Best video doorbell cameras for 2021 – CNET [CNET]

July 5, 2021 Thomas Giboney technology

A video doorbell combines the functionality of a doorbell and a security camera and sends a live video feed of who’s at your front door directly to your smartphone. Usually, these devices have a built-in speaker and microphone that allow you to chat with your guest via two way audio. In some cases, a video doorbell doubles as a smart home device, with features like a smart lock so you can let the person in without having to physically open the door yourself.

Most candidates for the best video doorbell camera today fall into the smart video doorbell category. They’re Wi-Fi-enabled and offer that aforementioned two-way communication, motion detection, video recording and night vision. Some can even be connected to your existing doorbell wiring. That said, not all video doorbell cameras are created equal — design, video quality (some even offer HD video!), video storage subscriptions and installation cost for each doorbell cam can vary widely.

If you’re not sure where to start in your quest for a smart video doorbell, we’ve highlighted our favorite doorbell camera models below. We’ve also explained exactly how we test video doorbells to find out which are the cream of the crop. So if you’re looking for the best video doorbell, chances are it’s among those we’ve tested. We update this list periodically.

The best video doorbells we’ve tested

Best overall video doorbell

Arlo Video Doorbell

Read more about the Arlo Video Doorbell.

$96 at Amazon

$150 at Best Buy

$116 at Walmart

Best value

Ring Video Doorbell Wired

Read CNET’s review.

$60 at Amazon

Best features

Nest Hello

Read the Nest Hello review.

$150 at Best Buy

$149 at Walmart

$179 at Crutchfield

Best for apartment-dwellers

Ring Peephole Cam

Read our Ring Peephole Cam review.

$226 at Walmart

How we test video doorbells

Testing to determine the best video doorbell is similar to testing any other home security camera. First I download the corresponding app and create an account (if I don’t already have one). While a lot of products include tutorial booklets in the box with your purchase, I prefer to start with the app. A good app includes detailed steps on the installation process, as well as how to connect to your Wi-Fi network and actually get the smart device up and running. It’s your one-stop shop for taking your doorbell setup from start to finish.

Make sure the doorbell is installed based on the manufacturer’s specifications — either hardwired doorbell or battery- or solar-powered. As soon as it’s connected and I’m able to view the live video feed, I check the settings. I make sure features like motion detection or activity zones are enabled (they aren’t always turned on by default) to get a complete sense of what it’s like to use the product — and to see how well the device actually works as a replacement to a regular, nonsmart doorbell.

What to look for

Does it work with smart home platforms? If so, do the smart features work well together? Nowadays a smart home device is expected to work with at least one major smart home platform — Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit are the main ones you need to look for.

How’s the latency? If your smart doorbell camera takes a long time to send a push notification after someone rings your doorbell, then you risk missing your visitor completely. You also need to be sure you’re getting notifications when something sets of the motion detector, as you can set the motion sensor of most video doorbells to notify you of activity happening near your door, even if no one rings the buzzer.If you have latency problems, start with your Wi-Fi connection. If it isn’t strong where the doorbell is installed, you might consider moving it (or, more easily, getting a Wi-Fi range extender). But it could also be the way the software works.

How’s the live view? Doorbells are often exposed to direct sunlight, but many others are installed under porches, near shady trees and in all sorts of other settings. It’s important that the camera has night vision and can handle any of these scenarios so you don’t get stuck with a nonfunctioning product that can’t see faces under a porch.

How’s the two-way audio? If the doorbell’s microphone and speaker don’t work well, you’re going to have a tough time communicating with whoever’s there. I test this out multiple times to see how the doorbell’s audio sounds over my phone.