Finding The Best Smart Doorbell Camera

Technology is all the rage and has been for many decades. If it’s not the latest technology integrated into cars and trucks, it is home technology, both indoor and outdoor. As soon as the Ring doorbell exploded in sales after its premiere on Shark Tank, video doorbells emerged as its own category.

If you’re considering guarding your front door with a camera you can control, you have landed on the right blog. Let’s start your search in finding the best video doorbell among the big players Ring, eufy Security, and Arlo. One question to consider: is wired a better setup or should you stay wireless in 2023?

Ring | Video Doorbell Wired

For starters, some front door cameras do require an existing doorbell setup such as the Ring Video Doorbell Wired model for continuous power. As with most ring doorbell cameras, it will sync via 2.4GHz WiFi connectivity. A little bit of handyman work is involved for power, yet the features are abundant.

Enjoy 1080p HD resolution with two-way talk capability using the Ring app on your mobile device. Protection does not lessen at night. The camera’s night vision brings sharp contrast to ensure details are captured during sundown, dusk, or the middle of the night. Advanced motion detection alerts you before the doorbell rings when someone is outside.

If you didn’t know, Ring was acquired by Amazon years ago and now can be integrated into the Alexa and Amazon ecosystem. This is an extra step (definitely not required), but will provide alerts throughout your home. Pair with a Ring Chime or a compatible Alexa device to never miss notifications if you’re away from your phone.

With the Ring doorbell camera, you also have the option to purchase the Ring Protection Plan (sold separately). This is essential if you wish to record, share, and review footage captured up to six months prior.

eufy security | S220 Video Doorbell

1080p was once a pillar of “high-definition” for small cameras. With technology rapidly advancing, 4K screens and 2K sensors are becoming standard. With Eufy Security, the S220 Video doorbell has a crystal-clear built-in 2K sensor, which is plenty to see all the details in broad daylight.

The S220 is a viable option if you are not sure to go battery-operated or a full-time wired connection for power. Eufy Security’s S220 model boasts six (6) months on ONE charge, if you choose the charging route. Otherwise, continuous power is always another option as long as a power source of 8-24V is available.

Also contrary to Ring’s offerings, the Eufy Security has no monthly service fee to manage your data. All your doorbell media is saved locally to the doorbell device itself. There is no cloud storage built in and no need for it either.

A unique feature within the detection algorithm is the ability to determine what is detected through the motion sensor and where. For example, you can customize your alerts to activity zones within the expanded wide angle field of view (4:3 aspect ratio) top to bottom.

eufy Security | Wi-Fi Video Doorbell 2K

Up your front door surveillance game with eufy Security’s WiFi Video Doorbell 2K model. Like the S220 previously discussed, this model also has a built-in 2K sensor. However, it is high definition, offering an image resolution 2560×1920 via two-way audio. This is equivalent to (and greater than some) laptop screen resolutions. Advanced HDR, or high dynamic range, ensures all footage is recorded in highest quality available.

There are no hidden costs with Eufy Security, meaning you pay for everything up front. Never worry about a monthly fee or having to maintain another account for storing data in the cloud.

Consistent with their products is Ai technology and smart detection. With it already integrated, you’ll be alerted that you’re having a package delivered, but won’t be alerted at 2:15am when a stray raccoon is searching for food scraps.

Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell

Last on the list, but not least, is the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell. Arlo makes a handful of similar smart home products like Ring and Eufy. However, the features in their smart wired doorbell stands above the rest.

Out of the box, the Arlo Essential doorbell can capture video with a 180-degree field of view, top to bottom. Such a wide angle merged with high definition and HDR ensures you see a person from head to toe or a package on the ground whether it’s extremely bright daylight or low-light. Separately, the camera is designed for nighttime video capture and can still provide plentiful sharp details. 

Of course, you can respond quickly to a doorbell via two-way audio or even send pre-recorded quick replies you can create yourself. However, not many doorbells can offer a siren with the ability to trigger manually or automatically during an event. That’s essentially like having an outdoor intruder alarm armed and ready.

Arlo Foresight is another unique feature that allows the camera to capture video prior to a motion-triggered video recording. In this way, you’ll know what caused the video to begin recording in the first place!

The Arlo Essential is multi-talented and can sync to work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. On top of the many apps, it can function in many environments. It’s built to withstand the elements regardless of the heat, sun, rain, ice, cold, etc. 

Arlo does have additional features within their Arlo Secure plan. Within their plan, you can receive smarter notifications based off the Ai. You’ll be alerted differently when a human being is in frame compared to a vehicle, a package, or an animal. The question to ask yourself is: is the extra plan worth it or is this feature-rich doorbell powerful enough out of the box for the price?

Please note: the doorbell and doorbell chime do require an existing electrical wiring with voltage between 16V-24V AC and a 10VA.

The Wrap-Up

All in all, we chose these models based on their overall features from the factory and the sheer number of positive reviews. We all know consumers don’t waste time with products that under-deliver or under-perform. Especially with the unfortunate porch pirate problem today, having an eye on your front door is crucial, should you ever need to pull footage of an incident. However, simply knowing what’s going on if you’re not home is just as valuable.

Our advice is to balance your budget with features that best serve you and your home. If you are adding a wireless doorbell camera for the first time, you’re one step closer to peace of mind whether you’re home or out.