Video Doorbell Buying Guide

You've likely seen a video doorbell before, whether they're on sale at a store or installed in your neighbor's house. They consist of a camera lens and a button that acts as the doorbell, all in one unit. Owners will get a notification when the button is pressed, can see through the lens and even speak to the person outside the home. These smart home devices are designed to give homeowners (and even renters) a good idea of what's going on near their homes, even when they aren't nearby. While these all-seeing eyes have only been around for about a decade, the field has become crowded with different products, brands and features, making it tough to weed out which model might be right for you. So, why buy one if you already have an existing, classic "ding, dong" button that has worked so far? These security devices add a major boost to the safety of your home and family. Below, we'll break down all the features that make a video doorbell perfect for you, or better for someone else.

Depending on the type of video doorbell, you may have some different options when it comes to data storage: choose between physical/local storage on an SD card or hard drive or opt for virtual cloud storage.

Some of these video cameras store visual and audio data physically in hard copy mode, like on an SD card or hard drive. With that SD card, you know you'll never have to worry about some of the problems that come into play with wireless data storage in the cloud. Some more of the benfits include a lower price (no cloud subscription fees) as well as more privacy thanks to storage that stays away from internet connections. No internet connections means less chance of hacking and cyber attacks, and more security for you. Some of the cons include vulnerability to camera theft, and the fact that you must purchase these data storage systems seperately. If you plan to go this way, make sure that your desired video doorbell has enough space for your desired local storage.

Meanwhile, cloud storage subscriptions can be better for you than local storage. The first benefit? Complete ease. These subscription storage plans store your video online for ease of access—a complete backup of everything the cam has seen for a certain period of time (often 30 days). Access these from an app on your smartphone or tablet. The downsides? These cloud systems come at a monthly or annual fee in just about every case. Plus, there's no need to deal with the mainenance of the data on a SD card or hard drive. Finally, there are two different kinds of recording when it comes to cloud systems: continuous recording (a camera that records constantly) or event recording. Event recording turns on the camera and records when a certain event is triggered via motion detection. Event recording helps save both power and data space in the cloud.

While choosing, some other aspects of your video doorbell might require some thought, this feature is likely an easy one: picking your power source. There are two options when it comes to video doorbells—you can choose a traditional hard-wired model, or a battery-powered pick. Hard-wired ones aren't difficult to install, and connect directly to your home's existing wiring. You likely won't need to conduct any maintenance on it, too. Meanwhile, a battery-powered version is better for those who rent or don't already have a doorbell installed. These wireless doorbells likely run on batteries, so make sure you stay on top of your battery replacement schedule. Choose the best option that fits your home (and lifestyle). If installing a hardwired model seems daunting, you can always come to the experts at Abt.

In rare occurances, some models may have their performance affected in extremely cold temperatures (like any tech with a lithium-ion battery). When temperatures drop below zero, some units are unable to charge. Look for customer reviews to see just how well your ideal model performs in truly sub-zero temperatures if you live somewhere cold. Keep in mind that battery-powered models will be more affected by cold weather than hard-wired versions—and while these extremely chilly temps can affect performance, they will not break the product.

This feature is one worth staking your entire budget on, and where video doorbells become worth their weight in gold. If you can't see what's been in your front yard or at your threshold, you'll want a replacement not long after you've installed it. Some of the features you'll want to look for include:

These cameras are part of any smart home, and are designed to work well with other home automation systems for simple, complete functionality. Explore different models and see how they fit in with other tech you may have. Google Nest models work perfectly with the Google Home system and Google Assistant-enabled speakers. Many use Amazon Alexa tech, Apple HomeKit, as well as other compatible systems. With these, you can talk through your smart speakers to communicate with whoever is on the other side of the door as well as use other smart functionality.

Smartphone connectivity is a huge aspect of using these video doorbells. This is where you'll receive alerts that someone is at your home, see those on the other side of the camera, hear people speak, and interact with the product's app. From here, you can peek into the cloud to see your stored videos as well. When it comes to smart tech, it's all about the smartphone. One of the simplest interactions gets an upgrade here with two-way audio. It's one of the most crucial aspects of this outdoor tech, along with the level of weather resistance. When someone rings your doorbell, you'll get a notification on your smartphone that allows you to speak to whoever's at your home. Many even include a siren that can scare off burglars or unwanted guests when activated. Plus, some models allow you to leave a recorded message that plays whenever you're unable to reach the door.

Video doorbells might seem like the way of the future, but they're really the way of the present. With common package drop-offs, porch pirates and burglaries, it's more important than ever to equip your space with a video doorbell. That's true whether you live on a sprawling property, a condo or in an urban apartment. To make sure your home stays secure, make sure you have the perfect exterior equipment, from lights to outdoor cameras. To find just what you need, check out our home security products. And for the best in-home security, come to the true experts to set up a system that protects your whole home with Abt's Custom Security Service. We'll help you keep all of your valuables safe with an intelligent, next-gen system that's custom-made for your individual needs—all controlled from your smartphone. To learn more, call our team of specialists at 800-860-3577, or fill out the contact form on our website.