Category Archives: Smart Camera

Wireless Home Security Cameras – Why They’re Better Than Wired

Smart Camera

Home Security Wireless Camera

Wireless Home Security Cameras – Why They’re Better Than Wired

A wireless camera system can cost less than a wired one. It’s also easier to install, especially if you rent your apartment or don’t feel comfortable fishing wires through walls.

Wireless cameras use radio waves to transmit video signals and power. They connect to a receiver, like a hybrid DVR or smart device, for viewing and recording. Some require a subscription to save video in the cloud.

Easier to Install

The days of long obtrusive wires running across floorboards and walls are long gone, with many modern home security cameras being wireless. This means they can use your existing internet connection to communicate with a remote control panel or connected smart device, making them much easier and faster to install.

If you opt for a wireless system, simply follow the manufacturer’s quick start guide to find out what app to download and how to get your cameras up and running. You can then view livestreams and access your recordings remotely from anywhere in the world. If your camera features two-way talk, you can even interact with anyone who appears in its field of vision. And if you want to scare off unwanted visitors, just trigger the 105-decibel siren built into the housing.

A wireless home security camera can store videos on a local SD card or on the cloud. Some also have a battery power option. If yours uses batteries, be sure to replace them regularly. If it plugs into a wall outlet, ensure you have enough room to run the cable through the wall, or hire a professional carpenter to do it for you.

Wired cameras, on the other hand, need to be hardwired into your house’s electrical system via a basic wall outlet or through your router (if it Home Security Wireless Camera supports it). This can be more complicated to install and requires a lot of patience to avoid drilling into pipes and cables.

Less Expensive

Many homeowners choose wireless security cameras over wired options because they’re less expensive. They also don’t require the installation of a separate home security system panel, making them ideal for homeowners who want to add cameras to their existing setup or expand their existing camera systems.

The most popular type of wireless camera uses Wi-Fi technology to transfer data within a short range, which allows them to work without the need for obtrusive wires. Almost any type of smart device can connect to a Wi-Fi camera and view the footage that’s recorded. Some cameras can even use the internet to communicate with other devices, like smart locks and lights.

For more advanced cameras, cellular connectivity is a common option. This is often used in conjunction with a traditional landline phone connection, but it can also be a great backup for a wireless camera that uses a regular Wi-Fi connection to transfer data.

Some cameras also use other wireless communication technologies, such as Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. While these are useful in some cases, they’re not as reliable as a standard Wi-Fi signal, and they can’t be used to transmit video to the outside world. The best wireless camera for a home will have a reliable internet connection that’s stable enough to support its functions. This ensures that the camera can upload and download data quickly and consistently, so that you can keep an eye on what’s happening at home.

More Flexible

Unlike wired cameras, which require drilling and running network cables behind walls or across drop ceilings, wireless security cameras can be quickly deployed in almost any modern building. They also allow you to easily move cameras if your surveillance strategy changes or you need to add or remove an exterior camera from the array.

Wireless and wire-free home security cameras typically communicate, both receiving instructions and sending video, over your Wi-Fi network. This allows them to integrate with your smart home system, and most are compatible with digital assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. They can send footage directly to the cloud for viewing in real time, or they can archive it for later use. Some cameras have onboard storage, but others require a monthly subscription to pay for cloud storage.

When selecting a wireless security camera, check to ensure it has proper cybersecurity protections in place. You don’t want hackers to intercept your camera signals or snoop on your live feed. Look for a model that uses secure Wi-Fi protocols and has an encryption key to prevent unwanted snooping. It’s also important to choose a camera that doesn’t broadcast its username and password on the internet, which can give away your location. Also consider a camera that can run on battery power for a limited amount of time, which is helpful during power outages or if clever burglars cut electricity before breaking in.

More Efficient

A wireless camera system does not rely on wires to transmit data. This allows the system to be installed with much less fuss. No drilling through walls or floorboards is required. The cameras can be placed in tight corners or other areas where it would not be possible for a wired system to be accommodated.

The lack of wires also makes the system less vulnerable to hacking. While it is not impossible to hack into a wired system, it is much more difficult for someone to gain access to the data transmitted by a wireless security camera.

Most wireless systems are Wi-Fi enabled, but there are models on the market that use cellular data to transmit footage. This is particularly useful if Home Security Wireless Camera you want to be able to monitor your home while you are away from it. More and more US households are ditching landline phones and opting for a mobile-only package, making it even more important to have an alternative option for remote monitoring.

Some wireless security cameras have built-in microphones, allowing you to communicate with anyone that is in the camera’s field of view. You can also trigger a 105-decibel siren when you notice unwanted guests, helping to scare them off. This is a feature that is not available on all wireless cameras, but it’s an excellent way to protect yourself and your family.

How a Smart Doorbell Can Tighten Your Home Security

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smart doorbell

How a Smart Doorbell Can Tighten Your Home Security

Whether you’re binge-watching Netflix and don’t want to get off the couch or are a victim of porch pirates, a smart doorbell (also called a video doorbell) gives you a safe way to keep tabs on visitors. Look for options with two-way communication and a wide field of view.

Also, look for a model that stores recordings locally without a subscription. This reduces the risk of your doorbell being hacked.

Sense of Security

If you find yourself a bit uneasy about people approaching your home smart doorbell or simply want to know more about who is outside before answering the door, a smart doorbell is a great tool. Many models allow you to record video of anyone who sets off the motion detector, which can help police solve crimes. Additionally, you can share the footage via social media, alert neighbors about potential scams or even resolve issues with parcel deliveries.

A smart doorbell also allows you to screen visitors without opening your door. Simply use your phone to see who’s there and decide whether to answer, decline or talk to them through two-way audio (similar to an intercom) no matter where you are. You can even use it to speak to a dog walker or house sitter before they arrive, and make sure the kids get out of bed and turn off the TV before going to sleep.

Look for a model that can record in HD, offers night vision and has an easy-to-use app. Some even offer professional monitoring 24/7, giving you peace of mind when you’re not at home. And because they connect to your Wi-Fi, you can monitor your front porch from anywhere, no matter what device you’re using. This makes them a great addition to any home security system, adding an extra layer of protection from burglars who often knock on doors before breaking in as a way to see if anyone’s home before entering.

Convenience

When someone approaches your home, a smart doorbell can notify you by sending a video to your smartphone. Depending on the model you choose, the notifications may be accompanied by two-way audio so that you can speak to your visitor without ever opening the door, a convenience that is especially useful when you’re unsure about answering the door or are busy working, caring for a child, or doing chores in the yard.

In addition to offering piece of mind when you’re away from home, smart doorbells can also help deter potential thieves or break-ins. Many models have motion detection capabilities and save recorded footage to help police or other authorities identify a trespasser or crime scene. Having access to prior recordings may even reduce your homeowners insurance premiums.

Most smart doorbells have a wide-angle camera that can provide you with a clear view of your front porch. Some models come equipped with night vision features, which can be a bonus if you live in an area with lots of street lights. You can use a doorbell cam to see who is outside smart doorbell when you’re unable to answer the door, or simply want to check in on your front door while you’re working, doing chores, or sleeping. This can be a huge safety benefit when you have young children, are worried about suspicious people or are limiting person-to-person contact due to Coronavirus concerns.

View Who’s At Your Door

A smart doorbell with a camera allows you to see who’s at your front door without opening it. You can also get activity alerts and watch video remotely, even when you aren’t home. Some smart doorbells have two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with people at your door, such as delivery drivers or the neighbor who wants to borrow your lawn mower.

Some advanced models come with facial recognition, which assigns a name to the person based on their appearance. This feature makes it easier for police departments to identify suspects and solve crimes. Watch this video from This Old House Home Technology Expert Ross Trethewey to learn more about smart doorbells and how they can help with crime-solving.

Most smart doorbells keep video recordings of motion alerts in a secure location in the cloud or on local storage, such as an SD card built into the device or an online service like Google Drive. This is a valuable security feature, especially if you’re away from your home for long periods of time or if your home is broken into.

Some smart video doorbells, such as Google Nest and the new Ring 3 Plus, offer free “Smart Detection.” This feature filters out motion reports by only detecting the presence of a human being, which can help reduce unnecessary notifications from things like rustling trees or passing cars. Other features you might want to consider include zoom, a wide-angle lens for a wider view, and color night vision, which can turn a darkened home into a safe haven at night.

Control Your Doorbell

If you want to really tighten up your home security, look for a smart doorbell camera that supports Apple’s HomeKit. This integration allows you to use your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV as an iCloud hub and connects the doorbell to the internet. The camera will also detect people, animals, and vehicles to help you stay aware of who or what is on your front porch.

Look for a doorbell that offers a variety of other features, such as night vision or two-way audio. Many models let you see and talk to visitors from anywhere with your smartphone or other connected device. This can make it easier to screen guests, greet housesitters or dog walkers, or simply give instructions to mail carriers where to leave your packages if you’re away for an extended period of time.

It’s important to note that the latency of a smart doorbell can be an issue. If it takes too long for you to receive a notification when someone approaches your door, you could miss them altogether. This may be a result of poor Wi-Fi or the camera’s motion sensor, so consider the quality of these elements in your home before making a purchase. Look for options that work with your existing smart devices, like indoor security cameras, alarm systems, and thermostats.

4G Solar Camera – Environmentally Friendly and Economical

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4g solar camera

4G Solar Camera – Environmentally Friendly and Economical

Traditionally, outdoor security cameras are wired to a power source. However, solar-powered ones don’t require manual wiring or a wired electrical connection.

4G solar powered cameras use cellular wireless transmission to live monitor remote sites without Wi-Fi or electricity, 4g solar camera like construction site, farms, ranch houses, etc. Reolink Go is one of the best solar powered cameras.

No Wires

The 4g solar camera does not use any electricity or network cable, but only solar power and built-in battery. Using solar energy to supply the power makes it extremely environmentally friendly and economical. It reduces the cost of installing cables and wiring, and it can also help to prevent theft. Furthermore, it can help to save time and effort since there is no need to visit remote sites on a regular basis to recharge the battery.

The wireless solar powered outdoor security camera is a great option for remote places without Wi-Fi coverage or power connections, like cabins in the woods, campers and boats, construction sites, farms and ranches. The cameras are self-sustained and wire-free, needing only 30-90 minutes of sunlight a day to stay charged. This makes them perfect for long-term outdoor monitoring.

The camera uses a 3G/4G-LTE SIM card to connect to the network, and can record video to an SD card or cloud storage (fees may apply). You can then access and playback recorded video on your mobile phone or computer. With 2K full HD, starlight night vision and 2-way audio, the security camera can provide you with a clear live view and vivid images both during the day and at night. It supports human detection alarms and instant alerts, and is also easy to set up and operate.

No Electricity

The cellular solar power security camera is a new generation of surveillance equipment that uses solar energy and cellular wireless transmission to offer real-time live monitoring. It has no need for power or network cables, and it can work in places without electricity input and wired internet access. It is a good choice for outdoor use such as farms and ranch houses, and it is also suitable for construction sites.

The solar powered camera does not require any installation or wiring, so it is easy to install and set up. It only requires 30-90 minutes of sunlight a day to keep it self-sustained, and you can monitor it on your mobile phone or tablet. It is the best choice for remote places without WiFi and electricity, such as a cabin in the woods, a vacation home, or an RV.

This solar camera outdoor is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rainstorms and snowstorms. Its monocrystalline silicon solar panel and MPPT 4g solar camera solar controller ensure high conversion efficiency, while its high-performance lithium battery provides continuous power to the camera. This solar security camera can also be operated in low-energy mode or standby mode, so it saves energy and extends its operating time. It is an ideal security solution for remote areas that need 24/7 surveillance. In addition, it is free from monthly monitoring fees and cloud storage subscriptions (FREE for basic plan). You can enjoy all the benefits of a security camera with zero hidden costs.

No Monthly Fees

The 4G solar camera is a wireless security system that uses an AT&T data-only SIM card (sold separately). This gives you the flexibility to monitor your home or business, even when you’re out of town. You’ll be able to view live video through your mobile app, and you can turn the camera’s motion detection on or off as needed. You can also connect this camera to a compatible external solar panel for even more power and endurance.

A solar-powered camera can be a great solution for places where traditional power supplies and ethernet cables can’t reach. You can monitor construction sites, remote cabins, or wildlife in wilderness areas. You can also use this camera to monitor a boat, a camper, or a vacation home.

These cameras are a great option for people who want to get security but don’t have the budget for expensive wired or WiFi-based systems. They’re also ideal for places that are often out of range of WiFi and have little to no access to power. If you’re looking for a high-quality solar-powered camera, check out the eufy Security 4G Starlight Camera. This camera has human detection AI and a powerful night vision mode that allows you to see incredibly detailed images and videos. It also has a wide viewing angle that’s suitable for most applications.

No Cloud Storage

Powered by solar energy, this 4g wireless security camera uses an intelligent standby mode to save battery power and monitor without electricity. It is a perfect solution for remote areas where electricity and network are limited, as it can be easily operated without any external power supply. It can be placed in a faraway location, such as on the mountaintop or in a tree, and will send instant notifications when motion is detected. You can even communicate with visitors or intruders to reschedule a visit or drive them away remotely!

Its smart PIR sensor can also differentiate human from animal movements, reducing false alarms caused by natural elements. With a wide field of view, it can capture an expansive area and reduce blind spots. It is IP65 weatherproof, so it can work well in extreme climates. It is easy to install and operate, with no complicated wiring required.

In addition to being simple and quick to set up, 4g solar cameras are also affordable. They can save your energy, money and time, making them an ideal choice for remote monitoring applications. The eufy Security 4G starlight camera is an excellent choice because of its low cost, high quality and reliable performance. It features advanced technologies, such as human detection AI and motion sensing, so you can be sure that your property is secure at all times.

How to Get the Best Smart Doorbell

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best smart doorbell

How to Get the Best Smart Doorbell

Unlike the Ring Video Doorbell 2 Pro and Nest, this model doesn’t lock away features behind a subscription. It has great-looking 1080p HDR video, monitoring zones and smart features like person, animal or package detection.

CR says this is one of the best smart doorbells for people who want to keep an eye on packages and other suspicious activities. It has excellent performance, earning a top score for data privacy and an above-average rating for video quality.

Features

For those looking to avoid porch pirates and package thieves, a smart video doorbell can alert you to visitors’ presence and let you communicate with them remotely. Some models work with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit, allowing you to view notifications on your smart speaker or watch live feeds of visitors from a compatible display.

The Lorex LNWDB1 1080P WiFi Video Doorbell is a solid pick for those who want to monitor their front porch without spending much money. It has a solid score for data security and middle-of-the-road score for privacy, and offers performance on par with some of the more expensive options in our tests. It also has a wide range of features, including monitoring zones to cut down on unwanted notifications, a three-hour video history for free and no subscription required, and voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

If you prefer a wired solution, consider the Ring Pro 2. This model has dual motion detection with radar and infra-red sensors, night vision, two-way talk with quick replies, and smart responses. It can identify people, vehicles and packages (but not possums), and it’s compatible with most existing doorbell wiring. It also includes a homebase unit that plugs in and acts as a signal repeater, and has 8GB of on-board storage for recording videos.

Requires a subscription

A smart doorbell lets you see who’s at the door, even if you aren’t home. You can also set zones so you only get alerted when activity happens in specific areas. These doorsbells usually require a subscription to work, but some options are free. Some offer 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular technology as backup if you lose Wi-Fi connection.

If you’re looking for a wired option without a subscription, consider the Blink Video Doorbell Wired 2K. It’s compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. It records clear audio and HD video, although it has a slightly narrower 155-degree field of view than our top choice. It is also a bit more expensive than the Ring, but it offers better customer support and a longer warranty.

Another great wired option is the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro. It features two-way communication, motion detection, and automatic recordings. It’s best smart doorbell also a little easier to install than the Nest Doorbell Battery, and it uses existing doorbell wiring. However, it requires a monthly subscription for some features, including pre-roll video and a 5-minute cool-down period between recordings. If you don’t want to pay for a subscription, you can use the Wyze doorbell with its free app and local storage. It will record your visitors in full HD and has a simple user interface.

Requires a chime

Whether you’re curled up on the sofa or sunning best smart doorbell yourself on a beach in the Bahamas, you can keep tabs on what’s going on outside your home with a smart doorbell. This type of device sends notifications to your smartphone that tell you who’s there and gives you the option to talk to them, even if you’re not at home.

However, these devices have their drawbacks. For instance, they can sometimes have issues with chime connection and battery life. Some of them also have trouble with late motion triggers, meaning that they will notify you more frequently than necessary. This is often a result of low-quality chime components and Wi-Fi signal, but some manufacturers have tried to address this issue by providing different chimes and adding features that help to reduce false alarms.

One good option is the Blink camera, which works with existing doorbell wiring and has a nice-looking design. It is compatible with Alexa and can be used with Amazon Echo or Google Nest smart speakers to alert you when there’s a visitor. It also includes a plug-in chime and a Wi-Fi extender that helps boost your connectivity and offers a choice of ringtones.

Another great option is the Nooie doorbell, which doesn’t require a subscription but has some of the best user feedback on the market. It can be paired with any wired doorbell and comes with a free electronic chime that doubles as a video storage unit. It has enough space to record 6 months of video clips with a 20 second clip length and is encrypted for security. It also has a claimed 1 year battery life, but this will vary depending on environmental and usage conditions.

Requires a smartphone

Whether you’re curled up on the couch or sunning yourself on a beach, a smart doorbell can let you know when someone is at your door. Using motion-detection technology, these gadgets can record who’s there and send you a live video of the person. It’s a great way to keep tabs on your home and stop porch pirates or package thieves.

A good smart doorbell should have a high resolution to ensure that the picture is clear. It should also have a wide viewing angle and a color night vision feature. Some even have facial recognition that can identify people, pets, or vehicles. A good doorbell will alert you to a visitor’s presence, and you can talk to them with the device’s microphone.

Another option is a battery-operated doorbell from WUUK that works with both Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant. This device also has a dual-motion sensor with PIR and radar for smarter notifications. It uses an encrypted base station with 32GB of on-board storage space, which is enough for many months of video events. It also has a number of extra features, such as voice changer for two-way talk, customizable quick responses, customizable mode settings, and multi-user sharing.

Lastly, there’s the Nest Video Doorbell (Wired), which builds on the excellent Nest Hello by adding on-device video processing and image classification. It can also record during power loss. However, it doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, so if you want those functions you should look elsewhere.

WiFi Panoramic Camera Outdoor

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wifi panorama camera outdoor

WiFi Panoramic Camera Outdoor

Easily monitor and control your home with this smart wifi outdoor camera. It features motion detection, night vision and two-way audio. You can also install an optional microSD card to record video.

The VSMAHOME light bulb camera is a secure, affordable option for your home. It features a 360-degree panoramic view, color night vision, and two-way communication. It’s also easy to set up and supports TF or cloud storage.

Features

This wifi panoramic camera outdoor is a high-resolution light bulb security camera that comes with auto-tracking, night vision and two-way audio. It can be installed anywhere in your home and is compatible with 2.4GHz and 5GHz wifi networks. It can also record to local SD cards, and supports cloud recording and Alexa/Google compatibility. Its PIR motion sensor and sensitive night vision make this camera a great choice for protecting your property from vandalism and other threats.

This US designed and engineered 1080p Panoramic HD Wi-Fi IP Camera has a 140° field of view to achieve maximum coverage. A built-in bright spotlight activates when it detects movement, stopping trespassers in their tracks. Human Detection technology reduces false alerts to your Smart Device, while Facial Capture takes a snapshot of a person and sends you wifi panorama camera outdoor an instant alert. 2-Way audio lets you talk to people at your home/office/business from a distance.

This enables you to get a full situational awareness of your environment, as if you were there. It’s easy to use and offers advanced video analytics for accurate detection of people, vehicles and wildlife. The zoom-in function of this camera allows you to focus on specific areas within the field of view.

Installation

A panoramic camera enables users to see all areas of the location in one shot. Users can even zoom in on an area of interest and have both the overview and close-up transmitted over a single channel to save bandwidth. They also offer an automatic exposure to capture objects of interest in all lighting conditions.

The camera can be installed indoors or outdoors and is designed to withstand changing weather wifi panorama camera outdoor conditions and resist vandalism. It can be mounted on a pole or wall and is a low-profile video surveillance solution that blends in with interior aesthetics. It is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. It is recommended to install the camera about 10 feet off the ground, which is high enough for a clear view of the landscape but low enough to keep the camera out of reach from others.

The camera is equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way communication. Users can communicate with people at home or let the delivery guy know where to leave a package outside. The camera has a local memory card to store recorded video. Once the memory card is full, new video will automatically overwrite old footage. The camera can be set up to turn on and off automatically with a schedule or by remote access. It is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.

Functions

This wifi bulb camera combines LED light functions with a 360-degree panoramic fisheye view to provide full coverage of your space without any blind spots. It has a high resolution and offers HD video recording and night vision with crisp and clear image quality. It also supports two-way audio communication so you can hear what is happening around the camera and talk back without any additional mobile phone call charges. Moreover, the wifi panoramic camera has a vandal-resistant design and is weatherproof. Its rotatable imager enables easy installation and adjustment. It can be controlled via a mobile application and you can switch the camera & LED light functions on/off remotely. It is a great surveillance solution for home, business, or office. You can watch live or recorded video anytime, anywhere.

Smart Video Doorbell

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Smart Video Doorbell

Smart Video Doorbell

A Smart Video Doorbell allows homeowners to remotely speak with visitors and keep an eye on packages from their front porch. These compact streaming cameras can deter porch pirates and provide security and peace of mind to customers.

CR’s take: This wired model from Eufy supports Apple HomeKit Secure Video, has a fast response time for alerts, and has excellent image quality. It also features two cameras for a blind spot-free view of the front yard, plus onboard machine learning and smart alerts.

Features

A smart doorbell with a camera lets you see who’s there without opening the door. The device alerts you via app when someone’s at your doorstep, and some can also let you talk to visitors using two-way audio. Some smart video doorbells have additional security features like face recognition, night vision and package detection, which can help you spot suspicious activity or prevent robbery.

A good doorbell camera should be easy to set up and use, work in your home’s temperature range and have a weatherproof enclosure. You should also consider how much storage you want, whether you’d prefer a cloud-based system or local video recording, and the cost of any subscriptions or add-on plans.

Unlike the Nest Hello, this wired video doorbell from Netatmo uses a microSD card to store footage and doesn’t require a monthly fee for cloud storage. It also offers excellent image quality and a variety of useful features, including a three-second video preview; motion detection zones; object identification (including people, animals and vehicles); and automatic uploads to Dropbox or FTP servers.

This battery-powered doorbell cam from Blink doesn’t have the range of some other models, but it’s a great budget option for homeowners who just need a basic camera to monitor their front porch. The video is 1080p and looks sharp, even at night. The Blink app also supports a USB drive for offsite storage, which can save you money and keep your videos private.

Design

Whether you’re curled up on the couch, working at your desk or sunning yourself on the beach in the Bahamas, a Smart Video Doorbell smart video doorbell keeps you in touch with your front door even when you can’t be there. They send activity alerts to your smartphone and let you see and talk to visitors with two-way talk. Some have a field of view that sees people head-to-toe, and some can record video in the dark (if you opt for it).

Our top pick, the Netatmo Hello, stands out for its stylish design, HDR-capable video, low light performance, and integrations with a range of other smart home devices. It’s Smart Video Doorbell one of the few that works with Apple’s HomeKit system, which adds support for multiple user accounts, video previews and three-second recordings before the motion sensor triggers, and a special feature called “HomeKit Secure Video,” in which iCloud or Apple TV store videos using end-to-end encryption.

It’s also the only video doorbell we tested that has a dual camera, one of which is pointed straight out to help you spot visitors and intruders; the other points down to keep an eye on package deliveries. In CR’s tests, it scored high for video quality and had impressive response times for sending alerts and loading live feeds. You’ll pay a monthly subscription to unlock all of its features, though.

Detection

Whether you’re curled up on the sofa or sunbathing on the beach, a smart video doorbell lets you check in with visitors without having to answer your front door. It can also notify you when a package has arrived, even if you aren’t home to get it. Some models even feature facial recognition and night vision to keep an eye on who’s at your doorstep.

Regardless of the model you choose, make sure it offers top-notch motion detection capabilities so that only relevant alerts and recordings are sent to your phone. You want to be able to tell the difference between a delivery driver and someone loitering on your porch, and you should have the option to add monitoring zones for enhanced coverage. You may also want to opt for a model that records in a higher resolution or supports HDR, especially if your doorway is backlit.

You’ll also want a doorbell camera that’s easy to install, and that supports popular smart home integrations like viewing your live feed on a connected TV or smart display. Many models are wireless, so there’s no complicated wire installation process to deal with, and they can be moved around to different areas if needed. Look for one that works with your current voice assistant to make it easier and faster to communicate with visitors, and opt for a model with two-way audio so you can hear and talk to them.

Storage

Whether you’re curled up on the couch, at work in your office, or sunning yourself on a beach, a smart video doorbell will let you know who is there. These devices combine a standard doorbell with a camera and a motion sensor, giving you the ability to see who is at your door and talk to them even if you’re not home or don’t want to answer.

Many of the top-rated smart video doorbells in our ratings support multiple voice assistants and work hand in hand with other connected gadgets like wifi security cameras and smart alarms. They also offer features that make life easier for couriers and posties, such as the option to speak with visitors and instruct them to leave a package with a neighbour or in a safe place.

Depending on the model you choose, some smart video doorbells will store videos in the cloud. That means you can access them from any device with an internet connection as long as you have the right app. Others will save the footage locally, either on an internal microSD card or a USB storage drive that you connect to the hub. The Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Battery) is the only model in our ratings that stores footage locally, and it’s easy to install with or without doorbell wires.