Everything you need to know about video doorbells

Video doorbells are a convenient part of the smart revolution that’s taking once-humble everyday items by storm. Instead of just offering an audible way to let you know someone’s at the door, a video doorbell can let you see who it is before even getting to the door.

We delve into what a video doorbell does, how much they cost, and other related topics in this guide.

Video doorbell is a more descriptive name than the basic “smart doorbell” categorisation because it hints at functionality beyond basic chiming. As you might’ve guessed, a video doorbell lets you see who’s at the door, and the best bit is that’s without actually having to be at the door.

More than just a video camera spliced with a doorbell, a video doorbell can also handily provide two-way communication with whoever is at your door, acting as an intercom so you can speak to whoever is near the video doorbell. Smarter video doorbells also liaise with smartphone apps to notify you when someone’s at your door, let you know when a package has been delivered, or flag if someone may be pinching your mail.

How long a video doorbell records for is determined by the type that you buy. Most video doorbells aren’t designed to be persistent monitoring devices like security cameras. Instead, they’re built to record once the camera is triggered, either from interaction with the video doorbell or based on a person’s proximity movements.

This makes it easier to manage footage in the event that your video doorbell does capture some potentially dodgy activity. Products like the Ring Video Doorbell 4 will handily capture a few seconds of footage before proximity detection to help add context.

Other video doorbells (like the Nest Doorbell) do record all the time, though usually at an extra monthly fee. For the Nest Doorbell, this feature is activated by paying for a subscription plan, which unlocks 24/7 recording and footage is stored for up to 10 days.

Yes, as smart devices, video doorbells need an internet-connected (and working) Wi-Fi connection to properly operate. Wi-Fi is how all of the smart features work, from two-way audio to video and push notifications.

Aside from Wi-Fi, video doorbells also need some form of power to function. The Wi-Fi part comes from a nearby router or mesh Wi-Fi system; the stronger the signal, the better the chance of seamless video and audio interfacing at the highest available fidelity. Meanwhile, the power part comes from either a rechargeable battery pack, solar panels, or existing doorbell power wires, depending on the brand and what’s available at your home.

In terms of range, video doorbells can see anywhere from a couple of metres in front of them up to 15-or-so metres. A longer range may sound better (bigger numbers are all the rage), but it may also cause privacy issues for your neighbours. Basically, you may run afoul of state or territory laws, so contact the relevant Attorney-General’s Department for more information if you’re concerned about this.

Field of view (FOV) is also worth factoring in, with the better-known brands offering video doorbells with FOVs somewhere between 155 and 180 degrees. While range applies to the distance and depth of what you can see, FOV is all about the width of your view. In fairness, the FOV doesn’t have to be overly wide as video doorbells are designed for people to stand directly in front of them, but larger FOV numbers do offer additional front-of-home security options.

Thankfully, most video doorbells are built to be incredibly easy to install. You may need basic tools like a screwdriver (some brands handily include these installation tools) but more straightforward video doorbells are designed to be up and going in around 15 minutes.

In saying that, some video doorbells are easier to install than others. If the video doorbell you buy needs to be connected to existing wiring for power, we’d advise contacting a professional to help with installation. On the flip side, wireless doorbells with rechargeable batteries can be self-installed. If you don’t like screwdrivers, you can substitute screws for heavy-duty double-sided tape.