A best video doorbell is an essential security feature for apartments. It allows residents to see who is at their door before opening it, and it provides a sense of security and peace of mind. When choosing a great video doorbell for an apartment, there are several factors to consider, such as video quality, two-way audio, motion detection, night vision, connectivity, and compatibility with smart home systems. In this article, we will discuss the different types of video doorbells and the features to look for in a good video doorbell for an apartment. We will also compare and review some of the best video doorbells for apartments to help you make an informed decision.
Importance of Having Best Video Doorbell in an Apartment
Having a best video doorbell in an apartment provides several benefits. Here are some of the key reasons why a video doorbell is important:
1. Security:
A video doorbell allows you to see who is at your door before you open it. This can help prevent unauthorized entry, break-ins, or theft.
2. Convenience:
A video doorbell allows you to see who is at your door without having to physically go to the door. This is especially helpful if you are busy or unable to get to the door quickly.
3. Peace of mind:
With a video doorbell, you can check who is at your door from your smartphone or tablet, even if you are away from home. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your home is secure.
4. Deterrent:
A visible video doorbell can deter potential intruders or criminals from attempting to enter your apartment.
Overall, having a video doorbell in an apartment provides a level of security and convenience that can help residents feel more comfortable and safe in their homes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Video Doorbell
When choosing a video doorbell for an apartment, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
1. Power Source:
Video doorbells can be wired, battery-powered, or wireless. Wired doorbells are connected to your home’s electrical system, while battery-powered and wireless doorbells run on batteries or connect to your Wi-Fi network. Consider which type of doorbell is most suitable for your apartment.
2. Video Quality:
The video quality of the doorbell is crucial. You want a doorbell that provides clear, high-quality video so you can see who is at your door. Look for a doorbell with at least 1080p resolution.
3. Two-Way Audio:
A video doorbell with two-way audio allows you to communicate with the person at your door. This is especially useful if you are expecting a package or if someone needs to leave a message.
4. Motion Detection:
Many latest video doorbells come with motion detection, which alerts you when someone is at your door. Look for a doorbell with adjustable motion sensitivity settings to avoid unnecessary alerts.
5. Night Vision:
A video doorbell with night vision is essential for seeing who is at your door in low-light conditions. Look for a doorbell with infrared sensors that can detect motion and activate the night vision feature.
6. Connectivity:
A video doorbell needs to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network to function properly. Check that the doorbell you choose is compatible with your home’s Wi-Fi network and that it has a reliable connection.
7. Compatibility with Smart Home Systems:
If you have a smart home system, make sure the video doorbell you choose is compatible with it. This allows you to control the doorbell through your smart home hub and integrate it with other smart home devices.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best video doorbell for your apartment that meets your needs and provides you with the security and convenience you desire.
Types of Video Doorbells
A. Wired Doorbells
Wired doorbells are connected to your home’s electrical system and require professional installation. They are typically more expensive than wireless or battery-powered doorbells, but they offer the highest video quality and most advanced features. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of wired doorbells:
Benefits:
1. High-Quality Video: Wired doorbells typically offer the highest video quality, with 1080p HD resolution and clear images.
2. Advanced Features: Wired doorbells often come with advanced features like facial recognition, advanced motion detection, and customizable alerts.
3. Reliable Power Source: Wired doorbells do not require batteries and are always powered, which means you don’t have to worry about battery life or charging.
Drawbacks:
1. Professional Installation Required: Wired doorbells require professional installation, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
2. Limited Flexibility: Wired doorbells are fixed in place and cannot be moved easily.
3. Expensive: Wired doorbells are typically more expensive than wireless or battery-powered doorbells.
Overall, wired doorbells are a good choice for those who prioritize high-quality video and advanced features and are willing to invest in professional installation. They are best suited for apartments with existing wiring or those willing to have it installed.
B. Wireless Doorbells
Wireless doorbells connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and do not require any wiring. They are easier to install than wired doorbells and can be moved to different locations if needed. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of wireless doorbells:
Benefits:
1. Easy Installation: Wireless doorbells are easy to install and can be set up in minutes with minimal technical expertise.
2. Flexible Placement: Wireless doorbells can be placed anywhere without the need for wiring, which allows for greater flexibility in placement and use.
3. Lower Cost: Wireless doorbells are typically less expensive than wired doorbells, making them a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Drawbacks:
1. Limited Video Quality: Wireless doorbells may have limited video quality compared to wired doorbells due to bandwidth limitations.
2. Connectivity Issues: Wireless doorbells may experience connectivity issues, which can result in delayed notifications or video buffering.
3. Battery Life: Wireless doorbells are battery-powered and require regular battery changes, which can be inconvenient and may result in downtime.
Overall, wireless doorbells are a good choice for those who want a cost-effective and easy-to-install option for their apartment. They are best suited for apartments with good Wi-Fi connectivity and those who prioritize flexibility in placement.
C. Battery-Powered Doorbells
Battery-powered doorbells are the most flexible and easiest to install. They do not require any wiring, and they can be installed anywhere. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of battery-powered doorbells:
Benefits:
1. Easy Installation: Battery-powered doorbells are the easiest to install, and they can be set up in minutes without any technical expertise.
2. Flexible Placement: Battery-powered doorbells can be placed anywhere, which allows for greater flexibility in placement and use.
3. Portable: Battery-powered doorbells are portable and can be moved easily, making them a good option for renters or those who move frequently.
Drawbacks:
1. Limited Video Quality: Battery-powered doorbells may have lower video quality than wired or wireless doorbells.
2. Battery Life: Battery-powered doorbells require regular battery changes, which can be inconvenient and may result in downtime.
3.Limited Features: Battery-powered doorbells may have limited features compared to wired or wireless doorbells.
Overall, battery-powered doorbells are a good choice for those who prioritize flexibility and portability over advanced features and video quality. They are best suited for apartments where wiring is not an option and those who want an easy-to-install and portable option.
Features to Look for in a Video Doorbell
1. Video Quality:
Video quality is an important consideration when choosing a right video doorbell. The higher the video resolution, the clearer the image will be, making it easier to identify visitors at your door. Look for a doorbell with at least 1080p HD resolution or higher to ensure that you get clear and crisp video footage. Keep in mind that higher resolution video requires more bandwidth and storage, so consider your internet speed and storage capacity when choosing a video doorbell. Additionally, some doorbells may have adjustable video quality settings, which can help you balance video quality with storage and bandwidth requirements.
2. Field of View:
Field of view refers to the angle of view that a video doorbell can capture. The wider the field of view, the more area the doorbell can cover, which allows you to see more of what’s happening outside your door. A doorbell with a wide field of view is particularly useful if you have a large front porch or want to monitor a wide area. A typical field of view for a video doorbell is around 160 degrees, but some models can capture up to 180 degrees.
When choosing a doorbell, consider the layout of your front door area and the area you want to monitor. If you have a small front porch or entryway, a doorbell with a narrower field of view may be sufficient. However, if you want to monitor a larger area, such as a driveway or sidewalk, a doorbell with a wider field of view would be a better option. Keep in mind that a wider field of view may result in some distortion at the edges of the image, so make sure to check the video quality and clarity across the entire image before making a purchase.
3. Motion Detection:
Motion detection is an important feature of video doorbells that alerts you when someone approaches your door. It uses sensors to detect movement and sends an alert to your smartphone or other connected device. When choosing a best video doorbell, it’s important to consider the quality and reliability of its motion detection.
Some important factors to consider include:
1. Sensitivity:
Look for a doorbell with adjustable sensitivity settings that allow you to customize how sensitive the motion detection is. This can help prevent false alarms caused by things like passing cars or pets.
2. Detection Zones:
Some doorbells allow you to set specific detection zones, which can be helpful if you want to monitor a specific area and avoid false alerts from other areas.
3. Detection Range:
Consider the range of the motion detection to ensure it covers the area you want to monitor.
4. Speed:
Look for a doorbell with fast motion detection, which can help ensure you receive an alert in real-time.
5. Smart Alerts:
Some doorbells offer smart alerts that can distinguish between people, animals, and other objects, which can help prevent unnecessary alerts.
6. Video Recording:
Look for a doorbell that begins recording automatically when motion is detected, which can be useful for reviewing footage later.
By considering these factors, you can choose a doorbell with reliable motion detection that alerts you when someone is at your door, while also minimizing false alarms.
4. Two-Way Audio:
Two-way audio is a feature that allows you to communicate with visitors through the video doorbell. It allows you to speak to someone at your door without having to open it, which can be convenient and improve security. When considering a video doorbell with two-way audio, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
1. Sound Quality:
Look for a doorbell with clear and crisp sound quality, so you can communicate easily with visitors.
2. Noise Cancellation:
A doorbell with noise cancellation can help filter out background noise and ensure clear communication.
3. Microphone and Speaker Location:
Consider the location of the microphone and speaker on the doorbell, as this can affect the quality of the sound.
4. App Controls:
Look for a doorbell with app controls that allow you to adjust the volume and other settings of the two-way audio.
5. Connectivity:
Check the doorbell’s connectivity to ensure that the two-way audio works smoothly and with minimal delay.
By considering these factors, you can choose a best video doorbell with reliable two-way audio that allows you to communicate with visitors easily and securely.
5. Night Vision:
Night vision is an important feature for video doorbells as it allows you to see who is at your door even in low-light conditions. When considering a video doorbell with night vision, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
1. Infrared LEDs:
Look for a doorbell with infrared LEDs, which emit infrared light to illuminate the area in front of the doorbell, allowing the camera to capture clear video footage even in complete darkness.
2. Range:
Consider the range of the night vision feature, as this will affect how far you can see in low-light conditions. Some doorbells may have a limited range, while others may have a longer range.
3. Image Quality:
Check the quality of the night vision footage, as this can vary depending on the doorbell’s camera sensor and image processing capabilities.
4. App Controls:
Look for a doorbell with app controls that allow you to adjust the night vision settings, such as the brightness level.
By considering these factors, you can choose a right video doorbell with reliable night vision that allows you to see who is at your door even in low-light conditions, which can be particularly important for security purposes.
Best Video Doorbells for an Apartments
A. Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Features of Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
1. 1080p HD video with two-way talk
2. Advanced motion detection with customizable motion zones
3. Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
4. Works with Alexa for voice control and smart home integration
5. Pre-roll video for improved motion detection
6. Interchangeable faceplates for customization
7. Includes a 4-second color video preview of each motion event for better visibility
8. Requires hardwired installation
9. Optional Ring Protect subscription for cloud storage and additional features
Pros:
1. High-quality video with advanced motion detection features
2. Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity for reliable performance
3. Interchangeable faceplates for customization
4. Works with Alexa for voice control and smart home integration
5. Pre-roll video for improved motion detection
6. Color video preview of each motion event for better visibility
7. Optional Ring Protect subscription provides cloud storage and additional features
Cons:
1. Requires hardwired installation, which may be more difficult than battery-powered options
2. Higher price point compared to other video doorbells
3. Some users have reported issues with connectivity and reliability
4. Optional Ring Protect subscription adds additional cost for cloud storage and features.
B. Nest Hello Video Doorbell
Features of Nest Hello Video Doorbell:
1. 1600 x 1200 HD video with HDR
2. Person, motion, and sound detection with customizable activity zones
3. Works with Google Assistant for voice control and smart home integration
4. 24/7 streaming with night vision
5. Optional Nest Aware subscription for cloud storage and additional features
6. Requires hardwired installation
7. Interchangeable faceplates for customization
Pros:
1. High-quality video with HDR and night vision for clear visibility
2.Customizable activity zones for more precise motion detection
3. Works with Google Assistant for voice control and smart home integration
4. Optional Nest Aware subscription provides cloud storage and additional features
5. Interchangeable faceplates for customization
Cons:
1. Requires hardwired installation, which may be more difficult than battery-powered options
2. Higher price point compared to other video doorbells
3. Some users have reported issues with connectivity and reliability
4. Optional Nest Aware subscription adds additional cost for cloud storage and features.
C. Arlo Video Doorbell
Features of Arlo Video Doorbell
1. 1080p HD video with HDR
2. Person detection and package detection
3. Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control and smart home integration
4. Motion-activated alerts and 911 call feature
5. Optional Arlo Sm art subscription for cloud storage and additional features
6. Requires hardwired installation
7. Weather-resistant design
Pros:
1. High-quality video with HDR for clear visibility
2. Person and package detection for more precise alerts
3. Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control and smart home integration
4. Motion-activated alerts and 911 call feature for added security
5. Weather-resistant design for durability in outdoor environments
Cons:
1. Requires hardwired installation, which may be more difficult than battery-powered options
2. Higher price point compared to other video doorbells
3. Optional Arlo Smart subscription adds additional cost for cloud storage and features
4. Some users have reported issues with connectivity and reliability.
D. Eufy Security Video Doorbell
Features of Eufy Security Video Doorbell:
1. 2K HD video with a 160-degree field of view
2. Advanced human detection with customizable motion detection zones
3. Two-way audio with noise cancellation
4. Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility for voice control
5. Local storage with no subscription fees
Pros:
1. High-quality video with clear audio and wide field of view
2. Advanced human detection reduces false alerts
3. Local storage eliminates need for subscription fees
4. Sleek and compact design
5. Easy installation process
Cons:
1. Requires existing hardwired doorbell for power
2. No cloud storage option for remote viewing
E. SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro
Features of SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro:
1. 1080p HD video with a 162-degree field of view
2. Dual motion detection with heat and motion sensors
3. Two-way audio with noise cancellation
4. Alexa compatibility for voice control
5. Optional SimpliSafe Interactive Plan for cloud video storage and advanced features
Pros:
1. High-quality video with clear audio and wide field of view
2. Dual motion detection reduces false alerts
3. Weather-resistant design
4. Easy installation process
5. Wide range of optional features with SimpliSafe Interactive Plan
Cons:
1. Requires existing hardwired doorbell for power
2. Limited compatibility with smart home devices
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best video doorbell for an apartment, there are several factors to consider, such as video quality, field of view, motion detection, two-way audio, night vision, smart home integration, storage, durability, and ease of installation.
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, Nest Hello Video Doorbell, and Arlo Video Doorbell are all excellent options to consider, as they offer high-quality video, advanced motion detection, smart home integration, and optional cloud storage subscriptions. However, each one has its own unique features, pros, and cons that may appeal to different users depending on their specific needs and preferences.
Ultimately, it’s important to carefully evaluate the features and benefits of each video doorbell option and choose the one that best suits your apartment’s security needs and budget.