Video Doorbell Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

A video doorbell lets you see and speak to visitors from anywhere. They deter package thieves, help you screen visitors, and integrate with broader smart home systems. Here is what to consider before buying.

Wired vs Battery

Wired doorbells connect to your existing doorbell wiring and never need charging. They support features like continuous recording and faster motion detection. Battery models install in minutes without wiring but need recharging every two to six months depending on activity.

Video Quality

Most modern doorbells record in 1080p or 2K. Higher resolution helps identify faces and read license plates. Look for HDR support, which balances bright sunlight and shadowed areas in the same frame. Night vision quality varies significantly between brands.

Field of View

A wider field of view captures more of your porch area. Look for at least 150 degrees horizontal and a tall aspect ratio to see packages on the ground. Some models offer a square or portrait orientation for better vertical coverage.

Smart Detection

Basic motion detection triggers on any movement, including cars driving by and trees swaying. AI-powered detection identifies people, packages, and vehicles separately. This dramatically reduces false alerts and lets you set different notification rules per detection type.

Subscription Costs

Most brands offer free live viewing but charge monthly for video history. Plans range from 3 to 10 dollars per month or 30 to 100 dollars annually. Some cameras like Eufy offer free local storage as an alternative to cloud subscriptions.

Our Quick Picks

The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is the best overall for its easy setup and extensive smart home integration. The Google Nest Doorbell offers the smartest detection AI. The Eufy Video Doorbell E340 is best for avoiding subscriptions with its free local storage.