Keep a watch on your front porch with the best video doorbells for 2021. These products feature smart cameras, so you can check the door wherever you are.
The best video doorbell is the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd-generation). Ring hasn’t slowed down when it comes to releasing video doorbells, but this one stands out as an affordable option that provides solid 1080p video, smart connectivity, and all the benefits of Ring’s expanding ecosystem of products. If you are interested in monitoring who’s at the front door, it’s one of the most consumer-friendly options around. There’s certainly an abundance of alternatives to check out, however, which is why we’ve put them to the test. You’ll also be astounded by some of the neat stuff they’re able to do beyond the obvious porch security cam benefits. Our experts have spent weeks with various doorbells to find their perks and flaws. We cover the spectrum by selecting video doorbells that are simple, effective, affordable, and packed with practical features. Looking for a video doorbell for Black Friday? We don’t blame you — it’s a great way to save money as long as you’re willing to act fast. To help out, check out our guide to the best Black Friday Ring Doorbell deals to learn more. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a massive update to the original Ring model that makes it ready for the modern home in every way, while remaining more affordable than elite models you may not need. The main changes to the smart doorbell include an upgrade to 1080p resolution (up from 720p), two-way audio with noise cancellation, and adjustable motion zones that will monitor specific areas to lessen false alerts. You can also set “Privacy Zones” that allow you to exclude areas of the camera’s field of view from recording. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is made better with the $50 Solar Charger, which fits over the doorbell to supply it with power — reducing the need to remove the Ring doorbell and recharge its battery. While the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen) may not offer some top-end qualities found in other cams, like 2K resolution or object recognition, it’s hard to overlook its $100 price. In late 2020, reports emerged of some devices catching fire due to the smart doorbell battery being unintentionally punctured during the installation process. If you purchased one, you can find out if it’s an affected model by visiting Ring’s support page. Read our in-depth Ring Video Doorbell buying guide One of the biggest issues with doorbell cam models is that they can display distorted, fish-eye-looking videos. Arlo’s Video Doorbell camera doesn’t suffer the same fate, thanks to an HD camera that has a 180-degree viewing angle and a 1:1 aspect ratio. Plus, the aspect ratio allows for more of the scene to be in the frame. The Arlo Video Doorbell packs all the necessary features to make a versatile camera for your porch. It is intelligent enough to discern people, pets, and even packages, which can notify you of what it sees through notifications. There’s also the option to set up zones to prevent false alerts, focusing only on the most important areas. And lastly, this smart doorbell camera is a cinch to set up, even if you’ve never installed one before. Although, it does require a preexisting doorbell system in order to install. Read our in-depth Arlo Video Doorbell review The Blue by ADT Doorbell Camera is one of many new security cameras ADT introduced as part of its revamped DIY home security system.
