SkyBell Reviews
A simple and affordable DIY doorbell cam for homeowners and renters alike
Updated October 16, 2019 copied! SafeHome.org may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
We may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
A simple and affordable DIY doorbell cam for homeowners and renters alike
Updated October 16, 2019 copied! Whether it’s the the pizza guy or a perpetrator… be the first to know with the SkyBell doorbell camera. This DIY home security solution is affordable and fairly easy to use. You get premium features like two-way talk, 5x zoom with HD image quality, and convenient mobile alerts. The best part — there are no contracts to weigh you down. Simply pay the reasonable one-time fee and you’re good to go. Our experts share the pros and cons right here in our SkyBell Review.
SkyBell started in 2013 with a focus on creating Internet of Things devices, and its product line revolves around its video doorbells and accessories. This California company creates affordable and DIY friendly solutions intended for protecting your home and making it smarter. The hardware is sold on its own, without any accompanying contract or monthly plan.
This stand-alone system is excellent for renters wanting to start with a home security system that isn’t going to demand a lot of money or installation effort. You can answer the doorbell through your mobile device and use the two-way talk feature to interact with any guests, expected or not.
SkyBell App
You control the functionality of your video doorbell through the companion app that’s available for Android and iOS devices. You get free video recording and activity history, along with being able to speak with people at your door to give them instructions or to warn them to leave.
If you have a certain time of day that you don’t want the doorbell to ring or send notifications, quiet mode can give you the do not disturb time that you need in your life. You can enable multiple user access to the SkyBell device, giving your entire family the chance to check the live stream or answer the door.
SkyBell Connect
SkyBell is designed to work as a standalone device or as part of a larger smart home automation and security system. The motion detection and button press can both trigger a number of actions throughout the rest of the home automation system. For example, lights could come on when you press the doorbell.
The home automation platforms that SkyBell Connect supports include:
Mobile Alerts
When someone is at your door, you get a mobile notification instantly. Check out the live feed, start a conversation, or take an action that’s necessary to protect your home.
High-Quality HD Camera
The 1080P quality is great, but the fact that you can zoom up to 5x makes it even better.
The installation process is relatively simple for SkyBell, but it is hard wired. You need a bit of home maintenance know-how to handle this on your own, so you may want to opt for a professional installation.
The SkyBell app, on the other hand, couldn’t be easier to use. All of the features have a great layout, and it’s easy to access the video recording history, start a conversation via the doorbell or keep an eye on your home with the live stream.
SkyBell is a small company that’s dedicated to its product line and services. While they may not have the most extensive set of customer service resources in the world, the ones that they do have available are very well done. You have self-help guides and full videos to walk you through all of the major features and the installation of the devices. When you need more help than that, experienced representatives are available via phone support.
The only payment that you’re responsible for with the SkyBell is for the device itself. It’s a one-time fee, and you have no contracts and no monthly plans required for this device to operate. The only other thing outside of the video doorbell models that’s available are the accessories for the video doorbells. These devices are completely stand alone, but third-party integration support allows you to connect them with other home security systems and smart home devices.
Both models cost $199, and SkyBell typically offers free shipping when you order the doorbell security camera from them. They include free cloud recording, live monitoring, and two-way audio features.
SkyBell also offers a theft guarantee. If someone manages to steal your video doorbell, you get a free replacement.
SkyBell HD – $199
This is the standard model of the SkyBell, which includes a number of excellent video doorbell features. The camera is excellent with 1080P HD and color night vision. If you want to see more detail in a particular part of the stream, you can zoom up to 5x. The motion sensor activates the doorbell even if someone doesn’t end up pushing the button on it. If you prefer to take a quick picture of a person who’s at your door, you can do that.
The SkyBell is designed with a durable and robust design that can operate between -40 and 140 degrees F. It doesn’t matter how bad your climate gets, this video doorbell is ready for the challenge.
SkyBell Trim Plus $199
You get all the same features as the standard SkyBell model, but this is in a more compact, traditional doorbell shape.
SkyBell HD Wall Mount $9.95
Get another wall mount if you need to move the SkyBell.
SkyBell HD Hardware Kit $4.95
All the tools you need to install the SkyBell in your home.
SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter $12.95
Digital door chimes can work with SkyBell with this adapter kit.
SkyBell Wedge Mount $9.95
Improve the SkyBell’s viewing angle by up to 20 percent with this specialty mount.
SkyBell does one thing and it does it really well. Not only is the hardware solid, but you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to integrating it with an existing home security or home automation system. You only have a one-time payment to worry about and an effective way to keep watch over the people coming and going to your home.
From day one it would never pair with my internet. And it would never blink green it always blinks red
My SkyBell has worked perfectly. My only issue was my home is old so my wires are thick. I had to splice a thin wire that would fit with the doorbell’s design to wire it up. Because of that step it took 30 minutes to hook up instead of 15. Works beautifully. Occasionally it will lose connection with my modem and I go on the app and within two minutes it’s reconnected. I called customer service in the beginning because I had an issue with getting the screws out of the back plate and they sent me a new plate in a few days.
My SkyBell also worked great at first, then after about a year it started to loose internet connection. Make a long story short, what I believe happened was with time after many visitors delivery persons etc. pushing the doorbell, it slowly but surely started to loosen the screw at the bottom that holds the SkyBell in place. I believe that it started to loose good contact with the + – terminals that power this device. I completely unloosened and removed the SkyBell and then placed it back on, the yellow light immediately came on and I then tightened it with screw all the way up in the hole. After about a minute it connected to my internet and it has worked flawlessly since then!!
Similar experience; initially it worked (sometimes), got less reliable then quit all together. A real piece if junk. For the same $$ you can buy a ring that works all the time.
I have had Skybell for about three years now and it has worked perfectly. I installed it myself, simply replacing the existing old doorbell with the Skybell. I have never had any problems nor have I needed any help.
Skybell does work for me. I did have the same issues mentioned in the other comments. Whether it be I.P. address or heat in the summer, distance to your router and age. 1. When it was first installed, it worked great. 2. Motion sensitivity could be better. 3. At least I don’t pay a monthly fee for video recordings. 4. I fixed the losing connection issue with dual band extender. I learned not to buy a low end one(1750mb). 5. You have to completely start over on the app if you reset it. Do restarts on your tablet or phone after connecting. I did get a replacement when I called them. I sent them my bad one. They were nice to me. So far so good. Except for some disconnection issues I’m working on because it won’t send a recording, it might be my router. I changed a HTTPS protocol and so far it is still connected. Hope this helps some out there wrestling with this. I know I did. Thank you
My ADT system uses the Skybell. It is cold outside, -35 C. Doorbell does NOT activate the inside door chimes. ADT tech removed the doorbell and warmed it up inside the house. Reinstalled the doorbell – it worked for a couple minutes until the unit got cold again. Does not work. Definitely NOT designed properly for use in Canadian weather.