Overview
- Jump To Details
![Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation]()
Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation
Best Overall - Jump To Details
![Eufy Video Smart Lock]()
Eufy Video Smart Lock
Best Smart Lock and Video Doorbell Combo - Jump To Details
![Eufy Video Doorbell E340]()
Eufy Video Doorbell E340
Best Package Protection - Jump To Details
![Wired Doorbell Pro (2021)]()
Wired Doorbell Pro (2021)
Best Ring Doorbell Overall - Jump To Details
![Ring Battery Doorbell Pro]()
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro
Best Battery-Powered Ring Doorbell - Jump To Details
![Nest Doorbell (Battery)]()
Nest Doorbell (Battery)
Best for Google Assistant Users - Jump To Details
![Reolink Video Doorbell]()
Reolink Video Doorbell
Best for Ethernet Connectivity
The Best Video Doorbell & Smart Lock Deals in Australia – Live Now
- Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Generation) – A$152 (was $229, 34% off)
- Aqara Video Doorbell G4 (Chime Included) – A$147 (was $239, 39% off)
- Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) – A$174 (was $329, 47% off)
- REOLINK Doorbell WiFi Camera – A$159.99 (was $329, 11% off)
- TP-Link Tapo Smart Battery 2K Video Doorbell – A$179 (was $249, 28% off)
Check out more Australian smart home deals here.
A video doorbell lets you not only see and speak with the person outside, but also record footage of visitors who approach your door while you're away or unable to answer. At PCMag, we've been reviewing video doorbells since the first models hit the market in 2013. The second-generation Arlo Video Doorbell is our top pick, offering sharp video, the versatility of battery or hardwired power, and compatibility with all the top smart home platforms. If it doesn't suit your needs, our list of the best video doorbells has options from a range of brands for every budget. Be sure to visit our linked reviews for all the details of each model you're considering, and check out our buying guide at the end of this article for more information about what to look for when choosing a video doorbell for your home.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
![Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation]()
Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation
Best OverallWhy We Picked It
The second-generation Arlo Video Doorbell offers clear HD or 2K video, depending on the model you choose, with a 180-degree diagonal field of view that provides a head-to-toe look at your doorstep, and 12x digital zoom. It gives you the option of easy wireless installation with about four months of battery life between charges, or you can hardwire it using a standard 8-24 volt transformer. Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings, it works with many third-party devices and supports voice control. Just keep in mind that you have to subscribe to an Arlo Secure plan to view event-triggered recordings and unlock features such as smart motion alerts and interactive notifications.
Who It's For
Offering HD or 2K video, wireless or wired installation, robust third-party device support, and optional cloud storage and smart alerts for a small monthly fee, the second-gen Arlo Video Doorbell is supremely versatile.
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple wireless installation
- Sharp video
- Wide viewing angle
- Good third-party device support
- Smart object detection
Cons
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit
- Access to recorded video requires a subscription
- No color night vision
![Eufy Video Smart Lock]()
Eufy Video Smart Lock
Best Smart Lock and Video Doorbell ComboBottom Line:
The versatile Eufy Video Smart Lock is pricey, but it offers multiple ways to lock and unlock your door and doubles as a 2K video doorbell.Pros
- Built-in 2K doorbell camera
- Dual motion sensors
- Fingerprint scanner
- Multiple lock/unlock methods
- Local video storage
- Intelligent alerts
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited integrations
Learn MoreEufy Video Smart Lock Review![Eufy Video Doorbell E340]()
Eufy Video Doorbell E340
Best Package ProtectionWhy We Picked It
The wireless Eufy E340 doorbell is unique because of its dual-cam design: The top 2K camera shows you a full view of who is at your door, while the bottom 1080p camera points toward your doorstep to detect packages. Otherwise, the doorbell comes with free video storage and intelligent alerts, features many competitors charge extra for. And unlike the similar Eufy S330, this model doesn't require a separate hub for connectivity.
Who It’s For
If you get a lot of deliveries and want to keep porch pirates at bay, the Eufy E340 Video Doorbell can help. When it detects someone approaching your package, it sends you an alert and plays a message to let the person know you are watching them.
Pros
- Two cameras
- Sharp 2K video
- Color night vision
- Free local storage and smart object detection
- Package protection
Cons
- Pricey
- Doesn't support HomeKit or IFTTT
Learn MoreEufy Video Doorbell E340 Review![Wired Doorbell Pro (2021)]()
Wired Doorbell Pro (2021)
Best Ring Doorbell OverallWhy We Picked It
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 delivered crisp 1536p video in our tests, and its 1:1 aspect ratio provided a head-to-toe view of visitors at our doorstep. We love the Bird’s Eye View and 3D Motion features that show you where visitors have been on your property. Furthermore, it supports both the Alexa voice assistant and IFTTT for third-party device integrations. The main downside is that you have to pay for a subscription to access video recordings.
Who It’s For
This Ring doorbell is pricey, but you should still consider it if you already use other devices from the company. It's a snap to install if you have existing doorbell wiring, too.
Pros
- Sharp video
- 3D motion detection
- Aerial Bird’s Eye View
- Color night vision
- Works with Alexa, IFTTT, and lots of third-party devices
Cons
- Expensive
- Subscription required to view recorded video
- Doesn't support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
Learn MoreWired Doorbell Pro (2021) Review![Ring Battery Doorbell Pro]()
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro
Best Battery-Powered Ring DoorbellWhy We Picked It
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers the same 1536p resolution, 150-degree (horizontal and vertical) field of view, and advanced Bird's Eye View and 3D motion detection radar technologies as its wired counterpart below, but in a slightly bigger enclosure to accommodate its rechargeable battery. In our testing, the Battery Doorbell Pro was fast and easy to install and worked flawlessly, offering sharp video with rich colors, fast and accurate alerts, and seamless third-party device integration.
Who It's For
Go with this model over the Wired Doorbell Pro above if you want Ring's most advanced video doorbell features, like 3D motion detection and aerial view tracking, and you don't want to deal with wiring. Both models share the same price and PCMag star rating, so the choice comes down to whether you want a wired or wireless model. With the Battery Doorbell Pro, you'll have to remove and recharge the battery when it gets low (about every 6 to 12 months, depending on use), whereas a wired solution offers nonstop power.
The more affordable Battery Doorbell Plus ($179.99), which received a lower 3.5-star rating and thus did not make this list, also delivers 1536p video with a head-to-toe aspect ratio, but does not support Bird’s Eye View, dual-band Wi-Fi, or Pre-Roll, which captures four seconds of activity prior to an event trigger.
Pros
- Sharp video
- Color night vision
- Bird’s Eye tracking
- Works with Alexa and IFTTT
- Supports dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- Expensive
- Some features are locked behind a paywall
- Requires a subscription to view recorded video
- Doesn't support Google Assistant or HomeKit
Learn MoreRing Battery Doorbell Pro Review![Nest Doorbell (Battery)]()
Nest Doorbell (Battery)
Best for Google Assistant UsersWhy We Picked It
The Nest Doorbell isn’t a particularly good value, but it delivered sharp HD video and accurate motion alerts in testing. It offers dual-band Wi-Fi; can distinguish among people, animals, and cars in motion events; and even alerts you to package deliveries. You have to pay for a cloud subscription to see any videos older than three hours, though.
Who It’s For
If you can't decide between a wired or wireless setup, the Nest Doorbell doesn't lock you into one or the other. It integrates seamlessly into homes that already rely on Google's services for automation, but that's it; you don't get support for Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or IFTTT.
Pros
- Wireless
- Easy to install
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Sharp HD video
- Intelligent alerts
- Works with Google Assistant
Cons
- Expensive
- Some features require a subscription
- Doesn't work with Alexa, HomeKit, or IFTTT
Learn MoreNest Doorbell (Battery) Review![Reolink Video Doorbell]()
Reolink Video Doorbell
Best for Ethernet ConnectivityWhy We Picked It
The Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi offers lots of features for its sub-$100 price, such as 2K resolution, dual-band Wi-Fi, local and cloud storage options, and a pre-roll (buffering) feature that captures six seconds of video before a doorbell press or motion event. We like its video quality, support for Alexa and Google Assistant voice services, and wide field of view, but its siren could be louder.
Who It’s For
This Reolink doorbell is a suitable choice if you don't mind working with low-voltage wiring. Meanwhile, an Ethernet port for wired connectivity might add appeal if your Wi-Fi network doesn't extend to your front door. Note, though: It doesn't work with many third-party devices because it lacks IFTTT compatibility.
Pros
- Sharp 2K video
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Works with voice controls
- Local storage option
- Pre-roll video capture
Cons
- Lacks HomeKit and IFTTT support
- Setup requires wiring
Learn MoreReolink Video Doorbell Review
Buying Guide: The Best Video Doorbells for 2024
Wired vs. Wireless Video Doorbells
The first thing you need to decide is if you want a wireless doorbell that runs on batteries or one that gets power from low-voltage wiring. Naturally, a wireless doorbell is the easiest type to install because it doesn't require that you turn off your home's power or mess with any wiring. The downside to wireless doorbells is that their batteries tend to deplete quickly; they last anywhere from two to six months. If you live in an area with cold weather, expect to recharge or replace your batteries every couple of months. You also run the risk of your doorbell shutting down at an inopportune time with battery-powered models.
Wired doorbells are not as easy to install as their wireless counterparts (the process still isn't difficult), but you don't have to worry about them losing power unless your whole house does. Because most homes already have doorbell wiring, installing a video doorbell is as easy as removing your old doorbell, disconnecting the two wires, connecting your new doorbell to the wires, and attaching it to the outside of your house. In most cases, you can connect the doorbell to an existing chime box as well.
Wired doorbells draw power from two wires that connect to a transformer that steps down your household power to between 16 and 24 volts. If your home doesn't have doorbell wiring, you can still wire it yourself using a plug-in transformer or hire an electrician to perform the setup. Either way, the process requires some drilling to run wires from the inside of your home to an exterior location.
What Features Do the Best Video Doorbells Offer?
Video doorbells come in all shapes and sizes. The least expensive models tend to be bulky and available in only a few color choices, while many of the more expensive models are inconspicuous and available in a variety of finishes. Battery-powered models are typically larger than their wired counterparts.
Most smart doorbells equip a video camera that sends an alert to your phone along with a live video stream when someone presses the doorbell button. You access those recordings via the same mobile app you use to install the device, configure wireless settings, and set up alerts. Doorbells with features such as 1080p video (or better), motion detection, two-way audio that lets you speak with whoever is out there, and on-demand video streaming tend to cost the most. To avoid false alerts from passing cars, high winds, and any critters that may roam around your property, look for a doorbell cam that offers customizable motion zones.
Other capabilities to look for include face recognition technology that identifies visitors by name; motion-sensing technology that knows the difference between people, cars, and animals; color night vision video (most doorbell cameras use infrared LEDs to provide up to 30 feet of black-and-white video); and a choice of chimes that help you differentiate between a doorbell press and a motion trigger. Some of the latest doorbell cameras even offer a pre-buffer feature that records several seconds of activity before the triggering event or doorbell press.
Video doorbells don't typically offer local storage for recordings, so you likely need to subscribe to a cloud service to view your motion- and doorbell-triggered video clips. Expect to pay $3 per month or more for a plan that gives you access to 30 or more days' worth of video that you can download and share. If you want to view older footage, make sure you download those clips as the cloud storage overwrites old files after that period.
Do Video Doorbells Work With Other Smart Home Devices?
Many home security systems offer video doorbells as add-on components, but these devices typically don't work by themselves and require a system hub. However, they usually interact with other system components such as door locks, sirens, and lighting. If you want a standalone smart doorbell that works with other smart devices in your home, look for one that supports IFTTT. This service lets you easily create applets that enable various third-party devices and platforms to interact with each other.
Support for Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands is also handy. With these integrations, you can, for example, simply say, "Alexa, show the front door," to launch a live stream on your Echo Show.
For more, see our story on how to build your own home security system.
Video Doorbells vs. Smart Home Security Cameras
Video doorbells and home security cameras offer many of the same benefits. Both show you what is going on outside of your home, offer motion detection and motion-triggered recordings, and, in most cases, let you speak to whoever is out there. That said, security cameras lack the doorbell component. If you're downstairs doing the laundry and your phone is upstairs, a security camera won't tell you that someone is at the door, but the doorbell will (when someone presses it).
Moreover, unless they are battery-operated, outdoor security cameras require a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet for power, which may limit potential mounting locations. Wired smart doorbells use existing low-voltage wiring and are relatively easy to install (they don't require a ladder, for instance).
