The best video doorbells: an easy and convenient way to upgrade your home security

Video doorbells are growing in popularity, and it’s no surprise considering the variety of benefits they bring, not to mention how well they fit with our increasingly technology-reliant lives.

Also known as a smart doorbell, a video doorbell is an internet-connected camera that lets you know when someone is at your door. They will often include a motion sensor that activates the camera, though some models are only activated when your visitor presses the button on the doorbell. Notifications come through a companion app that synchs to your phone or perhaps a device like Alexa or Google Home Hub.

The purpose of a video doorbell is to let you know that someone’s there even if you’re not home or simply if you don’t hear the bell. This makes them a great option for people who are away from home a lot or people who have a large house or garden and don’t always hear the doorbell. They can also be very useful for the hearing impaired.

A video doorbell is believed to be a visual deterrent to thieves and other criminals, and should that not work, many models record footage as soon as the motion sensor is activated, so if something were to happen, the criminal should be caught on camera.

These devices also boost security and safety in the sense that you can see who is at your door before you answer, which can be very reassuring for the elderly or vulnerable. Some insurance companies will even offer discounts to those whose homes are fitted with video doorbells.

Another benefit that users love is the ability to know when a package has arrived, even if you’re not home. Video doorbells typically feature a two-way audio system, too, so you can guide the courier to leave your delivery in a safe place if you’re not in.

When choosing the right model for you, think about the main incentive behind your purchase, which should guide you towards the added features you need or don’t need. The best video doorbell for you may not necessarily be the most complex. Then, decide whether you want a cord-free option or a doorbell that’s wired in. The latter may need expert installation, but often you can book this at the time of purchase.

The best video doorbells at a glance:

• Best wireless video doorbell: Ring Video Doorbell
• Best for Alexa users: Ring Video Doorbell Wired
• Best battery life: eufy Security Video Doorbell Wireless
• Easiest set-up: Blink Video Doorbell
• Best security features: Arlo Video Doorbell Security Camera
• Best for google lovers: Google Nest Doorbell
• Best premium model: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with Ring Chime
• Best subscription-free: XTU Wireless WiFi Video Doorbell Camera with Chime

The best video doorbells

Best wireless video doorbell: Ring Video Doorbell

Easy installation with no wires

This battery-operated high-definition video doorbell has two-way audio and sends instant notifications when someone is at your door.

It also offers great image quality with its night vision setting and clear two-way audio so you can see and speak with whoever is at your door, wherever you are, just using your phone or tablet. Instant notifications tell you as soon as someone sets off the motion sensor or rings the bell. It’s easy to install but also has the option of expert installation for an additional fee.

Best for Alexa users: Ring Video Doorbell Wired

Easily links to Alexa-enabled devices

Think of this video doorbell as a natural extension of your smart home, as it connects easily with almost any Alexa-enabled device and features high-definition visuals and two-way audio.

If you are committed to your Alexa, then this video doorbell should fit right into your home, pairing easily with the most compatible devices as well as your phone or tablet.

It offers instant notifications when someone triggers the motion sensors or rings the bell and comes with the option to respond with pre-recorded messages if you aren’t able to respond directly. It can be wired into either an existing doorbell or a standard socket, and we recommend having it professionally installed, which comes as an option at checkout.

Best battery life: eufy Security Video Doorbell Wireless

Rechargeable batteries last 120 days

This great wide-angle video doorbell has two-way audio and WiFi compatibility. Wire-free easy installation and rechargeable batteries that last up to four months between charges make it super easy to set up and maintain.

This eufy video doorbell offers easy installation and a wire-free operation. It comes with rechargeable batteries that offer an impressively long time between charges, with up to 120 days of full coverage.

The high-definition camera offers great wide-range visuals of your doorstep that capture people head-to-toe as they approach. It boasts a really easy installation and comes with no monthly fees.

Easiest set-up: Blink Video Doorbell

Install it yourself in minutes

Take the hassle out of installation when you choose this Blink smart doorbell, which can be set up in a matter of minutes and comes with a user-friendly companion app.

Answer your door from wherever you are using the Blink app that pairs with this easy-to-use smart doorbell. It’s the easiest to install of those we’ve reviewed, with a wire-free installation that’s complete in minutes. It comes with rechargeable batteries and features infrared night video as well as two-way audio. Synch it to your phone, tablet or Alexa-enabled device.

Best security features: Arlo Video Doorbell Security Camera

Designed to keep you safe

This Arlo video doorbell is designed with security in mind, featuring motion detection, high-definition video, night vision, and a built-in siren.

This is a wired-in smart doorbell to ensure 24/7 coverage and is a great option for anyone looking to boost their security at home.

Take advantage of the additional security features offered in the Secure Plan from Arlo using the free 3-month trial included as standard. A free 90-day subscription plan is included as standard.

Best for Google lovers: Google Nest Doorbell

Connects seamlessly with Google Home

This wireless video doorbell connects seamlessly with other Google technology, and can tell the difference between people, parcels and vehicles.

Synch your doorbell to your Home Hub when you choose this wireless video doorbell from Google. The clever sensors can tell the difference between people, parcels and vehicles and will let you know when someone’s at the door, allowing for 2-way audio so you can speak to them too. Access the video and audio in real-time or even look back over footage from the last three hours, so you always know what’s going on at home, whether you’re there or not.

Best premium model: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with Ring Chime

A really high-spec product

Putting the ‘smart’ in smart doorbell, this advanced model from Ring has all the bells and whistles that a tech enthusiast could need – and more. An excellent all-rounder that ticks all the boxes.

This video doorbell has all the features you can name – and more – making it the perfect purchase for those who like their tech high spec.

The hardwired device offers two-way audio, head-to-toe high-definition video, 3D motion detection, enhanced dual band WiFi connection, customisable privacy settings, real-time alerts in its companion app, and a Bird’s Eye View feature to pinpoint where movements are coming from.

It’s compatible with Alexa as well as your phone and tablet and comes with a chime included so you can hear notifications around the house.

Best subscription-free: XTU Wireless WiFi Video Doorbell Camera with Chime

Great features without monthly fees

An easy-to-install wireless Wi-Fi-enabled video doorbell with a companion app and no monthly fee. Great video and 2-way audio transmitted in real-time.

This is an excellent option if you want the benefits of a high-spec video doorbell but don’t want to pay an additional subscription fee to access all the features. It’s totally cord-free with rechargeable batteries that last 1-2 months and a companion app that shows battery life in real-time.

Its camera offers great image quality, motion detection, two-way audio, night vision and an alarm. Also has the option of a pre-recorded message to play to visitors when you can’t get to the phone to respond.

If you want to read more expert-recommended round-ups and product guides, check out our Household page, where you’ll find more home recommendations, including the best clothes airers, the best energy efficient heaters, and the best draught excluders.