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Best outdoor security cameras 2024

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Best outdoor security cameras 2024

Best outdoor security cameras 2024, If you’re shopping for the best outdoor security cameras of 2024, you’ll want to find something that’s weatherproof, captures high-quality footage, and works well at night. It’s also important to consider your budget and ongoing subscriptions that may be required to access premium features such as cloud saving and person detection.

Regardless of your budget, there’s an that’ll fit your needs. From premium products crafted by Ring to budget-friendly options like those from Wyze, there are dozens of well-reviewed models that are perfect for protecting your home.

In fact, some of the best outdoor security cameras also double as floodlights, allowing you to light up your yard. Others are wireless for easy installation, while a handful require wired connections (though this allows for continuous monitoring).

Below, you’ll find a list of the best outdoor security cameras of 2024. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but each one caters to a specific audience and budget, so take a closer look at each to figure out which is best for your home.

arlo pro 4 spotlight camera review 7 of 10

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Pro 4

The Arlo Pro 3 was our pick for the best outdoor security camera for some time, but after testing the Arlo Pro 4, it brings a couple of new additions that help it earn our top pick. Just like its predecessor, it packs 2K resolution and a wide 160-degree viewing angle. Also included are a weatherproof camera with color night vision, a built-in LED spotlight, and a built-in siren that can alert you to danger.

What makes this model superior is the fact that it no longer is tethered to a hub in order to talk with your home’s Wi-Fi network. You won’t need it this time, which certainly streamlines the setup process. And best of all, not only does it perform as exquisitely as the Arlo Pro 3 when it comes to safeguarding your home, but it now boasts a lower starting cost of $200 for a single camera, whereas the Arlo Pro 3 started at $500 for a 2K camera system.

The Arlo Pro 4 includes a three-month free trial of Arlo Smart, which gives you access to advanced features like 30 days of recording history, activity zones, enhanced 911 calling, and advanced detection features.

Best outdoor security cameras 2024

Read More : The best video doorbells for 2023

.Arlo

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Arlo Pro 5S 2K

Best premium outdoor security camera

Pros

• Captures 2K footage
•  mode extends battery life
• Impressive 160-degree field of view

Cons

• Expensive
• Very similar to the more-affordable Arlo Pro 4

The Arlo Pro 5S 2K doesn’t cut any corners. Featuring a camera that captures 2K video, a wide field of view, sleek design, and color night vision, few products can match its performance. Unfortunately, all those features come at a price, as the Arlo Pro 5S 2K clocks in at $250.

That makes it one of the most expensive security cameras on this list, but if money is no object, it deserves a closer look. Not only does it offer every feature found on our beloved Arlo Pro 4, but it also features Dual-Band Wi-Fi for installation, SecureLink Connectivity that allows it to stay protected during power outages, and a Low Power Mode that offers a 30% boost to battery life.

But beyond those features, it’s eerily similar to its cheaper sibling. Still, if you need an outdoor security camera that’s as cutting- as possible, you can’t do better than the Arlo Pro 5S.

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Wyze Cam v3

Best budget outdoor security camera

Night vision is a vital feature for every outdoor security cam — you don’t want the darkness to hide any detail, especially if something like a break-in happens. While our top cam picks include various kinds of night vision, Wyze’s indoor/outdoor cam is particularly notable thanks to its Starlight Sensor, which can record night-time video in full color for users.

This wired cam includes all the other smart features that make Wyze’s cams a great pick, including a motion and sound sensor for alerts, detection zones, sensitivity settings that you can tweak for best results, and two-way audio for communication. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant and is friendly with IFTTT if you’d like to set up complex routines based on the alerts the cam gives you.

The Wyze Cam v3 also has one of the best free video storage options around, with a 14-day cloud storage option for video clips at zero cost. There’s also an SD card slot for local storage if you prefer that method. While it’s an indoor/outdoor cam, you don’t need to worry: All the outdoor IP65 resistances are included for all types of weather.

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Ring Spotlight Cam Pro

Best wireless outdoor security cam

Amazon’s update to the Ring Spotlight Cam is an excellent option for those who don’t want a full floodlight camera, but would still like lots of illumination for their porch, patio, or driveway. The surprisingly bright LED lights on either side of the cam can be set to light up along with the motion detection features.

There’s a little bit of everything packed into the Spotlight Cam Pro’s design, including basics like 1080p video, night vision, and two-way audio. But Ring also has some extras, like a siren you can sound, advanced 3D motion detection, and a “Bird’s Eye” view option that gives you a model for where a subject may have gone. We also like that it’s battery-powered with an option to plug into an outlet.

As with all Ring cams, you will really want a Ring Protect plan to enable video storage and video sharing, but otherwise, this is the most comprehensive wireless security cam we’ve seen to date.

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Best floodlight camera

Blink makes plenty of great outdoor cameras, but few are as great as the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera. As one of the newest members of the Blink family, the Wired Floodlight Camera offers heaps of functionality despite its budget-friendly price of $99.

In case the name didn’t give it away, the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera isn’t just an outdoor camera – it’s also a floodlight. And a bright one at that, capable of producing 2,600 lumens of LED light. You’ll also benefit from motion detection, a wired connection that offers a constant power supply, and color night vision. Its design is a bit bulkier than others on this list, but that’s largely due to the massive floodlights that loom over the camera.

Anyone in the market for an outdoor camera that’s both affordable and powerful (and comes with shockingly bright floodlights) should give strong consideration to Blink’s new product. But if you’re looking for something with a more streamlined design, consider looking back at the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro mentioned above.

.Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

Best indoor and outdoor security camera

Pros

• Easy installation process
• 1080p video with HDR support
• Can also double as an indoor cam

Cons

• Expensive
• No privacy shutter

It’s a bit expensive, but you’re getting a lot of value out of this investment. The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is designed to work both indoors and outside – giving it plenty of versatility. Along with its weatherproofing, the camera offers HDR video and films in 1080p, supports two-way audio, and is easy to install thanks to its wire-free setup.

One minor sticking point is its lack of a built-in privacy shutter. That might be an issue if you’re using it indoors, though you can quickly toggle alerts off and disarm the camera from the Ring smartphone app. But if you have it installed outside, you likely won’t miss the feature. You’ll also want to spring for a monthly Ring subscription to unlock additional features such as cloud saves and smart alerts.

Beyond those minor quirks, there’s not much to dislike about this powerful outdoor camera. Homes with other Ring products already installed will love how easy it is to sync the device with the rest of their smart home, and Ring newcomers will enjoy its high-quality images, simple setup, and generous 155-degree viewing angle.

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Ring Stick Up Cam Pro

Best indoor and outdoor security camera

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I place outdoor security cameras?

FBI crime data indicates that most (around 55%) home intruders try to get into homes through either the front or back door. So, you may want to have your security camera scoping out your doors. It’s also a good idea to cover other entry points, like back , that are hidden away where someone could break in without being seen.

Where exactly to mount your outdoor cameras, however, depends on your property and your individual needs. You may have a shed in the back that contains expensive lawn equipment, for instance, and you might want to place more focus on that area. Perhaps your neighborhood has experienced a few break-ins recently, and the intruders typically enter through the garage, so you want to cover your garage area.

How many security cameras do I need?

Typically, having at least two outdoor cameras is ideal, not including your video doorbell. If you have a video doorbell to watch your porch, combined with an outdoor security camera covering the front and back areas of your home, this should be sufficient. However, if you have a large property, live in an area where there’s a lot of property crime, or if you have vehicles or valuables stored on your property, you may want to add in an extra camera or two.

Can you use an indoor security camera outdoors?

No. An indoor camera does not have the necessary protection from the elements, so it won’t hold up outside. Some cameras are rated for indoor or outdoor use, and you can use those cameras outside. If you want to point your indoor camera out a window to watch the outdoors, you technically can do so. However, the camera’s features probably won’t work as well, and you’re better off just buying a cheap outdoor camera.

Can outdoor security cameras be used indoors?

Yes, although it’s not usually recommended because the cameras designed for outdoor use may not work optimally indoors. Again, you can opt for a camera that’s rated for both indoors and outdoors, like a dome camera.

Do all outdoor security cameras have two-way audio?

The short answer is no. Many wired outdoor cameras feature two-way audio, which allows you to speak back and forth with someone through the camera via an app on your phone, but not all outdoor cameras have this feature.

If two-way audio is something you’re interested in, consider doing research on which cameras have it, and of the ones that do, read up on which are better. Not all two-way audio is created equal — some companies do it well, while others do not. Keep in mind that cameras with two-way audio might cost a bit more than those that don’t feature the technology.

How well does night vision work on an outdoor security camera?

Night vision on cameras typically uses infrared light to illuminate dark images at night. Essentially, cameras with night vision use this technology to backlight images to help you see what’s happening in the field of view. Most outdoor security cameras feature night vision, but the quality varies from model to model.

If you’re looking for superior night vision, go for the Arlo camera listed above, or research night vision quality before making a purchase.

How well do outdoor security cameras detect motion?

Motion sensitivity in outdoor security cameras varies widely, but generally, the technology works well regardless of the model you choose. Most cameras, even inexpensive ones, do an excellent job of detecting motion, and, if the camera is connected to an app, it will send a motion alert to your phone. Most people find that motion settings on cameras are too sensitive, meaning that things like rain, bugs, or even bright sunlight can trigger an alert.

If you’re concerned about motion alerts, consider buying a camera that not only sends you motion alerts so you can monitor what’s happening on your property but also allows you to adjust the motion sensitivity so that small things aren’t triggering it all the time.

Can outdoor security cameras survive severe weather?

Most outdoor cameras have a rating of IP65 or higher, which means they are waterproof and can withstand someone spraying a hose on them. That usually (but not always) means that a camera with that rating can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit or similar.

Cameras vary slightly in terms of survival in extreme weather, but anything with a rating of IP65 or higher will be fine for most climates. If you live in an extremely hot or extremely cold climate, you might want to consider a camera with a rating of IP66 or higher.

Do I have to pay for storage for an outdoor camera?

This depends a lot on the brand and the model. Generally, if a security cam has a memory card slot, you can use native storage without paying anything — it’s just a little trickier to manage. If you want video footage to be uploaded to the cloud for easier viewing and saving, you’ll often have to pay for it. Brands like Arlo and Ring only allow for free livestreaming video and require a plan if you want to save video for any length of time. Google is one of the best options here because its Nest cam offers a certain amount of free online storage without needing a subscription.

Is an outdoor security camera ever illegal?

It can be, although privacy laws haven’t entirely caught up with home security cams yet. Generally speaking, you can’t point a camera where people have the expectation of privacy. Pointing a cam at your porch and the street in front? Totally fine, it’s considered a public area. Pointing a camera so that it captures footage of your neighbor’s backyard or looks into their windows? Illegal, and you could get successfully sued for it.

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The best Fitbit devices in 2023

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The best Fitbit devices in 2023

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The best Fitbit devices in 2023, If you’ve been thinking of buying a new fitness tracker, you have a wide selection of options to choose from. Fitbit is a name you’re bound to have heard of, as it’s one of the top brands in the fitness industry, with more than a dozen varieties of fitness trackers and smartwatches to suit different needs.

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With that number of devices to choose from, it’s not hard to see why people might become overwhelmed when choosing between them. Thankfully, there are definitely Fitbits that excel in certain areas, and as such, it’s not too hard to narrow down your choice to find the best Fitbit for you. We’ve done a bit of the for you here by gathering some of the best Fitbit options around, breaking them down, and pointing out what makes them so special..

Before we start, keep in mind that there’s a downside that all Fitbit models share, whether fitness tracker or smartwatch: the Fitbit subscription. While not required, if you want to access the best analysis and breakdowns of your data, you will need to pay for a Fitbit subscription after any free trials have concluded. This isn’t the case with many competitors, including Apple, , and , and it can be a reason to avoid Fitbit for many. But there are still many reasons Fitbit is one of the top fitness-tracking brands around. Here are the best Fitbits for 2023.

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Looking to widen your vision past just Fitbit? We’ve got lists of the best smartwatches, and the best fitness trackers too!

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Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Fitbit Charge 6

The best Fitbit overall

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Why you should buy this: It’s got a bit of everything that makes Fitbit so great.

Who it’s for: Anyone who knows you don’t have to pay a lot to get a great fitness tracker.

Why we picked the Fitbit Charge 6:

Fitbit’s catalog is large and it has models to cover almost every niche, from pure fitness to mental wellness, so finding a great middle ground option that covers all the bases can seem like a challenge. Thankfully, it isn’t, as the Fitbit Charge 6 is simply the best Fitbit overall that you can buy in 2023.

It’s a fitness tracker-style device, so if you’re looking for a smartwatch, this may not be the device for you. However, you should still consider the Charge 6, as it’s one of the most comfortable, nonintrusive wearables you can buy. The 1.04-inch display is an panel, so it has vibrant colors and deep inky blacks, and the performance is swift and snappy. It’s quite similar to the Charge 5, with the exception of the reintroduction of a side button, and a new heart rate sensor, which Fitbit claims is 60% more accurate than previous versions.

The heart rate sensor forms the backbone of Fitbit’s fitness tracking. It’s excellent, as you might have expected. The Charge 6 has over 40 trackable workouts, with a number of those being automatically recognized and tracked. It also tracks sleep, SpO2 levels, and heart rate variability. It has an ECG and EDA (for stress), and it’ll notify you if it notices an irregular or high or low heartbeat rate. It’s a solid, all-in-one suite that offers everything you’re going to need from a fitness tracker.

Its use as a smart device is one of the wearable’s few failings, unfortunately. Setting up notifications involves diving into the app’s settings (which it doesn’t tell you about), and even when enabled, notifications are very unreliable — with notifications not being sent at all on some days. There’s also no local storage for files, which limits how phone-free you’re able to go during workouts.

The best Fitbit devices in 2023

Read More : The best video doorbells for 2023

Thankfully, the battery life is another big win for the Fitbit Charge 6. It lasted almost an entire week before needing charging at 16%, and that figure included sleep tracking every night and six workouts. Granted, that’s also with the always-on display turned off, but the lift-to-wake function is good enough that you probably don’t need that on. If you do turn it on, expect to see the battery life drop.

The best part of all this is the price: The Fitbit Charge 6 costs just $160, making it a very reasonable prospect for a fitness tracker. Granted, it has some downsides, chief of which being its inability to masquerade as a smartwatch, but the upsides make it more than worth it for most people.

fitbit inspire 3 review 7

Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

The best value Fitbit

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Why you should buy this: It’s an excellent “put it on and forget it” fitness tracker, at an amazing price.

Who it’s for: Someone who doesn’t like to be reminded they’re wearing a tracker, and wants one at a great price.

Why we picked the Fitbit Inspire 3:

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a great cheap fitness tracker, but that’s not what makes it amazing. Instead, it’s one of the most subtle, discreet trackers you’ll come across. It shines as a device you can forget about for long periods of time, thanks to its light and comfortable build and 10-day battery life. Yes, 10 days. Combine that with an AMOLED display that’s bright and colorful, and you have a real winner.

Fitness tracking doesn’t let it down, thankfully. The heart rate tracker is reliable and accurate, and so is sleep tracking. There’s no altimeter, which may disappoint the hikers among us, but there’s a relaxation mode that can help you get over that, and it’s great when you’re feeling a little stressed.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a simple device, but that’s what makes it so good. There’s little here to obsess on — you simply put it on and forget about it. Best of all, the rock-bottom price means it’s a tempting device.

fitbit ace 3 review lifestyle images of 4Fitbit

Fitbit Ace 3

The best Fitbit for kids

Why you should buy this: You want a great Fitbit tracker for a child.

Who it’s for: Any active kid.

Why we picked the Fitbit Ace 3:

Kid-friendly fitness trackers are curiously few and far between. It’s curious because there are few people as active as the average child, and if you’re as data-hungry as most of us, you might want to know exactly how active your child is. The Ace 3 is a tracker unit held in a silicone band, and as such, it’s durable and simple to keep clean. it’s also easy to swap in a new strap if your child wants something a bit more grown-up.

In terms of tracking, the Ace 3 is similar to Fitbit’s other fitness trackers, just with some elements turned off for privacy’s sake. The heart rate sensor is turned off, but it has sleep and step tracking, though not much in the way of actual workout tracking. It tracks “active minutes” as a whole though, and it has a swimming mode through the Water Lock setting.

Stats are presented in a fun and engaging way, and the animations that change as steps get closer to the target are a particular hit with younger kids, though older ones may find them childish. Either way, this is an excellent choice if you want a fitness tracker for a child, and it’s available at a fantastic price.

google pixel watch 2 review pocket

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Google Pixel Watch 2

The best Fitbit smartwatch

Why you should buy this: Google’s second go turned out to be a pretty good smartwatch.

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants Fitbit’s fitness suite in a solid smartwatch.

Why we picked the Google Pixel Watch 2:

After a disappointing first act, Google bounced back with the Google Pixel Watch 2. With Fitbit-powered fitness capabilities, the Pixel Watch 2 is an excellent Wear OS smartwatch that more than deserves to be on this list, and should be the first port of call for anyone looking for a Fitbit smartwatch.

The design isn’t a particular high point of the watch, as it seems to straddle the line between fitness tracker and smartwatch. It’s not as attractive or stylish as many smartwatches, but also not as subtle and easy for forget as most trackers. It’s a weird place to find a wearable, and a lot will come down to whether you like the design or not. It’s only available in one size, so it’s worth checking out in person before you buy it.

It’s fast though. The Pixel Watch 2 uses the Snapdragon W5 processor, and it really shows how much Google has learned from the hitches on the original Pixel Watch. While not as quick as some competitors, it’s noticeably faster than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, and it loads apps fast. Battery life has also improved, lasting between 24 and 36 hours on a single, and a full recharge takes less than an hour. That’s longer and faster than Google’s claims, which is a rather nice surprise.

The Pixel Watch 2 has more or less the same fitness and health tracking you’ll find in other current Fitbit devices, including automatic workout tracking, tracking for over 40 exercises, sleep and stress tracking, and heart rate tracking. It’s a comprehensive and complete package, but keep in mind that despite not being a Fitbit-branded device, it still uses Fitbit’s analysis software, and still needs a Fitbit subscription for the most comprehensive breakdowns of data.

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is a good choice if you want a Fitbit smartwatch, and it’s definitely a huge step up from last year’s Pixel Watch. It starts from $349, with the LTE model costing $399.

fitbit sense 2 review 9

Andy Zahn / Digital Trends

The best Fitbit smartwatch runner-up

Why you should buy this: It’s a great all-around smartwatch and fitness tracker from Fitbit.

Who it’s for: Someone who wants a strong best-of-both-worlds approach.

Why we picked the Fitbit Sense 2:

The Fitbit Sense 2 is one of Fitbit’s smartwatch options, and it is an excellent smartwatch by most metrics. It looks classy and elegant, and while the squared design means it won’t pass as a normal watch, it looks good enough that you might not care. It’s comfortable to wear too, and the strap-swapping system is extremely easy to use.

But the meat of any Fitbit device comes from its fitness tracking, and the Sense 2 is not lacking here. It tracks steps and heart rate, as well as your stress levels over time, helping you pinpoint your stress triggers. Also included is an ECG app, as well as comprehensive food and drink tracking too, which makes your health tracking even more accurate. It’s tough and durable and came out of our strenuous test trip without a scratch. Add in a six-day battery life, and you’ve got a winner on your hands.

It’s not perfect, however. The built-in microphone and speaker aren’t great for calls, and it’s certainly on the pricey side as far as these gadgets go. At this price, the Apple Watch SE is a strong competitor, and it’s hard for Fitbit to match that level of support. But even with that in mind, this is an excellent device, and should be high up your list to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best Fitbit for me?

How can you find the best Fitbit for you? It all comes down to your needs. Ask yourself the following questions to find a suitable Fitbit device for your needs.

• What do I need from a fitness tracker?
• Which features are the most important to me?
• Which features are good-to-have, but can be sacrificed to save money?
• How do I plan to use this device? Do I need a waterproof model for swimming?
• What’s my budget for a new fitness tracker?

Once you understand your needs, it becomes easier to compare different Fitbit models and find which one best suits your preferences. While top-end Fitbits tend to excel in a number of areas, sometimes there’s no reason to pay top dollar if a lower-priced option gives you everything you need.

At the end of the day, your choice of Fitbit depends on what you need from a fitness tracker. If you feel stuck, revisit the questions below to understand which features you need, which ones are good to have, and which ones you don’t care about at this time. Hopefully, this will help you to find the best Fitbit device for you.

What are the best Fitbit features for workouts?

If you are a runner or exercise often, there are some features you’ll want to keep an eye out for. These apply whether you’re a professional athlete with years of experience behind you, or a complete newbie still aiming for their first mile.

• GPS (for mapping your route).
• Music player/streaming.
• Step and distance tracking.

Beyond these basics, here are some extra features that make workouts more effective and fun:

• SmartTrack: With SmartTrack, your Fitbit can automatically identify and record your workouts, and track your stats, like workout duration, calories burned, and heart rate zones. This feature is super helpful for users who don’t remember to start tracking, or switch between tracking modes when exercising.
• Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) monitoring: This feature monitors the level of oxygen in your blood, which can add nuance to your workout stats, and detect any respiratory issues.
• Active Zone Minutes (AZM): AZM tracking helps you understand how you are moving, how often, and how intensely. This is great if you want to meet specific activity goals, like having a certain number of active minutes per day.

What are the best Fitbit features for mental health?

While Fitbit devices are most commonly used for fitness tracking, the latest versions have started offering more lifestyle-oriented features for stress management and improving overall well-being.

If you’re in the market for a Fitbit device to help you manage anxiety and stress, here are some mental health-focused features to look out for:

• Stress monitoring: Some Fitbit devices measure stress through electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate variability, and sleep monitoring. These features are key for busy individuals who frequently work in fast-paced environments.
• Guided meditations: Having guided meditations at hand (literally) goes well with stress-monitoring features. Whenever you see your stress score go up, simply check out a meditation or two for relief on the go.
• Music: For many people, music is a huge part of managing their mental health. If this is you, having a robust music player or online streaming on your Fitbit device can really help.

What are the best Fitbit features for casual use?

If you want to use a Fitbit device casually, look for options offering decent features at an affordable price.

Some features to look out for include:

• Step counting
• Workout tracking
• Sleep monitoring
• Heart rate monitoring
• Music functions
•  notifications
• Water-resistance
• Decent battery life

Other semi-advanced “good-to-have” features include:

• On-screen workouts
• Guided meditations
• Stress score
• Voice assistant

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The best video doorbells for 2023

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The best video doorbells for 2023

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The best doorbells of 2023 are being produced by household names like Wyze, , Nest, and Ring. Products from these companies span all budgets and offer a wide range of features — including HD video capture, customizable motion zones, two-way audio, and the ability to save footage for later reference.

While most of the video doorbells available today are up to the task of guarding your front door, some of them are better-equipped than others. For example, some offer head-to-toe resolutions that are ideal for certain porches, while others provide enhanced night vision footage for easier detection.

You also need to consider ongoing costs like monthly subscriptions, as the best video doorbells often cost an additional $3 to $5 per month to access everything they have to offer. And if you’re picking up a battery-powered unit, you’ll want to know how long it’ll last before it needs a recharge.

Below, you’ll find the five best video doorbells of 2023. Be sure to check all the entries before making a purchase, as they each bring something unique to your front door.

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Google Nest Doorbell

overall

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Google didn’t hold back with this Nest video doorbell, which blends practical features into a modern design that’s easy on the eyes. Even better, Nest offers free video history out of the box, which is notable because this sort of feature typically requires users to pay for a subscription service.

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This model is arguably one of the best-designed wireless doorbell options to date, sporting a matte plastic chassis that blends well with any décor. You’ll also be treated to intelligent alerts because the smart doorbell’s 1.3-megapixel security camera features HDR video, night vision, and detection for pets, people, vehicles, and motion. If you’re not able to answer the doorbell, you can select any of the available Quick Responses options through the Google Home app to have the doorbell speak answers to whoever is at the door. A subscription adds more intelligent features, but this model is excellent all on its own thanks to the free hours of video storage, something few models ever offer.

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There is also a wired version of this Nest doorbell, a 2022 model with a smaller design that adds always-one power, which enables extra features like continuous video recording, two-second previews, and more. Both are very good choices, but we’re still favoring the battery model as it’s so easy to install, and the battery lasts for a good three months before needing to recharge.

ring video doorbell 2nd gen 2020 review 2 and mail person

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

Best video doorbell (runner-up)

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a massive update to the original Ring model. The 2020 version is ready for the modern home in every way, while remaining more affordable than elite models with features you may not need.

The main changes to the smart doorbell include an upgrade to 1080p resolution (up from 720p), two-way audio with noise cancellation, and adjustable motion zones that will monitor specific areas to lessen false alerts. You can also set “Privacy Zones” that allow you to exclude areas of the camera’s field of view from recording. Improve the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) with the $50 Solar Charger, which fits over the doorbell to supply it with power — reducing the need to remove the Ring doorbell and recharge its battery.

While the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen) may not offer some high-end qualities found in other cams, like 2K resolution or object recognition, it’s hard to overlook its very affordable price, as well as options like the Solar Charger that other doorbells don’t really offer. However, you will need to sign up for Ring’s security subscription to get any , with the Protect plans starting at $3 per month.

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ring video doorbell pro 2 review angle2

The best video doorbells for 2023

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Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

Best

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The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a substantial improvement not just over its predecessor, but to all video doorbells because it adopts a radar sensor to offer 3D motion detection technology. This model has the ability to tell exactly where it has detected people on your property, thus giving users a bird’s-eye view of their movement across the front door.

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You could say it’s a game-changer, and beyond this new piece of tech, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 Pro also features a 1536p HD live video camera complete with color night vision, wide 150-degree views both on the horizontal and vertical, built-in Alexa greetings, two-way communication, and more. It’s one thing to know who’s at the front door, but it’s also another to know their movements before and after.

The Wyze Video Doorbell v2 installed near a front door.

v2

Best budget video doorbell

Clocking in at less than $50, the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is an incredible deal. It offers 2K video capture, two-way talk, and a generous 166.8-degree field-of-view that allows you to see packages at your doorstep without putting tall guests out of the frame.

One of its most unique features is a built-in card slot that allows you to store footage locally. That makes this product incredibly budget-friendly, as you won’t need to opt for a monthly subscription that offers access to cloud history. You can use a card up to 256GB, and if you don’t want to shop for your own card, you can bundle in a 128GB card for an extra $15.

Wyze also designed the video doorbell to handle extreme weather, with an IP65 rating and operating temperatures ranging from -4 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn’t look quite as premium as the more expensive items on this list, but when it costs less than $50, that’s a minor complaint.

You should also take Wyze’s previous privacy concerns into consideration before making a purchase, but there’s no doubt that frugal shoppers will find much to love about this video doorbell.

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The Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen in the rain.

Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen

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This powerful video doorbell is offered in both 2K and HD models – and aside from video resolution, they’re nearly identical. Both models are loaded with useful features such as two-way audio, weatherproofing, and support for both wired and battery installations.

A big selling point is the video doorbell’s 180-degree field-of-view, which is great for capturing a large section of your porch without cutting off packages at the foot of your door. The 2K model is the most compelling, though the HD model and its $80 price tag is perfect for frugal shoppers.

One minor caveat is that it doesn’t offer color night vision. That’s a minor knock for an otherwise well-rounded product, so be sure to give it consideration if you’re looking to upgrade your video doorbell.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you compare different video doorbells?

Video doorbells have many features in common, including video, alerts, motion detectors, night vision, two-way audio, and more. However, there are a few important specs to compare between models:

• Size: Will the video doorbell fit in the space you have in mind?
• Power: Do you need a doorbell with a battery? How easy is the battery to recharge?
• Resolution: Usually, 1080p/HD is fine for video doorbells, but if you want more, you’ll need to look for a 2K resolution or higher model.
• Storage: Does the video doorbell offer onboard storage? Any room for SD cards? Does it offer cloud storage? Do you have to pay for cloud storage, or do you get it free?
• Detection: Some video doorbells are smarter than others. Newer models may have options to detect faces, cars, pets, and packages. Sometimes these features are free, but often you have to pay for a subscription to enable them.

How do you install a video doorbell?

Video doorbells can be relatively easy to install, especially if it’s battery-powered. All video doorbells are typically installed by fastening a mounting plate to an area near your door, whether that’s around the outside frame or somewhere else nearby. Once you screw the mounting plate into place, most video doorbells are then positioned on them — requiring a special release key to remove the doorbell to recharge it.

However, things can get a bit more complicated if you choose to install a video doorbell to an existing wired connection. Instructions on how to connect the appropriate wires to your doorbell vary, but you may want to hire a professional to ensure that it’s installed properly. The benefit of choosing to go with a wired connection versus a battery-operated model is that you never need to worry about recharging it. If you’re installing a Ring video doorbell, we break down the instructions on how to do it with our guide.

Where can you ?

Video doorbells are extremely popular. If you’ve done your research, you can choose to purchase one online through retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, and Newegg. Some popular consumer electronics stores like Best Buy have some on display to check out in person. You shouldn’t forget about home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes. Those stores can be great places to ask questions about installation specifics.

Or, if you’d like to save a little time and money, we keep an updated list of the best current video doorbell deals you should check out.

Do video doorbells need a subscription?

No, video doorbells don’t need a subscription to work, but a subscription may be particularly important for some models. Subscriptions usually add a few features to doorbells, including:

• Cloud storage: This allows you to save video to the cloud for a certain period of time, where you can view and download it at will. Some plans, like Ring Protect, only add cloud storage if you pay for it. Others expand cloud storage capabilities or make them more useful.
• Better detection options: Subscriptions usually allow for more in-depth detection of faces, cars, packages, and so on. This comes with rich alerts that specify what looks like happened, such as, “It appears a package was just dropped off at your door.”
• More customization: Subscriptions may also add customization options for your alerts, as well as the motion zones that trigger the doorbell.

Is my door large enough for a video doorbell?

First, there are narrow video doorbells, like the Nest Doorbell and similar models, that are designed to fit in narrow spaces. If your doorway has a reasonable amount of trim, that’s often sufficient. Doorbells may come with methods to angle them during installation so they face away from walls.

Second, you don’t have to put a video doorbell right by the door. It can go on a nearby wall or away from the entryway on an exterior wall. You will want to make sure they have some protection from the elements, though. Also, note that some siding is a lot harder to drill into than others (fiber cement. for example), and you’ll want to avoid any potential water damage.

Are video doorbells legal?

Privacy laws vary by state, but you don’t need to worry about using a video doorbell. By their nature, video doorbells are designed to view public entryway places and street sides where there’s no real expectation of privacy. They can’t really be repositioned to spy on neighbors or anything else illegal.

While many video doorbells do allow for two-way communication, they don’t actually record the audio, which is what can trigger privacy laws, so there’s no concern there, either.

Does my video doorbell record all the time?

No. That would be impractical for storage and would quickly wear out battery models. Video doorbells only record when their motion sensors are triggered, and many models have motion zones and other settings you can change so that only certain types of motion will trigger the video. Some models also have a background recording function that allows them to preview the first couple of seconds before the motion sensor is triggered.

How long does a battery on a video doorbell last?

That can depend on how often the doorbell is triggered by motion. In the best-case scenarios, we’ve found doorbells last around three to six months. But a doorbell on a busy street that gets triggered by cars or dog walkers will last far less, and a doorbell watching a long driveway that’s only occasionally used can last much longer.

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