Video Doorbell vs Security Camera, Which Is Right for You?

Video doorbell vs security camera, which one is better? If you live in a single-family home with a front door, you may be considering either a video doorbell or a security camera to improve your home security. Indeed, these devices offer improved video quality and security, making them the ideal alternative for home monitoring. As an effective security solution, video doorbells and security cameras share some common features, while at the same time, they are different in many ways.

In this post, we'll compare video doorbells and security cameras so that you can quickly learn the differences between them and get the one that's right for you. Just keep reading.

Video Doorbell vs Security Camera: Unveiling the Differences
Video doorbells and security cameras are both important home security devices. They have some common features such as motion detection, 2-way audio, and night vision to help you keep an eye on your property. However, there are several key differences between the two types of devices, including daily uses, field of view, installation, cost, and so on. If you're unsure which you should get, let's unveil the differences together.

Everyday Use Situations

Although video doorbells can also be considered as a type of security camera, they are designed for different application scenarios. For example, video doorbells are primarily used to monitor the front door of a home or building. After a visitor rings the doorbell, you can hear the chime inside the house and see who the person is on your smartphone or on the video doorbell's display, and then decide whether to go to the door and greet them.

Security cameras, on the other hand, are designed to provide comprehensive surveillance of your property. They can be installed in various locations around your home or building, such as backyards, driveways, and other outdoor areas.

• For apartment dwellers, video doorbells are suitable for monitoring the front door and greeting customers.
• For owners of a single house, security cameras are better suited for comprehensive property surveillance and intruder detection.

Device Installation

Video doorbells are typically installed near the front door while security cameras can be installed in a variety of hard-to-reach locations or even some hidden places, such as on-the-wall corners. What is more, as for installation complexity, most video doorbells can be installed by simply mounting them to your door frame with only a few screws. However, security cameras may require more advanced installation, such as running wires.

Compared with security cameras, video doorbells are easier to install, and you can even do it yourself. However, if you'd prefer to have the video doorbell installation done by professionals, whether it's cameras or doorbells, you can get help from specialized installers.

Video Coverage

Due to the location and angle of the installation, video doorbells and security cameras have different coverage areas.

Video doorbells typically have a narrower field of view than security cameras, as they are designed to focus on the area around the front door, typically around 100-120 degrees. Security cameras, on the other hand, can have a wider field of view, typically around 180-360 degrees, and may be able to capture footage of larger areas. Besides, some security cameras may offer a zoom feature, allowing you to zoom in on a specific part of a video.

Overall, video doorbells can only monitor the area around the front door, while security cameras are designed for more comprehensive surveillance of larger areas. 

Detection Function

Basically, both security cameras and doorbells have motion detection, and sound detection, which can trigger recordings and alerts to inform you what is happening outside your door, even if you're not at home.

In addition, they also have special features. Video doorbells may have package detection features that can trigger alerts when a package is delivered or removed from the doorstep. Some advanced security cameras may use AI to analyze video footage and detect anomalies or potential threats. This can include identifying unusual behavior or objects in the footage and triggering alerts or actions based on this information.

When comparing doorbell security cameras to surveillance cameras, the latter is typically more advanced in terms of its detection capabilities, with features like AI-powered detection.

Video Quality

In addition to the above differences, security cameras and video doorbells also differ in the video quality that they provide.

The recording of video doorbells typically has a lower resolution than security cameras. This is because video doorbells need to be small and compact enough to fit on a door frame, while security cameras can be larger and more powerful. But both video doorbells and security cameras feature night vision, allowing them to capture clear footage even in low-light conditions.

In comparison, security cameras are often more advanced in terms of their video quality than video doorbells, as they are designed for more comprehensive surveillance applications.

Price

Security cameras and video doorbells are both excellent solutions to boost your home security. However, in terms of pricing, video doorbells are generally less expensive than security cameras.

Basic video doorbells with limited features may be available for as little as $50, while more advanced models with features like HD video, night vision, and motion detection can cost upwards of $200.

On the other hand, security cameras can range in price from around $50 for basic models up to $500 for high-end systems with advanced features like facial recognition and AI-powered detection.

But overall, prices differ for different brands and models. Before purchasing, it's always a good idea to scrutinize the specifications and features, and compare them with other products to find the option that best meets your needs and budget.

Video Doorbell vs Security Camera: Advantages and Disadvantages

With the above information, you must be exclaiming that video doorbells and security cameras really differ in many ways, such as price, installation, and video coverage. To help you easily grasp the key information, we've listed the pros & cons concisely below.

All in all, both video doorbells and security cameras have advantages and disadvantages, and the best way to decide which one is right for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're on a budget, it's perfectly fine to buy both of them, which will help you build a more secure home.

Top-Recommended Video Doorbell and Security Camera Options

Based on the comparison table provided earlier, I assume you have already come to a decision regarding which one to choose, a video doorbell or a security camera. However, if you find yourself overwhelmed by the numerous brands and products on the market, here are the two top recommendations tailored for you.

S330 Wired Video Doorbell - Best Delivery Guard

The eufy S330 Wired Video Doorbell offers a variety of features such as facial recognition, human detection, and package detection. When your package arrives, it can serve as a delivery guard and send you pick-up reminders.

It also has a 2K with HDR camera that provides clear video footage even in low light conditions. And compared to single-camera doorbells, its dual-cam technology offers a relatively larger view of your porch. Even better, its built-in two-way audio can help you communicate in real-time with anyone in the coverage area.

eufy S230 SoloCam Security Camera - Solar Power Charged

The eufy S230 SoloCam Security Camera is a wireless, solar-powered charged security camera that charges itself so you never have to worry about changing batteries. It offers 2K resolution video recording with two-way audio to help you capture every event and communicate with people. Besides, the camera has a built-in spotlight that can be used to illuminate your front porch at night, while the color night vision picks up details in the dark up to 8 meters away.

In addition, one of its standout features is its advanced AI person detection, which allows it to distinguish between humans and other objects. And it's weather-resistant, with an IP67 rating, so you can install it outdoors without having to worry about it getting damaged by rain or snow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article has explored the key information on video doorbells vs security cameras. Both of them are great tools to improve your home security. And whether you should get a video doorbell or a security camera is based on your specific needs and budget.

A video doorbell may be the better choice if you are looking for a device that is easy to install and use, which can monitor activity at your front door and communicate with visitors. If you are looking for a device that can provide more coverage for your home and has more advanced features, then a security camera system may be right for you.

FAQ

Is a security camera better than a Ring doorbell?

The choice between a video doorbell vs a security camera depends on your needs. If you require broader surveillance covering multiple areas, a security camera might be better suited due to its wider range and flexibility. However, if you're focused on monitoring your front door and gaining the additional functionality of a doorbell, a video doorbell would be more appropriate.

Can I use a doorbell camera as a security camera?

Yes, a doorbell camera can be used as a security camera. Doorbell cameras like the Video Doorbell S330 provide video surveillance, motion detection, and two-way audio for monitoring your entryway. While primarily designed for front-door use, they're effective for enhancing overall home security, especially when integrated with other cameras in a system.