Smart doorbells are similar to surveillance cameras, but they have a button that visitors can press to get your attention.
When active, you will receive a guest notification whether you are home or away on your smartphone or another device.
Smart doorbells work by transmitting signals from your front door to an app on a personal device such as a tablet or smartphone. This technology is an excellent security measure for your home and offers many benefits, including monitoring and security footage.
This article will cover everything you need to know about smart doorbells to help you determine whether or not this feature is worth adding to your house. It will go over the pros and cons of these devices and look at some of the reasons you may wish to consider installing one. So let’s take dive right into the goodies!!
What Is a Smart Doorbell?
A smart doorbell is an internet-connected doorbell that sends an alert to the homeowner’s phone, tablet, or laptop when a guest comes to the door.
It communicates with other devices in your home and works in conjunction with a smart home automation system. These doorbells usually also have a two-way communication microphone.
Certain wireless doorbells have a smart lock, which enables remote door opening.
Video Doorbells
A video doorbell is an outdoor camera you can install on your door frame. It may be battery-powered or wired into an existing doorbell setup.
There is also a smartphone app that goes along with these doorbells. When notified, the owner can stream the video on their app to interact with the visitor or talk with them through a mobile monitor or smart TV screen.
How Are Smart Doorbells Powered?
Smart doorbells use three primary power sources. Many of the doorbells on the market are either battery-powered or wired, but they can be solar-powered as well.
Wired doorbells draw energy from your home. In contrast, wireless doorbells use their power source.
Generally, homeowners’ power supply options are limited to the structure of their household, but you can always make adjustments to your residence to suit any doorbell model.
Wired Smart Doorbells
A wired link not only secures your doorbell to the wall but also connects it to your home through wires that originate inside. Additionally, two kinds of wired connections are available: Ethernet cables and connected cables.
Some advantages of wired doorbells include:
- Permanently established link.
- Web architecture offers substantial connection speeds and robust security. Because of this, wired models work well in businesses or homes.
- More difficult to steal.
- Bell rings throughout the building.
- The doorbell battery is always at its average level.
The disadvantages of using a wired doorbell include:
- The installation process is more time-consuming.
- Not possible to change the location.
- Installation requires the assistance of a specialist.
Wireless Smart Doorbells
There are fully wireless doorbell cameras, which do not need any cabling to obtain power or link to the Wi-Fi network. While batteries are the primary energy source, some models can partially or entirely be supported by solar energy.
Battery-powered doorbells typically include a rechargeable battery.
This approach contrasts wired connections, and owners agree that it provides an entirely different experience, filled with advantages and drawbacks.
Among the advantages are the following:
- Installation is easy.
- Their placement is not permanent, so they can be installed anywhere.
- Capable of wireless signal transmission.
- Connects to multiple receivers.
But there are disadvantages to owning a battery-powered doorbell, including:
- Less secure.
- Easily stolen.
- The bell is not audible throughout the home.
Then there is the environmentally safe option of a solar-powered doorbell. Some video doorbells are entirely solar-powered, while others rely on solar energy to hold the battery charged.
For solar models, their power depends on the location of your doorbell. A solar mounting bracket will be ineffective if the doorbell is not open to the sun.
Are Smart Doorbells Worth It?
Many homeowners think smart doorbells are worthwhile for the added protection they provide.
Maintaining a healthy distance between yourself and the unknown is always a good idea. A video doorbell allows you to see who is at the door from anywhere you are, giving you plenty of time to decide if it is safe to unlock it.
Besides this, there are other benefits smart doorbells offer your home.
Pros of Smart Doorbells
The doorbell camera’s primary role is to display who is at the door.
The monitoring function is highly beneficial for maintaining peace of mind. You’re aware that you’ll get a warning if anything happens. Additionally, you can log in at any time to see what’s going on outside.
But there are added benefits of smart doorbells you may not have considered.
Smart Doorbells Deter Burglars
Smart doorbell cameras make it more difficult for criminals and con artists to break into any building.
A common burglary technique is to disguise oneself as an innocent seller or someone in need.
Instead of opening the door, residents can respond to these threats from a distance and, if necessary, call the police.
Moreover, a noticeable camera mounted on your doorbell provides excellent protection against potential assault. Possible burglars know their identities are on film, and this discourages most criminals.
Indeed, when the University of North Carolina at Charlotte performed a longitudinal study and questioned over 400 felons convicted of robbery, 60% said they would avoid a house if a security device were spotted.
You Always Have Security Footage
In the event of a robbery or vandalism, footage from a wireless doorbell camera may be critical proof.
Police investigators also use doorbell surveillance videos to help create cases, which may lead to crucial arrests.
If the camera is configured correctly, its images could assist in identifying the perpetrator of a crime in your neighborhood, not just your house.
Moreover, homeowners can use front door recordings to file insurance claims that require documentation, such as damage from natural disasters.
Most importantly, no one can tamper with your copy of the footage.
The majority of smart doorbells use cloud storage. Therefore, suppose the smart device malfunctions or someone destroys it. In that case, the video will remain intact since it is preserved somewhere else.
If you’re curious about what happened, you can import video directly from the cloud and share it with the police or your neighbors if necessary.
Smart Doorbells Allow You To Protect Your Deliveries From Theft
An increasing portion of our shopping happens online. More online shopping results in increased delivery. By 2019, almost 40% of parcels had been stolen from front doors.
That is not an issue with a smart doorbell.
If you are not at home or cannot get to the door, you can receive a message on your app when someone arrives.
You will then tap the screen to determine who is ringing and instruct them directly through the camera. Therefore, if your postman delivers a package, you can direct them to hide it.
Home Coverage at Night
Smart doorbell cameras feature high-quality images, face recognition, and night vision, enabling them to catch footage even in darkness. Having night vision technology secures the house continuously.
These doorbells also typically include a unique infrared camera, which amplifies visible light reflected off surrounding surfaces, providing more detailed images in low light.
Cons of Smart Doorbells
Most complaints are about the low definition of some models’ cameras. Likewise, there is no standard for their audio quality, so the sound can be slightly lower on others.
Additionally, the cost is a disadvantage. Smart doorbells start at $100, with more advanced versions costing more. There is also an installation charge associated with some designs.
Apart from the cost, smart doorbells have few drawbacks and will make an excellent addition to any house. To avoid purchasing a low-quality video doorbell, research your selected smart gadget before heading to the store.
What To Consider When Buying a Smart Doorbell
To begin, determine if the selected model is weatherproof. It is prudent to consult the manufacturer’s website to discover if the device is waterproof and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.
Many units begin to malfunction when temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) or drop below -14° F (-25.5° C). This intolerance can be an issue in places where intense temperatures are normal.
Here are the things you will also want to review in the doorbell:
- Range
- Integration capabilities
- Technology
- Field of view
- Recording
- Audio
- Power supply
- Design
What Range Will Suit Your Home?
It would help if you decided the required range for your household before getting your doorbell. This number is the distance from the pushbutton on your door to the speaker inside your house.
When making a buying decision, it is crucial to note that the device’s stated range is only an approximation of the actual range.
This is because manufacturers evaluate the range by evaluating the product under ideal conditions. However, there are walls and other obstructions around your home that will reduce your unit’s range.
Residential units in the standard configuration would require a minimum range of approximately 150 ft (45.72 m). But for larger areas, there are smart doorbells with a more extended range that can reach up to 2,500 ft (762 m).
Ensure That Your Smart Doorbell Can Connect to Your Home Security System
In addition to door chimes, smart doorbells are part of a more extensive system of surveillance and home automation.
You want your device to be able to connect with the rest of your home’s security system to get the best out of it.
For instance, you might program your device to sound one way when someone presses the doorbell but another way if someone steps beyond a motion detector’s range after hours.
You will have even further control over your home security when you buy a compatible doorbell over other models.
What To Do if Your Security System Does Not Come With Smart Doorbells
For some, their surveillance system may not manufacture smart doorbells. In that case, look for a smart doorbell that accepts the IFTTT internet service if you want it to interact with other smart devices in your house.
IFTTT allows you to quickly build mini-programs called applets to permit IFTTT-enabled devices to communicate with one another.
The Doorbell Should Have a Sensor
Your doorbell should utilize motion detection.
This feature ensures that someone does not have to ring the doorbell to alert you of their presence. Some doorbell models have greater control over motion detection than others, allowing you to adjust the sensitivity.
You should ideally be able to modify your device so it’s attentive enough to catch a delivery or guest but not so sensitive that it notices every single bird or leaf flying by.
Other models allow you to specify where they should observe motion.
It can be extremely beneficial to disable motion detection in some areas of your yard, such as a busy street. This protects you from receiving unwanted updates from the device.
Check the Voltage Requirements of the Bell
Voltage standards for video doorbells range from 16V AC to 24V AC. Some models operate at lower voltages, such as the Ring doorbell that uses between 8 and 24 volts.
The current in your home has to match your chosen doorbell. You can verify the voltage of your circuitry in various ways:
- Conduct a visual inspection of the doorbell transformer. Transformers are typically installed near your main electrical panel.
- Examine the interior of the case for your doorbell chime. The number may be mentioned there.
- Test the voltage of your doorbell’s wiring with a multimeter. This method is the most precise approach, as transformers fail over time and generate less voltage than specified.
If your house was constructed recently, it should have the proper voltage. However, older homes may have insufficient voltage, or the transmitter may have deteriorated over time.
By employing an electrician to add a new transformer, you can change the voltage and accommodate different doorbell models.
What Will You Be Able To See?
The majority of video doorbells will provide you with high-definition video.
However, if clarity is essential to you, choose something with a 1080p resolution. Wide dynamic range cameras can accommodate bright backgrounds, ensuring a consistent picture even in scenes with many colors.
For added convenience, look for doorbells with a view of at least 150°.
Ideally, you’d want a doorbell with a 180° range. The camera can see anything in front of it and to the sides at 180°. At lower fields of view, such as 90°, the device can only see the front.
For almost all cases, a broader field of view is the better choice.
Where Is the Footage From the Smart Doorbell Stored?
Most doorbell cameras capture video in some form. Usually, smart doorbells use continuous video recording (CVR) or motion-activated recording.
CVR doorbells track an entire day of footage.
In contrast, motion-activated devices automatically cease recording when no further motion is observed.
The advantage of this is that you do not need to sift through hours of captured footage searching for a particular case.
Both continuous video recording and motion-activated recording can be stored in one of three forms:
- To a wired digital video recorder
- To a disposable micro-SD disk inserted into the doorbell’s memory slot
- To the cloud (You typically must purchase a subscription from the retailer.)
Playback is another critical feature that’s valuable to have in the device’s app.
For instance, when you cannot locate a shipment, you can look back to see where the delivery driver placed it.
Research the Audio Capabilities
The most effective smart doorbells offer two-way communication via a microphone. It would be best for you to review whether or not the microphone is loud and omnidirectional.
The included speakers should also be loud and of high quality.
If you’re unable to get a live demo of the doorbell you’re interested in, review other customer’s opinions on the device’s sound quality before making a purchase.
What Power Supply Does the Doorbell Use?
As mentioned, smart doorbells are either battery-powered or hardwired into the existing wires of your regular doorbell.
If you don’t already have a traditional doorbell on your house, then be sure to only get a battery-powered option.
Battery-powered bells are usually simple to mount and perform as well as wired batteries.
The only disadvantage is that the batteries will run out, rendering your doorbell inoperable. As a rule, try to keep your batteries charged.
It would also be best if you upgraded the battery on a very regular basis.
Battery life predictions range from two months to two years, depending on the model.
Whichever brand you use, the battery will weaken more quickly in harsh weather.
You will want to keep this in mind if you live in intense weather conditions like heavy rain or snow.
Can the Doorbell Fit Your Home?
The majority of smart doorbells are larger than conventional doorbells. You must verify the measurements to ensure that the doorbell won’t overhang your door frame.
Look at the design of the doorbell as well. Some models are round, while others may protrude from the door frame. It would help if you picked a doorbell with a build that complements your home.
How do smart doorbells work: Final Thoughts
If you value safety, a smart doorbell is worth it. Plus, you don’t need an established security system to use one. A smart doorbell can be your sole surveillance measure and still keep you protected.
It is always recommended that you choose doorbells with the best security measures possible. Video configuration, video storage, video implementation, and cost vary with each doorbell.
For additional advice on how to select the most secure model for your home, watch this video from Smart Home Solver: