Video doorbells are doorbell buttons with a built-in camera, microphone and speaker, so you can see and talk to whoever is at the door from your phone. This category covers wireless battery models and versions that connect to mains power or PoE, for homes and small offices. Brands include HIKVISION, REOLINK, TP-LINK, UBIQUITI and AXIS.
How to choose a video doorbell
Power supply. A battery model can be fitted without running cables, and our range includes batteries of 6200 and 6400 mAh. They still need recharging, and how often depends on how many times a day the motion sensor is triggered. If a doorbell wire or a PoE network cable already runs to your door, a wired model saves you from recharging.
Video resolution and field of view. Our range includes models with 3 MP (2304 x 1296 pixels) and 5 MP (2560 x 1920 pixels) resolution. Higher resolution makes it easier to read a parcel label or recognise a face when you zoom in. The fixed focal lengths are 2 and 2.4 mm: the shorter the focal length, the wider the view, which helps when a parcel is left on the ground.
Recording and app. Some manufacturers let you store recordings on a microSD card or a video recorder, while others offer cloud storage, often with a subscription. Check how recordings are saved before buying, and whether the doorbell works with your smart home system. Also find out whether you can connect an indoor chime.
Weather resistance. A doorbell stays outside all year, so look at its operating conditions. Models in our range list an operating temperature from -20 to 45 or 50 °C and relative humidity of 10-90% or 0-95%. Batteries drain faster in the cold, so this matters most in winter.
Brands in our range
- HIKVISION: one of the world's largest video surveillance manufacturers, known for cameras and video recorders.
- REOLINK: known for security cameras whose recordings can be stored locally, on a microSD card or a recorder.
- TP-LINK: a networking manufacturer that also has the Tapo smart home line.
- UBIQUITI: known for UniFi network equipment, with the UniFi Protect system for managing cameras in one place.
- AXIS: a Swedish company regarded as a pioneer of network video cameras, often chosen for professional installations.
- IMOU: the consumer smart home brand of the Dahua group.
- SWITCHBOT: a smart home maker whose devices connect into a single ecosystem.
Also in our range: ARENTI.
Frequently asked questions
Does a video doorbell need Wi-Fi?
Most wireless video doorbells connect to the internet over Wi-Fi, while PoE models use a network cable. Without an internet connection you cannot watch the video remotely on your phone. Check that the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough at your door before buying.
How often do you need to charge a video doorbell battery?
It depends on how often the motion sensor is triggered and on the weather. A busy entrance in cold weather drains the battery faster than a quiet street in mild conditions. If you would rather not recharge at all, choose a wired model.
Can you store recordings without a monthly fee?
Yes, if the model supports local storage, such as a microSD card or a video recorder. Some manufacturers charge extra for cloud storage, so check the specification before you buy.
What resolution does a video doorbell need?
3 MP is enough for everyday use: it shows a visitor and a parcel clearly. 5 MP gives more detail when you zoom in. The field of view matters too, so look at the lens focal length as well as the megapixels.
