First off, whats a video doorbell?
Its connected to the internet so that you’re free to view everything on your phone or tablet.
When you look into modern video doorbells, youll quickly notice they all share similar features.
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This can make choosing the right one a bit tricky.
Its a lot to think about!
Its true that a higher resolution, like 2K, offers more precise and more detailed images.
However, theres a trade-off.
Higher-resolution videos take up more storage space.
Now, lets talk about 1080p resolution.
Its often more than enough for most people.
Sure, its not as sharp as 2K, but it balances quality with storage efficiency.
You get a clear enough image to see what you need without filling up your storage too quickly.
Remember, other factors can be just as important, or even more so, than just resolution.
Field of view and night vision are prime examples.
But well get into those later.
While 2K offers excellent clarity, dont overlook a good 1080p doorbell.
It might just hit the sweet spot for your requirements.
Field of view is how wide an area your video doorbell can see.
Now, night vision this ones a no-brainer.
A lot happens at night.
Thats often when the sneaky stuff goes down.
Night vision ensures that your video doorbell captures clear footage in these conditions.
So choose one with that option.
Video doorbells typically come in two types: wired and wireless (battery-powered).
Wired Doorbellsneed to be connected to your homes wiring system.
They draw power continuously, so there is no need to worry about changing or recharging batteries.
This might be a straightforward choice if youre replacing an old wired doorbell.
Wired doorbells can be more reliable in terms of consistent power supply.
Wireless Doorbells: These run on batteries.
The major benefit here is ease of installation.
you’re free to put them pretty much anywhere on your door or nearby wall.
Theyre great if you dont have existing doorbell wiring or if youre renting and cant make major modifications.
you oughta monitor the battery level, although many modern models have batteries that last quite long.
So, it boils down to what suits your situation best.
Go wireless if youre in a rental property or a place without existing doorbell wiring.
Its less hassle and easier to set up.
Consider going wired for more consistent power if you have a permanent residence and existing wiring.
All modern Video doorbell models have this option.
Heres how it works:Two-way audio lets you talk and listen through the doorbell.
This is incredibly convenient.
Say youre in the backyard or not even at home you might still talk to whoevers at your door.
But its more than just convenience; its also about safety.
With two-way audio, you dont have to open your door to strangers.
It adds an extra layer of security by letting you vet visitors from a safe distance.
One important thing to look out for when choosing a video doorbell with two-way audio is the sound delay.
You want to see to it the sound comes through quickly.
When you talk to someone through the doorbell, you shouldnt wait too long to hear their reply.
Most modern video doorbells are designed to keep this delay short.
Both have their pros and cons.
Cloud Storage:This means your video recordings are stored on the companys servers.
it’s possible for you to access them from anywhere, which is super handy.
The benefits here are convenience and accessibility.
Ongoing costs and concerns about data privacy.
Local Storage:This is when the video is stored directly on a equipment in your home.
Eufy doorbells, for example, store video on a HomeBase unit inside your home.
Theres no monthly fee, which is great for saving money.
The big advantage is that there are no additional fees, and you have complete control over your data.
Also, you might lose your recordings if the rig gets damaged or stolen.
So, whats the best choice?
It depends on what you value more.
If you want ease of access and dont mind paying a bit extra, cloud storage is great.
But if youre concerned about privacy and costs, local storage might be the way to go.
Its not just about seeing whos there but how your doorbell works with other smart devices in your house.
Why its important: Imagine youre in your living room, and someone rings your doorbell.
If its integrated with your smart home system, your TV can show you whos at the door.
Or maybe the doorbell can trigger your smart lights to turn on when it detects motion at night.
Its all about making your life easier and your home smarter.
How it works: You have a Google Nest Doorbell and a Google Home speaker.
When someone presses the doorbell, your Google Home can announce, Someones at the door.
you’re able to even talk to the visitor through your speaker if your hands are full.
Voice assistants: The big names here are Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
A doorbell that works with Alexa makes sense if youre already using Alexa for other smart home devices.
The same goes for Google Assistant.
Its about picking what fits with the rest of your smart home setup.
Theres no better assistant; its more about what ecosystem youre already invested in.
Now, well peek at some of the best ones out there.
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Lets dive into theRing Battery Doorbell Plus.
Its pretty compact, measuring just 5.1 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches.
Youve got options for power.
It can hook up to your homes electrical system or run on a battery.
The battery is removable, so there is no need to take down the whole doorbell to charge it.
It lasts about six weeks.
Just unscrew the safety screw, remove the silver plate, and pop the battery out.
A USB cable for charging is included.
What sets the Battery Doorbell Plus apart from earlier models?
Its the video quality a sharp 1536p with colorful night vision and an impressive 150-degree vertical viewing angle.
That full head-to-toe view is a winner, convenient for keeping an eye on packages at your doorstep.
The audio quality is solid.
Hearing couriers and guests loud and clear, even though they were less than a foot from the doorbell.
you might also tweak motion sensitivity levels.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus comes with a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect.
Without a subscription, you’re able to only live-view from the doorbell.
Both plans offer 180 days of cloud storage and a 10% discount on Ring products.
Plus, theres an extended warranty with the Plus plan.
Google Nest Doorbell
Lets streamline this about theNest Doorbell.
Priced at $180, it comes in Snow, Linen, Ivy, and Ash colors.
Its minimalist: a rounded rectangle with a flat button and matte finish.
The video quality is top-notch, day or night.
Youll notice crisp details and true-to-life colors.
Package detection is a standout feature.
Its designed for the Google Home ecosystem.
For controls, the Google Home app is your go-to.
If youre away, Nest offers a pre-recorded response feature.
Arlo Video Doorbell
Lets chat about theArlo Video Doorbell.
Its not too bulky at 5.0 x 1.7 x 1.0 inches.
The front features a large button at the bottom, with the camera neatly tucked at the top.
This slim and stylish doorbell delivers super-detailed shots.
Setting up the Arlo doorbell is a breeze.
The Arlo app guides you through adding a new gadget and walks you through the setup process.
When someone rings the doorbell, you get an instant call on your phone.
The app responds quickly.
The Arlo doorbell packs features like high-quality 1080p video, two-way audio, night vision, and more.
And for smart home enthusiasts, the Arlo Video Doorbell integrates smoothly with other smart home devices.
It supports both Google Assistant and Alexa.
So, its not just a doorbell; its part of your connected home.
Eufy 2K Video Doorbell with HomeBase
Lets zoom in on the Eufy Security Doorbell.
Its a package deal with two main components: the doorbell camera and the included HomeBase.
HomeBase is key here, securely storing all footage.
Plus, its efficient tech means the camera runs for months without recharging.
It supports up to 16 devices, making system expansion easy.
HomeBase also acts as a chime and sends notifications to iOS and Android.
Eufys image quality, thanks to its 2K resolution, is notably superior to many competitors.
Its perfect for close-up details.
However, this high resolution can quickly use up the 16GB memory.
But thats enough for over two weeks of footage, and Eufy might add USB expansion for HomeBase.
It takes up to 180 days, depending on usage and location.
Busy areas may see fewer spots and quieter spots may see more.
Recharge takes about six hours, so occasionally, youll be without the camera overnight.
The big win with Eufy?
If battery power and integration with Alexa are your priorities, Ring might be the one for you.
Which one should you buy?
In some ways, one video doorbell is better; in others, the specs are weaker.
If you want to choose a video doorbell from my list, look at Arlo or Eufy.
Ill tell you why.
Imagine seeing the person at your door and having a good view of your porch and the street.
In addition, the Arlo Video Doorbell is cheaper than others.
Now, about the Eufy 2K Video Doorbell with HomeBase its a winner for a different reason.
It doesnt have those monthly fees that some other brands charge for storing your videos.
Instead, it saves everything right at your home, in the HomeBase.
This is great for two reasons.
First, you save money because there are no extra cloud storage costs.
Second, its good for privacy.
You keep all your video recordings in your house, not on some companys server.
