The Best Smart Video Doorbell Models for 2021

The best video doorbell is the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd-generation). Ring hasn’t slowed down when it comes to releasing video doorbells, but this one stands out as an affordable option that provides solid 1080p video, smart connectivity, and all the benefits of Ring’s expanding ecosystem of products. If you are interested in monitoring who’s at the front door, it’s one of the most consumer-friendly options around.

There’s certainly an abundance of alternatives to check out, however, which is why we’ve put them to the test. You’ll also be astounded by some of the neat stuff they’re able to do beyond the obvious porch security cam benefits. Our experts have spent weeks with various doorbells to find their perks and flaws. We cover the spectrum by selecting video doorbells that are simple, effective, affordable, and packed with practical features.

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Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen)

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a massive update to the original Ring model that makes it ready for the modern home in every way, while remaining more affordable than elite models you may not need.

The main changes to the smart doorbell include an upgrade to 1080p resolution (up from 720p), two-way audio with noise cancellation, and adjustable motion zones that will monitor specific areas to lessen false alerts. You can also set “Privacy Zones” that allow you to exclude areas of the camera’s field of view from recording. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is made better with the $50 Solar Charger, which fits over the doorbell to supply it with power — reducing the need to remove the Ring doorbell and recharge its battery.

While the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen) may not offer some top-end qualities found in other cams, like 2K resolution or object recognition, it’s hard to overlook its $100 price. In late 2020, reports emerged of some devices catching fire due to the smart doorbell battery being unintentionally punctured during the installation process. If you purchased one, you can find out if it’s an affected model by visiting Ring’s support page.

Read our in-depth Ring Video Doorbell buying guide

Arlo Video Doorbell

One of the biggest issues with doorbell cam models is that they can display distorted, fish-eye-looking videos. Arlo’s Video Doorbell camera doesn’t suffer the same fate, thanks to an HD camera that has a 180-degree viewing angle and a 1:1 aspect ratio. Plus, the aspect ratio allows for more of the scene to be in the frame.

The Arlo Video Doorbell packs all the necessary features to make a versatile camera for your porch. It is intelligent enough to discern people, pets, and even packages, which can notify you of what it sees through notifications. There’s also the option to set up zones to prevent false alerts, focusing only on the most important areas. And lastly, this smart doorbell camera is a cinch to set up, even if you’ve never installed one before. Although, it does require a preexisting doorbell system in order to install.

Read our in-depth Arlo Video Doorbell review

Blue by ADT Doorbell Camera

The Blue by ADT Doorbell Camera is one of many new security cameras ADT introduced as part of its revamped DIY home security system. What makes the Blue by ADT Doorbell Camera astounding is the various privacy controls it has in place. For starters, the smart video doorbell features facial detection and custom motions zones, two features that help to reduce redundant notifications.

Beyond that, the Blue by ADT Doorbell Camera offers excellent coverage at your front door because of its wide, 180-degree field of view. This ensures packages left on the ground will be in full view of the doorbell camera. Add to that the security camera’s excellent 1080p video footage and IP65 rating, and it all points to a well-rounded offering that works in conjunction with the Blue by ADT system.

Read our in-depth Blue by ADT review

Ring Video Doorbell 4

Ring’s Video Doorbell 4 comes with a number of welcome upgrades, included a better Wi-Fi receiver so you don’t have to worry about the doorbell dropping the signal, and a four-second video preview that allows you to review footage before alerts were even triggered. The design also received an upgrade that makes removing the battery for charging even easier than before.

The 1080p cam offers the Ring mainstays like motion detection, night vision, and triggered alerts, along with two-way communication. You can also set motion detection zones for greater accuracy, and create Quick Replies or automated responses you can set to save time. There’s also built-in Alexa compatibility for using the doorbell along with your Echo devices.

Keep in mind that like other Ring cams, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 does require a Ring Protect subscription to save video, which means it’s required to make the doorbell useful for anything but live viewing.

Google Nest Doorbell (battery)

Google didn’t hold back with this Nest video doorbell, which blends practical features into a modern design that’s easy on the eyes. Even better, Nest offers free video history out of the box, which is notable because this sort of feature typically requires users to pay for a subscription service.

This is arguably one of the best-designed wireless doorbell options to date, sporting a matte plastic chassis that blends well with any décor. Beyond the attractive design, the Google Nest Doorbell (battery) improves over the previous Nest Hello doorbell because it can be placed anywhere — regardless if you have an existing wired doorbell connection or not. The long-lasting battery is easy to recharge and makes for a great choice to replace an existing doorbell wherever you want.

You’ll also be treated to intelligent alerts because the smart doorbell’s 1.3-megapixel security camera features HDR video, night vision, and detection for pets, people, vehicles, and motion. If you’re not able to answer the doorbell, you can select any of the available Quick Responses options through the Google Home app to have the doorbell speak answers to whoever is at the door. A subscription adds more intelligent features, but this model is excellent all on its own.

Read our full Google Nest Doorbell (battery) review

Eufy Security Video Doorbell

Anker’s first foray into the video doorbell arena is an impressive one with the Eufy Security Video Doorbell, offering a mixture of high-end features combined with an aggressive price point. The standout feature here is the integrated camera supporting 2K UHD video (2560 x 1920 resolution) and High Dynamic Range, topping many of its contemporaries in the image quality department.

It’s paired with a wide, 160-degree field of view, night vision, and person detection — features that place it ahead of the curve. And best of all, the Eufy Security Video Doorbell supports local storage as well with its embedded 4GB eMMC storage module. It’s hard to believe that the doorbell cam is priced well below the competition.

Read our full Eufy Security Video Doorbell review

Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro

Wide fields of view are crucial when it comes to protecting packages left at your front door, which is why you should know about Vivint’s Doorbell Camera Pro. Not only does it cover the horizontal view with its 180-degree coverage, but it also has the same 180-degree coverage from top to bottom on the vertical. That ensures you’ll see who’s coming to the door, as well as the package left in front of it.

Additionally, the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro leverages its SmartSentry deter mode to detect potential porch pirates by whistling at them as they near. It clearly wants to protect your packages when you’re not there, but the only drawback to this is that you need to invest in Vivint’s home security system.

Read our full Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro review

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

It was a long time coming, but Ring now has a proper successor to its top-of-the-line model. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a substantial improvement not just over its predecessor, but to all video doorbells because it adopts a radar sensor to offer 3D motion detection technology. What this means is that it has the ability to tell exactly where on your property it has detected people, thus giving users a bird’s-eye view of their movement across the front door.

You could say it’s a game-changer, but beyond this new piece of tech, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 Pro also features a 1536p HD Live Video camera complete with color night vision, wide 150-degree views both on the horizontal and vertical, built-in Alexa greetings, two-way communication, and more. It’s one thing to know who’s at the front door, but it’s also another to know their movements before and after.

Read our in-depth Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 review

How to install a video doorbell

Video doorbells can be relatively easy to install, especially if it’s battery-powered. All video doorbells are typically installed by fastening a mounting plate to an area near your door, whether that’s around the outside frame or somewhere else nearby. Once you screw the mounting plate into place, most video doorbells are then positioned on them — requiring a special release key to remove the doorbell to recharge it.

However, things can get a bit more complicated if you choose to install a video doorbell to an existing wired connection. Instructions on how to connect the appropriate wires to your doorbell vary, but you may want to hire a professional to ensure that it’s installed properly. The benefit of choosing to go with a wired connection versus a battery-operated one is that you never need to worry about recharging it. If you’re installing a Ring video doorbell, we break down the instructions on how to do it with our guide.

Where to get video doorbells

Video doorbells are extremely popular, which is why you can buy them from an assortment of places. If you’ve done your research, you can choose to purchase one online through retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, and Newegg. While some popular consumer electronics stores like Best Buy have some on display to check out in person, you shouldn’t forget about home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes. Those stores can be great places to ask questions about installation specifics.

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