This Old House Reviews Team

Doorbells have evolved over the years from traditional push buttons to high-tech gadgets capable of capturing video and audio. While your only doorbell choice used to be deciding between a chrome or nickel finish, now the problem lies in which technological features you want in this oversaturated and fast-growing market. To help you with purchase, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best doorbells on Amazon. Read our review below to learn more about our top selections and their unique features.

With so many products advertising high-definition video and state-of-the-art motion detection, it can be challenging to determine which doorbell is right for you, which is why the This Old House Reviews team decided to do the research for you. Here are five of the best doorbell selections available on Amazon that feature unique characteristics suited for a variety of homeowners.

 

Buyer’s Guide: 

You can’t buy a doorbell without first understanding how it works. Here are four factors to consider to help you make an informed purchase.

 

Type

As you’re shopping for doorbells, there are three types to consider: wired, wireless, and smart. Wired doorbells use your home’s electrical circuit to power the button. These traditional doorbells are still used today, though they’re starting to be swapped for more advanced wireless and smart doorbells.

Wireless doorbells look similar to wired models. However, they’re battery-powered, so they don’t require hardwiring to your home’s circuitry. Wireless doorbells often come in a kit with multiple buttons that sync to a receiver, which you place inside of your home to better hear the chime.

Smart doorbells typically refer to video models. These doorbells function as video cameras, capturing footage of your front door. They can be wireless or wired and are usually controlled remotely through a mobile app.

 

Ease of Installation

Consider the time and knowledge required to install your doorbell, which is closely tied to its type. Wired doorbells require extensive electrical knowledge to complete installation. Wireless doorbells, however, are typically mounted to walls using brackets or adhesive tape for quick installation. Smart doorbells, which can be wired or wireless, require both hardware and software installation, adding time to the installation process.

 

Video Quality

If you purchase a smart doorbell, look into its video quality, as this affects how well you can see captured people and objects. Most video doorbells record in 1,080 pixels, though some models record in Quad HD, which is equivalent to 1,440 pixels.

 

Additional Features

Some additional doorbell features include motion detection, facial recognition, two-way communication, and package detection. These features are only available with smart video doorbells.

 

How To Improve Your Home’s Security

Smart doorbells are a great way to keep track of what’s going on around your home. Here are some other ways you can keep your home safe. 

• Get a security system: A whole-house security system may come with a video doorbell, but it also includes other useful accessories, such as door and window detectors and motion sensors.

• Consider an indoor security camera: If you would prefer not to install a full in-home system, you can still monitor activity when you’re not home with an indoor security camera. These devices allow you to check in with a live feed. Many of them also alert you if they sense motion. 

• Keep spare keys well-hidden: If you need to keep a spare key around for family members, babysitters, cleaners, or other individuals, make sure it’s well-hidden. Don’t go for the obvious spots, such as under the doormat or under a fake rock.

• Lock away valuables: If a robber does get into your home, you can still keep your most important items secure by locking them in a safe. Most burglars are unlikely to stay in your home for long, looking only for items that they can easily grab before leaving.

• Take measures to deceive burglars: By leaving lights, TVs, or other items on a timer when you aren’t home, you’re more likely to deceive a would-be burglar into thinking that you’re home. Additionally, if you have a spare car, consider leaving it in the driveway instead of in a garage. 

 

 

FAQs

• How do wireless doorbells work?

Wireless doorbells use a radio signal to send a notification from the push button to the receiver, which triggers a chime. This signal can only be transmitted so far, so you have to keep the button and receiver somewhat close to each other.

• Are doorbells waterproof?

Most doorbells are water-resistant if not waterproof.

• How far can a doorbell camera see?

Video doorbells are designed to see beyond your front porch and into your yard or street. This may be 30 feet away or more.

 

 

The This Old House Reviews Team provides overviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, hands-on testing in select cases, and other objective criteria unique to a given product line. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for DIY or other non-pro users only. Editor’s picks are made by members of the This Old House Reviews Team.