Cameras & Motion Sensors

How To Pick The Right Video Doorbell For Your Home

Stewart Grant August 13, 2024
Knowing how to pick a video doorbell for your home can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to find a doorbell that meets your specific needs and budget while enhancing your security. We created this guide to help everyone find the best video doorbell for them.

Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into the technical details, it’s important to understand what you really need in a video doorbell. Consider factors such as the size of your front yard, the level of security you require, and your budget. Knowing your priorities will help narrow down your options and make the selection process easier.

Assess the size and layout of your entryway: Homes with large front yards and/or less landscaping may benefit from doorbells with a wider field of view and higher resolution to cover more area in greater detail.

Determine your security needs: Evaluate if you need features like motion detection, night vision, or facial recognition to enhance security. Do you want proactive notifications before someone even reaches your front door?

Set a realistic budget: Video doorbells come at various price points. Decide how much you are willing to invest to get the features you need. Keep in mind that many will have monthly or annual fees to access advanced features.

Smart home compatibility: Do you use a smart home ecosystem like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit? If so, do you want your video doorbell to work within it?

Wireless or wired power supply: Video doorbells can be battery-operated or hardwired for power. If you don’t have an existing doorbell, you’ll likely want to opt for a battery-powered model. If you do have one, your decision should come down to your comfort level with electrical projects.

Key Features to Look For

When choosing a video doorbell, certain features are critical. Look for high-resolution video quality, wide field of view, and reliable connectivity. These features will ensure that your video doorbell provides clear, comprehensive coverage of your front door.

High-resolution video quality (1080p or higher): Ensure your doorbell captures clear and detailed footage so you can easily discern who is at your front door and have useful video to provide police should the need arise.

Wide field of view (up to 180°): A broader view ensures you can see most (if not all) of your entryway and prevents anyone from avoiding being captured on camera.

Secure Wi-Fi connectivity: Make sure the doorbell can connect to your home Wi-Fi network from a good distance away and the manufacturer doesn’t have a history of security breaches.

Installation and Usability

Whether you opt for a battery-powered or hardwired camera, the installation process should be straightforward. Additionally, the accompanying app should be intuitive, allowing you to access live & recorded video and adjust settings easily.

Simple installation process (battery or hardwired): Choose a model that suits your comfort level with installation. Opt for professional installation if you’re not confident doing it yourself.

Intuitive and user-friendly app: The app should be easy to navigate and provide quick access to all features. Check your app store for reviews of the doorbell’s corresponding app to get an idea.

Advanced Features and Integration

Modern video doorbells come with advanced features that enhance security and convenience. Consider options that offer facial recognition, package detection, and two-way communication. Also, ensure that the doorbell integrates well with other smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit for a cohesive smart home experience (if you use one).

Facial recognition and package detection: These features can help identify familiar faces and alert you to package deliveries so you can respond accordingly.

Communicate in real-time: Converse with visitors, delivery drivers, solicitors, and even porch pirates with live, two-way voice communication.

Integration with smart home ecosystems: Enhance your smart home convenience by integrating your video doorbell with your favorite smart home ecosystem.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently choose the right video doorbell for your home. Ready to enhance your home security with the perfect video doorbell? Check out Abode’s Wireless Video Doorbell.