5 Essential Doorbell Cameras for a Safe and Connected Home
You want a doorbell camera that keeps your home secure, shows clear footage and fits your routine. Choosing the right model affects how quickly you learn who’s at the door, how much maintenance you’ll do and whether you pay ongoing fees.
You want a doorbell camera that keeps your home secure, shows clear footage and fits your routine. Choosing the right model affects how quickly you learn who’s at the door, how much maintenance you’ll do and whether you pay ongoing fees.
These five picks focus on reliability, battery life and useful features so you can choose the best fit for your front door.
Top Picks
Category |
Product |
Price |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
💰 Best Budget |
£39.99 |
86/100 |
|
🎯 Best for Quick Setup |
£79.99 |
90/100 |
|
📦 Best for Parcel Security |
£74.99 |
84/100 |
|
🔋 Best Battery Life |
£79.99 |
92/100 |
|
🚀 Most Feature-Rich |
£119.99 |
88/100 |
How We Chose
You need a doorbell camera that balances image clarity, detection accuracy, battery life and ease of use. We evaluated resolution and field of view so you can identify faces and packages, compared battery types and claimed runtimes so you spend less time recharging, and checked installation methods (battery, wired or both) so the camera fits your setup.
We weighed smart features — two-way audio, custom motion zones, colour night vision and app/voice assistant support — because these shape daily convenience. Privacy and cost mattered too: models offering local storage or no mandatory subscription scored higher if they let you avoid ongoing fees. Finally, we considered real-world reliability and value for money so you can pick a model that works for your home and budget. The list includes options that mirror popular choices such as the Ring Video Doorbell family and several strong Battery Video Doorbell alternatives.
Tapo TD21
Tapo TD21 Battery Video Doorbell — wireless 2K 3MP camera with color night vision, 160° ultra-wide view, free AI detection, IP65 weatherproofing, 6-month battery and included chime.
£39.99
If you want a simple way to keep an eye on your front door, the Tapo Wireless Video Doorbell TD21 is the kind of gadget that quietly does the job. You get sharper 2K 3MP video, a wide 160° field of view and full-color night mode so you actually recognise faces and packages, and the built-in 6‑month battery means fewer annoying charges.
It works with Alexa and Google Assistant, includes a plug-in chime and supports local microSD storage so you can skip subscription fees if you prefer. Use it daily for deliveries, seeing who’s at the door or checking on pets, and it’s handy for special moments like doorstep greetings or when you’re away on holiday and want remote peace of mind.
If you like practical features without a steep price, this is one of the Tapo options worth considering.
What People Say
You’ll notice most customers praise the camera clarity and the battery life — many say it lasts for months between charges. People also like that setup is straightforward, the app groups multiple Tapo devices neatly, and that you can use a microSD card rather than pay for cloud storage.
A few mention the AI detections can be a bit sensitive until you tweak settings, but overall reviewers appreciate the value and included chime.
When It Helps
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
Package deliveries |
You get instant person and package alerts plus pre-recorded responses, so you can tell couriers where to leave parcels even when you’re not home. |
Night monitoring |
Full-color night vision with a spotlight helps you see faces and details better than standard infrared-only doorbells. |
Short trips away |
Battery power and remote access let you check live video and playback recordings without needing a wired setup or constant charging. |
Smart home setups |
Alexa and Google Assistant support lets you view the doorbell on smart displays and include it in routines for hands-free checks. |
Ease Of Use
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
Installation (wedge or flat plate) |
Easy |
App setup and pairing |
Easy |
Daily use (notifications & live view) |
Easy |
Customising AI detection |
Moderate |
Why It's Different
What stands out is the combination of 2K 3MP clarity, free on-device AI detection and a long 6‑month battery in a budget-friendly package. The TD21 balances better video quality and color night vision with local storage options so you can avoid ongoing fees.
Security Features
Feature |
Protection Level |
|---|---|
AI motion detection (person/vehicle/pet/package) |
High |
Two-way audio with clear mic/speaker |
Moderate |
Local microSD storage (up to 512GB) |
High |
IP65 weatherproof rating |
High |
Pre-recorded messages and chime alerts |
Moderate |
Key Benefits
- Sharp 2K 3MP video for clearer details
- 160° ultra-wide coverage so you see more
- Full-color night vision with spotlight
- Free AI detection (person/vehicle/pet/package)
- Long 6‑month battery and included chime
- Local microSD and optional cloud storage — no monthly fee required
Current Price: £39.99
Rating: 4.4 (total: 2523+)
Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus
DIY wireless video doorbell with 1536p HD, head-to-toe view, quick-release battery pack and easy five-minute install (Device Only).
£79.99
If you want a straightforward way to keep tabs on your doorstep, the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus is that dependable, no-fuss option. You get 1536p HD video and a head-to-toe field of view so you actually see people and packages clearly, plus colour night vision for low-light checks. The quick-release battery makes charging painless — pop it out, charge and pop it back in — and the Ring app ties everything together for alerts, live view and two-way talk. Use it daily for deliveries and to screen visitors, and it’s just as handy for special moments like guests arriving or keeping an eye on holiday deliveries.
If you want better-than-average video and easy battery maintenance without a complicated install, this Ring Video Doorbell is a solid pick.
What People Say
Most customers highlight the sharp video and the tall, head-to-toe framing — it’s easier to spot a package or recognise faces. People often mention how quick the install feels and appreciate the removable battery for simple charging. There are regular notes about the app features like motion zones, Quick Replies and the optional Ring Home subscription for recorded clips and package alerts, with a few users mentioning connectivity tweaks if Wi‑Fi is patchy.
When It Helps
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
Package deliveries |
You’ll see parcels and delivery people clearly in the wider vertical view, and motion alerts mean you can check or leave instructions even when you’re out. |
Night checks |
Colour night vision gives you usable images after dark so you can actually identify who’s at the door instead of a grainy silhouette. |
Short trips away |
Remote live view and alerts let you monitor deliveries or visitors while you’re out for the day without needing a wired setup. |
Busy front paths |
Custom motion zones reduce irrelevant alerts from passersby, so you only get notified about activity that matters to you. |
Ease Of Use
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
Installation (device only) |
Easy |
App setup and pairing |
Easy |
Battery swapping and charging |
Easy |
Customising motion/privacy zones |
Moderate |
Why It's Different
The mix of 1536p HD video with a vertical head-to-toe field of view and a quick-release battery pack is what sets this model apart. Add colour night vision and privacy zones, and you get a doorbell that focuses on useful, everyday improvements rather than gimmicks.
Security Features
Feature |
Protection Level |
|---|---|
1536p HD video & live view |
High |
Colour night vision |
High |
Advanced motion detection with custom zones |
High |
Two-way audio with noise reduction |
Moderate |
Privacy zones and Quick Replies |
Moderate |
Key Benefits
- 1536p HD video for clearer details
- Head-to-toe view so packages and people are in frame
- Colour night vision for usable low-light footage
- Quick-release rechargeable battery pack for easy charging
- Customisable motion zones and privacy zones
- Works with the Ring app for live view, alerts and two-way talk
Current Price: £79.99
Rating: 4.5 (total: 5731+)
eufy Security E340
Dual-camera 2K Full HD wireless doorbell with Delivery Guard — wired or Battery Video Doorbell option, colour night vision and 6500 mAh rechargeable battery, no monthly fee.
£74.99
If you want a Battery Video Doorbell that gives you more than a single wide shot, the eufy E340 is worth a look. It pairs a front-facing camera with a downward-facing lens so you catch faces and packages without guessing what’s on the step.
Video comes in 2K clarity and the dual-light colour night vision actually produces usable night images, while the 6,500 mAh removable battery and optional wired top-up give you flexibility depending on how you like to install things. In everyday use you’ll rely on it for deliveries, screening visitors and quick live checks; for special occasions like holiday drop-offs or when you’re away it’s handy to have the Delivery Guard and clear recordings available without a subscription. If you want good detail, package-focused coverage and easy battery maintenance, this is a practical, no-fuss option.
What People Say
Customers frequently praise the improved coverage from the two cameras and the sharper 2K video, saying it helps spot packages and people more reliably. People also like the colour night vision and the large removable battery — many recommend keeping a spare battery for continuous use — while a number note that motion sensitivity and occasional Wi‑Fi tweaks are worth fine‑tuning.
When It Helps
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
Package deliveries |
The downward-facing camera plus Delivery Guard gives you a clear view of parcels left on the step and records interactions, so you can check who picked up or moved a delivery. |
After-dark checks |
Colour night vision and the dual-light system provide usable night footage so you can actually see faces and details instead of fuzzy silhouettes. |
When you’re away from home |
Remote alerts and recorded clips let you monitor activity and review footage without paying for cloud subscription services. |
Older homes with thick walls |
Battery mode makes installation easier where wiring or Wi‑Fi placement is tricky; you can also wire it for a more permanent power supply if needed. |
Ease Of Use
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
Battery-only installation |
Easy |
Wired setup (adds continuous power) |
Moderate |
App setup and pairing (2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi) |
Moderate |
Swapping the removable battery |
Easy |
Why It's Different
This model stands out by pairing two purposeful cameras — a front-facing lens and a downward-facing floor view — with a dual-light colour night-vision system and Delivery Guard. That combination focuses on practical improvements: clearer identification, better package coverage and battery-or-wired power flexibility without forcing you into a subscription.
Security Features
Feature |
Protection Level |
|---|---|
Dual 2K cameras (front + downward) |
High |
Colour night vision with dual-light system |
High |
Delivery Guard package detection |
High |
Human-only motion detection and custom zones |
Moderate |
Local storage and no mandatory monthly fee |
Moderate |
Key Benefits
- Dual cameras capture faces and the doorstep floor for fuller coverage
- 2K Full HD video for clearer identification
- Colour night vision with a dual-light system for better low-light shots
- 6500 mAh removable battery with wired charging option for flexible power
- Delivery Guard features for package detection and tracking
- Local storage and no mandatory monthly fee
Current Price: £74.99
Rating: 4.2 (total: 2946+)
Tapo D235
2K 5MP wireless doorbell with 180° ultra-wide DFOV, full-colour night vision, 210‑day battery or wired power, IP66 weatherproof, free AI detection, chime included, no monthly fee.
£79.99
If you want a doorbell that just covers the basics and then some, the Tapo D235 (Tapo Wireless Video Doorbell) is an easy pick. You get 2K 5MP clarity with a 180° ultra-wide view, so faces and packages are usually captured in one shot instead of having to guess what’s on the step.
It works as a long-life battery doorbell — up to about 210 days between charges — or you can hardwire it for pre-roll and continuous recording. In day-to-day use it’s great for screening deliveries, checking who’s at the door from your phone, and keeping tabs on night activity thanks to the colour night vision. It also plays nicely with Alexa and Google Home, supports local microSD storage and optional cloud plans, and the free AI detection cuts down on irrelevant alerts. If you want solid image quality, flexible power options and no mandatory subscription, this is a practical, user-friendly choice.
What People Say
Across reviews people commonly highlight the sharp 2K footage and wide field of view — it catches faces and parcels reliably. Many users like the long battery life and the option to hardwire for continuous recording, and buyers appreciate the free AI detection and straightforward app setup.
A few mention occasional tweaks to motion sensitivity or regional chime details, but most say the system delivers strong value without a subscription.
When It Helps
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
Package deliveries |
The wide 180° view and clear 2K video make it easier to see parcels on the step and confirm when something’s been dropped off. |
Night checks |
Full‑colour night vision with a built‑in light gives usable footage after dark so you can actually identify people instead of seeing silhouettes. |
When you’re away |
Remote alerts, recorded clips on a microSD card and optional cloud storage let you monitor activity without paying a monthly fee. |
Homes without easy wiring |
Battery mode lets you install the doorbell where wiring is difficult, and you can switch to hardwiring later for continuous power. |
Ease Of Use
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
Battery-only installation |
Easy |
Wired setup for continuous power |
Moderate |
App setup and Wi‑Fi pairing (2.4 GHz) |
Moderate |
Motion zone and sensitivity adjustments |
Moderate |
Connecting to Alexa/Google Assistant |
Easy |
Why It's Different
This model combines true 2K 5MP resolution with a 180° ultra‑wide field of view and a very long battery life, while also offering the option to hardwire for pre‑roll and continuous recording. Add free on‑device AI detection and local SD storage, and you get a feature set that focuses on usable footage and flexible power without forcing a subscription.
Security Features
Feature |
Protection Level |
|---|---|
2K 5MP video with 180° DFOV |
High |
Full‑colour night vision with spotlight |
High |
AI detection for people, vehicles, pets and packages |
High |
Two‑way audio for live interaction |
Moderate |
Local microSD storage plus optional cloud (Tapo Care) |
Moderate |
Key Benefits
- 2K 5MP video and 180° ultra-wide DFOV for head-to-toe coverage
- Up to 210‑day battery life with the option to hardwire for 24/7 recording
- Full‑colour night vision and built‑in spotlight for usable low‑light images
- Free AI detection for people, vehicles, pets and packages to reduce false alerts
- Local microSD storage plus optional cloud backup — no mandatory subscription
- Includes plug‑in chime and works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Current Price: £79.99
Rating: 4.3 (total: 640+)
Ring Video Doorbell Pro
Wireless 1536p HD doorbell with head‑to‑toe view, 3D motion detection, colour night vision, two‑way talk, Wi‑Fi and a 30‑day Ring Home trial (subscription sold separately).
£119.99
If you want a doorbell that helps you actually see what’s happening at your doorstep, this Ring Video Doorbell Pro is a solid pick. You get a wider, head‑to‑toe 1536p view so packages and faces are easier to spot, plus 3D motion detection with bird’s‑eye zones that helps reduce false alerts. In everyday use you’ll use it to screen deliveries, chat through two‑way audio when someone’s at the door, and keep an eye on evening activity with colour night vision. If you’re comparing models (say against the Tapo Wireless Video Doorbell), the Ring leans into smart motion tools and seamless Alexa integration, and it’s worth considering if you already have other Ring devices.
What People Say
Buyers often praise the improved, wider video that actually shows packages on the step and makes faces easier to recognise. Many people like the motion controls and colour night vision, and a lot of reviewers find setup straightforward and appreciate Alexa support.
Common caveats include subscription costs for full video history and occasional notes about battery life or Wi‑Fi placement affecting performance.
When It Helps
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
Package deliveries |
The head‑to‑toe view and high‑resolution video make it simple to confirm parcels and spot if anything’s been left off to one side. |
Evening checks |
Colour night vision gives you usable footage after dark so you can see faces and details instead of just silhouettes. |
When you’re out of town |
Motion alerts and cloud clips (with a Ring subscription) let you review activity and respond from your phone. |
Homes without existing wiring |
Battery mode lets you install without changing wiring, and you can hardwire later if you want continuous power and pre‑roll clips. |
Ease Of Use
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
Battery‑only installation |
Easy |
Wired setup for continuous power |
Moderate |
App setup and Wi‑Fi pairing (2.4/5 GHz) |
Moderate |
Motion zone and sensitivity adjustments |
Moderate |
Connecting to Alexa |
Easy |
Why It's Different
This model pairs an expanded 1536p head‑to‑toe view with 3D motion detection and bird’s‑eye zoning so you get more context around an event, not just a cropped clip. It’s designed to work smoothly inside the Ring ecosystem, which can be handy if you already use Ring devices and want unified alerts and storage options.
Security Features
Feature |
Protection Level |
|---|---|
1536p HD head‑to‑toe video |
High |
3D motion detection with bird’s‑eye zones |
High |
Colour night vision |
High |
Two‑way audio with noise cancellation |
Moderate |
Cloud video storage via Ring Home subscription |
Moderate |
Key Benefits
- 1536p HD video with head‑to‑toe field of view for clearer identification
- 3D motion detection and bird’s‑eye zones to pinpoint where motion starts
- Colour night vision for usable footage after dark
- Two‑way talk and Alexa compatibility for quick interactions
- Battery or hardwired power options to suit different doorways
- Save recorded clips with Ring Home subscription (sold separately) for review
Current Price: £119.99
Rating: 4.3 (total: 653+)
FAQ
How Do You Choose the Right Doorbell Camera For Your Home?
You should start by deciding whether you want a Battery Video Doorbell for easy, wire-free install or a hardwired model for continuous power and optional 24/7 recording. Consider video resolution and field of view — higher resolution (2K or 1536p) and an ultra-wide DFOV help you identify faces and packages; models like the Tapo TD21 and Tapo D235 emphasise wide coverage, while Ring models focus on head-to-toe framing.
Think about storage and running costs: some brands (for example many Tapo and eufy models) support local storage or recording to a hub so you can avoid monthly fees, whereas Ring typically offers cloud recording behind a subscription for full-feature access. Check connectivity requirements — many doorbells need a stable 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi signal or a range extender/Chime Pro if your router is far away — and confirm smart home compatibility if you want Alexa or Google Assistant integration. Finally match the device to your budget and installation skill: you can find reliable options from about £39.99 to £119.99 depending on features and brand.
Will A Doorbell Camera Work With My Existing Chime, Smart Devices, And Wiring?
You can usually integrate a new doorbell camera with existing systems, but you should check the product specifications before buying. Some Battery Video Doorbell models include a plug‑in chime (Tapo often bundles a chime) while Ring offers optional chimes and accessories; some Ring and Tapo models can be either battery or hardwired depending on the model. Verify transformer voltage and wiring if you plan to hardwire — incompatible voltages can damage the device. Also check whether the device needs 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi only or supports 5 GHz, and whether you need a hub or base station for local recording or extended range.
For voice assistants confirm the manufacturer lists Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant support. If your Wi‑Fi signal is weak at the door, test it with your phone and consider moving the router, adding a mesh node, or using the vendor’s range extender to avoid missed alerts and long delays.
How Do You Maximise Battery Life, Detection Accuracy, And Privacy?
You should optimise settings and placement for best results: lower unnecessary sensitivity and carve motion zones so you only get alerts for the area you care about, and enable person‑only detection if available to reduce false positives. Adjust night mode and built‑in lights only when needed since colour night vision and frequent live checks drain the battery faster.
If you rely on a battery doorbell, keep a spare charged battery or consider hardwiring/solar charging for continuous operation; quick‑release packs from Ring and removable batteries from other brands make swaps simple. For privacy and data control choose devices with local recording options or an SD card if you want to avoid a subscription, keep firmware up to date, enable strong unique passwords and two‑factor authentication, and place the camera at the recommended height and angle to avoid capturing neighbours’ windows.
Regularly test notifications and firmware updates to maintain detection accuracy and reliability.
Wrapping Up
You want security that fits your life: some people prioritise a low price and easy install, others want long battery life or advanced detection. If you need the cheapest solid option, the Tapo TD21 gives strong features without a big investment. If fast installation and a familiar ecosystem matter, Ring’s Battery Video Doorbell models are easy to set up and give clear head-to-toe views.
For parcel protection choose a delivery-focused device like the eufy E340, and if multi-month battery life is your priority the Tapo D235 stands out. Use this guide to match features to your routine so you get the coverage and convenience you actually use.
| Product | Image | Rating | Video Resolution | Field of View | Battery Life | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapo TD21 Battery Video Doorbell |  |
4.4/5 (2,523 reviews) | 1440p, 1080 Pixels effective | 160° | 6 months (Battery powered) | £39.99 |
| Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus |  |
4.5/5 (N/A reviews) | 1536p HD | 150° horizontal, 150° vertical | Uses rechargeable battery pack; install time approx. 5 minutes | £79.99 |
| eufy Security Video Doorbell E340 |  |
4.2/5 (2,946 reviews) | 2K Full HD | 180° | 6500 mAh battery, monthly recharge recommended | £74.99 |
| Tapo D235 2K 5MP Doorbell |  |
4.3/5 (640 reviews) | 2K, 5MP | 180° | 210 days (Battery powered) | £79.99 |
| Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro |  |
4.3/5 (N/A reviews) | 1536p HD | 150° horizontal, 150° vertical | Variable, includes rechargeable pack | £119.99 |
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