Our households have become increasingly smart in recent years. Whether lighting, surveillance cameras or sound systems – the majority of domestic electronics are now part of the home network. Video doorbells are also becoming increasingly popular. The reason for this is obvious. Whereas a few years ago you had to pay a huge amount of money for a doorbell with a separate display, integrated camera and intercom function, today they are much cheaper. This is mainly due to the fact that they can be conveniently put into operation via the wireless network. What’s more, you can use your own smartphone as a display, allowing you to keep an eye on your entrance area anytime and anywhere. Would you also like to buy a new doorbell soon and are wondering which is the best video doorbell 2024? We’ll help you with your purchase decision.
The best video doorbell: questions to ask before buying
If you take a look at the video doorbell market, you may quickly be overwhelmed. This is not surprising given the large selection. This makes it all the more important to keep a few key points in mind that you should definitely pay attention to when buying. We have listed a few points that we think are particularly important when it comes to making a purchase decision.
Installation and ease of use
Of course, ease of use comes first. You can feel how good this is right from the start. Are the operating and installation instructions clear and easy to understand or do they pose a major challenge for non-experts? What about the installation? You should pay particular attention to the complexity of the installation if you consider yourself more of a layman when connecting electronic devices. However, ease of use plays a major role even after installation is complete.
Is it easy to establish a connection between your smartphone and the video doorbell? Is the connection stable or are there contact interruptions? Of course, a good, constant connection between your smartphone and video doorbell is only useful if the app control itself is not a problem. A clear layout of the app is not the only thing that matters here. The range of functions and setting options should also be sufficient for you personally.
Saving recordings
Experience has shown that you don’t just access the current surveillance image via the app. Previously saved recordings can also be played back here. This raises the question of which storage method is used. Does the system rely on a local storage option with an SD card or do you have to use a paid cloud? Both certainly have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want to be particularly secure in terms of data protection and save costs, you generally prefer local storage. On the other hand, saving via the cloud usually offers greater ease of use.
Hardware
Of course, the technology under the hood of the video doorbell should not be forgotten. The quality of the camera, microphone and loudspeaker is particularly important. The camera lens should not only offer a high resolution. A wide viewing angle is also important. This allows you to recognize your visitor from head to toe, even if they are standing right in front of your door. With a video doorbell, it is also important to add an infrared sensor (IR sensor) to enable night vision in black and white. With the right lighting, night vision is even possible in color with some models. A microphone and loudspeaker ensure a reliable intercom function, allowing you to communicate with the person at your door.
Software
The software of smart home gadgets now plays just as important a role as the hardware. A modern video doorbell relies on extensive analysis and processing of the moving images. Artificial intelligence is used to evaluate the video recordings in real time. If the whole thing works well, you get features such as motion detection. In the best case scenario, this even distinguishes between people, animals and objects.
So you always know whether it’s really worth looking at the real-time image when you receive a notification. The option to set blind zones is also important. If there is movement in the defined area, it will not be registered by the camera. Recordings are also not made in this area. This not only protects the privacy of passers-by and your neighbors. You also protect yourself from constant notifications, which can be quite annoying over time.
Power connection or battery?
One of the most important questions you should ask yourself concerns the power supply for the video doorbell. While some models come with a rechargeable battery, others require an active power supply. Apart from this, there are also smart doorbells that make both possible. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. While a rechargeable battery naturally provides significantly more flexibility and simpler installation, a smart doorbell with an active power supply saves you having to recharge the battery regularly.
The best video doorbell: our test models
As part of our test reports, we have already been able to take a close look at several video doorbells from various manufacturers. We noticed some significant differences between the models. The following order has nothing to do with our personal ranking, but is based on the chronology of the test reports.
Gigaset Smart Doorbell ONE X: Smart doorbell made in Germany
The Gigaset Smart Doorbell One X is the only video doorbell in our test series that comes from Germany. It won a Silver Award in our test report. However, before briefly analyzing the quality of the doorbell, we unfortunately have to issue a clear purchase warning. In the fall of 2023, Gigaset made it public that it was bankrupt. You should never buy a smart home gadget from an insolvent company. The future is too uncertain, as is future support with software and security updates. However, bargain hunters could find something to eat here. The products of insolvent companies are usually significantly reduced in price.
Our opinion
In the extensive test, the smart doorbell proves to be a good upgrade for all those who want to replace their classic doorbell with something more contemporary. It scores with solid camera quality both day and night. However, you shouldn’t expect miracles here. It has difficulties with external light sources, especially in the dark. These result in a blurred image. The intercom function proves to be extremely helpful thanks to the good microphone and loudspeaker. Friends of high data protection standards will also be pleased that the recorded videos are not sent across the pond, but are stored in encrypted form on German servers.
I also find the interaction with Gigaset’s own household gadgets and the smart locks from Nuki exciting and helpful. On the other hand, I have to complain about the WiFi standard, which is unfortunately no longer quite up to date with only 2.4 GHz. The original RRP of 170 euros in 2024 would be very overpriced in view of the competition, some of which is much cheaper. However, Gigaset has now slashed the price considerably. At a price of now 79.99 euros, I think the smart doorbell from Gigaset is definitely worth a look. In view of the insolvency, we can probably expect a further price reduction in the future.
Our rating
- Installation and ease of use (9/10)
- Storage of recordings (8/10)
- Hardware (6/10)
- Software (9/10)
- Price-performance ratio (9/10)
Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell: Success without a subscription model?
The Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell also won a Silver Award in our test. The smart video doorbell has a really great unique selling point. When it comes to video storage, Netatmo does not charge its customers any follow-up costs. This applies to both local storage and storage in the cloud.
Our opinion
The Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell sets itself apart from other manufacturers’ models in one key respect. Unlike other smart doorbells, it offers its full range of functions without any follow-up costs. You don’t have to pay a monthly subscription if you want to view past video recordings. You can access the recordings stored locally on microSD at any time via the app. The doorbell also appeals to my taste with its modern, elegant and slightly different design. It not only looks good, but also feels good, which is due to the high quality of workmanship. Furthermore, installation and setup via the app is quick and easy. The existing chime can be used, which allows the system to function even in the event of a power failure. The quality of the camera and intercom function cannot be faulted either.
Both recognizability and intelligibility are at a high level. The algorithm also plays along and provides reliable information about person recognition. I particularly like the unusual aspect ratio of 9:16 – it makes it easy to recognize even tall people. There is probably some catching up to do in terms of automation and setting options. Cooperation with other smart household gadgets is usually much more versatile with other smart doorbells. On top of this, essential things such as the volume of the loudspeaker or blocking times for the chime cannot be activated. The information on data protection and corresponding setting options are also more rudimentary than appropriate. Whether this bothers you in practice is up to you. If this is not the case, you get a stylish, high-quality and useful smart doorbell for an RRP of 299.99 euros.
Our rating
- Installation and ease of use (9/10)
- Storage of video recordings (10/10)
- Hardware (9/10)
- Software (7/10)
- Price-performance ratio (7/10)
Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4: Extra flexibility
Can’t or don’t want to decide whether you want to use a smart video doorbell with a power connection or one with a rechargeable battery? The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 proves that this decision doesn’t always have to be necessary. After all, it can be powered by batteries as well as by bell wire. There is also a practical chime included in the scope of delivery. In our extensive test, it therefore deserved its Gold Award.
Our opinion
Aqara manages to stand out in the now dense jungle of smart doorbells. This starts with a pleasingly comprehensive scope of delivery, which even includes a suitable chime module for the user. The manufacturer also gives the customer plenty of freedom of choice. Not only can you decide whether you want to use battery or electric operation. The company also gives you the choice between cloud storage for a fee or free SD storage. There’s not much to complain about when it comes to the smart home either. You have many different setting options and automations within the Aqara app. The manufacturer’s alarm function with a 95 dB siren and facial recognition are real selling points. We also really like the quality of the camera and intercom system. Unfortunately, where there is light, there are often shadows.
The Smart Video Doorbell G4 is no different. Let’s start with the camera’s field of view. This may be quite large at 160° in total. However, the manufacturer concentrates on the horizontal and disregards the vertical. As a result, you have to mount the camera quite high in order to be able to recognize tall people. At first glance, this can look a little strange and, among other things, make it difficult for small children to reach the bell button. Another thing that will annoy some people is the fact that the old chime of an existing doorbell can no longer be used. Fortunately, the enclosed chime also works if the Internet goes on strike. When criticizing the bell, it is important to keep in mind that it is available at a fair RRP of 119.00 euros.
Our rating
- Installation and ease of use (9/10)
- Storage of video recordings (9/10)
- Hardware (8/10)
- Software (9/10)
- Price-performance ratio (8/10)
EZVIZ DB1C Doorbell Kit: A price-performance hit
Some models in the smart video doorbell market segment have a real Achilles heel – their price. The EZVIZ DB1C proves that a good smart doorbell doesn’t have to cost a lot. However, you also have to accept a somewhat old-fashioned look. However, we were able to overlook this in the test and gave it a gold award.
Our opinion
Even if the design looks a little old-fashioned, the build quality of the EZVIZ DB1C Doorbell Kit is of a high standard. The same applies to its robustness, which the manufacturer underpins with IP65 certification. The video quality and acoustics of the intercom function are also excellent. The software, including AI features such as person and object recognition, is also impressive. The in-house app impresses with a good overview and many setting options.
At just under 80 euros including Chime and Transformer, it is also very reasonably priced. But there are still a few complaints. On the one hand, there is the lack of a battery. It simply means more flexibility and less effort during installation if no power connection is required. I also find the EZVIZ subscription model quite expensive at a minimum of 9.99 euros per month. It’s lucky that there is the option of local storage. If you are looking for a small but nice smart doorbell and can live with the small weaknesses, you should definitely take a look at the EZVIZ DB1C.
Our rating
- Installation and ease of use (9/10)
- Storage of video recordings (8/10)
- Hardware (9/10)
- Software (9/10)
- Price-performance ratio (9/10)
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: It keeps track of everything
Of course, we were also allowed to take a closer look at models from Amazon’s well-known Ring series. The Battery Doorbell Plus, the premium model with battery operation, was also included. In our test, it impressed in almost every discipline. Only the limited compatibility with other smart home systems and the subscription requirement for video storage annoyed us.
Our opinion
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is by no means reinventing the wheel on the smart doorbell market. Nevertheless, it is easy to see why this model has earned the nickname “Plus”. With its square field of vision of 150° horizontally and vertically, it offers the perfect overview of your entrance area. On top of that, there are sharp video recordings that are definitely worth seeing. Apart from that, you get exactly the same features that the other Ring models have to offer. I particularly like the interaction with the in-house app. Everything runs incredibly quickly and smoothly. It only takes milliseconds for the bell button to ring. Other notifications such as people and motion detection are also forwarded at lightning speed. Especially in combination with an Echo Show, this is a lot of fun!
But where there is light, there is also shadow. Ring is very closed to other smart home ecosystems. It also doesn’t necessarily seem to be in the company’s interest to use the chime of an existing doorbell system. After all, there is no compatibility list. You are forced to try things out. Someone wants to sell the company’s own chime for a profit? I also have to complain about the bell’s standard range of functions. If you don’t take out at least a basic subscription, you simply won’t be able to use many of the options offered by the Doorbell Plus hardware. If you don’t want to spend at least 4 euros a month on an additional subscription anyway, it’s better to go for a cheaper model from the competition or from Ring itself. It remains to be said that the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is a really good smart doorbell for all those who like to move around in the Amazon cosmos anyway.
Our rating
- Installation and ease of use (10/10)
- Storage of video recordings (8/10)
- Hardware (10/10)
- Software (9/10)
- Price-performance ratio (9/10)
Ring Doorbell Pro 2: The flagship from Amazon
Of course, the Amazon subsidiary Ring doesn’t just offer its doorbells with a rechargeable battery. The wired models come in a much more compact form factor and are easy to install. However, due to the subscription requirement and the rather high price, it was only enough for the Silver Award in the test.
Our opinion
At first glance, the Ring Doorbell Pro 2 may seem like just another smart doorbell. However, Amazon’s flagship product does have some exciting features. In addition to the outstanding video quality, this is primarily the so-called bird’s eye view. This enables a satellite view so that you can see your visitor not only via the camera, but also from above. Operation was also extremely straightforward with the help of the app and Alexa. The same applies to installation and commissioning. However, the doorbell also has one or two reasons to complain. One is the expensive subscription model.
I find it somewhat questionable that Ring only offers a trial month of Ring Protection even for its most expensive bell. The Amazon subsidiary could have offered more here. It’s also a shame that the smart doorbell only allows videos to be saved via the cloud. Competitors at least offer the option of free local storage using an SD card. And the elephant in the room is undoubtedly the high price. After all, at around 200 euros, the Pro 2 is one of the most expensive smart doorbells on the entire market. Even if it is technically one of the best, I think the price is a little exaggerated.
Our rating
- Installation and ease of use (9/10)
- Storage of video recordings (8/10)
- Hardware (10/10)
- Software (9/10)
- Price-performance ratio (7/10)
Reolink Video Doorbell: Operation with Lan cable possible
The majority of all smart doorbells available on the market rely on an Internet connection via the home wireless network. But what do you do if the WLAN signal is simply too poor for the doorbell? Reolink has probably also asked itself this question and has simply given its Video Doorbell a WiFi version and one with Power over Ethernet (PoE). The latter is not only connected to the Internet via a LAN cable, but is also supplied with the necessary power. We liked this concept so much that it not only received praise in the test, but also the coveted Gold Award.
Our opinion
The Reolink Video Doorbell is certainly one of the best smart doorbells I have had the pleasure of testing recently. This is not only due to its attractive design and high build quality. I also like the freedom to choose between WiFi and PoE models. In particular, the compatibility with Onvif enables reliable integration into your existing network of security gadgets. Data storage on European servers even ensures a high level of protection for your recordings. The solid image quality should also not be swept under the carpet.
Not only the resolution of 1,920p is right, but also the large field of view, which provides a great overview. The app also scores points with its overview and setting options. However, I do have a few complaints. For example, I would have liked Reolink to integrate “real” person recognition. This would make it easier to adjust the movement reports in detail. On top of that, a night shot in color would also have been desirable. Apart from that, the Reolink Video Doorbell is a really good smart doorbell at a fair price.
Our rating
- Installation and ease of use (9/10)
- Storage of video recordings (9/10)
- Hardware (9/10)
- Software (8/10)
- Price-performance ratio (9/10)
TP-Link Tapo D230S1: The perfect rechargeable doorbell
Camera with 2K resolution, color images even at night, wide viewing angle, two-way audio, person and package detection and a battery life of just under six months. A look at the technical specifications of the battery-powered TP-Link Tapo D230S1 raises the expectations of technology enthusiasts. Our test made it clear that the specifications are by no means a fraud. The battery-powered smart doorbell was the only one in the test series to win the Platinum Award. And quite rightly so!
Our opinion
The TP-Link Tapo D230S1 impressed me across the board in the test. It starts with the cool design and high-quality workmanship. But the uncomplicated installation thanks to the rechargeable battery should also be child’s play, even for non-experts. With a battery life of just under half a year, you only have to recharge it after a pleasingly long interval. The app also scores points with a great overview and many useful setting options. There is also nothing to complain about with the camera.
After all, it conjures up very good images on the smartphone and even offers color night vision. I also like the fact that you are not forced to use a cloud service. Instead, local storage on the MicroSD is also possible. All in all, TP-Link’s Tapo D230S1 is an almost perfect smart video doorbell. Why only “almost”? In my opinion, the MicroUSB port you use to charge the battery is no longer up to date in 2024. An enclosed MicroSD card would also have been nice. But that only results in deductions in the B grade.
Our rating
- Installation and ease of use (10/10)
- Storage of video recordings (9/10)
- Hardware (10/10)
- Software (10/10)
- Price-performance ratio (9/10)
EZVIZ DB2: Even better without cables?
The EZVIZ DB2 is an uncompromising further development of the EZVIZ Doorbell Kit. However, the biggest difference is by no means the revised design, which has clearly been given a makeover. Rather, the newer model now relies on battery operation. However, it also comes at a higher price. We gave it a Silver Award in the test.
Our opinion
Are you looking for a smart video doorbell with good features at a fair price? Then you should definitely include the EZVIZ DB2 on your shortlist. The high-quality smart home gadget impresses with its uncomplicated setup, long battery life and wide range of functions. I also particularly like the separate chime. This not only transmits the ringing signal to your ear.
You can also save your recordings locally using a microSD card. Alternatively, you can choose a cloud service for a fee. However, the app gave me cause for complaint. I found it a little confusing. Perhaps EZVIZ can remedy this with a suitable software update. I also found the somewhat over-sensitive motion detection a little annoying during the test. Apart from that, however, the DB2 is a good video doorbell that impresses with its core functions.
Our rating
- Installation and ease of use (10/10)
- Storage of video recordings (9/10)
- Hardware (9/10)
- Software (7/10)
- Price-performance ratio (9/10)
EZVIZ HP7: The control center for your front door
The EZVIZ HP7 takes the role of the exotic in our list of the best. That’s because you don’t just get a smart doorbell here. Instead, you get a complete doorbell system. This consists of the doorbell itself and a 7-inch touchscreen that allows you to keep an eye on everything at all times. You don’t need a smart screen or a smartphone to keep an eye on what’s happening at your front door. Accordingly, the smart combination was able to win a gold award in the test. In terms of price, it may be the most expensive in our list. However, given the features, the pricing is definitely fair.
Our opinion
It would certainly be an understatement to describe the EZVIZ HP7 as just a smart video doorbell. Because this smart home gadget is so much more. After all, this doorbell system can also be used to remotely unlock your electrically secured gate or electrically locked door. To make it easier for selected visitors to access your own four walls, there is even a modern key replacement thanks to suitable RFID chips. It also scores points with a really stylish design and excellent workmanship. And all this is available at a really fair price.
Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement here and there on the HP7. For example, I would have liked the camera to have a night vision function in color. Furthermore, the cables included in the scope of delivery are unfortunately a little short. This could make installation more difficult for some users. You should also not forget that installation is quite complex compared to other doorbell systems. Accordingly, you should plan for additional installation costs for an electrician if your circle of friends does not have a handy person available.
Our rating
- Installation and ease of use (9/10)
- Storage of video recordings (9/10)
- Hardware (9/10)
- Software (8/10)
- Price-performance ratio (9/10)
The best video doorbell: Our test winners
To make it as easy as possible for you to choose the right smart doorbell, we have compiled the test winners for you in the categories of features, battery operation and wired operation.
Test winner battery operation
Test winner cable operation
Test winner equipment
The test models at a glance
| Model | Can you mount it yourself? | Rechargeable battery or hardwiring? | Camera (special features? | Two-way audio | App | Video memory |
| Gigaset Smart Doorbell ONE X | Yes | Hardwired | 1.080p, night vision (black and white) | Yes | Yes | Cloud |
| Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell | Yes | Hardwired | 1.080p, night vision (black and white), motion detector with person detection | Yes | Yes | Cloud or local (microSD) |
| Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 | Yes | Hardwired or rechargeable battery | 1.080p, night vision (black and white), motion detector with person detection, face detection | Yes | Yes | Cloud or local (microSD) |
| EZVIZ DB1C Doorbell Kit | Yes | Hardwired | 1.536p, night vision (black and white), people detection | yes | Yes | Cloud or local (microSD) |
| Ring Battery Doorbell Plus | Yes | Rechargeable battery | 1.536p, night vision in color, motion detector with person detection, parcel notification | Yes | Yes | Cloud |
| Ring Doorbell Pro 2 | Yes | Hardwired | 1536p, night vision in color, motion detector with person detection, parcel notification, 3D motion detection | Yes | Yes | Cloud |
| Reolink Video Doorbell | Yes | Hardwired | 5MP, night vision (black and white), motion detector with person detection | Yes | Yes | Cloud (free of charge) or local (microSD) |
| TP-Link Tapo D230S1 | Yes | Rechargeable battery | 5MP, night vision in color, motion detector with person detection, vehicle detection | Yes | Yes | Cloud or local (microSD) |
| EZVIZ DB2 | Yes | Rechargeable battery | 1.440p, night vision (black and white), motion detector with person detection | Yes | Yes | Cloud or local (microSD) |
| EZVIZ HP7 | Yes, but professional help is recommended. | Hardwired | 2048 × 1296 pixels, night vision (black and white), motion detector with person detection | Yes, opening of door or gate possible. | Yes | Cloud or local (microSD) |
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