Smart Video Doorbells

Smart video doorbells can help you see who is outside your home – even when you’re binge watching or out for a run. They also work hand-in-hand with other smart home security gadgets, including wireless alarm systems.

Look for models with night vision capabilities and a backup power source, such as a cellular connection or phone line. Some also have local storage, so you can review clips without a subscription.

Detection

The most important capability a smart video doorbell has is the ability to sense and alert you to motion around your doorstep. This can be done with the use of built-in motion sensors that activate when someone approaches, or by linking up to an existing camera system that triggers its recording when someone presses the doorbell.

Many models can also capture audio and even record the face of your visitors, which is useful for deterring pranksters. A live feed of who is at the door can also be accessed from your smartphone, so you can talk back to them via two-way audio and greet guests even when you aren’t home.

One option for those worried about trespassers is 24/7 professional monitoring, which hooks your doorbell up to a security center so they get alerted when motion or people are detected and can call the police if necessary. These features are usually available as a standalone add-on to a smart video doorbell or are included with more extensive systems such as a whole-home security system.

Another key feature is whether or not a model offers local storage, which can be a micro-SD card built into the device itself or a cloud service that allows for free or paid video storage. The best models, such as the CR-rated Eufy doorbell, have both local and cloud storage, so footage is preserved in case something goes wrong with the Wi-Fi or your home network.

Alerts

A Smart Video Doorbell sends an alert to your phone when someone approaches the door, allowing you to see who is there and decide whether or not to answer it. Some models offer two-way audio so that you can talk to the visitor. Others include features such as face recognition and parcel detection, ensuring that you never miss a delivery again.

Many smart doorbells also work hand-in-hand with other home security devices, allowing you to integrate your doorbell with your alarm system and get voice alerts when something is happening around Smart Video Doorbell your house or yard. Others can be integrated with a smart assistant, making it easy to access from anywhere you have an internet connection.

While it may seem like a small detail, the alerts and notifications that a Smart Video Doorbell can provide are crucial for your security. Some models offer motion detection technology, while others have heat and human shape detection to reduce the number of false alerts. Some even have a live view feature that lets you monitor your porch from any location.

The best smart video doorbells offer a range of features, including a live feed, night vision, two-way audio, and an app with a simple user interface. You can also configure the device to only notify you of motion in Smart Video Doorbell specific areas, and set a schedule for how often the device records. If you want to go further, look for a model that offers features such as facial recognition and activity zones, which will help you stop porch pirates in their tracks.

Integrations

When it comes to integrations, smart video doorbells offer a variety of options to meet your needs. Some are designed to work with popular home automation systems like Home Assistant. Others are compatible with other smart products, such as Alexa or Google Assistant. Some also allow you to access your video feed with your voice. These features make it easy to stay connected even when you are away from home.

Some smart video doorbells come with cloud storage, which allows you to review footage of visitors. However, this feature typically requires a subscription. Alternatively, some models come with local storage that is free to use. For example, the Eufy Homebase offers 16GB of local storage and can record up to 180 days of motion detection footage.

Another feature to look for in a smart video doorbell is its night vision capability. The ability to see infrared images at night helps deter crime and provides peace of mind for parents who worry about their kids after dark. Additionally, night vision can help you avoid unwanted visitors.

Regardless of which model you choose, look for a video doorbell with a high-quality video image and two-way audio support. You should also consider whether you want the camera to alert you when someone is near the door or if it should only alert you when there’s a specific movement.

Cost

A smart video doorbell is a good choice for anyone who wants to know who’s at the door, especially those with busy schedules. These devices allow you to answer your front door from anywhere in the world, or to remotely let in a delivery person or petsitter when you’re not home. Some also have features like person, animal, and package detection, and even Face Recognition technology, which can recognize familiar faces to prevent porch pirates and other unwanted visitors.

Another factor to consider is how much you’re willing to spend on your new video doorbell. Many models are more affordable than ever, but if you want to add on additional security features or a wired hub, you’re likely to find the price tag goes up significantly.

One of our favorite models is the Blink Video Doorbell, which offers excellent image quality and works with most existing chimes without needing to install extra hardware. It also has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts for about six months, and you can opt for an inexpensive local storage plan if you don’t want to pay for cloud storage. Alternatively, you can choose to upgrade to a Blink Sync Module 2 for a pricier plan that supports unlimited cameras and offers e911 emergency call services.