Many homeowners have become increasingly reliant on technological advancements for security.
Devices like smart doorbells and security cameras have continued to change the home security landscape, making security tighter like never before.
But between a smart doorbell and a security camera, which security device is better?
Smart doorbells and security cameras come with different features but are both designed to enhance overall security. Smart doorbells allow you to detect and even view people on the other side of your door. Security cameras, on the other hand, give you a wider view of the entire perimeter.
Curious to learn more about smart doorbells and security cameras? Read on to learn the main features and differences between smart doorbells and security cameras.
This article has everything you need to know which is better for your security needs, including some of the best options on the market today.
Smart Doorbell or Security Camera: Which One Should You Go For?
Full Perimeter Recording
If you’re after a full perimeter recording, then a smart doorbell might not be the best device.
Smart doorbells are designed to provide notifications or video recordings of people who attempt to access the door. However, smart doorbells won’t give you a proper view of the entire property.
For full perimeter recording, it’s best to use security cameras, although you’ll still need to get enough cameras to achieve your desired level of video surveillance.
Remember to position your CCTVs strategically to ensure you’ve covered all high-risk areas.
Timely Notifications
When it comes to security notifications, it’s best to go for smart doorbells.
These devices will ensure you receive relevant notifications, especially when you’re away from home.
You can communicate with an expected guest or even delivery person once they arrive and attempt to ring the bell.
While security cameras are also useful for providing useful and (timely) notifications, they can disappoint by sending false notifications whenever they detect motion.
You might end up receiving multiple notifications from security cameras.
Communication
A smart doorbell is a wonderful addition to your home security if you want to communicate with guests or delivery men while away.
Most top-end smart doorbells come packed with quality built-in audios that allow for two-way communication.
While some security cameras also come with built-in audios for recording noises and movements, they rarely support two-way communication.
This means that if you’re after direct communication with an expected guest, then installing a smart doorbell is your best bet.
Emergency Response
Adding a smart doorbell to your home security system increases your chances of stopping the burglar or intruder from gaining access to your home.
These devices come with advanced features that allow you to ring the alarm or notify relevant personnel in case of an incident, thus helping prevent theft.
On the other hand, security cameras are more suited to recording videos for posterity.
The cameras help in identifying and tracking the assailants as opposed to preventing the crime from happening.
And although some security cameras come with built-in alarms for emergency situations, they’re mostly used to record footage that can be used during investigations.
Versatility
Security cameras are among the most versatile devices in a home security system.
These devices come in different shapes and sizes and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Moreover, you can also keep security cameras in more than one location, which isn’t the case when using smart doorbells.
Unfortunately, the smart doorbell can only be kept at the door.
The device is designed to detect motion and contact within the doorstep area, meaning it won’t work when placed in other areas.
Due to this, the smart doorbell can’t compare to security cameras when it comes to versatility.
Why a Smart Doorbell Might Be Better
A smart doorbell is a technological invention designed to work by notifying the homeowner when a visitor (or intruder) is at the doorstep.
These devices are often linked to a home owner’s smartphone or selected electronic device, ensuring the owner receives timely information regarding the welcome or unwelcome guest.
Smart doorbells come in different varieties, styles, and designs.
This is because competing brands are always looking to incorporate the latest technological advancements to gain a competitive edge over rivals.
Most smart doorbells send notifications to homeowners when a visitor presses the doorbell or senses a visitor through built-in motion sensors.
Through smart doorbells, owners can receive notifications via a smartphone app where they can talk with the guest using the doorbell’s built-in microphone.
Some more advanced smart doorbells feature high-definition, infrared cameras that can even record videos at night.
With many smart doorbells to choose from, it is critical to buy smart doorbells with the features that meet your needs.
However, the more advanced smart doorbells will require you to fork out more money to access the advanced features such as the smart unlock and high-resolution infrared cameras.
Advantages of a Smart Doorbell
Smart Doorbells Come With Advanced Features
Smart doorbells are ever-changing devices that continue to integrate technological advancements in new releases. Some of the advanced features include built-in video and audio that allow you to either view or interact with visitors.
By linking the smart doorbell to your phone or preferred smart device, you can have a clear view of who’s at the door and even talk to the guest without being physically present.
These features allow you to be in control of your home security, knowing who or what exactly comes to your door.
Most Smart Doorbells Integrate Night Vision Technologies
It might be difficult for the average security camera to focus on all security aspects, more specifically identifying the faces of intruders.
However, most smart doorbells come packed with night vision technologies that allow you to view people and objects throughout the night.
This is because, instead of focusing on different angles, smart doorbells concentrate on the object in front, thus allowing you to get a good view of the late-night intruder.
With a smart doorbell, you won’t need several surveillance cameras in your front yard.
Smart Doorbells Come With Motion Sensors
The importance of motion sensors in modern-day security systems cannot be overstated.
A smart doorbell, through its built-in sensors, will notify you immediately it detects movement on or close to the front door. This can come in handy, especially for people living in risky neighborhoods.
Smart doorbell notifications can also prove crucial if you’re away from the house and are expecting someone. These devices will send notifications to your smart device and inform you when that delivery guy or long-awaited guest arrives.
Some Smart Doorbells Come With Battery Support
Not every house can be easily wired to install smart doorbells.
In such situations, battery-powered models can come in extra handy, providing you the security needed all-day-everyday.
Battery-powered models will continue to work even with the lights off but will need their batteries charged every now and then.
The more alerts you receive, the more frequently you’ll need to charge the smart doorbell’s batteries.
High-Resolution Video Recordings
Most high-quality smart doorbells come with built-in, high-resolution cameras that easily capture important details.
These cameras can recognize faces with ease, which makes them wonderful additions to your home security system.
Some models come with 720p resolution, while the high-end ones have 1080p and above resolution, thus allowing for easy face recognition.
Similar to high-end security cameras, these devices can record high-quality videos that can aid in criminal investigations.
Cloud Storage
Most top-end smart doorbells come with cloud storage features. Although many will require you to subscribe to a monthly plan to access videos, the cost is usually low.
The cloud storage will allow you to access weeks or even months old videos. Moreover, the cloud storage also ensures that your footage remains safe and intact in case the doorbell is destroyed by burglars.
Why a Security Camera Might Be Better
Also called a closed-circuit television (CCTV), a security camera is a device used for surveillance in locations that either require ongoing monitoring or additional security.
In a home setting, a security camera acts as the eye of the homeowner, recording footage of any activity that occurs within a specific area.
Most smart security cameras use Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Z-Wave, or other wireless technologies to connect to a dedicated hub or mobile app.
Security cameras come in different shapes and sizes, with some designed for making anonymous recordings.
Moreover, the advantage of security cameras is that you can place them in any location, whether indoors, outdoors, or any other location of interest.
Advantages of Security Cameras
Security Cameras Help To Deter Crime
Security cameras play the hugely-important role of reinforcing security at home or business premises.
The sight of a surveillance camera is a surefire way to scare burglars or potential intruders, more so since they’ll be wary of being recorded when either stealing or trespassing.
And as revealed by the New York Times, even a dysfunctional camera set up in a strategic location is enough to discourage intruders from proceeding with their mission.
Burglars and trespassers prefer working in anonymity, meaning they won’t be too comfortable targeting homes with advanced security systems like security cameras.
Security Cameras Are Great at Surveillance
The good thing with security cameras is they can be installed in any location.
You can place them in open areas or more enclosed locations, depending on your security needs.
The primary role of security cameras is to provide video surveillance over a specified location.
The footage obtained from a security camera helps to answer identity-related questions, especially in the event of crimes or misconduct.
The knowledge that security cameras will record all activities within a specified perimeter gives homeowners the much-needed peace of mind, especially when away from the house.
Technological advancements have made video surveillance more effective.
While some security cameras are set up to record 24/7, others are designed to save on storage and energy by recording only when motion is detected.
Security Cameras Come With Advanced Features
Modern security cameras come packed with advanced features like built-in audio that help you gather audio evidence to complement the video recording.
Moreover, some cameras have high-resolution ratings to ensure you get crisp video recordings for ease of identification.
Another great feature of security cameras is their versatility.
These surveillance devices come in different shapes and sizes, which allows them to make different types of recordings. Small security cameras are often designed to be wireless, a feature that allows them to be used for anonymous surveillance.
Security Cameras Help Maintain Records
Although most businesses monitor CCTV footage in real-time to detect theft, home security cameras are more suitable for the preservation of surveillance records.
You won’t need to monitor your house every other time except when an incident occurs.
But the ability to retrieve weeks or even months old footage (depending on storage size) allows the homeowner to use the recordings as evidence.
What Are Some of the Best Smart Doorbells?
Finding the best smart doorbells can prove challenging, especially with so many options to choose from in the market. Below is a brief assessment of some of the best smart doorbells that come with advanced security features.
Arlo AVD1001-100NAS 180-Degree View Video Doorbell
The Arlo 180-Degree View Video Doorbell is among the best smart doorbells in the market.
The doorbell is designed to issue immediate alerts, thus allowing you to take quick action in emergency situations.
Courtesy of the product’s foresight capabilities, you can see what triggered the motion long before it happened.
With this smart doorbell, you get to benefit from a 180-degree viewing range that allows you to view on the sides as well.
Moreover, the smart doorbell comes with an advanced camera that’s capable of recording high-resolution videos.
Eufy Security Wi-Fi Video Doorbell
The Eufy Security Wi-Fi Video Doorbell comes with a unique distortion correction feature, which, combined with Eufy’s advanced HDR, allows for the recording of high-quality videos.
The smart doorbell incorporates AI technology and a sophisticated algorithm that help to minimize the frequency of false notifications.
The high-quality built-in speakers allow you to respond in real-time, courtesy of two-way audio.
You can easily talk with the delivery man or unknown guests and make relevant inquiries. This feature allows you to run and manage your home even when miles away.
Toucan 180-Degree Video Doorbell Camera 1080P
This smart doorbell comes with a high-performance (6500 MAH) battery that minimizes the need for a frequent recharge. Users can check the overall battery percentage using the Toucan app (iOS and Android).
What makes this smart doorbell stand out is its ease of installation since it doesn’t require any wiring.
Night vision gives you a clear view of guests or potential intruders during the night, and you can count on the Toucan 180-degree video doorbell to notify you once it detects motion. (Though it should be noted that notifications may come frequently.)
What Are Some of the Best Security Cameras?
Arlo Pro 2 Wireless Home Security Camera With Siren
The Arlo Pro 2 Wireless Home Security Camera comes with a host of features that make it among the best in the market.
The camera can record impressive 1080p HD recordings with sharper, more accurate details.
It also comes as a 100% wire-free device, meaning you won’t need to put up with demanding installation procedures.
Moreover, the Arlo Pro 2 security camera is weatherproof, a feature that allows you to place it anywhere outdoor without the fear of damage by rain, wind, snow, or excessive heat.
For unlimited cloud storage, however, you’ll need to subscribe to Arlo’s premium plan.
Hosmart Smart Battery Camera
The Hosmart Smart Battery Camera comes with a bracket screw (magnetic) that allows for ease of installation.
The camera is powered by rechargeable batteries that can last up to 6 months if well-maintained.
Capable of managing 1080P full HD videos, you won’t struggle to distinguish faces when using this highly capable camera.
Moreover, the security camera comes with infrared lights that offer an impressive 26ft visible range during nighttime. The two-way audio functionality also allows you to communicate straight from your phone and respond to potential emergencies.
Conclusion
Both smart doorbells and security cameras make great additions to your home security system.
A security camera is a great option if you want to record surveillance footage over a large perimeter, say, the entire front porch, backyard, or any area of interest.
Smart doorbells are best suited for people looking to enhance security at the point of entry. Installing both devices will make your home safer and less vulnerable to security attacks.