Choosing the Best Type of Smart Doorbell: Essential Buying Tips

It depends on which brand you purchase, but generally, video doorbell monitoring subscriptions will set you back between $3 and $6 per month. Ring Protect and Arlo Secure both cost $3 for a single device and $10 for more. Google’s Nest Aware service costs $6 for one or more. These services tend to get you cloud storage, more advanced notifications and a few extra perks.

While some video doorbells are fairly easy to remove (looking at you, Nest), that doesn’t mean they’re likely to be stolen. There isn’t much evidence that doorbell swiping is common. It makes sense: you’re likely to be filmed stealing the doorbell, after all. In addition, for the video doorbells that are easy to remove from the doorstep, there are just as many that are pretty rock-solid when installed.

Again, this depends on your product and subscription. Generally, without a subscription, live viewing is the only option available. Some brands, like Nest, will keep event recordings for a short period. If you purchase a subscription plan, you’ll get anywhere from 10 to 60 days of event storage, and sometimes the possibility of 24/7 continuous recording.

The top brands are good about providing videos and manuals that walk you through the process, and you don’t need a lot of electrical experience to complete an installation.

Video doorbells come with a base plate that you screw into your doorway trim, nearby siding or the previous location of your old doorbell. Models like the Nest Doorbell come with a wedge to angle the doorbell outward in case of tight spaces. Wired doorbells are connected to your existing wiring via simple terminals, while wireless models are slotted into the base plate. Installation shouldn’t take longer than 30 to 60 minutes for the average doorbell.

They’re very similar pieces of technology used in significantly different ways. For many users, a video doorbell offers more utility in a compact package, allowing them to watch a front door, enable conversations, keep a watch on packages and generally manage security in a limited location. Security cams work indoors or outdoors, are less likely to have audio features, and you can place them nearly anywhere. They often function better as part of a larger home security system, while video doorbells are excellent solo devices.

For security purposes, your video doorbell videos are only stored with your account, which means once you’ve deleted a video, even accidentally, it’s gone. The best way to prevent losing an important video is to download it to your phone or computer. Keep in mind that cloud storage services may automatically delete events after 10 to 60 days, so be sure to check your doorbell camera’s cloud storage frequently to avoid missing the window to save or download important videos.