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Best of Wired Video Doorbells for home security
Best of Wired Video Doorbells
Why Choose Wired over Wireless?
In last weeks article I discussed the Best of Wireless Video Doorbells. Today, is a follow up on it’s counterpart. The Best of Wired Video Doorbells.
When choosing between the two (wired vs wireless), it’s not really a “versus” or “competition.” Both can be good or not so good. I write these articles to inform and educate you from my experience and knowledge pertaining to Family Safety Planning and Home Security.
So let’s continue on with this article about The Best Wired Video Doorbell Systems on the market.
Wired systems quite simply are easy to install yourself and replace your current doorbell.
On the other hand, many consumers and homes do not always have a wired doorbell and the cost associated with hiring an electrician to run wires through your walls to install the video doorbell can be pricey.
Also, many consumers see the ease of installation and ability to take the wireless video doorbell system with them when they move. Most wireless systems come with back up battery packs. So you’ll need wifi either way. So, the choice is your’s. They are both good.
1. To Stay Safe and Secure
Smart video doorbells replace your regular doorbell easily. It’s as simple as removing your old doorbell and installing a. You can always hire a professional instead, yet most people can do it themselves and be up and running in less than an hour.
2. You are notified of Suspicious Activities while You’re Away
Reputable Smart Video Doorbells are equipped with security features like motion sensors, cameras, and a remote viewing app. They are used to ensure your home is secure.
Professional installs and premium home security systems can be costly with high monthly fees. With new technology and cheaper pricing, you can piece together your own smart home and video doorbell for a fraction of the cost.
You can keep an eye on your home while your on vacation. You can also keep an eye on mail or packages that are dropped off. Even talking to a visitor is easy.
With these devices, you can even hand over pictures or video to law enforcement if you’re suspicious of your visitors behavior.
3. Convenience
When someone rings the doorbell, you can answer from anywhere in the world, including your home if you’re not up to answering the door. The app sends you a notification when someone is detected in your predesignated zone.
4. They Can Interface with Other Smart Home Products
As you become more comfortable with your video doorbell, you may opt to further enhance the security of your home with indoor and outdoor motion detection lighting and motion detectors inside your home.
The beauty of the video doorbell is that you can connect all your home automation: security cameras inside/outside, thermo, window/door sensors, motion detection, smart door locks, etc. on one app to monitor as you see fit.
5. You Can Communicate with Visitors
Smart Video Doorbells come with two-way audio support and one way visuals. Meaning, you can engage in two way audio communication with your guest. Additionally, you can see them but they cannot see you.
6. Easy to Install
It’s as simple as removing your old doorbell and installing the new one. Most smart video doorbells are easy to install yourself.
If you’re looking to replace your current doorbell, using the wiring from the old doorbell is super simple. Most companies provide you with instructions/tutorial and a video.
Today’s consumers love to see their work in action. That’s why the DIY products have become so popular. Well that and the fact that they save money on professional installation and high prices and fees.
Don’t get Caught up in the Confusion
It can be a very challenging task to choose the best video doorbells with so many on the worldwide market today. My previous article focused on The Best of Wireless Video Doorbells and now we will tackle The Best of Wired Video Doorbells on the market.
With so many experts, all with a different list of Top 5 products, which one should you believe? Which is the best authority? With home security growing at viral rates, it’s time to arm yourself with the knowledge of what’s best for your family safety.
The video doorbells popularity is rising at exponential rates. With literally hundreds of variations of similarity, how do you decide which one is right for you. Just because one is more expensive than the other doesn’t make it the best. Even less expensive models can be good. Ranges in prices from less then $100.00 to almost $500.00, you may find yourself confused and not know which way to turn.
You owe it to yourself to read articles like this and become better informed rather than just taking your neighbors word that “his” is the best because he has one and brags about it.
So, let’s examine what you need to know to choose the best of video doorbells for you and your family.
What does a Video Doorbell Do?
A video doorbell is exactly like you would envision. It is in fact a doorbell with a camera. As you can imagine, it is also much more than just a camera on a doorbell though.
They are smart devices that are wired in to your homes electrical and/or Wifi enabled with motion detection. Audio and video allows you to carry on a two way conversation and one way video of your guest without having to answer your door, via your smart phone.
Here’s how it works
- A doorbell camera connects to your home with the existing doorbell wiring, doorbell chimes, and your home’s WiFi. When someone presses the doorbell, the chime sounds off as a normal doorbell.
- Many doorbell cameras use motion sensors to detect when someone steps into your preset line of sensor sight. This can be prior to reaching the door, ie: curb, edge of drive way, etc. At this point your video camera has begun recording their every step automatically.
- Notification is sent to your smartphone via the WiFi connection, alerting you when motion detection is triggered and begins recording. You can watch a live stream of your guest, their actions, and communicate with them via your video doorbells app.
It’s just that simple.
6 Must have Video Doorbell Features
Motion detection – Video doorbells are paired with a mobile device (smart phone) and the an app that provides notifications, audio and visuals of live feeds.
One of the sensors is an infrared sensor motion detector driven by infrared lights for people or objects within view. Once motion has been detected you are alerted via the app with a mobile notification.
Smart technology allows you to control how sensitive the sensor is to objects within its view to determine whether you get a notification or not.
2. Easy installation
Video doorbells are installed one of two ways. They’re battery operated or they connect to your existing doorbell wiring with no rewiring needed.
Regardless of the installation, the video doorbell shouldn’t be easy to remove due to theft. Most video doorbells are installed with a security screw to avoid tampering.
If the doorbell is removed, most smart doorbells will automatically send a mobile notification alerting the user. Should the unit end up getting stolen some manufacturers will replace it free of charge.
Most video doorbell cameras use infrared lights to show you who’s at your door at night. Infrared lights in some video doorbell cameras show your guest in black and white footage.
With new advancements and for your safety you should only purchase video doorbells with night vision included to clearly without any doubt as to what you are seeing.
Households may have more than one family member who can answer the door. Multi-user functionality gives access to both kids and parents to receive notifications and answer without extra fees.
More popular video doorbells send notifications to the other users when someone answers the doorbell on the family’s behalf. If you’re kids are too young to hand over control of the app too, there are many safe guarded options available to see who’s at the door.
Recording your video doorbell’s day-to-day activity is bound to take up a lot of storage space. The two most common options for storing the doorbell’s photos and videos are cloud storage or a memory card.
Most cloud storage options come with a monthly plan while memory cards are a one-time purchase. In today’s market, you can get storage and video streams saved for a period of time for between $3.00 a month to greater than $100.00 a month. Some give you an annual discount.
This is something to investigate so your needs are met.
Weather conditions can be unpredictable. Weatherproof doorbell cameras with video, in most cases, can withstand heavy rain and humidity, extreme heat above 100 degrees and freezing temperatures.
To get the most for your money, double check to ensure the video doorbell is weather resistant.
Our Top 3 Wired Picks are as follows
Click the Image Above, then on Ring & Ring 2
1. Ring Video Doorbell 2
Price: $199.99
Next-level Security and Convenience That Works on Any Home
- 1080HD wide-angle video
- Instant mobile alerts
- Built-in microphone and speakers
- Adjustable motion sensors
- Infrared night vision
- Live View on-demand video and audio
- Hardwired or battery-powered
- Includes one rechargeable battery pack
- iOS, Android, Mac and Windows 10 compatibility
The Next Generation of Video Doorbells
Watch over your home in crystal-clear 1080HD video, and see, hear and speak to visitors from anywhere. With instant mobile alerts and two-way talk, you can answer the door from your smartphone, tablet and PC.
Smart Security for Every Home
Video Doorbell 2 works on any home and includes a quick-release rechargeable battery, so you can charge your Doorbell without removing the device. Get two battery packs, and you’ll never worry about power.
For Every Home
Ring Video Doorbell 2 comes with two interchangeable face plates, so you can pick a color that matches your home and your style. Choose from Venetian Bronze or Satin Nickel.
Click the above Image. Then click on Nest
Click on image above
3. Ring Wi-Fi Video Doorbell – Original
Price: $169.00 with professional Installation & training included
See, Hear, and Speak With Visitors From Anywhere
- Mobile Access
- Wi-Fi Connected
- Two-Way Talk
- Night Vision
- Motion Detection
- HD Camera
- Certified For Outdoor Usage
- Lifetime Purchase Protection
- Ring Wedge and Corner Kits are available for better view and to improved motion detection
The Ring™ Video Doorbell connects to your home Wi-Fi network and sends real-time notifications to your smart phone or tablet when someone is at your door. Using our free Ring App which is available for Apple, Android, and Windows 10 devices, you can see an HD Video stream of the person at your door and speak to them using two-way audio communication. Also available in Antique Brass, Polished Brass, and Venetian Bronze
Let’s Wrap it Up
So there you have it. You have seen the top 3 best of wireless video doorbells in the last article and as promised, here is a follow up to show you the top 3 best of wired video doorbells. Ironically, 2 of the 3 rate in both articles. These are wired and can operate as wireless too. So, if your power goes out or is cut by a burglar, you still have protection. I have been very satisfied with my Ring 2 Video Doorbell. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of the top three.
Imagine…
Imagine being able to monitor your homes security and safety of your family on your smart phone. Imagine, being notified of trespassers, potential robbers, prior to them reaching your doorstep. The peace of mind that a video doorbell embeds in your family is immeasurable.
It’s time to get a video doorbell. Take advantage of the benefits to your loved ones. Setting your scope of visual abilities, being notified when someone comes to your home.
You’ll be better prepared for the worse if necessary and have the authorities on their way prior to something bad happening.
I hope you have enjoyed reading along. Please leave your feedback in the comments area.
6 Comments
Gabrielle Field
Great information. Like the idea of wireless in case the power goes out. Good information in your reviews as well, noting price too. I appreciate the work that you did on this. Nice page set up as well.
Brian
Thanks for reading and finding some benefit. We rarely think of our front door as the entryway of all good (and bad). Video doorbells offer the opportunity to spot trouble as it’s brewing, so to speak.
Nice comment,
Thanks.
U. Wjtera
Hey Brian,
I feel like the Ring Wi-Fi Video Doorbell – Original would be sufficient for my use. It’s got the basic features like Mobile Access; obviously it has to be Wi-Fi Connected; could it be other than two-Way Talk; for sure Night Vision and definitely Motion Detection. I feel like for now, those features would work for me.
I do like to keep up with the features though in case there is something additional I would need and this blog fits that need.
Best,
Wjtera
Brian
Thanks for your comment. Yes, many people like the Ring Original. It’s flexible, wired/wireless, connects via wifi, and the talk feature can be used like an intercom or muted-so no one hears you.
I like the ability to stretch my motion detection out to the curb. That way I know when someone is coming, rather than wait for the doorbell. FYI, the ring VD2 has more features. However, the Ring VD3 and 3+ is even better coming out April 8th. All these decisions lol.
Thanks again!
Ricky Gordon
Great info for helping me decide about purchasing one of these type of wireless doorbells.
Thanks Rick
Brian
Thanks for your comment Rick. Which one are you thinking about?
Brian