If you take a look at the market for video doorbells, 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 the most important points for you in our video doorbell guide.
Video doorbell guide: installation and ease of use
It all starts with ease of use, of course. 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? A good, constant connection between your smartphone and the video doorbell is of course 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.
Video doorbell guide: 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. Those who want to be particularly secure in terms of data protection and save costs generally prefer local storage. On the other hand, storage via the cloud usually offers greater ease of use.
Video doorbell guide: 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.
Video doorbell guide: 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, this even distinguishes between people, animals and objects.
This means you always know whether it is really worth looking at the real-time image when you receive a notification. It is also important to be able to set blind zones. 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.
Video doorbell guide: 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 regularly recharge the battery.
Conclusion: keep an eye out when buying a doorbell
Video doorbells have become increasingly popular in recent years as they offer a simple and affordable way to increase security and convenience. Technological advances, particularly integration into the home network, have meant that video doorbells are now much cheaper and easier to use than they used to be. However, a number of important factors should be considered when making a purchase decision, such as installation, ease of use, storage options and the quality of the hardware.
The software also plays a decisive role, especially for functions such as motion detection and privacy settings. Another aspect is the power supply, where the choice between battery and fixed power connection should be weighed up. Choosing the best video doorbell therefore depends on individual needs and preferences, whereby a thorough consideration of all functions and features is essential.
