Video Doorbells, For a More Secure Home
Video doorbells are one of the best decisions any homeowner or home renter can take, to ensure the security of their home. They’re an amazing upgrade from the traditional doorbell--a video doorbell can help secure your home. When you’re in your house, a video doorbell can help you filter out unwanted guests, and lets you know when you have a prowler moving around your home.
But the beauty of a video doorbell is when you are not at home. They’ll allow you to tell a deliveryman where he should leave the delivery. You can know who came by when you were away. And you can also tell a guest to wait up for you.
But the different models and features of video doorbells can confuse you. Therefore, we have put together this buyer’s guide to recommend some top video doorbells for you. This guide will help you:
• Choose the best video doorbells of your choice.
• Read different reviews of different video doorbells.
• Receive useful tips about video doorbells.
• Know what to look out for in video doorbells.
Types Video Doorbells
• Wired Video Doorbell: You connect this type of video doorbell to your house’s wall current. This doorbell consists of a button that you press, a circuit box (and a transformer), and a bell.
• Wireless Video Doorbell: This is a battery-powered model. They’re much easier to install. You can just tape the transmitter button to the front entrance with adhesive tape.
• Infrared Video Doorbell: This type uses infrared light to illuminate the darkness. That way, the doorbell’s video camera can clearly focus on people or objects outside. You’ll see the images in black-and-white.
• Color Video Doorbell: This type will allow you to view objects in their original color, instead of just in black-and-white. It allows for high-quality surveillance at night.
What Reviewers Have to Say
- Video storage: You’ll notice that video doorbells can differ in how they store video content. Some require a memory card to store videos. Others, such as the WerPower Video Doorbell, save their footage in the cloud.
- Tamper-resistance: Most video doorbells feature a tamper resistance feature. That will prevent any attempt of an intruder from disabling the device.
- Voice Assistant: You’ll find video doorbells that allow for both Alexa and Google Assistant. An example is the Lanthour Video Doorbell Camera.
Important Features
- Installation: Ensure that your video doorbell is easy to install. The battery-powered models will typically be easier than the wired models. Some will feature rechargeable batteries, such as the Wongkuo video doorbell.
- Field of View: The width of your video doorbell’s camera determines how much you can see. Hence, it is advisable to go for a video doorbell with a wide view, as well as a camera that allows you to zoom in or out on an object.
- Night Vision: A doorbell camera with an infrared sensor will start filming automatically if it picks up a person or animal approaching, even at night. It allows you to survey your home and yard as well.
- Durability: Since your doorbell will be placed outside, you’ll want a high IP (=Ingress Protection) rating, to know that your doorbell won’t be damaged by dust or water getting into the device.
- Smartphone app: Many video doorbells have a user-friendly app that you can find on either the Android play store or Apple Store. That way, you can watch what your doorbell sees from your phone!
Top-Rated Brands
Arlo: As a wired video doorbell, this product boasts a 180-degree view that gives you a clear field of view. Also, it features an app that shows detailed installation instructions. Petite and beautiful to look at, this product features an alarm system and 3 months free cloud subscription. The icing on the cake is its push-button response feature, which allows you to reply to a visitor with pre-recorded responses.
Vivint: Unlike most doorbells, this product has both battery and wired features. It features a 180-degree field of view, so that you have a full view of your guests. It features a battery life of 3 to 5 years, and it is waterproof.
Ring: This product features two-way communication between you and your visitors, not to forget to mention its wired/wireless options that give you a choice on which battery type to pick from. The field of view is an impressive 180 degrees. Finally, this product features a great playback system that gives a vertical timeline of events for you to scroll through.It is easy to install, and it also features Alexa voice command and infrared night vision.
Lorex 2K, this product is pricey, but it makes up for this with amazing features, such as an amazing 2560 x 1920 pixel HD camera quality which churns out impressive images and videos. Its color night vision feature is a great upgrade from the common infrared night vision that other doorbells feature. The best part is that this product is compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa voice commands.
