Doorbells have undergone significant advancements over time. Modern models not only alert the occupants of a home when someone is arriving but also provide a visual confirmation of the visitor before they ring the bell. Essentially, these devices function as security cameras equipped with a chime feature.
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If you haven’t yet acquired one of these useful devices, there is a vast selection on the market. Selecting the ideal video doorbell can be overwhelming, as there are numerous aspects to consider, such as the desired field of view of your entrance and whether you are willing to pay for a subscription service. To simplify the selection process, I evaluated eight well-known video doorbells to determine the top options.
Top pick for best overall video doorbell: Google Nest Doorbell (battery).
Best budget option: Blink Smart Video Doorbell with Sync Module 2.
Best option without a subscription: Eufy Video Doorbell E340.
With over 30 years of experience testing various products—including vacuum cleaners, robotic lawnmowers, computers, and video games—I have developed a keen understanding of consumer needs. Additionally, I have owned a video doorbell for several years, which gives me insight into the features and performance I value in a new model.
To thoroughly assess the doorbells, I installed all eight models at my front door and used a makeshift setup for two weeks. Delivery personnel were understandably puzzled by the array of buttons and cameras, unsure whether they or the devices were being evaluated.
I conducted tests to see how close I could approach the door before triggering the motion sensors, the quality of the recorded video footage, and the effectiveness of notifications sent to the corresponding apps on smartphones. I also measured the time taken for alerts to be delivered when the button was pressed, as well as the functionality of the apps themselves, pricing, and any additional subscription costs.
All tested doorbells that did not require return to the manufacturers will be donated to the British Heart Foundation.
Video doorbells often come equipped with numerous features and impressive apps, but if they fail to effectively notify you of a visitor’s approach and capture their image, their value is diminished. In my evaluation, the Google Nest Doorbell (battery) excelled in these essential functions.
Why it stands out: In my evaluations, the Nest Doorbell proved to be a well-rounded performer. Its lens offered an ideal viewing angle, ensuring that individuals were not too small in the frame while still capturing enough surrounding area to detect movement. The clarity of both video and audio was consistently high, whether in daylight or at night.
The Nest Doorbell was able to detect people approaching from a distance of approximately three meters, although there was a slight delay of around five seconds between the button press and the notification reaching Nest devices or smartphones. While this is not as immediate as models with dedicated local chimes, it remains one of the quicker options for smartphone alerts.
However, it is worth noting that the device does not include a chime; users must purchase a separate Nest Mini smart speaker for £49, or utilize an existing Nest or Amazon Echo device. Additionally, signing up for the Nest Aware subscription at £80 per year is required to access longer motion event storage, as without it, recordings are retained for only three hours, which is quite limited.
Subscription details: Google Home Premium (30 days of storage, records only when motion is detected) at £8/month or £80/year; Google Home Premium Advanced (60 days of storage, continuous recording) at £16/month or £160/year.
The Blink model is the only one in my review priced under £100. Amazon’s economical doorbell retails for as low as £45. While the quality reflects its budget nature, it successfully fulfills its primary function.
Why it stands out: The affordability is its main advantage, significantly undercutting its closest competitors. I reviewed the version paired with Blink’s Sync Module 2, which adds only £10 to the price. This module connects to a wall outlet and allows for USB storage connections, enabling local backups of video stored in the cloud, thus minimizing the risk of losing footage unless the local storage is full. However, a subscription is still necessary for the motion detection feature to operate.
For an economical option, I was pleasantly surprised by the video quality. The camera features a wide-angle lens, which creates a slight fish-eye effect at the edges, but it is not so extreme that it diminishes the size of approaching individuals.
However, the two-way audio quality was lacking, with the microphone performing poorly, making it less suitable for extended conversations at the door.
Subscription options: Basic Plan at £2.50/month or £24.99/year (30 days of storage) for a single device; Plus Plan at £8/month or £80/year for multiple devices (30 days of storage).
Most video doorbells limit their features without additional costs, often locking the most valuable functions, like extended video storage, behind a subscription fee. The Eufy E340 is notable for completely eliminating the need for a paid subscription.
