How We Tested
Our team installed and tested 14 video doorbells over 3 months in real-world conditions. We evaluated video quality in various lighting conditions (day, night, backlit), tested motion detection accuracy, measured notification speed, and assessed audio quality for two-way conversations. We also compared subscription costs and smart home integrations.
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is our top pick thanks to its excellent video quality and innovative features. The head-to-toe 1536p video captures visitors' full bodies including packages at your feet. The radar-powered 3D motion detection creates a bird's eye view of your property, showing exactly where visitors are. Battery life is excellent, and the quick-release battery makes recharging simple.
- Head-to-toe video captures full body and packages
- 3D radar motion detection is highly accurate
- Excellent night vision
- Quick-release rechargeable battery
- Requires Ring Protect subscription for video history
- Premium price point
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)
The Google Nest Doorbell is the best choice for Google Home households. It offers 3 hours of free event video history without a subscription and integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant and Nest displays. The on-device AI can distinguish between people, packages, animals, and vehicles, sending intelligent alerts. The slim design fits most doorframes without drilling into siding.
- 3 hours free event video history
- Excellent Google Home integration
- Smart AI detection on-device
- Lower resolution than competitors
- Limited Alexa support
Eufy Video Doorbell Dual
The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual stands out with its dual camera system and no subscription fees. A second camera at the bottom captures packages and pets at ground level. All video is stored locally on the included HomeBase, eliminating monthly costs. The 2K resolution is sharp, and the human detection AI reduces false alerts from cars and animals.
- No subscription fees ever
- Dual camera captures packages at ground level
- Local storage included
- Requires HomeBase hub
- Larger than most doorbells
Logitech Circle View Doorbell
For Apple users committed to HomeKit, the Logitech Circle View is the best option. It uses HomeKit Secure Video for end-to-end encrypted recording stored in iCloud. Face recognition integrates with your photo library to announce known visitors by name. The head-to-toe view and color night vision provide excellent video quality. Requires wired installation.
- Full HomeKit Secure Video integration
- Uses iCloud storage (no extra subscription)
- Face recognition for known visitors
- Wired installation only
- Apple ecosystem required
Frequently Asked Questions
Most video doorbells offer basic functionality for free, but cloud video storage typically requires a subscription ($3-10/month). Ring Protect and Nest Aware are the most popular plans. Some doorbells like Eufy offer local storage without subscription fees.
Smart doorbells require WiFi for most features including live view, notifications, and cloud storage. Without WiFi, battery-powered models won't function. Wired models may still ring the indoor chime but lose all smart features.
Battery life varies by usage, typically lasting 2-6 months. High-traffic areas with frequent motion alerts drain batteries faster. Solar charging options can extend battery life significantly. Wired installation eliminates battery concerns entirely.
Battery-powered doorbells are easy DIY projects, typically requiring only mounting screws. Wired doorbells replacing existing doorbells are also straightforward. New wired installations may require an electrician if you don't have existing doorbell wiring.