Best video doorbell: our pick of the best doorbell cameras for your home

The best video doorbells can turn our front doors into just the first aspect of our smart homes, either working alone to make fielding couriers and visitors easier or integrating with smart speakers, security cameras, and more to form part of a completely automated home.

Whatever side you fall on, video doorbells are an excellent investment for those who often find themselves too busy or out of the house when important callers arrive on the doorstep. Ever been enjoying a relaxing bath when the doorbell rings, only to find that it was that important delivery you had been waiting two weeks for? With a smart doorbell, you can speak with whoever it is over your smartphone without abandoning whatever you happen to be doing in the moment.

Many also work seamlessly with Alexa, Google Home, and more, so you can bring up the live feed on your smart display or make your speaker double as a chime. Below we have ranked our favorite video doorbells available right now and, if you're a renter or just not very handy, take a look at our guide to the best wireless doorbells.

The best video doorbells in 2023: tried and tested by us

Our top choice for the best video doorbell is the eufy Video Doorbell Dual, which has not one but two cameras that offer a more in-depth view of your porch area. While the front camera works in much the same way as you'd expect, the secondary camera on the base allows you to see the ground where packages may have been left by the postman.

The footage is 2K or Full HD, depending on whether you hardwire the doorbell or not. One of our favorite things about the eufy Dual is the offer of local storage via the HomeBase (often included with your doorbell) rather than a separate subscription charge for cloud storage. You can also use this base to expand your home security system with other eufy devices.

Livingetc rating: 5 out of 5 stars | read our full review of the eufy Video Doorbell Dual

The top offering and from a brand other than Ring, the Google Nest Hello is a fantastic option recommended for homeowners who don't plan on moving anytime soon. Of course, it has to be wired in, but this comes with its own benefits, such as never needing to recharge the batteries.

The 2K video feed allows you to see pretty much your entire front porch, with visitors visible from head to toe. You can also send pre-recorded audio messages to the doorbell (such as instructions on where to leave a package) should you not want to answer the door at a particular moment.

Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The oldest Ring doorbell still on sale, the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is still the best option from the brand in our opinion. While slightly more affordable than alternatives like the Ring Pro (also found on this list), it has pretty much everything you'd want from a smart doorbell. 

The 2nd Generation Ring doorbell has pretty much all of the features you'd associate with the best video doorbells, whether that's customizable motion zone settings, a clear 1080p HD camera with infrared night vision, and a solid 160-degree field of view. You also get swappable faceplates, so you can choose between silver or bronze depending on your taste and the style of your front porch.

Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars

With 2K resolution and a 180-degree diagonal field of view, the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is a wireless wonder that lets you see more of your front porch than perhaps you knew you needed. You can also use it as an answering machine, leaving and taking messages for and from visitors, meaning you'll always know who has come knocking.

As well as making things more convenient, the Arlo Essential also functions as a solid security device, with a built-in siren that can be set to auto or manually operated for peace of mind. An Arlo Secure subscription - which unfortunately costs extra - also opens up access to features such as cloud recording, more customizable activity zones, and advanced object detection.

Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars | read our full review of the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free

Ring Doorbells have dominated the market for so long, but they've always been a little on the expensive side. That changed with the release of a new budget-friendly option - the Ring Video Doorbell Wired.

As the name suggests, this is a doorbell that must be hardwired, so maybe it won't suit renters or those who might want to move soon.  And it has pretty much everything you'd expect and want from a Ring Doorbell, with costs being cut somewhere outside of features and specs. Of course, you won't get 3rd party chime compatibility, Alexa greetings, or a choice of faceplates, but that's more or less it.

Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars | read our full review of the Ring Video Doorbell Wired

The best video doorbells: more top picks

The pricier 'Pro' model in Ring's suite of video doorbells needs to be hardwired, but it comes in a slimmer, more stylish package with a few key features not found in alternatives from the brand. It also boasts enhanced dual-band WiFi for better, more reliable connectivity, and Quick Replies.

That last one means you can use the doorbell as a kind of answering machine, leaving a message for visitors for when you're otherwise engaged. Particular to the Pro, you also get more precise motion zones (useful if your home is in an area that gets a lot of foot traffic), color night vision, the aforementioned dual-band WiFi, and a 6-second pre-roll of video preceding an alert.

How we test the best video doorbells

Because we care about not just giving Livingetc readers our opinion, but making sure that opinion is as informed as possible, we endeavor to test every product featured in our buying guides. This is not always possible but, where we have not had hands-on experience, it will be clearly marked. 

To determine the best video doorbells currently available, we test them based on affordability, performance, and design. We trial the devices in real homes on real front doors, testing their effectiveness against the many (many) deliveries we receive on a monthly basis. We also look at battery life and how easy they are to set up.

How to choose the best video doorbell for your home

How do video doorbells work?

Video doorbells work much like traditional audio-only doorbells with a chime, but they use wireless technology to communicate with your phone or smart speaker, allowing you to see a live video feed direct from your front door. Because of this camera function, the best video doorbells also often double as security cameras, able to capture footage (frequently with a subscription) of any suspicious goings-on in the vicinity of your home.

Video doorbells also mean you can speak with a person at the door via a device with a microphone (such as your smartphone), whether you're in the bath, in the middle of making dinner, or even at work across town.

Are video doorbells wireless?

Many video doorbells are indeed wireless, and so rely on battery power. This battery often needs to be recharged regularly, taking the doorbell out of commission for a time, so those looking for peace of mind may want to opt for a wired model. This guide covers both wireless and wired doorbells, and which type you opt for will depend largely on what you consider to be a priority.

What is the best video doorbell?

While it's true that Ring's range of video doorbells features heavily in this list - and for good reason - Google's Nest Hello comes out on top due to its cross-compatibility. It simply offers more options for those who want a smart home that works in synergy.

However, if you're looking for a budget or wireless option, then we would recommend going for the Ring Video Doorbell Wired or something from a non-leading brand such as Arlo or Ezviz.