Installing a video doorbell is a quick and easy way to add smart security to your home. These devices let you answer the door from anywhere via your phone, and double as motion detectors and security cameras. Amazon-owned Ring dominates the market, but alternatives from Blink, Swann, Eufy, and Philips Hue offer unique features like integrated voice assistants, parcel monitoring, or smart lighting integration.
Video doorbells can be wired, battery-powered, or solar-powered, and all connect to your home Wi-Fi. Some store footage locally on a microSD card, while others use cloud storage, often with a monthly fee. Basic models alert you to motion or a visitor pressing the button; pricier options include AI-enhanced alerts, radar tracking, and dual cameras.
Choosing the best doorbell depends on your budget and existing smart home setup. If you already have a Ring, Yale, or Eufy alarm system, sticking with that brand is advisable. For those on a tight budget, Blink’s doorbell offers local or cloud storage. The Eufy E340, priced at around £160, is a strong rival to Ring, featuring two cameras: one for visitors and a second to monitor parcels. However, the parcel detection is limited to rectangular packages over 10 inches long, and the system may send false alerts, such as when a courier walks away.
Eufy’s familiar faces feature recognises regular visitors, but still sends motion alerts for known faces, which can be annoying. Battery life on the E340 lasts about three months without motion detection, but less with frequent recording. The Eufy app has been criticised for poor translations and bugs, but the hardware remains high-quality. For a comprehensive list of top video doorbells for 2025, see our expert tests.
