Defending The Doorway: The Best Video Doorbells

Handpicked for security and smart living, our recommendations offer instant alerts, live footage, 2-way communication with visitors and so much more.
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Written & Tested By: Richard Morgan | Updated:
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Best Video Doorbell UK
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Installing a video doorbell to your front door is one of the best ways to safeguard your property and view what’s going on remotely. From wireless to wired installations, there is a host of video doorbells to choose from to best suit your requirements.

However, if you are replacing an existing wireless doorbell, our recommendation would be to choose a wireless model because it makes the installation far easier. However, the wired options are just as desirable because they are maintenance-free once installed.

To assist you in selecting a video doorbell, our handpicked selection lists top-performing models, chosen based on our first-hand experience installing and using multiple. Our testing and up-to-date research further ensure the quality of our recommendations.

Our Top Picks At A Glance:

Ring Pro 2
Best Overall: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
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Eufy HD WiFi Video Doorbell Without Subscription
Best Without Subscription: Eufy HD WiFi Video Doorbell
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Ring Video Doorbell 4
Best Wireless: Ring Video Doorbell 4
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Arlo Essential Smart Video Doorbell
Best All-Rounder: Arlo Essential Smart Video Doorbell
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CHWARES Waterproof Video Doorbell
Best Budget: CHWARES Waterproof Video Doorbell
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KAMEP WiFi Smart Doorbell
Best Budget Runner-Up: KAMEP WiFi Smart Doorbell
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How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates Video Doorbells

Video doorbells have exploded in popularity and I have personally been using them since the original Ring doorbell came out. However, these days there are plenty to choose from and Ring has certainly got plenty of competition.

During our ongoing testing of the video doorbells, we analyse the build quality, video quality, ease of installation and operation as well as if any additional accessories are supplied.

For example, with the Ring cameras, you have the option to install a wedge kit to improve the camera’s view (as shown in the photo below). Just as important as the physical doorbell is the doorbell’s smartphone application and during our testing, we thoroughly tested all the functionality within the apps.

best doorbell camera

Richard Morgan/DIY Works
best video doorbell

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

To keep up our commitment to reviewing and testing the latest video doorbells (for this article), we are continually testing the latest offerings from top brands. This means that when we notice a brand has released a new model, we attempt to upgrade our current setup (at our personal homes, Airbnbs or the DIY Works office) where applicable.

best video doorbell uk without subscription

Richard Morgan/DIY Works
best camera doorbell

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

To see us testing one of our video doorbell recommendations, below is a quick video we posted on our YouTube channel of the Ring Pro 2.

As well as our testing and experience with a variety of video doorbells, we also based our recommendations on the latest research and several factors. Some of the factors we considered included the doorbell’s ease of installation, video and audio quality, build quality, smartphone application, notifications, additional features, warranty and value.

The Best Video Doorbells

At DIY Works, our content is 100% independent and we would never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves (read our editorial standards and how we test products).

1. Best Overall: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

(How We Review →)

Ring is by far one of the most popular video doorbell brands in the UK and the Pro 2 is their new and improved model. In terms of the improvements, this version can withstand harsher operating conditions, record video in better quality and also comes with new desirable features.

Included within the complete kit are the video doorbell, chime, interchangeable faceplates, accessories and instructions.

For users of Amazon Alexa, you can connect the Ring doorbell to it, which allows for further functionality. For example, you can make Alexa alert you when someone is at the door, speak through it and much more.

Pros
  • Theft protection guarantee
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  • 1080p HD video resolution
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  • Live view and two way talk
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  • Infrared night vision
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  • Customizable motion detection
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  • 160° field of view
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  • Weather resistant (-25 to 48°C)
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  • 2.4 or 5 GHz
Cons
  • Requires a hardwired installation or a plug-in adapter, which is an additional expense

To conclude, the Ring Pro 2 is by far the best video doorbell that provides motion detection, night vision and excellent picture quality. The only drawback of this particular Ring doorbell is that it will require a hardwired installation, which may require an electrician. However, once set up it’s virtually maintenance-free with no batteries to replace.

2. Best Without Subscription: Eufy HD WiFi Video Doorbell

(How We Review →)

Another popular alternative that isn’t developed by the Ring brand is the Eufy video doorbell. It’s a premium option but it features many high-quality features such as a Sony 2K sensor, dual power functionality and much more.

Unlike the Ring devices, the Eufy video doorbell is a one-time purchase, which that it comes without a subscription. This is a big bonus because in the long run, it’ll save you money whilst still having access to all the features.

Pros
  • All data is stored locally (no subscription)
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  • Option of a hardwired or wireless installation
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  • 180 day battery life (with a wireless installation)
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  • IP65 rated
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  • Footage is recorded at a 2560 x 1920 resolution
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  • Connects with Alexa or Google devices
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  • Customized detection zones
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  • Supplied with a chime
Cons
  • During our testing, we found that the camera could be unclipped from the holder far easier than the Ring alternatives

Although Eufy isn’t as well-known as the Ring brand, its video doorbell is certainly a product that will get the brand a great reputation. Not only does the video camera come without a subscription to worry about but the camera itself produces excellent video footage and comes with everything in the box to install it at your front door with ease.

3. Best Wireless: Ring Video Doorbell 4

(How We Review →)

If the hardwired installation of the Ring Pro 2 above isn’t suitable, this battery-powered model is the best option. It’s the fourth generation Ring video doorbell that comes with all the great features of the Pro 2 but an easier installation.

In terms of the installation, Ring claim that you can remove your existing doorbell and replace it with this new one in a matter of minutes. This is because it’s powered by a rechargeable battery that’s easy to remove and recharge when needed. You can even switch this particular model to run from a hardwired connection if required at a later stage too.

Pros
  • Theft protection guarantee
    •
  • 1080p HD picture quality
    •
  • Live viewing and two way talk
    •
  • Motion activated alerts
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  • Compatible with the Amazon Alexa
    •
  • Interchangeable faceplates
    •
  • Easy to remove and recharge battery
Cons
  • Relatively expensive when compared to other wireless video cameras

Overall, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is easy to install and features all the desirable functionality of the Pro 2 model. Although you pay a premium for this battery-powered option when compared to the alternatives, it comes packed full of features and is backed by the reputable Ring brand for complete peace of mind.

4. Best All-Rounder: Arlo Essential Smart Video Doorbell

(How We Review →)

The Arlo Essential is another alternative to the Ring doorbells and comes at a similar pricing point. As it’s a premium option, it comes with all the features and functionality you would expect such as 1080p HD video footage, 2-way audio, motion detection, alerts and so much more.

Pros
  • Square viewing angle with a 180 degree field of view
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  • Directly calls your mobile when triggered
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  • Integrated siren that triggers automatically
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  • Option of a wired or wireless installation
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  • Connects directly to your WiFi
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  • Supplied with all the required installation hardware
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  • Works with the Alexa and Google Home
Cons
  • Battery life isn't that long lasting when used as a wireless video doorbell (based upon our testing)

Overall, the new and improved Essential model by Arlo works well and includes all the functionality you need to keep an eye on your home and answer the door whilst unavailable. A unique feature that we really like is that it will call your phone directly when pressed, which makes viewing who’s at your door far quicker and easier.

5. Best Budget: CHWARES Waterproof Video Doorbell

(How We Review →)

If you are on a tight budget and require a cheap video doorbell without a subscription, the CHWARES brand has the perfect solution. Their video doorbell captures video footage in 1080P HD and comes with unlimited lifetime free cloud storage. This means there is no need to pay a subscription for any video footage that has been saved to the cloud.

Pros
  • Lifetime free cloud storage that works upon a 7-day cycle (overwrites old footage)
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  • High quality video footage (considering its budget price tag)
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  • Smart PIR motion detection
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  • Easy to install with its wireless design
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  • 166 wide angle lens
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  • Supplied with a wireless chime
Cons
  • Not very aesthetically pleasing
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  • Smartphone application isn't as user friendly as the premium alternatives (i.e. Ring)

Overall, the CHWARES video doorbell is a great option to consider if you are on a tight budget. It really does tick all the boxes considering its price tag and it offers far better quality when compared to similarly priced alternatives.

6. Best Budget Runner-Up: KAMEP WiFi Smart Doorbell

(How We Review →)

Another budget video doorbell that’s worth considering is the new and improved model by the KAMEP brand. Although the brand isn’t as well-known as some of the premium alternatives, they offer an array of video doorbells. This particular model (the latest) is packed full of functionality and is also built to a high standard when compared to its predecessor.

Pros
  • Suitable for all weather conditions (IP65 rated)
    •
  • Supplied with a wireless indoor chime
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  • Easy to setup via a wired or wireless installation
    •
  • Access all the features without a subscription
    •
  • Excellent video footage quality (1080P HD)
Cons
  • Not as high quality when compared to the premium alternatives

Overall, the KAMEP Smart video doorbell offers great value for the money and excellent performance considering its budget price tag. Of course, it isn’t going to offer the functionality and build quality of the premium alternatives but for the money, you really can’t go wrong with this doorbell.

Conclusion

Video doorbells are an excellent bit of kit that you won’t regret buying. They provide an added layer of protection to your home and are very useful for communicating with visitors outside. Although many people may see them as a novelty, until they’ve seen them in action, they won’t understand why they are so popular.

Ring is one of the best brands in the industry and if you can afford the Pro model, we highly recommend it. They also provide a wide range of accessories such as faceplates or alternative mounting brackets too.

For further information regarding our video doorbell recommendations, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.

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