8 Best Smart Video Doorbells of 2021
These smart buzzers get a ringing endorsement from our tech experts.
If you only add one smart home product to your home, make it a smart video doorbell. This clever device lets you answer the front door from anywhere, and often chat directly with visitors — “be home in five minutes,” or “leave the package under the bench.” That combination of convenience and security makes video doorbells one of the most practical smart home products.
Keep in mind that all these connected devices will only be as good as the network they run on, so you may need to upgrade your internet speed or use WiFi extenders to ensure a strong connection, from the front door to every corner of the home. These are the top picks, according to Lab tests:
1. Video Doorbell (ARLO)
Arlo is a leading name in security cameras, and it brings the same standard of excellence to this top-rated video doorbell. Its intelligent camera can distinguish people from animals, cars, and other moving objects, eliminating annoying false notifications. Crisp 1536×1536 resolution and 180º viewing angle provide superb video quality during day and night and two-way audio lets you communicate clearly with visitors too.
A $3 per month subscription plan gets you 30 days of video storage. The Arlo Video Doorbell is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and it works with IFTTT (If This Then That), allowing you to create chain reactions through your smartphone, for example turning on the porch light when someone rings the doorbell.
2. RemoBell S (REMO+)
This bargain smart video doorbell is a good option if you’re looking to dip a toe into smart home technology. Besides the low upfront cost and three days of free video storage, there are no monthly fees attached. Picture quality is surprisingly good and the RemoBellS offers more features than you might expect, including two-way audio, infrared night vision, and a built-in alarm feature.
3. Security Wi-Fi Video Doorbell (EUFY)
A competitive price tag isn’t the only reason to consider Eufy 2K Video Doorbell: Our experts also like the two-way audio and high-def camera (though the viewing angle is more limited than with other top picks). But what really sets this doorbell apart is the fact that video footage is stored locally on a microSD card slot with military-grade encryption. Not only does that eliminate monthly subscription fees, but it also enhances the Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K’s data privacy and protection.
4. Skybell HD WiFi Doorbell Camera (SKYBELL)
The Skybell HD is distributed through many commercial channels, making it a favorite with security professionals — but you’ll find it on Amazon, too. Our experts like the 1080p HD video with 5X zoom and extra-wide camera angle, helpful if you have an expansive front entrance.
The app is intuitive and user-friendly, including the ability to hush the doorbell chime, say during baby’s nap time. Skybell HD also provides superb night vision and its motion sensor alerts you even if no one presses the buzzer, for added security. The brushed aluminum or oil-rubbed bronze finishes provide a touch of elegance to your front door.
5. Video Doorbell 3 Plus (RING)
Ring was once the Q-Tip of video doorbells, and the brand that invented the device is still worth a look (especially after Amazon bought it a few years back). Our experts like the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, a battery-powered doorbell that’s a cinch to install and offers superb picture quality. The doorbell can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa (naturally!), but also Google Assistant.
The intuitive app lets you set monitoring and privacy zones (eliminating the neighbor’s house, for example), and the four-second pre-roll of what happened before the doorbell detected motion is helpful for tracking down package thieves. For additional security, consider the $3 monthly subscription with 60 days of video storage.
6. Nest Hello Video Doorbell (GOOGLE)
Google Nest is the tech giant’s smart home ecosystem and the experience starts at the front door with the Google Nest Hello Smart Wi-Fi Video Doorbell. It obviously works with Google Assistant, so you can chat with visitors from any room through your smart speaker.
Our experts also like the facial recognition feature, which means Nest Hello can even tell you who’s at the front door. The $6 monthly subscription plan is costlier than most, but in addition to the 30 days of video storage, you’ll get an alert when the camera detects a package delivery, good if your neighborhood is prone to porch pirates.
7. Peephole Cam (RING)
This battery-powered device installs easily in front of any existing peephole, delivering all the benefits of a standard video doorbell — answer the door from anywhere, talk to visitors, and get up to 30 days of video storage under the $3 per month subscription plan. This one is especially smart, as it can detect the sound of a knock at the front door, in addition to a buzzer or bell, and notify you accordingly.
8. Smart Doorbell Video Camera Pro (VIVINT)
It doesn’t make too much sense to spring for this pricey doorbell if Vivint smart home intelligence isn’t coursing through your home (the brand is a leader in high-end connected home technology). But if you are so lucky, you’ll love the new doorbell, with its 180º picture quality, package delivery notification, and seamless integration with other Vivint products, from locks to light bulbs to the garage door.
Our experts also give the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro points for its unique theft deterrent technology, which uses artificial intelligence to identify package thieves and scare them off with a series of loud sounds and flashing lights.
