"Best" Video Doorbell Cams

[Sybertiger]

I don't have a need/desire for a doorbell cam but saw this article and thought I'd post it. I thought it interesting that Eulo has an integrated "package cam". Not ideal but at least they tried and better than nothing.

Best video doorbells in 2024: Ring, Nest, Arlo and more tested

These are the best video doorbells based on video quality, notifications, smart home integration and more

www.tomsguide.com

 

[David L]

I remember in my search almost 4 years ago most reviews left out the EZVIZ Camera even though it was the best DB at the time. I see this review left out Reolink, which is top dog presently.

 

[TonyR]

Yeah, even though it seems to be one of the most in-depth review articles I've seen lately, it lost a lot of credibility with me when it declared "...The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd generation) is the best video doorbell you can get for under $100" and "....The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 the best wired-only video doorbell"

They all suit the app-dependent, QR code scanning / P2P crowd work with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, etc. Do you think the author even knows what RTSP or RTMP is? Let alone POE?

 

[Sybertiger]

For me, I think the only aspect of a doorbell cam that I might desire is 2 way communication. I have an intercom doorbell that I never really used. The security cams around my house let me know in advance if I want to speak to the person. If so I open the door. But usually the only thing I might want to say to the strangers is "go away".

 

[Sybertiger]

Yeah, even though it seems to be one of the most in-depth review articles I've seen lately, it lost a lot of credibility with me when it declared "...The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd generation) is the best video doorbell you can get for under $100" and "....The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 the best wired-only video doorbell"

They all suit the app-dependent, QR code scanning / P2P crowd work with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, etc. Do you think the author even knows what RTSP or RTMP is? Let alone POE?

The way I look at it is those wireless ones are better than nothing and it's easy for the novice to have better than nothing so I can understand the popularity of them.

And most reviews similar to this one seem to be money driven click for referral income type reviews. So I'm skeptical.

 

[David L]

For me, I think the only aspect of a doorbell cam that I might desire is 2 way communication. I have an intercom doorbell that I never really used. The security cams around my house let me know in advance if I want to speak to the person. If so I open the door. But usually the only thing I might want to say to the strangers is "go away".

Yeah, that was my big draw to these Doorbell Cams, the 2-way communication, but what I found is hardly nobody rings the doorbell anymore and those delivery drivers who do they run off before you can talk to them. With cell phones, if it is someone we know is at our door with no answer they will call you anyway. For the price, under $100 and the ease of install (using existing doorbell transformer power), plus they are somewhat of a deterrent for some breakins, I think they serve a purpose...

 

[Sybertiger]

I'm 500 miles away from the house and last night I got a million push notifications from my BI system. Neighbors were Christmas caroling and I noticed they pushed the dome of my security cam thinking it was a doorbell button. It was dark so they didn't see the index card covering the doorbell button that says don't knock or ring just leave a note. We both work from home so we can't be having people knock or ring which sets the dog off.

 

[TonyR]

For me our 2 Reolinks, 1 at front door and 1 at the side door, function as one more camera to each door's approach but with a doorbell button with chime thrown in as a bonus!

 

[David L]

I'm 500 miles away from the house and last night I got a million push notifications from my BI system. Neighbors were Christmas caroling and I noticed they pushed the dome of my security cam thinking it was a doorbell button. It was dark so they didn't see the index card covering the doorbell button that says don't knock or ring just leave a note. We both work from home so we can't be having people knock or ring which sets the dog off.

Those Carolers spreading Joy, how dare them, lol Well one thing with these Doorbells is their ringer usually cannot be turned off.

 

[TonyR]

We both work from home so we can't be having people knock or ring which sets the dog off.

Speaking of notification systems, our 5 ankle-biters lets us know before a delivery driver steps onto the ground or a walk up person gets within 25 feet of the either door.
We call it the "K9 Alert System" (the Chihuahua model).

Kinda hard to shut it off once it is activated, though....

 

[David L]

The Reolink has an Auto Reply:

 

[David L]

Speaking of notification systems, our 5 ankle-biters lets us know before a delivery driver steps onto the ground or a walk up person gets within 25 feet of the either door.
We call it the "K9 Alert System" (the Chihuahua model).

Kinda hard to shut it off once it is activated, though....

I hear ya, we have a crotch biter, haha, a Boxer...she hears everything...

 

[Sybertiger]

Where's the "please wait a minute while I reload my gun" message?

 

[David L]

Where's the "please wait a minute while I reload my gun" message?

If you are reloading your gun then you must of missed the first time

 

[David L]

I just set mine to this to start the conversation, the winded long talkers will tell me why they are at our front door, lol

 

[David L]

Well just checked it, no Auto message when I pushed the Doorbell. Maybe it is for the App which I do not use...

 

[TonyR]

The Reolink has an Auto Reply:

View attachment 180803

Can I upload a custom message?

Something like "Please hold on while I reload with some cheap ammo for solicitors."

 

[David L]

Can I upload a custom message?

Something like "Please hold on while I reload with some cheap ammo for solicitors."

I thought I read you can somewhere.

 

[Timokreon]

I have a nest doorbell, just for the simple fact of 1 more camera watching my front door, and the ability to speak to anyone at the front door.
I have it isolated, IoT, from main internet so :shrugs: Serves its purpose.

I've used it more for FedEx than anything else. The driver of the overnight truck has been here enough to know I'll answer via the doorbell if he needs me.
If it's a high priced item, etc.. He'll ask me if it's ok to leave it on the porch, or drop it off at the nearest FedEx pickup location.