Best Video Doorbell Cameras of 2025
App view from Lorex doorbell on the phone.
Does it work on a smart home platform? If so, will the smart feature work well?
Today, smart home devices are expected to work on at least one major smart home platform. Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit It’s the main thing you need to look for. Apple’s support is hard to find, but if the rumors are correct, Apple will soon release its own security cameras, and support should be more common.
Privacy and security
Video doorbells capture many everyday moments, many of which store their footage in the cloud. One of my priorities is to check the brand’s track record with privacy practices, digital storage, and overall security.
Check out my best video doorbell camera selection and discuss topics such as doorbell makers easily handed over videos to authorities and how they have dealt with data vulnerabilities in the past. This is also why some doorbells didn’t appear in my list: wyze, with Repeated security flaws Just like the video caching issue in September 2023, allow others Look at the doorbell of a strangerI didn’t cut it.
This doorbell model has a crazy number of features, but most of them need to be enabled.
Video Storage and Subscriptions
Video storage is essential for your video doorbell experience. With so many videos automatically captured, we focus on how to upload that video, limit storage, and easy videos to access or share videos. Saving video footage is especially important if you want to report porch pirates to the police or save similar unpleasant events to take later action (even if you’ll catch animals that are cute too).
Video storage varies greatly from doorbell device to doorbell device. Some people allow some level of online video storage for free, but many require a monthly subscription to store videos in the cloud, or they need to significantly increase their storage options with their subscription. Other doorbells have the option to use local storage on a MicroSD card. This is a cheaper option that requires more manual video management. With Video Doorbell, I like to see as many free and user-friendly options as possible.
AI recognition and alerts
AI and video doorbells are handy and increasingly common combos. Look for AI software that can correctly identify a package, pet, or person’s face in your contact list and send you a more accurate alert about what’s going on (and if the package disappears unexpectedly). On the other hand, I also like to see smart motion detection that allows you to easily ignore passing cars and fall leaves. Reduce unnecessary alerts.
Wired vs wireless
Wired vs wireless is primarily a matter of preference, but that’s an important preference. Wired doorbells are always strong and can often be wired to existing doorbells. The wireless model is much more flexible in terms of placement, but requires charging every few months and does not connect to the hardware chime. One isn’t necessarily better than the other doorbells. Although we offer both options, it is important to think about how to use one.
delay
If it takes a long time to send push notifications after the smart doorbell camera rings the doorbell, there is a risk of missing visitors completely. You can also set up motion sensors on most video doorbells to notify you of activity happening near the door, even if you’re not buzzing, so when something turns off the motion detector You need to make sure you get notifications. If you have a delay issue, start with a Wi-Fi connection. If the doorbell is installed in a place that is not strong, you may consider moving it (or get a Wi-Fi range extender more easily). App quality is an important part of the review, as it can be a software issue instead.
Live view quality
Doorbells are often exposed to direct sunlight, but many others are installed near porches, shaded trees, and under all kinds of environments. The camera has night vision and can handle any of these scenarios, so it’s important not to be trapped in a non-functional product that can’t see your face under the pouch.
Audio Quality
If the doorbell microphone and speakers don’t work well, you’ll have a hard time communicating with the people there. I’ve tested this multiple times to see how doorbell audio sounds on my phone and narrowed down the best video doorbell camera options for conversation.