Having control over your home is imperative in these times. With so many things going on, the safety and security of you family and your property is a major concern. This is why the use of specialized peephole cameras is gaining popularity. Old home surveillance cameras left for blind spots where burglars, trespassers, and thieves could easily bypass. Doorbell cameras, however, are now packed with multiple features, ranging from motion detection, thermal sensors, and even a built-in alarm system that is made to alert you and your family - as well as scare off the intruders.
There are now so many premium doorbell cameras in the market, and here are just some of the best doorbell cameras available. Even further down, you’ll get some of our tips on the different things to consider before buying a doorbell camera, to help ensure that you can get the best device for you and your family. Based on our analysis, we recommend the Ring Video Doorbell because of its very easy to use and can be accessed using your phone.
Quick Summary: Top 11 - Best Peephole Camera of 2023
Our professional editors pick and rate these products specifically for each category and recommend the best product we can. We may receive a commission from affiliated links.
Best Overall: Ring Video Doorbell
"HD 720p, 6 months - 1 year battery life, motion detection, weatherproof, audio recording, night vision, motion detection, and Wi-Fi enabled"
"HD 720p, 6 months - 1 year battery life, motion detection, weatherproof, audio recording, night vision, motion detection, and Wi-Fi enabled"
Best Video Resolution: Ring Video Doorbell Pro
"Full HD 1080p, hard-wired, cloud storage, motion detection, weatherproof, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
"Full HD 1080p, hard-wired, cloud storage, motion detection, weatherproof, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
Best Battery: Arlo Pro
"HD 720p, 4-6 months battery life, motion detection, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
"HD 720p, 4-6 months battery life, motion detection, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
Best Night Vision: MADV Smart Video Doorbell
"HD 720p, 3-6 months battery life, motion detection, 32 GB storage, audio recording, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled."
"HD 720p, 3-6 months battery life, motion detection, 32 GB storage, audio recording, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled."
Best Water Resistant: Brinno Front Door Peephole Security Camera
"HD 720p, 6 months battery life, motion detection, water resistant, audio recording, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
"HD 720p, 6 months battery life, motion detection, water resistant, audio recording, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
Best Hard-Wired: Remobell S Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Camera
"1080p Full HD, hard-wired, motion detection, water resistant, audio recording, cloud storage, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
"1080p Full HD, hard-wired, motion detection, water resistant, audio recording, cloud storage, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
Best Motion Detection: Eufy Security Video Doorbell
"720p HD, hard-wired, motion detection, water resistant, audio recording, 30 days storage capacity, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
"720p HD, hard-wired, motion detection, water resistant, audio recording, 30 days storage capacity, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
Best Audio Recording: WYZE Video Doorbell with Chime
"1080p Full HD, 2-3 months battery life, motion detection, water resistant, 32 GB storage capacity, 2-way audio, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
"1080p Full HD, 2-3 months battery life, motion detection, water resistant, 32 GB storage capacity, 2-way audio, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
Best Connectivity: Doorbell Video Ring Security Camera by RCA
"1080p Full HD, hard-wired, motion detection, water resistant, audio recording, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
"1080p Full HD, hard-wired, motion detection, water resistant, audio recording, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
Best Features: Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell Camera
"1080p Full HD, up to 6 months, motion detection, up to 64 GB storage, 2-way audio, night vision and Wi-Fi enabled"
"1080p Full HD, up to 6 months, motion detection, up to 64 GB storage, 2-way audio, night vision and Wi-Fi enabled"
Best Price: Doorbell Camera by EVERSECU
"1080p Full HD, 1-2 months battery life, motion detection, audio recording, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
"1080p Full HD, 1-2 months battery life, motion detection, audio recording, night vision, and Wi-Fi enabled"
Top 3 Quick Comparison
Product | Photo | Wi-Fi? | Battery | Pros | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Yes | 6 Months - 1 Year | Easy installation | ||
Runner Up | Yes | Hard-wired | 1080p HD Video quality | ||
Also Great | Yes | 4-6 Months | Ultra-sensitive motion sensors |
Our Reviews
Best Overall
Handy door viewer that can connect via Wi-Fi to your smartphone.
Quick Specs
This doorbell camera from Ring is a handy door viewer that can connect via Wi-Fi to your smartphone. All you need to do is download and access the mobile app and connect it to the device. Installing the device on your front door is simple but can be a bit technical since it involves a bit of wiring. There are detailed instructions that come with the package to guide you on setting it up. Depending on how tech savvy you are, the initial set up can range from being extremely easy to quite difficult. However, when you have it recording, you get great video feedback which you can access live from your phone. The motion sensors on the device, which have adjustable sensitivity, also alert you whenever motion is detected outside.
When there is movement, your phone gets alerted and the device starts taking the video. Video quality is decent at 720p. The camera offers great night vision mode that lets you see clear images even in the dark. But, since the lens isn’t adjustable, view can be quite limited. Also, the recorded videos are only accessible if you avail of the $3/month Cloud Storage on the app. This means that aside from watching videos live, you can’t see recorded videos without the subscription. In this way, it functions as a live camera door viewer instead of a recording device. Aside from those functions, the device also functions as an actual doorbell.
Pros
Cons
Product Review:
“This is a great way to view who is coming to your door without opening the door. You can even view and speak to whomever is there from a remote site, so no one has to know that you aren't home.”
Best Video
Provides live video streaming, 2-way audio communication, and the same motion detection alerts on your phone via the Ring App.
Quick Specs
Another doorbell camera from Ring, this device offers most of the same features as the previous model. However, with this one, connection to Alexa is available and it offers higher quality video resolution. With recording saved in 1080p HD files. Installation is similar with the previous device, with wiring required. Instructions are sent out with the package to give you a bit of guidance. The device provides live video streaming, 2-way audio communication, and the same motion detection alerts on your phone via the Ring App.
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro is also capable of connecting to Wi-Fi. After setting the device to connect to your app, you can activate it automatically from your phone. Which means that you can easily see what is going on outside your door, wherever you are. If you have multiple Ring Video Camera devices, you can connect multiple gadgets to your app and switch views. The video quality and night vision mode is inherently better than the previous doorbell but that is understandable given the higher price point for this device. Ring also offers a lifetime warranty against theft for all their devices.
Pros
Cons
Product Review:
“This product has great video and audio capabilities. I now have complete coverage of my front porch. The way you can set the motion zone eliminated 100% of our false positives and false negatives.”
Best Storage
Mini-surveillance camera that you can install near your front door, instead of being an actual doorbell camera.
Quick Specs
This camera is actually more of a mini-surveillance camera that you can install near your front door, instead of being an actual doorbell camera. But, with that technicality aside, this camera functions great as a surveillance camera for your home. You can either place it right beside or door or opt to have it installed in other areas you want to monitor. This product can be quite pricey since it is actually an add-on camera that works with the complete Arlo base station, made up of Hub and Echo devices. But, when you have it installed, it functions seamlessly.
The camera relies on a rechargeable battery that can last up to 6 months. Because the device only turns on when it detects movement, the actual product stays off for most of the time. You’ll need to be a bit careful of where you install the cameras because the motion sensors are likely to detect moving cars, causing the camera to turn on and record frequently. Since the device also sends motion alerts to your phone if you’ve synced them together with the mobile app, you might end up receiving frequent alerts every time a car drives by.
Installation, however, is very easy. Since it’s a wireless device, you only have to mount and charge it; then, it’s ready to go. The camera is contained in a durable white plastic encasement that protects it. It’s waterproof and can be left outside even during heavy rain.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“I'm actually amazed by this system. The battery life is excellent, the audio superb, the video capture and night vision is great. I'm considering it at another house and getting more cameras.”
Best Size
This doorbell camera has been perfectly fitted for standard door frames. It’s one of the smallest designs in the market.
Quick Specs
This doorbell camera has been perfectly fitted for standard door frames. It’s one of the smallest designs in the market. Its size, however, doesn’t limit the capabilities of this doorbell camera. Its battery life is quite substantial, lasting up to 6 months. Video quality is decent and the 2-way intercom function of the device is a great way to talk to people at the door even when you are away from home. The camera is also waterproof, dustproof, and thief-proof. Yiroka actually offers an anti-theft warranty where they replace your item if it gets stolen.
The night mode on the camera offers good quality images and videos that are clear. The great thing about the night vision is that it is actually adjustable. You can also make use of it during extremely bright days or days with looming weather. By adjusting the contrast depending on the lighting on particular days, you get to have even better quality videos.
Connecting the device to your phone via Wi-Fi and the product’s app is easy. It relies on scanning the product’s QR code. When the pairing is successful, you get to see the view from your front porch through your phone by just accessing the application. You can also activate motion detection alerts to notify you whenever there is someone at your front door. Also, when someone rings the doorbell, you get notifications as well. From your phone, you can then just talk to the person at the door via the real-time intercom. Unfortunately, the setup for this device only allows users to connect to 1 device and vice versa.
As a backup, the device relies on a memory card that, while not included in the original package, can easily be put in and removed to extract files. That way, if connection is lost, you can still view recorded videos on the device. It also does not depend on a wired connection. Instead, it has a rechargeable battery.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“The camera works pretty nice, actually way better than I would expect, not only the quality of image, but also the stability of the image taking. While I was testing it walking around my house, I can see no tremble on my phone!”
Best Usage
Can be set up as a wireless camera big screen peephole camera no wires and long-lasting in battery life.
Quick Specs
This Brinno Front Door Peephole Security Camera
is not a full home surveillance package. Instead, it offers a great way to check who is at the door, whether you are at home or not.
Since they won’t be able to see you, they won’t even know that you aren’t in the home.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“I was pleasantly surprised at how nice this is! The picture quality of both day and night are exceptional. The rechargeable batteries are a bonus. This has used very little battery life since I've had it installed. I am very well pleased with this purchase.”
Best Angle
Very slim design, it is able to provide 2-way audio, high quality videos.
Quick Specs
The Remobell Doorbell Camera is a slim doorbell device that relies on existing wiring. Installation can be a bit difficult and requires some technical skill. But, if your existing doorbell is already wired, you should be able to easily replace it with the Remobell. A good thing about this device is that, despite its very slim design, it is able to provide 2-way audio, high quality videos, and has built-in motion sensors. You can connect this to the Wi-Fi when you set it up so that you can access the videos through your phone via the Remo+ App. Using the app takes a bit of getting used to as the UI is not the friendliest. However, you are able to talk to the people outside your door from your phone and also see them real time.
Free cloud storage that stores videos up to 3 days old is also included with the purchase of this app. If you want more storage, you can opt for a subscription with the developer. Other great things about the connectivity is that it syncs well with smart home devices, such as Alexa, and also allows most of the people in your household to access the app and watch live video feedback easily. The doorbell is fairly weather resistant and can operate well in most temperatures.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“Compared with others in the same price range, this offered best video quality and motion detection. It's been only 2 weeks but the blue ring give me a piece of mind when I come home in the evening.”
“Compared with others in the same price range, this offered best video quality and motion detection. It's been only 2 weeks but the blue ring give me a piece of mind when I come home in the evening.”
Best Recognition
Unlike other devices, this doorbell camera has an integrated smart recognition software that is built to recognize human figures and faces specifically.
Quick Specs
This Doorbell security camera from Eufy has a lot of added in-app features and that make the device a great piece of tech to monitor your home. Unlike other devices, this doorbell camera has an integrated smart recognition software that is built to recognize human figures and faces specifically. This feature supports the snapshot notifications the app sends you when someone comes to your front door. You don’t just receive alerts when something moves, such as a stray dog passing by or a car driving through, but get specific alerts that give facial recognition cues as well. Unfortunately, the software isn’t 100% reliable as there are some other figures, such as trees, that are sometimes recognized as being human.
On the other hand, you can also set the motion detection settings to only monitor specific areas. When someone is walking on the sidewalk, they wouldn’t automatically set off an alert unless they approach an area that you think they shouldn’t be in. This camera also provides 2-way intercom communication that will let you talk to whoever is at your door. If you have a package you were expecting to get delivered, you can also play a pre-recorded response instead of talking to the delivery guy on your phone. The responses can be suited to give out instructions or anything that you would want to let people know of.
Eufy also prioritizes security. The videos are stored on an encrypted storage space. When you do have access the videos, they come in great detail and also are in a 4:3 ratio, giving more top to bottom view.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“Image quality is amazing. Distortion correction is a surprising. My doorbell is close to the front door. The distortion correction corrects the fish-eye effect at the image edge and makes the video more natural.”
Best Recording
WYZE Video Doorbell with Chime
, offers high quality 1080p HD video resolution, added night vision to give clear videos even in the dark, and a large built-in storage capacity that should be able to carry recorded videos spanning up to 9 months.
Quick Specs
Packed with most of the features that you would find in other doorbell cameras, the WYZE Video Doorbell with Chime, offers high quality 1080p HD video resolution, added night vision to give clear videos even in the dark, and a large built-in storage capacity that should be able to carry recorded videos spanning up to 9 months. Aside from this, the device is also weatherproofed.
The video files can be accessed directly via the built-in SD card or through the Cloudedge app, which you can use to connect the doorbell camera to your phone with the use of your Home Wi-Fi connection. With the app, up to 5 people can view the area. You can also use the app to communicate and use the device as an intercom.
On the other hand, if you aren’t available to talk, you can set a pre-recorded message to play when someone rings the doorbell or triggers the motion sensors. On an added note, the motion sensors are actually adjustable to either high or low triggers. The same goes with the doorbell volume which can be set at 3 different levels, depending on your preference.
While the first 7 days of using the app storage is free, you’ll have to get a subscription or end up having to extract the files manually from the memory card in the camera. However, you will still be able to make use of the real-time video feed and the 2-way audio calls.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“It makes me feel protected. The motion detection is strong and it provides the night vision. It can able to link with my Wi-Fi and the picture quality is not bad.”Best Notification
Product itself is fairly durable, with an IP65 waterproof rating and durable metal composition.
Quick Specs
This doorbell camera gives you a choice for style with changeable faceplates. You can choose from either satin black, satin silver, or Venetian bronze - whichever is the best fit for your doorway. Aside from the fancy faceplates, the product itself is fairly durable, with an IP65 waterproof rating and durable metal composition. On initial observation, the camera looks strong. The installation of the doorbell camera requires a few tools, but most are already included in the package. Since you need to screw it in, it makes it less susceptible to theft. If someone does try to steal the product from your front door, the device recognizes the act and sends you a snapshot to alert you.
Like the other products in this list, the camera is made to send multiple alerts and notifications whenever motion is detected. However, instead of regular motion sensors, the RCA doorbell camera relies on thermal sensors that are made to detect human movements specifically. This lessens the likelihood of you receiving alerts from swaying branches or moving cars.
The video camera comes with 16 GB memory card. But, it also offers Wi-Fi connectivity. You need to download the existing app and sync it to your smartphone or tablet. The app is easy to use and you can set it to send you alerts and push notifications whenever there is someone at your door.
You can also pre-record a voice message to answer visitors when you are not at home or too busy to use the 2-way audio communication that the device allows. All-in-all, this camera provides many of the same features as the others. What makes it stand out though is that the day and night video quality is one of the best in this list. The 3MP lens is able to take higher quality images and videos than most of the other video doorbell cameras.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“Excellent picture both night and day. Easy installation with clear instructions. iPhone app is easy to use. Mini SD card 16 GB included. No monitoring service required.”
Best Features
The device is packed with many features including a night vision mode, 2-way audio communication function, adjustable volumes, Wi-Fi connectivity, and real time access through the Ubell App.
Quick Specs
The Mbuynow doorbell camera is a sleek addition to your front door. It is available in a gold color that looks really good. The device is packed with many features including a night vision mode, 2-way audio communication function, adjustable volumes, Wi-Fi connectivity, and real time access through the Ubell App. By simply syncing your phone and the doorbell camera to the device, you can easily view the live videos from the camera and speak into your phone; the audio is relayed by the built-in speakers on the doorbell camera. As a doorbell, it also packs powerful audio and a choice between 52 different doorbell chimes. The device also comes with a 2 year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Best Price
Offers almost all of the features you would look for in a typical doorbell camera - motion detection, Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless installation, and a 1080p lens that is capable of capturing HD surveillance videos.
Quick Specs
One of the most affordable in the market is this simple doorbell camera that offers almost all of the features you would look for in a typical doorbell camera - motion detection, Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless installation, and a 1080p lens that is capable of capturing HD surveillance videos. For the price of the product, it offers a lot. Unfortunately, one of the main problems is that it is not made of a waterproof material so you have to install it in a covered area that is not likely to get wet when it’s raining. If you have a covered front porch, this should be no problem.
The device is also very easy to install. There are 2 ways to put it up. First, is to secure it on to the wall with screws while the second option is to just stick it on with the use of 3-ply adhesives. Obviously, the first option is more secure but, if you don’t want to drill any holes into your door frame or wall, the second option should suffice.
When you have it installed, you need to place batteries and then connect it to your home Wi-Fi so you can easily access it through the app. The installation and syncing is easy. The device also only needs regular AA batteries. You can get 2 rechargeable pairs so you can just swap them out and have a fully charged pair on hand so the camera doesn’t have to be off. The batteries are expected to power the device for at least a full month.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“It has a sleek and modern look, is very easy to install and work as described. The audio and video quality are superb and the app is easy to use as well... This is a really nice product for its moderate price!”
Things to consider before buying a Doorbell Camera
A doorbell camera is a great investment towards the safety of your home. However, the multiple options all seem so similar. There are so many options for a typical homeowner that it can be very confusing making the final decision. The list of top doorbell cameras given above is just a quick guide on some of the best in the market, but if these don’t suit your needs, there are still other brands and products available. If you are looking for a good doorbell camera, these are just some of the things you should look for in the device.
Durability
One of the main things that you definitely need to keep in mind is the durability of the material. These doorbell cameras will need to be installed outdoors where they are exposed to different environmental elements. A good doorbell camera should still be able to function in the winter, at below freezing point temperatures, as well as in the summer heat. A few things you should think about is whether the lenses will fog up or whether the item is waterproof. You definitely wouldn’t want to find the newly installed doorbell camera broken after a night of heavy rain.
Another thing to think about is how durable it is when secure on to your wall. The actual device may be able to stay intact but if other people can easily remove it from your premises, it probably isn’t as effective at securing your property as you would have wanted. There are a few that offer easy installation through stick-on adhesives, but these are probably some things you should avoid. Opting for harder to install devices that really need you to screw it in place in order to ensure that it stays attached to your home will end up being better for you in the long run.
Wiring or Battery
You have probably found that there are a variety of options that are requiring hard-wiring installation where the device will rely on the AC power from your home. While another set of options relies on a rechargeable battery. The choice between either is a matter of preference. The advantage of a wired camera is that you no longer need to worry about the battery life since it is constantly powered up.
On the other hand, battery operated doorbell cameras are still able to function even when the power is out, given that the batteries were charged; this means that any burglaries or intruders who come to your area when there is a power outage still risk being caught. The other advantage for the cameras that rely on batteries is that there is no need for a hard-wiring installation which for some homeowners can be a difficult endeavour.
Quality
Video and image quality are definitely some things that you need to look at before picking a camera. While it isn’t necessary to have a high definition lens that captures scenes and renders them with a life-like appeal, the camera quality should be good enough so you can easily decipher faces and maybe even read text on the videos. Aside from just looking at how good the quality is, the size of the file is also important since you might have space for only a few video files in a 32 GB memory card if the files are stored as AVI, which are often larger video files than other file extensions. The quality of the images and videos in night mode is also extremely relevant since surveillance should be heightened during later hours.
Audio
Most doorbell cameras provide a 2-way audio feature which lets you use the device as an intercom that is connected to your phone. This can make it extremely convenient to converse with the people visiting your property. However, not all doorbell cameras offer this. If they do, you also have to look into how well the audio is played to the people on the receiving end and how well you can hear the audio on your end as well. The audio recording capability itself is something that you definitely.
Most of these doorbell cameras rely on a single mic. So tis important to consider the placement of the mic as well since you could end up covering it and muting out the audio. Others are connected to other home devices which relay the audio.
Storage
The storage of the recorded video files can usually be done in 2 ways: saving it directly into a memory card or into a cloud storage accessible via the app. However, some brands require another paid subscription to allow access to this online storage. Extracting the files directly from the memory card is actually a very simple and easy process but it could be quite tedious after a while since you have to remove the memory card and then plug it in to your computer.
If you can view it through the app, this would make it a lot easier to find videos that you are looking for. There are also some apps that allow you to quickly share footage with friends and family. Or even give them direct access so they can monitor your home themselves. Either way, the storage capacity is actually limited so you also need to look at how the files are stored.
Connectivity
The connectivity feature in most doorbell cameras definitely adds to the user’s convenience. This includes the ability to view the live video feedback from your own phone, accessing files stored online, sharing the videos with other people, and even connectivity with smart home devices. Most homes already have a Wi-Fi connection which you can easily let the device connect to. That way, you make the device accessible with your other devices.
The type of doorbell camera you decide is solely dependent on what works best for your home. If you’d rather have a wired doorbell camera that doesn’t connect online, some of the top cameras we have listed might not be the best for you. Luckily, there are a lot of options offering different features - and at a wide range of price points as well. The main goal is that that the doorbell camera that you do decide to get should be able to make you feel more secure in your own home.