wi-Fi signal?
No, none of the smart doorbells on this list emit signals or make requests that would disrupt your home Wi-Fi network. However, some devices can slow down your Internet speed, as they’re another device on your network.
Will my smart doorbell still work if there is a power outage and my Internet is off?
Some smart doorbells, like the Google Nest, offer Bluetooth connectivity and internal storage for a set amount of time, which means they can still record information for you. However, not all of the smart doorbells out there include these features, so you should always check with the manufacturer first.
Image credit: Megan Glosson
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