For a long time now, the modern rhythm of life has required new guarantees of safety and comfort in our homes. One such innovative device that can increase the level of security and convenience is a smart doorbell. This week, TheGeekyThings delves into the realm of smart doorbells, where security and convenience converge in boxes.

Gone are the days of missed deliveries and unanswered visitors. Smart doorbells offer real-time notifications, remote viewing capabilities, and advanced security features. Whether seeking increased peace of mind or enhanced convenience, this technology presents a compelling proposition for homeowners.

Stay tuned as we unveil the best sellers of smart doorbells, analyzing their features, functionalities, and potential benefits. Discover how these intelligent devices can redefine your interaction with the outside world, offering a glimpse into the future of home security and connectivity.

• What Is a Smart Doorbell?
• The Main Advantages Of a Smart Video Doorbell
• What should you focus on when making a choice?
• The Best Smart Doorbells To Buy
• How To Install a Smart Doorbell?
• Setting Up Your Smart Video Doorbell
• Is a Smart Doorbell Worth It?

The smart doorbell is more than a doorbell. It’s a gatekeeper to your sanctuary, outfitted with features that transform the humble doorbell into a watchdog and personal assistant rolled into one. It allows you to see, hear, and speak to visitors from a mobile device, no matter where you are, through Wi-Fi, a built-in camera, speakers, and a microphone.

• Front door surveillance entails the utilization of a smart doorbell to monitor activities outside your door, even when you're away. The device provides high-quality images on your smartphone or tablet, enhancing security and oversight.
• With a built-in microphone and speaker, communication becomes seamless, enabling interactions with visitors without physically opening the door. This feature facilitates easy conversations with delivery staff, and guests, or simply inquiring about the identity of visitors.
• Smart video doorbells equipped with motion tracking systems automatically activate upon detecting movement at the door's front, aiding in identifying potential intruders or monitoring external activities.
• Seamless integration with other smart home devices, such as security systems, smart lighting, and climate control systems, enables the creation of a comprehensive home management ecosystem.
• Moreover, select smart video doorbells offer recording storage capabilities, allowing access to past events like visitor arrivals, incidents at the door, and more.

• Image Quality: Invest in a smart doorbell camera with high image quality, ideally 1080p or 4K resolution. The camera's resolution determines the level of detail captured, enhancing visibility. Additionally, look for a camera with a PIR sensor that triggers video recording when detecting movement within three meters. Mount the doorbell at a height of 1.5-1.6 meters for optimal viewing.
• Compatibility: Prioritize connecting the device to your smartphone before installation. Verify that the smart doorbell is compatible with your mobile device and operating system, ensuring seamless control and notification access through the manufacturer's app (iOS or Android) Check if your future doorbell supports smart voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, or both) to control security with simple commands.
• Power Source and Charging: Select a power source that suits your needs, whether battery-operated or wired. Ensure the doorbell has a reliable power supply and charging capability.
• Record Storage: Opt for a smart doorbell that offers recording storage options, allowing you to review past events conveniently. Choose a device with high-quality optics and support for high-resolution recordings.
• Weather Resistance: Consider the smart doorbell's water and frost resistance, especially in harsh climates. Review the manufacturer's specifications for information on the device's operating temperature range and water resistance.
• Price and Warranty: Choose a reputable manufacturer for your smart doorbell, prioritizing quality over cost. Compare prices and warranty terms to ensure you invest in a reliable product that enhances your home's security and convenience.

With so many options on the market, choosing the best smart doorbell for your needs can be overwhelming. But look at this list of smart video doorbells that have already become the best sellers of 2024

First on our list today will be the top seller with a very large number of good reviews, the Ring Battery Smart Doorbell Plus. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is a video doorbell that provides a wide view and clear visibility of visitors day or night. It alerts you of visitors and enables communication. The device runs on a battery, connects to Wi-Fi, and offers adjustable privacy settings while integrating with other Ring devices. Use it to monitor your entrance, interact with visitors, receive alerts on package deliveries, boost home safety, and deter potential intruders.

This device features HD+ 1536p video, live view, color night vision, customizable motion detection zones, two-way audio with noise cancellation, and a rechargeable battery pack. It requires a minimum internet upload speed of 1 Mbps and a Wi-Fi connection at 2.4 GHz. You may connect a few Ring devices to see what’s happening and control them all from a single dashboard.

Ring Peephole Cam – a smart video doorbell, and it offers HD video and 2-way talk facilities with a simple setup. This device takes your door's peephole to a new level by providing 1080p HD video for your eyes. Ring Peephole allows you to communicate with visitors even while you're away. If someone knocks or triggers the motion sensors, it sends alerts to your phone, tablet, or PC. Its installation is straightforward, requiring no drilling or wiring, and can be completed in less than 5 minutes. Using Alexa, this doorbell can also make announcements on compatible devices. Missing a delivery will not be a worry with instant notifications and two-way talk to guide couriers for package placement.

In terms of specifications, the Ring Peephole Cam offers 1080p HD, Live View, and Night Vision. It has an Advanced Motion Detection feature. Also, it has a 155° horizontal and 90° vertical field of view, with Advanced Motion Detection and customizable zones. Offering two-way talk with noise cancellation, it operates using a removable battery pack. The Wi-Fi connectivity is 802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4GHz. It has weather resistance, suitable for indoor and outdoor conditions. Its small dimensions are compatible with standard peephole sizes and door thickness.

The Ring Peephole Cam is the perfect addition to your home, and it ensures you always know who's at your door, even when you're not at home.

Ring's competitor in most doorbell contests - Google Nest Doorbell is a wireless camera designed to provide clear visibility of activity at your front door from any location. Equipped with intelligent features, it can identify people, packages, animals, and vehicles, sending instant alerts via the Google Home app. Offering HD video quality with HDR and night vision, this device ensures you never miss a thing, complemented by a 3-hour free event video history. Use it for constant front door monitoring and quick alerts, including two-way communication with visitors using pre-recorded messages, while also being compatible with smart displays.

Key specifications of this device include a 960x1280p resolution, options for rechargeable battery or wired power, compatibility with the Google Home app, and a vertical field of view for detailed recordings. It does not support continuous video recording but stores one hour of event footage in case of connectivity issues. With HD video, HDR, and night vision capabilities, it requires Wi-Fi and internet connection. Also, the Google Nest Doorbell has a wired version. Easy to install, it works seamlessly with Google Nest and Amazon smart displays and speakers, offering remote visibility of front-door activities.

One of the leaders in sales - Blink Video Doorbell offers two-way audio, HD video, motion alerts, and Alexa integration. It can be used wired or wire-free for 1080p HD day and night video. Weather-resistant, easy to install, and works seamlessly with Alexa for alerts and two-way audio at the front door. Comes with a one-year limited warranty. Answer the door from anywhere using a smartphone, with long battery life, custom alerts, privacy settings, and motion detection. Connects to existing wiring or Sync Module for live view and two-way audio. Save and share clips with Blink Subscription Plan or locally with Sync Module 2 and USB drive. Works wire-free or with doorbell wiring, and connects to in-home chime, announcing alerts via Alexa.

Specifications:

• 135° horizontal and 80° vertical field of view
• 1080p HD video resolution
• 130 x 42 x 34 mm size, 91 grams weight
• 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n WiFi network
• Compatible with Sync Module, Sync Module 2, Fire, and Echo devices
• Operating temperature: -4 to 113° F

Blink Video Doorbell for remote front door monitoring is a perfect blend of value and money for these days, in TheGeekyThings' opinion.

The Kasa Smart Video Doorbell Camera Hardwired w/ Chime is a cheaper version of tech giants' doorbells but with similar features. It is a sophisticated tech piece offering vivid 2K video with a 160° view, enabling real-time communication with visitors and convenient remote door answering via phone or supported devices. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, weatherproof with IP64 rating, and providing both local and cloud storage options, it's a versatile security solution ensuring clear video footage and easy access control.

This smart doorbell boasts 2K/3MP HD resolution, Wi-Fi connectivity, night vision up to 30ft, and storage support up to 256GB. With easy setup and a comprehensive package including all necessary accessories, the Kasa Smart Video Doorbell Camera stands out as a top-notch, feature-packed security device for modern homes.

The Wyze Wireless Video Doorbell Pro is a smart, wire-free solution for home security. It provides high-definition video with a clear 1:1 aspect ratio, offering a detailed view of your front porch. The customizable chime adds a personal touch to your security setup. Consider the Cam Plus upgrade for real-time alerts and cloud storage. Installation is quick and easy, making it an ideal choice for enhancing your home security.

With a resolution of 1440x1440 HD, 2-way audio, and night vision, the device delivers top-notch performance. The chime includes 20 tunes and 8 sound levels. For added security features, the Cam Plus upgrade provides real-time alerts and full-length video storage. Special Feature: Night Vision, Motion Sensor. The device's battery life lasts up to 6 months, ensuring long-term reliability. The Wyze Wireless Video Doorbell Pro offers peace of mind and empowers you to monitor your front porch effortlessly.

A small, easy-to-install device - Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell offers peace of mind with HD video, wide-view angle, and two-way audio. Capture visitors and packages with its 180-degree field of view and night vision. Get alerts for people, vehicles, and animals. Integrates with Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, and SmartThings. Built-in siren for security.

The weather-resistant Arlo Essential Video Doorbell provides efficient video, sound, and notifications. Compatible with smart devices and Arlo Secure for enhanced security.

The REOLINK Doorbell WiFi Camera, tailored for outdoor use, offers 5MP Super HD resolution, Advanced HDR/3D DNR, and distortion correction technologies for clear imagery. Its wide 180° viewing angle captures detailed visuals, facilitating quick responses. With a two-way audio function, the built-in speaker and microphone allow seamless communication with visitors or message relaying. The device records 6 seconds before motion detection, aiding in identifying potential threats and ensuring security.

This video doorbell, equipped with a waterproof design, supports microSD cards up to 256GB and operates on dual-band WiFi, I mean a 2.4/5GHz, for a reliable network connection. Providing superior video quality, easy installation, and customizable notifications, the REOLINK Doorbell WiFi Camera stands as a reliable and cost-effective choice for home security.

We reviewed dozens of instructions for installing smart doorbells and prepared common steps. We recommend that you read the user manual as each model may have its own unique steps. Also, be sure to turn off the power before installation your doorbell.

Tools Required:

• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Wire stripper (for wired doorbells)
• Measuring tape 

Measurements:

• Identify the ideal height for your doorbell - usually 48-60 inches from the floor.
• Mark the spots for the screws.

Installation of Wired Doorbells:

• Turn off power to your existing doorbell circuit from your electrical panel.
• Remove your old doorbell button if there is one and disconnect the wires.
• Strip the ends of the wires if necessary.
• Connect the wires to your new video doorbell, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Secure the doorbell to the wall using the provided screws.
• Turn the power back on.

Installation of Wireless Doorbells:

• Insert charged batteries into your wireless video doorbell if required.
• Adhere the doorbell to the wall using the provided adhesive strip or secure it with the screws.
• Connect the doorbell to your home Wi-Fi network.

Additional tips: Before installing the smart video doorbell, I suggest completing the setup process and linking the device to your smartphone. This will enable you to select the perfect location for placement and ensure proper alignment.

• Download the App: The first step is to download the companion app for your smart doorbell. This will typically be available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
• Create an Account: After downloading the app, you'll need to create an account if you don't already have one.
• Add a Device: Once you're logged in, navigate to the "Add Device" option within the app.
• Scan QR Code: The app will prompt you to scan the QR code found on your smart doorbell. This will pair your device with the app.
• Connect to Wi-Fi: The app will then ask you to connect your smart doorbell to your home's Wi-Fi network. Ensure that your Wi-Fi signal is strong at your doorbell’s location. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted.
• Follow the Prompts: The app will guide you through the rest of the setup process, which may include naming your device, setting up motion detection zones, and choosing video quality settings.
• Test the Doorbell: Finally, test your doorbell to ensure it's working properly. Press the button on the front of the doorbell, and you should receive a notification on your phone. You should also be able to view a live video feed from your doorbell via the app.

Remember, each video doorbell might have slightly different installation and setup procedures, so always refer to the user manual or online support resources provided by the manufacturer if you have any difficulties.

This week's exploration at TheGeekyThings unlocked the world of smart doorbells, where cutting-edge technology meets home security.

The move to smart home technology is more than just a trend; it's a sign of the times. As we strive to simplify our lives and add layers of security, smart doorbells pay off. With their ability to control our homes and simplify everyday tasks, they are an attractive purchase for homeowners.

Are they worth the investment? My opinion - definitely. After all, I like to know about those who are behind my closed doors, and if I don't come up myself for this, it's unsurpassed. And I don’t mention missed deliveries and unanswered calls,real-time notifications, and two-way communication – all accessible from your smartphone. But it should be a personal decision. If you appreciate the convenience, security, and appeal of high-tech home gadgets, a smart doorbell might be your next must-have.