Video doorbells have become essential for many homeowners, offering real-time video feeds and alerts straight to your smartphone, allowing you to keep an eye on your front door from anywhere. Thankfully, plenty of cheap doorbells today come packed with features once reserved for high-end models.
If you're looking for an affordable video doorbell to monitor your home's entrance remotely, we're here to help. In this guide, we've compiled a list of 5 best cheap video doorbells of 2024 and discussed key features to consider when choosing a budget-friendly video doorbell to meet your needs. Read on to make an informed decision.
Best Cheap Video Doorbell Recommendations 2024
The market of 2024 offers a range of budget-friendly options that don't skimp on quality or features. Here's a closer look at five of the best cheap video doorbells that deliver exceptional value and performance:
eufy Video Doorbell C210
Priced at $99.99, the eufy Video Doorbell C210 delivers a clear, Full HD view of your doorstep with a 1080p resolution. Thanks to its advanced Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and a 4:3 aspect ratio, you'll receive a color-accurate, head-to-toe image of anyone who approaches your front door. The on-device AI technology is designed to detect human presence accurately, reducing false alerts and ensuring you receive notifications only when they matter.
This battery-powered cheap doorbell supports clear two-way audio, allowing you to communicate directly with anyone at your door. With its slim design and easy setup, the C210 is not only user-friendly but also operates up to 120 days on a single charge, thanks to its efficient, low-power connection with the included Wi-Fi chime. Moreover, it requires no subscription. The footage recorded is stored locally on the Wi-Fi chime via advanced encryption.
eufy Video Doorbell S220 Add-on
For those who desire a bit more clarity and functionality, the eufy Video Doorbell S220 Add-on is available for $124.99. It features a built-in Sony 2K sensor and a professional-grade lens that offers 2.5 times the clarity of standard HD cameras, providing unmatched sharpness and detail. The S220's increased 4:3 aspect ratio enhances the field of view, giving you a complete head-to-toe image of visitors and ensuring the best viewing angle.
Like the C210, this model is equipped with smart human detection technology that sends alerts only for human movements, enhancing the efficiency of your home security system. It also offers dual power options—operate it either from a single charge lasting up to six months or connect it directly to a power supply for uninterrupted service. Additionally, the real-time two-way audio feature allows seamless communication with visitors anytime.
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (1st Gen)
The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (1st Gen) is an excellent option for those seeking both value and performance. Priced at just $72.99, this cheapest video doorbell is easy to set up and recharge, offering a long-lasting battery for continuous front door coverage. It features a 180-degree wide field view, allowing you to see visitors from head to toe or spot a package left on the ground.
The 1080p HD video quality with HDR ensures every detail is captured clearly, even in varying lighting conditions. Arlo's unique Foresight technology captures video before motion is detected, ensuring you never miss a moment. Additionally, this doorbell allows for quick responses with two-way audio or pre-recorded messages for times when you're too busy to answer directly.
Reolink Video Doorbell PoE Camera
For those looking for a high-definition budget video doorbell, the Reolink Video Doorbell PoE Camera offers exceptional clarity with its 5MP Super HD imaging and 180° diagonal field of view. At $99.99, this model includes a 15° wedge kit to optimize viewing angles and incorporates advanced HDR and 3D DNR technologies to produce sharp, detailed images under various lighting conditions.
The included Chime V2 enhances visitor notifications throughout your home and offers customizable tones. Its Power over Ethernet (PoE) setup provides a reliable, wired connection, ensuring stability and continuous recording, even if the internet goes down. This video doorbell also features flexible storage options and versatile software without the need for a monthly subscription, making it a cost-effective choice for comprehensive home security.
Blink Video Doorbell + Sync Module 2
The Blink Video Doorbell + Sync Module 2, available at a competitive price of $69.99, is designed to offer seamless home security integration. This cheapest doorbell camera enables you to answer your door from anywhere using your smartphone, with crisp 1080p HD video during the day and infrared capabilities at night. It boasts up to two years of battery life and allows for extensive customization through alerts, privacy settings, and more.
The Blink doorbell can store video clips either in the cloud with a free 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plan or locally with an additional USB drive connected to the included Sync Module 2. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with Alexa, enhancing your smart home ecosystem with features such as live view, two-way talk, and motion alerts.
What to Look for When Choosing Cheap Video Doorbells
When selecting a budget-friendly video doorbell, it's essential to balance cost with functionality to ensure you are not compromising key features for price. Here are the critical aspects to consider:
- Video Quality:High-definition video is crucial for clearly identifying who is at your door. Look for video doorbells that offer at least 1080p resolution. Some models also provide HDR (High Dynamic Range) capabilities, which help maintain clarity in varied lighting conditions, such as bright sunlight or shadows.
- Field of View:A wider field of view is preferable as it allows you to see more of your porch and surroundings. Ideally, your video doorbell should have at least a 120-degree field of view, with some models offering up to 180 degrees, which ensures a comprehensive view from head to toe or a package on the ground.
- Night Vision:This feature is vital for all security cameras, including video doorbells. Ensure the doorbell you choose has effective night vision to keep your doorstep secure even in complete darkness. Infrared night vision is commonly used, providing clear black and white images during the night.
- Power Options:Depending on your setup, you may prefer a battery-powered or a hardwired doorbell. Battery-powered models offer easier installation and can be placed anywhere but require charging. Hardwired options, on the other hand, are more reliable as they don't depend on batteries, though installation can be more complex.
- Smart Features:Look for doorbells with smart features such as motion detection, real-time alerts, and two-way audio. These features allow you to receive instant notifications on your smartphone when someone approaches your door and communicate with them directly. AI-powered features like human detection can also reduce false alarms by differentiating between people and objects.
- Storage Options:Video storage is another important consideration. Decide whether you prefer cloud storage or local storage. Cloud storage often requires a monthly fee but provides easy access to your video history from anywhere. Alternatively, many cheap video doorbells offer local storage through a microSD card or connected system, which can avoid ongoing costs.
- Ease of Installation and Use:Finally, ensure that the video doorbell is easy to install and use. Wireless models are generally simpler to set up as they don't require wiring, while wired models might need professional installation. Additionally, the associated app should be user-friendly, allowing easy configuration and access to video feeds.
Conclusion
Choosing the right video doorbell doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune. Throughout this guide, we've highlighted some of the top cheap video doorbells available in 2024, from the battery powered eufy Video Doorbell C210 to the eufy Video Doorbell S220 with 2K clarity. By focusing on essential features like video quality, motion detection, and ease of installation, you can find a cheap video doorbell that doesn't compromise on quality. So, select the model that best fits your requirements and step into a safer, smarter home environment.
FAQ
Can cheapest video doorbells integrate well with other smart home devices?
Yes, many of the cheapest video doorbells can integrate well with other smart home devices. They often support basic connectivity with popular smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to create integrated smart home setups. However, the extent of integration and available features might be more limited compared to higher-end models.
What are the security implications of installing a budget video doorbell?
While budget video doorbells offer many benefits, it's crucial to consider potential security risks. Lower-cost models might lack advanced security features like encryption and two-factor authentication, potentially making them more susceptible to hacking. Additionally, the quality of video and audio might not be as reliable, which could affect the effectiveness of the doorbell in identifying visitors or intruders.
Do doorbell cameras work without internet?
Most video doorbells require an internet connection to send live video feeds and notifications to your smartphone. However, PoE (Power over Ethernet) doorbell cameras do not require WiFi as they can receive data over the Ethernet cable. Additionally, doorbell cameras with local recording capabilities can store video directly to a microSD card, allowing them to continue recording when the internet is unavailable.