The best video doorbells for 2021

The best video doorbell is the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen). It’s one of three brand new video doorbells that Ring introduced this year, plus it’s an affordable option that provides solid 1080p video, smart connectivity, and all the benefits of Ring’s always expanding ecosystem of products. If you shop around, there are certainly far more sophisticated models on the market, but a video doorbell’s job is straightforward. Most people don’t need to spring for the most expensive model to do a good job of monitoring who’s at the front door.

There’s certainly an abundance of alternatives to check out, however, which is why we’ve put them to the test. Our experts have spent weeks with various doorbells to find their perks and flaws. We cover the gamut selecting video doorbells that are simple, effective, affordable, and packed with useful features.

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen)

Ring recently announced another member of its extended family of video doorbells, the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen). Six years after the original’s release, which set the stage that kicked off the explosion of video doorbells, a second-generation model was introduced that packs updated specs at an affordable cost.

The main changes 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. Recently, reports emerged of some devices catching fire due to the battery being unintentionally punctured during the installation process. If you recently purchased one, you can find out if it’s an affected model by visiting Ring’s support page.

Arlo Video Doorbell

One of the biggest issues with video doorbells is that they can display distorted, fish-eye looking video. 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 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, it’s a cinch to set up, even if you’ve never installed one before. Although, it does require a pre-existing doorbell system in order to install.

Blue by ADT Doorbell Camera

The Blue by ADT Doorbell Camera is one of many new security cameras introduced in early 2020 as part of the company’s 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, it 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 its 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.

Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus

Timing is key! It can mean the difference between knowing who might’ve snatched a package off your porch or not. That’s where Ring’s new Pre-Roll technology is most useful, as it captures video footage four seconds before motion is detected. It’s exclusive to the new Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, which is one of the latest models put out by the company. With this extra footage, you’ll be able to see more of what’s going on.

There are still plenty of other features to like about the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, like its 1080p video footage, dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, quick release battery pack, night vision, and smart home integration with Amazon Alexa.

Nest Hello Video Doorbell

With 24/7 streaming, this Nest doorbell ensures you won’t miss a thing when it comes to the security of your front door. It is designed to show you a full view of your doorstep, so you’ll see people from head to toe, and you’ll be able to spot packages on the ground.

Check-in whenever you feel like it, or you can scroll back through a three-hour snapshot history to make sure everything’s A-OK. The Nest Hello Video Doorbell delivers clear video and crisp audio during any time of the day or night, thanks to built-in night-vision capabilities. It offers the same security as the Nest Cam, the company’s home security camera, along with all the functionality of a doorbell. If you opt for a Nest Aware subscription, you get additional features like continuous recording for up to 30 days, which allows you to scan through your entire video history.

 

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 places 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 it is priced at well below the competition.

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.