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When it comes to securing your home, a video doorbell is a no-brainer. However, not all doorbell cameras are created equal, and I’ve found that choosing the right one requires a bit of research and some non-negotiable features. Here’s my checklist of eight things I look for when buying a video doorbell camera.
1A Security Track Record
The first thing I consider is the company’s security track record. With the nature of the data being captured—videos of your home, your surroundings, and potentially even your family—it’s crucial to know whether the company has a history of security breaches or vulnerabilities.
I’ve read too many stories of major brands suffering from hacking incidents, where unauthorized users have accessed live feeds or stored footage. That’s a nightmare scenario I’d rather avoid. A quick search online can reveal any past issues a company has had.
2No Subscription Required
I’m not a fan of monthly fees just to use something I’ve already paid for. Some doorbell cameras require a subscription for video storage or remote monitoring, but I prefer ones that don’t.
This often means I spend more upfront to get a camera that includes local storage or other features out of the box. But when you do the math based on how long the average video doorbell lasts, it’s almost always better to pay upfront than to be tied to a monthly payment plan.
3Video Quality
A doorbell camera is only as good as its video quality. I need to know if it can capture clear, detailed video both during the day and at night before I commit to getting it. I check Amazon for specifications and then look through reviews to confirm if the specifications match the user experience.
I pay particular attention to resolution (1080p is a minimum for me), frame rate (higher is better), and HDR support. Night vision is another crucial factor. I always check to see if the camera is effective in total darkness. I also look at the field of view to determine how much of my porch and surroundings the camera can see.
YouTube has been helpful in researching certain products. Instead of guessing what the video quality is like, I can simply watch a video review and see for myself.
4Clear Two-Way Audio
Two-way audio is an indispensable feature for me. This means the video doorbell has both a microphone and a speaker, allowing me to communicate with whoever is at the door. I want something I can use to tell the delivery person to leave a package at the gate without having to open the door.
Two-way audio is standard on most video doorbells, but the quality can vary. So, I look for models with clear audio quality. Checking out video reviews where audio quality is tested in different scenarios is one way I ensure I’m making the right choice.
5Local Storage Options
While cloud storage is convenient, I’ve come to appreciate doorbells that offer local storage options. An SD card slot, for instance, is a big plus in my book. It’s great for backup storage or if you’re not ready to go into a full NVR (Network Video Recorder) setup. Plus, local storage can be faster to access and doesn’t rely on an internet connection.
Local storage is handy for those who prefer toavoid cloud services for privacy reasons. It allows you to keep your footage on your property, reducing the risk of it being accessed by a third party.
6Power Source
The power source of a video doorbell is a crucial consideration that can affect both installation and maintenance. Battery-powered models are convenient because they’re easy to install—no need to mess with wiring. However, they do require regular recharging, which can be a hassle depending on how often the camera is triggered.
Wired models, on the other hand, are more of a set-it-and-forget-it solution, but require professional installation if you’re uncomfortable with electrical work. I always consider my home setup and how much effort I’m willing to put into maintaining the camera whenchoosing between a wired or wireless video doorbell.
7Weather Resistance
A durable, weather-resistant camera is a must, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. I ensure the camera can handle varying weather conditions. Checking the camera’s IP rating can give you a good idea of how well it will stand up to the elements.
An IP rating of IP65 or higher is what I typically look for, indicating the camera is protected against dust and water jets. For those in colder climates, it’s also worth checking the operating temperature range to ensure the camera won’t fail in freezing conditions.
8Integration with My Smart Home Ecosystem
I’d be remiss not to consider how a new doorbell fits into my existing smart home ecosystem. Some doorbell cameras work better in certain ecosystems, so it’s worth checking if your potential doorbell integrates well with your other devices. It can make life so much easier when everything works together seamlessly.
If you’re heavily invested inAmazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit,you’ll want to choose a doorbell camera that integrates best with these platforms. Integration allows you to do things like view your doorbell’s video feed on a smart display, trigger automations based on motion detection, or receive alerts on your phone.
When picking a video doorbell, I believe it’s all about what works best for you and your home. But if you’re anything like me, these eight points will keep you on track to finding the perfect match.
