Best video doorbells: top smart doorbell cameras reviewed

A video doorbell, also known as a smart doorbell, is akin to a digital receptionist for your home.

Alongside ringing like a normal doorbell, these internet-connected doorbells let you see who’s on your doorstep via a built-in camera and talk directly to them from your smartphone.

Video doorbells can also detect motion in front of your home, from wandering pets to possible burglars, and alert you to take action if needed.

Find out what features you should look for when buying a video doorbell. Also, see the Best Buy models that aced our in-depth tests and the Great Value ones that score well for their price. There are a couple of Don’t Buys to avoid too.

The best video doorbells from our tests

Only logged-in Which? members can view the smart video doorbell test results below. 

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The video doorbells we tested

All the smart video doorbells we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best video doorbells from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Aqara Video Doorbell G4

Most recently tested May 2024

Power source Battery

Need to know Local and cloud storage, motion detection, software update period unknown

Arlo 2K Wireless Video Doorbell

Most recently tested July 2024

Power source Battery

Need to know Cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period unknown

Arlo Video Doorbell

Most recently tested October 2021

Power source Mains

Need to know Cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period unknown

Arlo Video Doorbell Wire Free

Most recently tested October 2021

Power source Battery

Need to know No local storage, cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period unknown

Blink Video Doorbell

Most recently tested November 2022

Power source Battery

Need to know Free local storage, cloud storage available on subscription, motion detection, software update period four years from discontinuation

Doro Hemma Doorbell

Most recently tested January 2025

Power source Battery

Need to know Free local storage, motion detection, software update period guaranteed until end of February 2027

Eufy Video Doorbell

Most recently tested January 2020

Power source Battery

Need to know Free local storage, cloud storage available on subscription, motion detection, software update period guaranteed until end of December 2024

Eufy Video Doorbell Dual

Most recently tested June 2022

Power source Battery

Need to know Free local storage, cloud storage available on subscription, motion detection, software update period guaranteed until end of December 2024

Nest Doorbell (Battery)

Most recently tested June 2022

Power source Battery

Need to know No local storage, limited free cloud storage, motion detection, software update period five years from release date

Nest Doorbell (Wired)

Most recently tested January 2020

Power source Mains

Need to know No local storage, limited free cloud storage, motion detection, software update period five years from release date

Reolink Video Doorbell Wifi

Most recently tested October 2023

Power source Mains

Need to know Free local storage, cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period unknown

Ring Battery Video Doorbell

Most recently tested January 2025

Power source Battery

Need to know No local storage, cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period until at least December 2028

Ring Video Doorbell Pro

Most recently tested July 2024

Power source Battery

Need to know No local storage, cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period until at least 2028

Find out how to choose the best outdoor security camera and best indoor security camera to monitor your home

Ring Door View Cam

Most recently tested October 2023

Power source Battery

Need to know No local storage, cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period until at least 2028

Ring Video Doorbell Plus

Most recently tested October 2023

Power source Battery

Need to know No local storage, cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period until at least 2028

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

Most recently tested October 2021

Power source Mains

Need to know No local storage, cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period until at least 2028

Ring Video Doorbell Wired

Most recently tested October 2021

Power source Mains

Need to know No local storage, cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period until at least 2028

Ring Wired Video Doorbell Pro 2 Plug-in

Most recently tested May 2024

Power source Mains

Need to know Cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period until at least 2028

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro

Most recently tested October 2023

Power source Mains

Need to know No local storage, cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period three years from launch

TP-Link Tapo D230S1 Smart Battery Video Doorbell

Most recently tested October 2023

Power source Battery

Need to know Free local storage, cloud storage for a subscription, motion detection, software update period three years from discontinuation

Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G4 Doorbell

Most recently tested April 2023

Power source Mains

Need to know Local storage available, motion detection, software update period unknown

Ubiquiti UniFi G4 Doorbell Pro PoE Kit

Available from UniFi (£360)

Most recently tested January 2025

Power source Ethernet

Need to know Local storage available, motion detection, software update period unknown

Yale Smart Video Doorbell

Most recently tested May 2024

Power source Battery

Need to know Limited free cloud storage, additional storage on subscription, motion detection, software update period four years from discontinuation

Which? Don't Buy video doorbells

Our tests uncover the best and the worst. If a product performs so poorly we think you should avoid it, we call it a Don't Buy.

Don't Buy video doorbells fall down in all the most important areas. They are a pain to install and use, and their video quality will be more akin to grainy CCTV. They will also be slow and laggy, meaning you might only be alerted to visitors after they’ve already given up and left.

How we test video doorbells

Video and sound quality In a full range of light conditions, we check whether the video is accurate and detailed, has good colour, contrast and sharpness, and that important details are easy to pick out if you need to do so. Our testers assess how the cameras handle the transition from good light to requiring night vision. For sound quality we assess the volume and clarity out of the doorbell to the visitor, and the same on your smartphone.

Ease of use Our experts give each doorbell’s app a thorough assessment, digging into every menu, feature and function to see if it has been well-designed or has notable drawbacks. We also see how easy it is to make recordings or save snapshots if you need them and then access and download those recordings and photos. We record whether multiple devices can be logged into the doorbell app at once and whether each of these devices receives alerts at the same time. This means that you and other family members can monitor the doorbell simultaneously. Alongside the mobile app, we also see whether you can access your doorbell account on the web using a laptop and whether the web interface has been designed intelligently.

Motion detection Our testers assess whether the doorbells accurately pick up a range of events, such as a person arriving, and then send you an easy-to-follow notification message. In our testing we find a wide range of motion detection sensitivity - good doorbells will spot someone up to 2.5 metres away, such as at the end of a driveway. Poor doorbells might not detect motion at all, and so you’ll have no idea whether or not someone has arrived. We also assess the quality of notification messages you are sent, including whether they enable you to directly access a recorded video clip or saved photo and whether you can quickly respond by speaking to the visitor or sounding an alarm siren.

Security We put smart doorbells and their associated apps through a full security assessment, going beyond the recently emerged security standard in several areas. Conducted by trained experts, the test programme probes a number of important areas, including whether the doorbell and apps use strong passwords, encrypt your private information and protect you from basic hacking attacks. While security doesn’t currently contribute to the doorbell’s score, if we find any concerning issues in our testing, we contact the manufacturer to get them fixed. If they ignore us or refuse to do this, we can even automatically make a doorbell a Don't Buy to warn you not to buy it.

We regularly revisit the smart video doorbells on sale and test any other popular models that need testing.

Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

How do I install a video doorbell?

All smart doorbells will need to be installed either on your door, or next to it. Wired doorbells require existing doorbell wiring, along with a standard 18-volt AC supply to power the camera. Installation requires turning all power off at the consumer unit, wiring in the door-chime unit adaptor and then connecting everything up.

While you do get all the kit included in the box, it’s complicated and also dangerous for the novice. Plus, the instructions can often be rather hard to follow. We’d advise you to hire an electrician to do the installation, who should be able to do it for between £50-£80.

If you’re comfortable at DIY, you can install a battery-powered doorbell yourself. Below is typically what you’ll need to do - the approach might differ slightly for each doorbell brand or type.

Some battery-powered doorbells have removable batteries, and it’s advisable to have a fully charged spare battery ready to go if you need it. Others have built-in batteries, so you’ll need to remove the entire doorbell to charge it. You can connect battery doorbells to the mains so that the battery is ‘trickle charged’ to keep it topped up. Again, we’d advise you to get a professional in instead of attempting this yourself.

1. Unbox the smart doorbell and take out all the items you’ll need to install it, usually including a mounting plate/bracket and any specialist tools. At this stage, you also usually put the battery on to fully charge before fitting.
2. While the battery is charging, download the doorbell’s app to your phone and follow the instructions to get connected. This usually involves scanning a QR code on the doorbell using your phone’s camera. Then follow the instructions to get the doorbell on your home wi-fi. Some doorbells will only work on the 2.4GHz band, dual-band offers greater flexibility.
3. Now position your doorbell. Around four feet (1.2 metres) off the ground (to the bottom of the doorbell unit) is the best height, as this should give good-enough coverage for most door entrances. Remove the mounting bracket from the doorbell and position it on the wall. Doorbells often come with a mini spirit level to ensure the bracket is level. Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
4. Once you’re happy with the position of the doorbell, you can screw it in. The approach is different depending on whether you’re fixing to wood, stucco or masonry. Follow the instructions supplied with the doorbell. Finally, attach the doorbell to the mounting bracket and secure it with screws or fixings. Now you should be ready to go.

What are the pros and cons of video doorbells?

Pros

• Convenience: With two-way audio, you can speak to whoever is at the door, whether you’re on the sofa or on the other side of the world. You’ll never miss another parcel delivery or a friend who’s come to visit.
• Security: As well as giving you valuable peace of mind, smart doorbells enable you to pretend you’re at home when you’re not and warn off unwelcome intruders. 
• Never miss a visitor, even when you're out: The ability to receive alerts remotely means you’ll never miss a caller. Live-view footage will let you confirm parcels have been delivered or that your children have arrived home, for example. 
• Smart home compatibility: As well as being compatible with smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, some models are also compatible with smart locks. So you could physically open the door remotely to let in a visitor.

Cons

• Size: While some video doorbells are sleek and can be installed so they blend into the wall or door where you want to place them, cheaper models tend to be bigger and bulkier than a standard doorbell, so will look rather obvious on your door. 
• Cost: Shelling out £100 or more for a smart doorbell will put a serious dent in your wallet, especially when a standard doorbell would cost less than £10. Don’t be tempted by a sub-£50 smart doorbell, however, as our testing has shown they generally aren’t worth buying. 
• Installation can be tricky: You can install a battery-powered smart doorbell yourself - see how above. For models that require a wired installation we’d advise you get an electrician to do this, so bear in mind this extra cost. 
• Subscription costs: Another extra outlay is video storage. Very few smart doorbells offer extensive free online storage for video clips, so you’ll need to sign up for a subscription, potentially costing up to £100 a year. See more on that below.

Smart video doorbells that don't need subscriptions

Standard video doorbell subscriptions typically range from around £30 to £60 annually, but they can top £100 if you want to store video clips for more than a month or cover multiple devices.

Plus, the price of any subscription can go up, as seen with the 40% price hike on Ring's Basic plan last year. However, you don't necessarily need to lock yourself into ongoing charges if you pick a smart doorbell with 'free' local storage options. 

We've tested the following video doorbells, that don't need subscriptions:

1. Ezviz DB1C can store video locally on a storage device of up to 256GB and you only need to sign up to a cloud plan if you want to access video online. 
2. TP-Link Tapo D230S1 Smart Battery Video Doorbell can record video clips locally using an up to 512GB micro-SD card installed in an included hub that you plug inside your home. If you want to record to the cloud to access remotely, you’ll need a Tapo Care subscription. 
3. Eufy Video Doorbell Dual can store video footage locally on the base station’s internal 16GB of memory. That means you aren’t forced to take out a paid subscription unless you want more space or to access recordings online (see more below). 
4. Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G4 Doorbell offers continuous recording, although you need to purchase an additional storage device from Ubiquiti to make it work. We used the UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 Plus during testing. Costing around £210, it has 1TB of storage built in (enough for 1,600 hours of footage) and once installed, you can just let it record 24/7. The total upfront cost is high (at over £400), but you might ultimately save money over time against comparable doorbells with pricey subscription services.

Smart doorbell subscription costs compared

If you prefer a brand or model that requires a monthly subscription to save video clips to access online, it's still worth shopping around. 

Costs can vary from £2.38 to £6 per month – and you can often get a discount by paying annually. 

• Ring Home: The Basic plan, which gives you 30 days of video storage for a single Ring device, costs £4.99 a month (£49.99 a year), which puts Ring towards the more expensive end of the market. The Standard plan is £7.99 a month (£79.99 a year), while the newly launched Premium plan (£15.99 a month/£159.99 a year) offers 24/7 recording for the first time. You can't store video from a Ring device without a subscription.
• Nest Aware: With Google's Nest you can record video clips from the past three hours on the free plan, but you'll need the basic subscription for up to 30 days, at £6 a month, or £60 a year. That's the most expensive standard plan of the big doorbell brands we've assessed. Nest Aware Plus is £12 a month (£120 a year) and includes up to 10 days of 24/7 video history.
• Blink: You can buy a Sync Module with Blink doorbells for local storage, but Blink encourages a subscription by locking out features like online video clip streaming, photo capture and clip sharing. To get this, plus 30 days of rolling cloud storage, you’ll need to pay for either a Basic plan at £2.50 per month (£25 a year) or Plus at £8 per month (£80 a year) – the latter covers you for an unlimited number of cameras at the same location.
• Arlo Secure: Arlo's cloud subscription starts at £5.49 a month for a single doorbell. You get 30 days of video storage, enhanced motion detection, and a pledge to replace your doorbell if it’s stolen. No Arlo doorbell we've tested offers local recording.
• TP-Link TapoCare: TP-Link's basic cloud storage subscription supports up to seven days of video storage and starts at £2.49 a month or £24.99 a year for a single doorbell, or 30 days for £2.99 a month or £29.49 a year. 
• Ezviz Cloudplay storage: Just like Eufy, Ezviz does support local recording. You only get 7 days of video history with the basic plan, covering a single doorbell for £4.99 a month (£49.99 yearly). To get 30 days of video storage, you'll need to pay £9.99 a month (£99.99 annually). 
• Eufy Cloud Storage: Eufy does have local recording options, such as on the model featured above. You can sign up for cloud storage, with the basic plan giving 30 days of storage for £2.59 a month(£25.99 annually) for a single device.

Should I buy a video doorbell from Amazon?

We think you should be careful shopping for video doorbells on online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, especially if it's a model from a brand you haven't heard of. 

In the past we've tested smart doorbells found on eBay and Amazon that all failed our security tests. Well-known brands are a safer bet with video doorbells, or any other smart device.