Best WiFi Doorbells 2018

WiFi doorbells, also known as video, smart, or wireless doorbells, can let you answer your door remotely. Check who’s visiting by popping on your connected app and talk to the visitor, even if you aren’t at home. The best WiFi doorbells give you the opportunity to feel a bit safer knowing who’s coming and going, whether or not you’re at home.

Our review of the best smart doorbells includes the two biggest names in the industry: SkyBell HD and Ring Video Doorbell. Reviewers and customers have consistently compared these two leaders. With so many similar features and some additional benefits that each do well on their own, you might find it difficult to choose which of these best video doorbells is the right one for your home. Our thorough comparison will hopefully help you come to a decision. Let’s get started!

SkyBell HD WiFi Doorbell Review

If you search the web for the best wireless doorbells, the name “SkyBell” will usually pop up. This smart doorbell is truly smart, offering both incredible convenience and protection for your home. Its performance and ease-of-use make the SkyBell HD one of the best on the market, and one you certainly should consider purchasing for your home.

Features

• 1080P HD camera with night vision
• Two-way communication capabilities
• Motion sensor alerts and live recording
• Free video recording playback
• Works with either SkyBell HD or Alarm.com mobile apps
• Free replacement of stolen device

What Makes It Different?

The SkyBell HD is more than just a doorbell. It’s a security camera, a communication system, and a gadget that makes your life easier all-around. SkyBell HD has built-in motion detection that alerts you via the mobile app when someone is within range of the motion detection. So, if a delivery person drops off a package, you’ll receive an alert notifying you that he’s there. You can choose to communicate with the delivery person via the two-way communication system, or just watch him leave the package with the HD video.

The primary benefit SkyBell HD has going for it is its free video recording and playback, making it an excellent choice for people who want additional security from their smart doorbell. Not only can you watch video live with the connected app, but you can also let your SkyBell HD record video all day while you’re out of the home and review the footage later. This feature can even bring you some peace of mind when you’re away from home, whether you went on a quick errand run or are in a different state on vacation for a week.

SkyBell HD also integrates with several other devices, like your Nest thermostat or camera system, Amazon Echo, and Kwikset remote locks. Each integration can provide additional security and convenience. For example, you can connect your remote locks to your SkyBell HD and get alerts when someone is at your door awaiting entrance. If you’re running late from work and your child just got home from school, you can grant her entry remotely using your SkyBell HD that’s connected to your Kwikset remote lock.

Potential Drawbacks

Although the SkyBell HD claims to offer a simple installation process, many customers state that their doorbells were very tricky to install. To be fair, this can be an issue with most WiFi doorbells, since you’ll need to connect electric wires to power them unless they’re battery-powered.

When it comes to other potential drawbacks, it’s difficult to find much with the SkyBell HD that may make you reconsider your purchase decision. One feature that might be an issue for some, though, is that SkyBell HD only allows video playback for up to seven days. So, if you recently came back from a two-week vacation and a neighbor told you there was some suspicious activity during your time away, you might have already missed your window to review any footage of the day in question.

Verdict

The SkyBell HD is an affordable unit that doesn’t require anything else but itself to set up for your home. But, you have the option to connect your doorbell to various other smart devices in your home for all-around protection and convenience. With its additional benefit of free video recording up to seven days, the SkyBell HD can give you incredible peace of mind for your family’s security.

The SkyBell HD may be challenging for some to install, so this is a drawback that should be taken into consideration before purchasing. However, SkyBell provides several ways for you to contact customer service, should you experience any issues during installation. Your SkyBell HD is even covered by the company in the event of theft, keeping your investment safe.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro Review

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro is one of Ring’s most popular products, offering a balance between a smart doorbell and a security system. When connected with Ring’s security cameras, you can create a full security system at a fraction of the cost of a professional system, and you can typically install it yourself. But, even without additional cameras, the Ring doorbell can make you feel safer whether you’re in or out of the home.

This model is one of four current models from Ring, and the one with the second-highest cost. For a bit higher price over the budget models, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro provides advanced motion detection and human detection and more faceplate color options.

• Slim design helps the Ring Video Doorbell Pro fit the style of more homes
• Four interchangeable faceplates
• Two-way communication capabilities
• HD video with motion detection and infrared night vision
• Customizable motion detection zones
• App works with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices
• Free replacement of equipment in the event of theft

What Makes It Different?

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro offers many of the essential features that you’d expect from the best smart doorbells, including motion detection, two-way communication, and High-Definition video. But, Ring’s simple installation might win you over. Similar to SkyBell and many other smart doorbells, this Ring model is hardwired, which means you’ll have some wire work to do. But, most customers state that the included diagrams and instructions are all they needed to get it set up and running smoothly.

Additionally, this WiFi doorbell has customizable motion detection zones, rather than standard motion detection. Using the connected app, you can choose what areas of your porch or yard you want to target, and Ring will send you an alert when it detects motion in those areas. You can also use the feature to help your system avoid false motion detection alerts in high-traffic areas, roads, etc. You can connect your Ring Video Doorbell Pro to other Ring security cameras to create a custom security blueprint for your home, or do so with the doorbell by itself.

Potential Drawbacks

One of the most significant drawbacks of the Ring Video Doorbell Pro is its price tag. This unit is quite a bit more than the SkyBell HD but doesn’t necessarily provide more features that would warrant the big price jump.

If the cost of the unit isn’t a concern for you, the subscription fee for video recording might be. While other smart doorbells record video for future playback for free, Ring charges you for it as part of its Protect Plan. Protect Basic costs $30 per year for one Ring camera. To get the feature on all Ring doorbells and cameras in your home, you’ll pay $100 per year. Unfortunately, this subscription can be quite costly when you consider the full cost you’ll pay for your subscription and all Ring devices you want to install in your home.

Verdict

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro will cost you more than other similar doorbells for the unit alone. Then, you’ll need to take into consideration the cost of video recording with a Protect Plan to decide if the full price of the system is worth the money for you. But, Ring’s advanced motion detection might be a beneficial feature that makes this doorbell the best option for you. If you tend to get a lot of false motion detection alerts from people walking along the sidewalk or your dog playing in the yard, this feature is one that can aid the helpfulness of your smart doorbell.

What’s the Best WiFi Doorbell?

Both of these doorbells are ones that we’d be happy to call “Best WiFi Doorbells,” but we’re going to call the winner the SkyBell HD WiFi Doorbell. For a more affordable price over the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, you end up with one of the most reliable gadgets to protect your home and make answering your door as safe and convenient as possible, no matter where you are.

With the SkyBell HD’s ability to integrate with several other home devices, including remote locking systems, this doorbell transforms from a simple doorbell into an all-around security device for your home. Your SkyBell HD also comes with free cloud storage that can hold up to seven days of video for the ultimate feeling of security.