Why You Need a Video Doorbell

Video doorbells might seem unnecessary until you use one. Then, you won't want to live without it. The main benefit is seeing who is at your door, but there are many other useful features. Video doorbells are great for both homeowners and renters.

The best thing about video doorbells is they let you answer the door even when you're not home. You can tell delivery drivers where to leave packages, for example.

Most video doorbells can also work with other smart home devices like security cameras and alarms. These usually need to be from the same brand. You can also connect them to Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. This lets you respond to what's happening outside or inside your home without lifting a finger. Once you have a video doorbell, you won't want to go back.

How Video Doorbells Work

Video doorbells work like home security cameras. They connect to your Wi-Fi and send alerts to your smartphone when they detect motion. You can watch a live video feed and talk to whoever is at your door. You can also ignore the alert and watch the video later if you have a subscription.

The camera's resolution affects how clear the video is. Some video doorbells have a wide field of view, so you can see the whole person at your door and any packages they have. For example, the Ring Video Doorbell Plus lets you see people from head to toe.

Do Video Doorbells Work with Alexa and Other Voice Assistants?

Most video doorbells work with Alexa and other voice assistants like Google Assistant or HomeKit. A smart speaker can alert you when someone is at the door, and you can talk to them through the speaker. Ring and Blink, which is new on the market, offer good Alexa integration. With a smart display like the Amazon Echo Show 10, you can also see the video feed on the screen.

It's important to check if the doorbell works with your smart home system before buying it, especially if you use Apple HomeKit, which is less commonly supported.

How to Choose the Best Video Doorbell

Consider these factors when choosing a video doorbell:

Power Source: Video doorbells can be battery-powered or wired. If you have existing doorbell wiring, a wired option might be easier. Renters might prefer battery-powered models because they are easier to install.

Installation: If you choose a wired doorbell and aren't comfortable working with wiring, get a professional to install it. Battery-powered models are easier to install but need regular recharging.

Additional Features: Some video doorbells may need an extra chime or a smart speaker to alert you when someone is at the door. Most record video in Full HD, but some offer higher resolutions for clearer footage.

Aspect Ratio: If you get many deliveries, look for a doorbell with a 1:1 aspect ratio. This lets you see the full length of the person at your door and any packages they have.

Storage and Subscriptions: Check how the video is stored. Some doorbells need a subscription for cloud storage, while others, like Eufy, offer local storage without extra costs. Google Nest Doorbell (battery) gives limited free cloud storage.