Top 7 Best Doorbell Cameras for Apartments & Homes 2021 Reviews

Top 7 Best Doorbell Cameras for Apartments & Homes 2021 Reviews

The doorbell camera is a new category of the smart home. Doorbell cameras overlap with traditional home security cameras as they are doorbells that come with built-in security cameras.

The best doorbell camera sends you a real-time notification on your phone with a live video view of who is ringing your doorbell. You will also hear a normal old chime. A built-in microphone and speaker in the doorbell allow you to chat with your guest. Sometimes, the device also works with smart locks so you can let the person in without opening the door yourself.

 Top 7 Best Doorbell Cameras 2021 Reviews

#1 Best Doorbell Camera Overall: Arlo Essential Video Doorbell

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The best video doorbell camera from Arlo is easy to install, performs well, and has competitive features and cloud storage fees starting at $3 per month. With a cloud storage subscription, you get access to advanced features like custom person, animal, vehicle, and package notifications.

Our pick for the best doorbell camera overall also has a built-in siren, two-way audio, motion detection zones, and enable/disable modes. The Arlo video doorbell is not cheap, but this device offers great overall value.

For $3 per month, you get access to advanced doorbell camera features such as people, animals, vehicles, and motion alarms. The camera has arm defocus modes, two-way audio, movement zones, and a built-in siren Arlo Pro 3 surveillance camera for outdoor use.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Excellent performance
  • Efficient system
  • Affordable subscription fee

Cons

  • Expensive

Besides the basics like 1080p HD video footage, live streaming, motion detection, and alerts. The camera also offers free people detection.

#2 Best Doorbell Camera for Apartments: Ring Peephole Cam Video Doorbell

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The Peephole Cam is Ring’s answer to apartment doors or doors with peepholes. If you do not want or cannot drill into a door frame to install a hard-wired or battery-powered doorbell, the Peephole Cam is a solid alternative.

The Peephole Cam is battery operated and replaces your standard peephole in a few simple steps. You can still peek through it like a regular peephole. But you can also get a live video feed of your front door and talk to all visitors. If you subscribe to Ring’s Protect Cloud service, you can also view saved clips.

Pros

  • Perfect for apartments
  • Easy to install
  • Solid construction
  • Ring’s Protect Cloud service

Cons

  • Bad video quality

The Ring Peephole is worth considering for its streamlined installation and clever workaround for apartment residents.

#3 Best Budget Doorbell Camera: Ring Spotlight Cam Video Doorbell

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This version will ring instantly alarms when someone rings their doorbell or triggers its built-in motion sensors. The free app allows you to see and speak who is there with crisp 720p HD video and clear two-way audio. The device works day and night thanks to its infrared.

While this doorbell requires hard wiring, the task will not be a business disruptor. The setup process is relatively quick and painless with the app and the tools included. Each kit also includes a free 30-day trial of Ring’s cloud video capture platform. So, you can save, review and share captured videos. The device is compatible with standard operating systems (iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows) and its front panel is available in four different metallic colors: antique brass, polished brass, satin nickel, and Venetian bronze.

Pros

  • Night vision and weatherproof design
  • Compact and durable
  • Premium operating system
  • Four different metallic colors

Cons

  • Low audio quality

Whether you are on the sofa or the beach, this WLAN doorbell camera from Ring makes it possible to reach your door from practically anywhere

#4 Best Wireless Doorbell Camera: RemoBell Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Camera

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Skip the hassle that comes with hard-wiring an electric doorbell camera with RemoBell from Olive & Dove. The device runs on AA batteries, so there are no wires in the outside wall when connected. To install, set up the smartphone app and attach the device to any vertical surface using the screws provided.

You will receive a push notification and a live video feed when someone rings the doorbell or activates the motion sensor. Then you can interact with the other party using two-way audio. The users can read the recorded video later without paying for cloud storage. So you know, up to five people can be invited to your account.

Pros

  • Wireless with Wi-Fi connection
  • Easy to set up
  • Two-way audio
  • Record video function

Cons

  • Cannot withstand low temperature

While the doorbell is weatherproof, this model will not fit in areas where the temperature drops below zero.

#5 Best Doorbell Camera for Alexa: Ring Video Doorbell Pro

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The Ring Video Doorbell Pro is compatible with IOS, Android, and Windows devices. It also works with Amazon Alexa. Besides, the camera outputs 1080p HD video. The device is also weatherproof and for stylish fun that comes with four interchangeable faceplates in the following colors: satin black, Venetian, satin nickel, and pearl white.

You will need to hard-wire the doorbell before setting up the app. While the process is simple enough for a beginner, it may take longer compared to the first choice on our list because there are a few more steps. Instead of fiddling with tools, you can opt for professional installation for an additional fee.

After the doorbell is fully connected, you can monitor your entrance and chat with visitors from your sofa or some distant island. When the doorbell rings or a motion-triggered, you will receive an instant notification.

Pros

  • High compatibility
  • 1080p HD video
  • Interchangeable faceplates
  • Instant notification

Cons

  • Complicated setup

If you choose to use Ring’s cloud recording service (there is a 30-day free trial), you can save, share, and view any video recorded by the doorbell.

#6 Best Doorbell Camera without Subscription: Zmodo Doorbell Camera

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Our best budget pick is jam-packed with features that allow you to see, hear, and speak to visitors on your smartphone or computer whether you are at home or on the go for less than $100.

Every Zmodo Greet package includes Zmodo Beam, a smart hub that does two things: Connect your Zmodo accessories (including door and window sensors) and increase your Wi-Fi range so your doorbell stays online.

You will receive a push notification when the button with rings or movement is detected. You can also access 720p HD videos directly from your smartphone or computer. This weatherproof device has built-in night vision. And best of all, when you are not at the door, Zmodo Greet can play a personal voice message.

Pros

  • Reasonable price
  • Built-in night vision
  • 720p HD videos
  • Voice message

Cons

  • Low-quality video

For your information, you need to plug this gadget into a power source.

#7 Best Doorbell Camera for iPhone: TOUCAN Video Doorbell Camera

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While all the shared doorbell cameras here are Wi-Fi enabled, TOUCAN is the only one on our list that allows users to view live video with the swipe of a finger for a 145-degree view.

Like all the makes and models on our list, it will also send you an alarm via an app whenever the doorbell is pressed, or detects movement near your front door. After that, you will watch, listen and chat with anyone on your tablet, computer or iPhone, even when you are on the go.

Pros

  • High compatibility
  • 145-degree view
  • Customized voice messages

Cons

  • Expensive

Even better, TOUCAN allows users to create customized voice messages that will play automatically when the doorbell is pressed. The system is wireless that makes installation a breeze.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Doorbell Camera

Corresponding Apps

It is always better to choose the best video doorbell intercom equipped with an application that allows you to view what is being filmed by the video camera outside the home. Through the app, you will communicate with whoever is outside your door, even if you are not present in the apartment. Choose a video doorbell model with an easy-to-use smartphone app, so you can access each function as easily as possible.

Image Quality

To understand well who is in front of the doorbell outside the home, the video camera must have a good resolution, capable of providing a sharp and clear image. The higher the video resolution, the better the quality of the transmitted image.

We can find models of video doorbells with a resolution that reaches 480 but can also find others with a higher resolution of 1080p. Obviously, the higher the resolution and image quality, the higher the cost of the video doorbell. So, try to find a suitable compromise between cost and final image quality.

Night Vision

For safety, if you buy a video doorbell, it is important to understand who is ringing during the night. It is why in the dark; the camera offers sharp images even in low light conditions.

Power

We can have two main types of power supply: to the wired electrical system of the house or with battery power. In the first case, having to use the power cables of the house, the installation could be more complicated. There are holes to be drilled and new electrical wires. So, we can connect it to the electrical system of the house.

However, if the house is newly built and has already planned the assembly of a video doorbell, its assembly will be much easier than everything will be ready. The battery-powered bells are much easier to assemble, as they do not require any masonry work or connection to the home electrical network. A battery-operated video doorbell has a rechargeable battery inside that facilitates its installation.

Audio

With a two-way audio system, it is possible to communicate with the person at the door. But to prevent the audio from becoming incomprehensible in busy streets by people and cars, it is better to choose the best video doorbells equipped with noise filters. So, you can always listen to clear and noise-free audio.

Cloud Storage

You can choose the best video doorbell intercom with video storage via the cloud. So, it will save everything the camera will capture in an online virtual space for a certain period. A function that for those who care about home security will find useful, as in the event of theft and vandalism. It will save all the evidence on the cloud.

FAQs

What’s the best doorbell camera to buy?

The best video doorbell camera from Arlo is easy to install, performs well, and has competitive features and cloud storage fees starting at $3 per month

Is Ring or nest doorbell better?

The Ring Video Doorbell has an edge over Nest in terms of design and ease of setup. The Ring is also an excellent device.

What is the best doorbell camera without a subscription?

Our best pick is jam-packed with features that allow you to see, hear, and speak to visitors on your smartphone or computer whether you are at home or on the go for less than $100.

How do I choose a doorbell camera?

To choose the best doorbell camera, you must first know how it works. The best video doorbell is nothing more than a doorbell connected to a video camera which, via a wireless connection, allows the transmission of information to an intercom system inside the home.

Final Words

Most of the candidates for the best doorbell camera today are Wi-Fi enabled. It comes with features like a rechargeable battery, bidirectional communication, video feed and recording, and the traditional doorbell button. However, the design, video quality, subscriptions to video storage, and the installation process for each doorbell camera can vary.

We have highlighted our favorite models, such as the Arlo or Ring models. So, if you are looking for the best video doorbell, it is probably on our list.

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