How to Choose a Smart Doorbell Camera?

The smart home is a natural extension of home connectivity and the technology you use to live more comfortably. In contrast, smart doorbell cameras are now catching up in terms of features and capabilities that can be useful for both homeowners and renters.

Smart doorbell cameras are designed to be more easy and accessible than standard doorbell cameras. You may use your phone to remotely answer the door, accept packages, or confirm your kids or guests arrived safely.

Following are the tips to choose a Smart Doorbell Camera:

A smart doorbell camera must have a few fundamental capabilities. So as long as you have a smartphone and a strong signal, you can stay connected. Ultimately, the upgrade features will assist you choose between models and brands.

Connectivity

To stream video from your front porch, your doorbell camera should at least connect to your WiFi and have an easy-to-use interface. Other smart gadgets like smartphones and tablets can link to a single doorbell camera. Look for a doorbell camera that connects you even when you're away. To be present even while miles away, some smarter choices offer you push notifications when the doorbell rings or if your porch is active.

Integration

If you already have a favorite system or assistant for home automation, make sure any new Wi-Fi-enabled devices can connect to it. When your phone isn't nearby, you can get voice alerts from your smart doorbell. Choose a smart doorbell that fits with your existing home system.

Wireless vs. wired

Your front door's wiring capabilities will determine whether you acquire a wired or battery-powered doorbell camera. If you already have electric doorbell wiring on your doorframe or to the side, you may easily install a wired doorbell camera. If you don't have access to wired doorbell cameras, you may need to use battery-powered models.

Wireless doorbell cameras have the potential to run out of battery. Some manufacturers give or recommend rechargeable batteries, however if you want something more practical, you can have your front door wired. A wired doorbell camera eliminates the need for changing batteries, and you never lose front door feeds if they run out of power. There are also battery backups on some wired doorbell cameras.

Night vision

It's important to be able to see at night, especially in the winter when the days are short and the sun sets early. With night vision, you can see what's going on right outside your door, even if someone is trying to sneak up on you.

Look for a doorbell camera with a 180o view, reliable night vision, and easy day/night switching. Front porch or house motion-activated lights may be too bright for night vision. You need a camera that can instantly switch to see in any light.

Interaction

A smart doorbell camera does more than just passively monitor your doorstep. It allows you to answer your front door from anywhere, hence the necessity for two-way audio. With two-way communication, you may greet visitors, direct postal carriers, and direct new dog walkers or house sitters to your concealed key.

Motion Sensing

Motion detection is an essential feature of a doorbell camera. With built-in motion sensors, your doorbell system can notify you to move on your porch without having to view your video stream. A motion-activated camera at your front door may potentially capture wildlife. You can also check if pranksters are “doorbell ditching” before they ring your doorbell.

If you don't want constant warnings due to wind, consider a doorbell camera that can filter out swinging tree branches, pedestrians, and moving lawn decorations. Motion detection can also start recording on some cameras.

Recording Storage: Cloud and Local

The ability to watch recordings afterwards might make or break your choice of doorbell camera. The ability to replay recorded snippets is critical if your property is frequently visited or if packages go missing from your doorway.

Aside from a live video of your front porch, most doorbell camera manufacturers need cloud storage. When you sign up for cloud storage, you may only be given a few alternatives for archiving your recordings. If you want to keep your video for a long time, look for a company that offers monthly rates.

For most folks, 30 days is plenty. Consider storage time carefully. Choose an app with a simple UI that allows you to quickly locate the date and time. If you don't want a monthly subscription, look for a doorbell camera that can record locally. These alternatives include in-camera storage so you may examine previous recordings without a cloud subscription, saving you money on short-term storage.

Installation

There are various easy-to-install DIY doorbell cameras. These are usually battery-operated, but if you're handy, you might be able to wire one yourself. Pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Consider hiring a professional to install a wiring near your front door if you don't already have one. To save money, look for a service which includes installation with the purchase of a doorbell camera. Their local installers are knowledgeable with their products and can get you set up promptly.

Associated Security and Monitoring Products

In certain cases, these doorbell cameras are stand-alone products, not part of a home security system. Other smart home devices like doorbell cameras work together to keep your house safe and secure.

If you plan to add other devices, look for a doorbell camera that works with a comprehensive suite of interconnected home security technologies that were meant to function together. Additional possibilities include Wi-Fi-connected garage door openers, smart locks, outdoor security cameras and other smart home products—along with your preferred smart assistant.