Video Doorbell Shopping Guide
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Looking to buy a Video Doorbell? This Video Doorbell Shopping Guide will help you choose one for your home.
A video doorbell can save you time and worry whether you’re concerned about home security or don’t want to answer the door for someone you’re not expecting. Your door won’t have to be opened to someone you don’t know, and you can even see who’s ringing your bell when you’re not home.
Video doorbells can be pretty expensive, so make sure you pick the suitable model for your home security needs. You have to know what power type, resolution, the field of view, app support, and other features will work best for your house.
The design of most video doorbells is sleek and minimalist so that they won’t detract from the exterior of your home. Some models feature replaceable faceplates.
Contents
Video doorbells: What are they?
A video doorbell is a doorbell with a camera. Using WiFi, it can transmit information to a specially designed app that allows you to use your smartphone, tablet, or other connected devices to see who is at your door.
Video doorbells are often equipped with speakers and microphones, too, so you can communicate with the person at your door. Whenever the doorbell rings, an alert appears on your device, allowing you to see who is at your door even when you’re away from home.
Often, video doorbells have additional security features such as motion detection.
It would be best if you placed your video doorbell as close as possible to your home’s WiFi router for optimal performance.
BENEFITS OF VIDEO DOORBELLS
- Convenience: Because a video doorbell is connected to an app, you can answer your door from anywhere.
- Versatility: Video doorbells often come with night vision, so you can see who is at your door both day and night.
- With the video doorbell app, you can talk to the visitor no matter where you are, so no one knows you are not at home. If you need to report any suspicious activity at your door, you can record it.
- Deliveries: If you’re worried about someone leaving a package on your doorstep, where it might be vulnerable to thieves, your video doorbell can notify you when it arrives. In that case, you can ask the deliverer to leave the package in a secure location, or you can hurry home to receive it.
FEATURES TO CONSIDER FOR VIDEO DOORBELLS
Field of view
The video doorbell’s field of view (FOV) refers to the area the camera can see.
A camera with a large field of view is ideal.
- A 90° FOV will only show the area in front of the doorbell and just a little bit to the sides.
- The 180° FOV will show the area directly in front of the doorbell and the sides.
- Various models offer a 120° FOV, which can be less expensive than a 180° video doorbell, but provides a nearly as broad view.
Power source
A video doorbell can be wired into your home’s electrical system or powered by a battery.
The most challenging video doorbells to install are those that are wired. Most of these work best if your existing doorbell is already wired into your home’s electrical system. Video doorbells are compatible with most wired doorbells. You’ll need to hire a licensed electrician to install the video doorbell if you don’t already have a wired doorbell.
Battery-operated video doorbells are very easy to install. Most come with an internal battery that you charge to operate the device. Generally, video doorbells can be charged using a USB cable and take about five to eight hours to charge. The video doorbell won’t need to be recharged often: a charge can last from six months to a year. Many video doorbell apps will alert you when the battery is running low, so your doorbell won’t suddenly stop working.
Resolution
For a video doorbell to be helpful, its camera must provide a sharp, clear image. For this reason, pay attention to the resolution. The higher the video doorbell’s resolution, the better its pictures will be. In some models, the resolution is as low as 480p, while in others, the resolution is as high as 1080p. Pick the highest resolution you can afford.
Motion detection
Video doorbells with motion sensors alert you when someone moves around near your front door. This function is particularly useful if home security is a priority.
Consider a model that has advanced motion-detection features. You can monitor a specific area while ignoring others with these video doorbells. If you live on a heavily trafficked street, this feature can help prevent the video doorbell from alerting you each time a car passes in front of your home.
Night vision
When security is a priority after dark, you should choose a video doorbell that provides a clear image even in low light. Consider a model with night vision, so you can see who’s at your door no matter how dark it might be outside.
Audio
Having a video doorbell allows homeowners to communicate with visitors without opening the door - or even being at home. When you choose a model with two-way audio, you can converse with people at your door and hear what they say back.
A video doorbell audio system with noise-cancellation is also a good idea if you live on a busy street. You will hear what visitors are saying even if there is lawnmower noise or traffic noise in the background.
App
Video doorbells can be connected to an app that allows you to view the images from the camera, speak with visitors, and receive alerts about the system while away from home. Pick a model with an app that offers a user-friendly interface, easy to connect to, and reliable customer support.
Cloud storage
Video doorbells may come with cloud storage that lets you save footage from the camera for a certain period of time. If you experience a burglary or some form of vandalism, you will have video evidence.
PRICES FOR VIDEO DOORBELLS
Prices for video doorbells vary based on their resolution, whether they’re battery-powered or wired, and what features they have. They typically range from $50 to $500.
Budget-friendly Video Doorbells
Low-resolution, battery-operated video doorbells with a smaller FOV usually cost $50 and $100.
Mid-range Video Doorbells
A battery-operated, medium-resolution video doorbell with just under a full field of view costs between $100 and $200.
Expensive Video Doorbells
A high-resolution, battery-operated, or hardwired video doorbell with a full FOV typically costs $200 and $500.
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