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 tested this out multiple times to see how the doorbell’s audio sounds over my phone.
Read our Nest Doorbell (battery) review.
Again, this depends on your product and subscription. Generally, without a subscription, live viewing is the only option available. Some brands, like Nest, will keep event recordings for a short period. But if you purchase a subscription plan, you’ll get anywhere from 10 to 60 days of event storage, and sometimes the possibility of 24/7 continuous recording.
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The Arlo Video Doorbell, our pick for best video doorbell overall, also features HD video, a built-in siren, two-way audio, motion detection zones and arm/disarm modes.
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.
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How much is the monthly charge for a video doorbell?
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Google’s newest video doorbell costs 0 and is a breeze to set up, whether you’ve got doorbell wiring or not. When we tested this doorbell security camera, we were impressed with the free, out-of-the-box smarts, including package, person, vehicle and animal alerts and three hours of event storage. While these features won’t match the ones you get with a subscription — with Nest Aware or another service, like Ring’s or Arlo’s — they’re a solid place to start if you’re hoping to just try out a video doorbell for the first time. A nice bonus? The Nest Doorbell (battery) also works well with Google Assistant-powered devices like the Nest Hub.
It depends on which brand you purchase, but generally video doorbell monitoring subscriptions will set you back between and per month. Ring Protect and Arlo Secure both cost for a single device, and for more. Google’s Nest Aware service costs for one or more. Generally these services will get you cloud storage, more advanced notifications and a few extra perks.
Entirely battery-powered, the Peephole Cam replaces your standard peephole in a few simple steps. You’ll still be able to see through it like a regular peephole, but you’ll also be able to pull up a live video feed of your front door on demand and talk to any visitors. If you subscribe to Ring’s Protect cloud service, you’ll also be able to view saved Ring doorbell HD video clips.
Arlo’s 0 wireless doorbell is essentially identical to its wired version — other than the fact that this doorbell cam relies on a battery instead. Wireless doorbells tend to be pricier (the comparable Ring 4, for instance, is 0) but they offer convenient solutions to anyone without doorbell wiring.
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Arlo’s wired Video Doorbell cam is easy to install, performs well and has competitive features and cloud storage fees starting at just a month. With a cloud storage subscription, this wired doorbell gives you access to advanced functionality like custom person, animal, vehicle and package alerts.
But not all video doorbell cameras are created equal — design, installation cost, video quality and video storage subscriptions for each doorbell cam can vary immensely.
Ring’s subscription service allows for 60-day video storage and a handful of other useful features, including Smart Responses with Alexa.
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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.
Editors’ note, Dec. 14, 2020: Ring has been called out for its partnership with local police departments in the US, leading privacy advocates to express concern about the data Ring shares with law enforcement and how they use that information. In December 2019, thousands of Ring doorbell users’ personal information was exposed, leading us to stop recommending Ring products.
How CNET tests video doorbells
If you’re not sure where to begin in your search for a smart video doorbell, I’ve rounded up my favorite video doorbell camera models below. I’ve also offered a few general pointers on finding the best security camera device for you. So if you’re looking for the best video doorbell, chances are it’s among those we’ve tested. We update this list periodically.
While some video doorbells are fairly easy to remove (looking at you, Nest), that doesn’t mean they’re likely to be stolen. There isn’t much evidence that doorbell-swiping is common. It makes sense: you’re likely to be filmed stealing the doorbell, after all. In addition, for the video doorbells that are easy to remove from the doorstep, there are just as many that are pretty rock-solid when installed.