Imagine that you are watching TV or surfing the web and an unexpected visitor knocks on your door. Wouldn't it be nice if you could see who it is just by looking at your phone?
Or imagine you're at work and a delivery man comes by with a sensitive package. Wouldn't it be great if you could talk to them directly and give them instructions over the phone? What if your doorbell could record every time someone came to visit?
If these features seem like the perfect mix of practical and futuristic, perhaps you should consider installing a smart doorbell in your home.
When we talk about electronic devices, a "smart" device is any device that can connect to the Internet that it normally couldn't. For example, a “Smart Phone” is an Internet-enabled phone and a “Smart TV” is an Internet-enabled TV.
ONE smart doorbell it's exactly the same:an internet-enabled doorbell. Most smart doorbells are quick and easy to install 5 Easy Smart Home Gadgets to Install for the First Time 5 Easy Smart Home Gadgets to Set Up for the First Time Smart home automation sounds amazing in theory, but there are a lot of people who are hesitant to try It comes out because the learning curve seems difficult. If that describes you:it's easier than you think! Read More
There is no learning curve for your visitors. All they have to do is press a button the same way they would any other doorbell. When they do, you get an alert on your phone. You can then see who it is (using the camera) and even communicate with them (using the speakers and microphone).
The main benefit is convenience.. Being able to answer the door from anywhere is huge ! Not to mention the peace of mind it brings. In the case of a suspicious visitor, you can see who they are without going to the door and maybe even record their identity.
And when combined with a smart door lock, buy one of these electronic door locks and get rid of your old keys. Buy one of these electronic door locks and get rid of your old keys. One area where smart home technology shines is home security. And while security cameras and motion sensors are great, none have more of a wow factor than an electronic door lock. Read More Pretty amazing, isn't it?
The smart doorbell market is still relatively young – it's only been around for a few years. In other words, while you can expect these products to work well enough, keep in mind that the manufacturers are still working out some issues and developing their functionality.
If you want a flawless device that will last the decades, maybe you should wait a few more years. 5 Reasons Being An Early Trainer Is A Bad Idea 5 Reasons Being An Early Adopter Is A Bad Idea Are you the kind of person who pre-understands new tech gadgets as soon as they're available? So you are an early adopter. Is there a drawback? Let's find out. Read more . Smart doorbells are definitely still in the "early adopter" phase. But if you want to try something new and exciting, then these are the best places to start.
The Wifi doorbell video doorbell It's hands down the most popular smart doorbell on the market today, and for good reason. It's a little pricey at $170, but it offers all the important features:visitor alerts, motion sensors, night vision, live HD video, and two-way talk.
The 180-degree camera has a resolution of 720p. The motion sensor is extremely useful for notification of shady visitors who might be exploring your home. And the quality of night vision is surprisingly good. One more thing to keep in mind:it is robust and weather resistant..
Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell Chime in Satin Nickel, Works with Alexa Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell Chime in Satin Nickel, Works with Alexa Buy Now on Amazon $99.99
As of this writing, a newer version called Doorbell Video Doorbell 2 It's available with 1080p video and a rechargeable battery. But it's a little over $200, and it's currently out of stock for at least a few months. Something to consider if you're willing to wait.
Video Doorbell Ring 2 Video Doorbell Ring 2 Buy Now On Amazon $199.00
Alternatively, you may want to save a bit more and get the Video Doorbell Pro Ring for $250. It's expensive, but it has the ability to automatically record video footage when the motion sensor is triggered. Plus, the 1080p camera has a wider angle for more coverage.
Doorbell Video Doorbell Pro, Works with Alexa (Existing Doorbell Wiring Required) Doorbell Video Doorbell Pro, Works with Alexa (Existing Doorbell Wiring Required) Buy Now On Amazon $249.00
The SkyBell HD Video Doorbell It is the second most popular option. It offers a ton of great features, including a 1080p camera with a hefty amount of zoom, and it's only $160 (unless you go for the $250 bronze variety).
This doorbell has crystal clear night vision, two-way talk, motion sensors, and view-on-demand so you can tune in to the camera whenever you want, even when no one has rung the doorbell.
But perhaps the most important thing? There is nothing special about it, like any regular doorbell, and therefore it does not draw undue attention. The only drawback is that the video can be a bit blurry at times, especially at night, and the motion sensor can be too sensitive to motion.
SkyBell (SH02300SL) HD WiFi Video Doorbell Silver SkyBell (SH02300SL) HD WiFi Video Doorbell Silver Buy Now On Amazon Too Low To Show
The VueBell Video Doorbell it's the lesser-known option in this article, partly because it's new and partly because the company is based in Asia. As new as it is on the market, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better quality smart doorbell at this price.
For just $110, you get a 720p camera with a 185-degree field of view, which counts as a wide angle. It has two-way communication, passable night vision, motion sensors, and the ability to take a snapshot when the motion sensor is triggered or someone rings the doorbell.
While the aesthetic is sleek, it looks a bit futuristic and thus sticks out like a sore thumb. May not complement the look of your home.
VueBell HD WIFI Camera Video Doorbell with Motion Detection, 2-Way Audio and Wireless Doorbell Chime (Wired Version) VueBell HD WIFI Camera Video Doorbell with Motion Detection, 2-Way Audio and Wireless Doorbell Chime for door included (wired version) Buy Now On Amazon $119.99
Agosto is best known for its smart door lock, so it makes sense to offer a smart doorbell by its side. Unfortunately, reception for August's door lock has been polarized, and much more to love or hate. August Doorbell Camera .
It's not that the smart doorbell is bad . The device is okay in terms of features:two-way communication, HD camera with resolution slightly above 720p, motion sensors and alerts, and recording of missed visitors. The performance of these features is also good.
Unfortunately, the software can be a bit buggy at times, and you may experience lag depending on the age and specs of your smartphone. The square shape of the doorbell is also a point of contention for users. But overall, it's a strong pick that you'll probably be happy with.
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The Zmodo Greet Video Doorbell it's the cheapest price you'll want to go for when it comes to smart doorbells. Its $80 price may still be a bit high, but go lower and you'll have to sacrifice build quality, reliability, available features, or picture and sound quality.
In addition to a 720p camera, night vision, and two-way communication, the Zmodo model has motion sensors that can send alerts and record footage when triggered. If you're not home and don't want to communicate directly, you can play a personalized voice message to visitors.
Zmodo Greet Wireless Video Doorbell with Beam Wi-Fi Extender - Cloud Service Available Zmodo Greet Wireless Video Doorbell with Beam Wi-Fi Extender - Cloud Service Available Buy Now on Amazon
If money is not a concern, go with one of the ring models If money is your biggest concern, go with the Zmodo . But if you're willing to take a risk and want the best bang for your buck, go with the VueBell .
The very concept of a smart doorbell is silly to some, but the convenience factor is off the charts. Once you can answer your door from halfway around the world, you'll never want to go back. It's One Of The Smart Home Features Worth The Cost Attention Attention:5 Smart Home Features Worth The Extra Cost Attention Homeowners:5 Smart Home Features Worth The Extra Cost What Smart Home Features Are Worth The Extra Cost? smart home worth it? Which ones can be safely discarded and ignored? Let's take a look at some that are really worth it. Read more.
Keep in mind that as with any Internet-connected device, there will always be security issues with smart home products. 5 security issues to consider when creating your smart home. 5 security issues to consider when creating your smart home. aspects of their lives on the web as possible, but many people have expressed genuine concerns about how secure these automated living spaces are. Read more.
Which smart doorbell looks best for you? Are there any other good ones that we missed? Share with us in a comment below.!
Originally written by Dave LeClair on September 17, 2014
