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ADT’s use of Google Nest Doorbell, one of the smartest video doorbells right now, propels it to the top spot.
Updated August 13, 2025
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These days, virtually every home security company offers at least one doorbell camera model, and there’s a good reason for that. Most burglars try the front door first, so any extra protection there pays dividends.1 Some doorbells even include built-in sirens and other active protection features to scare off burglars before they even try the door.
With so many options, though, finding the best one can feel like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack. That’s where we come in. Having tested dozens of doorbells in our home, we’ll act as your metal detector to help you find that needle. Our favorites come from ADT, SimpliSafe, and Vivint for both the advanced features in their doorbell and the overall security their systems provide. Let’s dig in to find the right doorbell camera for you.
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert:
“Having a doorbell camera is a great way to protect your home from burglars, home invaders, and package thieves. There are a couple of different tactics criminals use. Some like to knock or ring the doorbell to make sure no one is home. These burglars typically don’t want to be seen. They want to get in and out quickly without detection. While another tactic, usually used for home invasions, is to knock or ring the doorbell hoping someone will answer. Once the homeowner opens the door, they will push their way into the home and hold everyone inside captive while they conduct their crime.
Unfortunately, these types of criminals sometimes aren’t there just to steal property. During these types of home invasions other crimes can occur like battery, assault, and even murder. Knowing who is at your door with a doorbell camera is a good way not to fall victim to these crimes.”
We want to make trustworthy and unbiased recommendations, so we personally test the security systems we review. When we test a system, we buy the equipment with our own money, set them up in our homes, and assess them over weeks or months. This lets us get a feel for the features, app, response time, and overall effectiveness. This approach allows us to make accurate and honest recommendations.
We give each security system we test a fair treatment by installing them in the same environment. We use a 2,200-square-foot house owned by one of security experts as our testing ground. Using a real house gives us the most accurate results compared to testing equipment in a lab.
We go further by buying the same system components and installing them in identical locations around the house. Here’s what our testing setup looks like:
We also drew from our extensive experience in the industry to narrow down the most critical factors for security systems with doorbell cameras. These are the factors we identified as top priority:
After carefully examining dozens of systems using these criteria, here’s how we arrived at our top picks:
Rating the Best Security Systems With Doorbell Cameras
You won’t find reviews for toasters, bikes, and everything in between on SafeHome.org. Our team of experts only reviews home security equipment. It means we can dive deeper into every device and provide reliable recommendations to our readers. The experts who contributed to this guide are:
Featuring 75 years of combined industry experience, we are the most accomplished home security team online. Since starting in 2016, we have been featured in multiple major outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. Together, we have achieved:
Every recommendation is based on first-hand product experience and a thorough understanding of the home security industry. Now, let’s learn more about the best security systems with doorbell cameras.
The red glow around our Vivint doorbell’s button serves as a warning that it’s armed and ready to record unwelcome guests.
ADT is at the top of our list of the best home security systems and part of the reason for that is their video doorbell. They recently partnered with Google and now offer Google Nest Doorbells with two-way noise-cancelling audio, LED IR night vision, and facial recognition. Pair that with ADT’s industry-best monitoring and it’s clear why they’re our favorite.
The Nest Doorbell is still the only doorbell on this list to offer facial recognition. It can’t identify random strangers who show up at your door, but it can learn faces of your friends, relatives, and neighbors and let you know when they drop by.
Facial recognition played a role when we tested ADT’s newest feature, Trusted Neighbor. You can set the ADT system to let people you trust in automatically by unlocking the door (via a smart lock) and disarming the alarm. Don’t worry, there are still plenty of safeguards in place. We set it to only let our dog-walker in on Tuesdays between 3 and 4 p.m.
For more, you might want to check out our complete Nest Doorbell review.
Pro Tip: Nest Doorbells can set you back around $200 when you buy them from ADT. But we recommend keeping an eye on the ADT website as they regularly offer new customers exclusive deals, including free video doorbells.
As recently as two years ago, ADT’s system prices started at around $700. They’ve overhauled their pricing and now offer packages starting at $350 before discounts. And there’s almost always a discount. Here’s an overview of ADT’s packages and their current sale price:
| System | Normal Retail Price | Current Sale Price | Total Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Starter | $349 | n/a | n/a |
| Life Safety | $404 | $199 | 51 percent |
| Video Essentials | $708.98 | $349 | 51 percent |
| Outdoor Video | $648.98 | $289 | 55 percent |
| Front Door Protection | $738.98 | n/a | n/a |
| Total Safety | $1,593.95 | $1,233.97 | 23 percent |
And those price cuts are just for starters. Right now, ADT is throwing in a free Nest Doorbell and a free Nest Cam (battery). Plus, the company has recently introduced an entirely new line of systems that don’t require professional installation. You save by setting them up yourself, but their up-front prices are also significantly cheaper. A Build-Your-Own system is under $200, though you don’t get the free Nest cameras with that deal.
Testing the ADT Control Panel
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $349 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional or DIY |
| Monitoring Cost | Starting at $24.99 per month |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
| Installation Options | Professional or DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
SimpliSafe offers a reliable and affordable video doorbell that requires minimal maintenance since it’s hardwired. However, that means it takes a bit more time to install. We like it most, though, for the way it integrates into their optional monitoring plans. Their agents can actively use your doorbell camera to deter crime when paired with their outdoor camera and a Pro or Pro Plus subscription.
FYI: When we tested the Fast Protect Monitoring for our review of SimpliSafe, the response times were extremely fast (about 20 seconds on average), and the technicians were all very helpful and professional.
SimpliSafe’s video doorbell doesn’t include facial recognition, the way ADT’s does. It still features person detection and easy-to-set-up detection zones, though, which kept our false alerts to a minimum.
While testing SimpliSafe’s video doorbell, we were impressed with its wide field of view and unique panning feature. These features let us see our entire front porch, so we could keep an eye on our packages directly under it.
Note that SimpliSafe only offers hardwired doorbells. Don’t worry if you’re not particularly handy. SimpliSafe is hands-down the best DIY installation company out there and goes to the trouble of providing simple, easy-to-use instructions for all its devices. However, if you live in an apartment, like we do, you might not have an existing doorbell to replace. That likely means you’ll want to consider another company.
Price-wise, this doorbell is right on the money at just $169.99. That’s cheap enough to suit most budgets, and when you consider what you’re getting for that price tag, it’s actually a pretty remarkable value.
SimpliSafe systems are similarly affordable. You can find more in our guide to SimpliSafe’s pricing, but here’s a quick breakdown of their security bundles:
| Package Name | Number of Components | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Foundation | 4 | $250.96 |
| The Starter | 6 | $282.94 |
| The Lighthouse | 7 | $482.93 |
| The Hearth | 9 | $412.91 |
| The Beacon | 10 | $733.90 |
| The Knox | 13 | $495.87 |
| The Haven | 14 | $533.86 |
Also keep in mind that SimpliSafe is always running a sale. We’ve been covering the brand for years, and we’ve rarely seen SimpliSafe charge full price for new customers. If none of these bundles work for you, though, you can always build out your own system using individual components. Here’s how the prices look with that option:
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Entry sensor | $15.99 |
| Motion sensor | $34.99 |
| Glass-break sensor | $39.99 |
| Outdoor camera | $199.99 |
| Wireless indoor camera | $149.99 |
| Video doorbell | $169.99 |
| Water sensor | $19.99 |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide detector | $69.99 |
| Smoke detector | $44.99 |
| Temperature sensor | $29.99 |
| Panic button | $19.99 |
| Key fob | $24.99 |
| Smart Lock | $119.99 |
| Extra-loud siren | $59.99 |
As far as monitoring goes, SimpliSafe is one of the best no-fee security systems out there. Their free plan includes instant alerts, livestreamed video, and remote arming and disarming. To record footage, though, you’ll need to sign up for their $9.99 per month plan.
For professional monitoring, SimpliSafe offers four plans. Their standard monitoring ($21.99 per month) only includes alarm monitoring. The Core plan ($31.99 per month) adds video verification and cloud storage as well as intruder intervention for the Wireless Indoor Camera which means agents will use the camera’s features to scare off any criminals in your home.
We opted for SimpliSafe’s Pro plan ($49.99 per month) so their monitoring agents could use our video doorbell to actively deter crime at night through the Active Guard Outdoor Protection feature. Expanding this to 24/7 protection requires the Pro Plus plan ($79.99 per month). Note that you need one of their outdoor cameras for this feature.
Checking out the privacy screen on SimpliSafe’s new wireless indoor camera.
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|
| Power | Battery |
| Field of View | Up to 140° |
| Resolution | Up to 1536p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Smart Platform Compatibility | Alexa and Google Home |
Vivint offers some of the most sophisticated home security equipment on the market. That includes its video doorbell. Vivint’s impressive technology doesn’t just keep you safe, though. It also makes life more convenient. Connect your video doorbell to your TV, and Vivint can turn the news on for you when you get home every day.
Be ready to pay for those capabilities, though, as Vivint’s prices are higher than its competitors. That’s true for both their equipment and monitoring. But, we felt like we got what we paid for as Vivint’s smart capabilities truly stand above the competition.
All Vivint cameras — including the video doorbell — are packed with features that can make your life more convenient and improve your security. The doorbell features a 180-degree field of view, as wide as you can get with a single-lens camera. It also includes night vision, two-way talk, and one-way video so you can keep an eye on your front door without visitors even knowing you’re home.
That’s before we get into its home automation capabilities, which Vivint’s known for. Once we’d connected our doorbell to our Echo, we were able to answer the door with just our voices. In fact, we were so impressed, we put Vivint on our list of the best security systems for Alexa.
FYI: We had trouble seeing something in the distance, so we cast the live stream to our FireTV via Alexa. The image quality was superb, and we had a better view of the Uber Eats driver making their way to our front doorstep.
Ringing the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro
The main drawback to Vivint is price. The doorbell alone costs over $250. You can’t buy the doorbell as a standalone device, though, and a complete system typically starts at upward of $1,000. Professional monitoring costs an additional $29.99 to $44.99 per month. If you’re willing to pay these prices, you get one of the most technologically advanced home security systems in the industry.
It can be difficult to price Vivint systems to the penny, partly because Vivint custom-builds every system and partly because Vivint doesn’t like publishing its equipment costs. We have managed to uncover some basic information, though. Here’s what the company charges for individual pieces of equipment.
| Component | Price |
|---|---|
| Smart drive (storage) | $250 |
| Car guard | $200 |
| Smoke detector | $100 |
| Carbon monoxide detector | $100 |
| Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide monitor | $100 |
| Smart lock | $180 |
| Garage door controller | $100 |
| Smart thermostat | $170 |
| Lamp module | $50 |
| Doorbell Camera Pro | $250 |
| Outdoor Camera Pro | $400 |
| Ping indoor camera | $200 |
| Indoor Camera Pro | $200 |
| Spotlight Pro | $250 |
| Water sensor | $50 |
| Flood, freeze, and heat sensor | $50 |
| Smart sensor | $50 |
| Panic pendant | $50 |
| Key fob | $50 |
| Tilt sensor | $50 |
| Monitoring Options | Professional only |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $599.99 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $30 |
| Contract Length | 48 to 60 months |
Frontpoint is one of the best wireless security systems, and being wireless makes it easy to install and set up. Their doorbell camera is from Alarm.com, a reputable security equipment manufacturer. It may not be completely wire-free, but it works well with Frontpoint’s mostly wireless equipment range. Our favorite feature? It took a snapshot and included a thumbnail image whenever our security system detects something.
All of Frontpoint’s cameras, including its doorbell, are preprogrammed and ready to install and use right out of the box. You do want to adjust settings to make sure these devices are capturing exactly what you want and nothing you don’t. By default, for instance, the doorbell was set on its lowest sensitivity. That prevents false alarms, but we were trying to catch the neighbor’s dog lounging on our porch swing, so we bumped it up a notch.
Frontpoint’s doorbell camera also includes smart video analytics and customizable activity zones. These let you focus monitoring on specific regions within the frame.
FYI: We were shocked on one very cold winter night to find that the doorbell camera was still working. In fact, it will operate in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Similar to SimpliSafe, you can select a Frontpoint package or build out a system from individual components. We have more in our guide to Frontpoint’s costs, but here’s an overview of the packages the company offers:
| Name | Equipment | Regular Price | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Home Security System |
|
$1,094.89 | $349 |
| Essential Home Security System |
|
$414.93 | $69 |
Pro Tip: Both of these packages are customizable with different or extra cameras at a discounted rate. You can add any one camera to the Essential Home Security System. For the Total Home Security System, you can opt for two indoor or two outdoor cameras instead of one of each.
Do a little comparison shopping, and you’ll find these prices are similar to what SimpliSafe charges. That makes them more affordable than full-service companies like Vivint and ADT.
Here’s what you’ll pay for individual Frontpoint components:
| Component | Price |
|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide sensor | $99.99 |
| Door or window sensor | $34.99 |
| Wired doorbell camera | $219.99 |
| Wireless doorbell camera | $319.99 |
| Extra keypad | $59.99 |
| Flood sensor | $59.99 |
| Garage door tilt sensor | $49.99 |
| Glass-break sensor | $99.99 |
| Indoor camera | $109.99 |
| Keychain remote | $39.99 |
| Motion sensor | $74.99 |
| Outdoor camera | $239.99 |
| Outdoor smart plug | $69.99 |
| Smart door lock | $239.99 |
| Display Hub+ | $469.99 |
Frontpoint’s monitoring prices are a little higher than industry averages. Keep in mind that you can get Ring professional monitoring for just $20 a month. However, Frontpoint, recently offered a low-price alternative to its full professional monitoring plans. For just $15 a month, you get real-time alerts, video analytic software tools, and the ability to turn your system off and on through the app. In addition, you can now get a professional monitoring plan for just $45 a month.
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $386.93 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional |
| Monitoring Cost | Starting at $14.99 per month |
| Contract Lengths | Monthly or 36 months |
| Installation Options | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, and Siri |
You can’t create a list of the best home security systems with doorbell cameras and not include Ring. The company invented the video doorbell. Literally. Since then, it’s remained an industry leader, offering solidly built devices that incorporate the most innovative technology. Some models, for instance, can differentiate between people and packages so you know what’s going on before you open an alert. Plus, Ring offers more video doorbell models than anyone else out there – eight different doorbells including wired versions, wireless versions, and even one custom-made to cover apartment peepholes.
While Ring remains a top video doorbell brand though, it isn’t quite as strong as ADT, Vivint, and SimpliSafe if we’re talking about home security systems. Ring does offer great equipment, from entry sensors to smoke detectors, and monitoring at reasonable prices. Its monitoring service isn’t quite in the same league as these other companies, though. In the end, we still think of Ring primarily as a camera company.
Ring offers eight different doorbell camera models. That beats even Lorex, a company that offers dozens and dozens of camera styles. The original Ring Wired Video Doorbell costs just $49.99, putting it within reach of virtually any homeowner. At the other end of the spectrum, you can get a high-tech Video Doorbell Elite with advanced motion detection, customizable motion zones, a 160-degree field-of-view and two-way audio with noise cancellation for $349.99. Quite a range. And that doesn’t include the company’s six other options, all of which you can read about in our guide to Ring’s video doorbells.
Ring Video Doorbell 3, Installed
We went with the Ring Video Doorbell 2 — one of the company’s higher-priced models at $229.99. Like the Elite, it features a 160-degree field-of-view and 1080p HD video for crystal clear views. We could see everything we needed to from our stoop out to the street. The two-way talk lagged a bit, but that’s pretty typical across the industry. Most importantly, we were impressed with Ring Alarm system to which the doorbell was attached. Entry sensors and motion detectors caught everything we threw at them during testing and the app gave us complete control of all our equipment.
One of the nice things about Ring’s large selection is that it’s easy to find a doorbell or an entire system that is within your price range. If you’re just looking to get something basic, a starting point for improving your family’s safety, you can buy a single video doorbell for just $50. By itself, that will improve your home security exponentially. On the other hand, you can invest in complete 14-piece systems for around $330, or upgrade your doorbell camera to a top-of-the-line Video Doorbell Elite with all the bells and whistles for $350. Check out our complete Ring Alarm prices page for more cost analysis, but here’s a quick rundown of Ring’s most popular alarm systems and costs.
| Package | Price |
|---|---|
| Ring Alarm 5-Piece | $199.99 |
| Ring Alarm 8-Piece | $249.99 |
| Ring Alarm 10-Piece | $259.99 |
| Ring Alarm 14-Piece | $329.99 |
| Ring Alarm Pro (Base Station Only) | $249.99 |
| Ring Alarm Pro 8-Piece | $299.99 |
| Ring Alarm Pro 14-Piece | $379.99 |
And for good measure, here’s a list of their current doorbell prices as well:
| Doorbell | Power Source | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Doorbell Pro | Battery | $229.99 |
| Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) | Battery | $99.99 |
| Doorbell Plus | Battery | $149.99 |
| Peephole Cam | Battery | $129.99 |
| Video Doorbell | Wired | $49.99 |
| Doorbell Plus | Wired | $149.99 |
| Doorbell Pro 2 | Wired | $229.99 |
| Video Doorbell Elite | Wired | $349.99 |
Pro Tip: Since Ring is owned by Amazon, the brand is always offering deals, especially on Prime Day. If you’re looking to pick up a video doorbell on the cheap, that’s usually the best time to buy. Check out our roundup of Ring Deals and Discounts to learn more.
| Monitoring Options | 24/7 professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa |
| Equipment Cost | From $244.95 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | $4.99 |
| Contract Length | 1-12 months |
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert:
“Having a doorbell camera is a great way to protect your home from burglars, home invaders, and package thieves. There are a couple of different tactics criminals use. Some like to knock or ring the doorbell to make sure no one is home. These burglars typically don’t want to be seen. They want to get in and out quickly without detection. While another tactic, usually used for home invasions, is to knock or ring the doorbell hoping someone will answer. Once the homeowner opens the door, they will push their way into the home and hold everyone inside captive while they conduct their crime.
Unfortunately, these types of criminals sometimes aren’t there just to steal property. During these types of home invasions other crimes can occur like battery, assault, and even murder. Knowing who is at your door with a doorbell camera is a good way not to fall victim to these crimes.”
While some folks think that video doorbells are a bit of a gimmick, there are actually plenty of real-world security benefits to using them. Here are just a few:
The data backs this up. Here are some eye-opening statistics on the benefits of installing a video doorbell.
Here’s a sample of Nest Doorbells’s image quality.
There are several things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a video doorbell. Here are some of the most important considerations:
Pro Tip: If you plan on using SD cards, note that a 128GB option stores up to 24 hours of continuous footage at 1080p resolution. If you want to record video in 4K, we recommend choosing a 256 GB card or higher.
Want to get the most out of your new video doorbell? Here are few pointers from installation to day-to-day operation:
With these tips in mind, you’re going to be well on your way to integrating a video doorbell into a more comprehensive security system.
We tweaked Ring’s sensitivity and notification settings to our liking.
The following are some common features found in home security systems that include video doorbell cameras:
Remote access is a key feature of the best home security systems with doorbell cameras. And it’s incredibly powerful. You can view your doorbell camera’s live feed on your smartphone from virtually anywhere in the world. Just log in to the companion app to access, monitor, and control your home security and automation setup. Welcome to the future.
Here’s another value-packed feature of doorbell cameras. Video recording captures suspicious activity, break-ins and burglaries, and even environmental hazards. Some high-tech doorbell cameras offer continuous recording, while others record intermittently when triggered by activity. A security camera with video recording, combined with a cloud storage plan, is your ticket to a safe home.
Vivint Doorbell recording in the Vivint App
Knowledge is power. That’s why mobile alerts are so popular. The best home security systems with doorbell cameras include mobile alerts in their suite of features. If and when your camera detects activity, it automatically sends you an alert so you can take action. If it’s a good guy, great! But if it’s a bad guy … it’s time to make him pay.
Simply put, entryway sensors make the security system — they secure the perimeter of your home. Without the advance warning of a sensor, anyone could walk onto your property. (Or in reverse, your wandering toddler could escape out an unlocked door.) Magnetic sensors come standard with all systems, and when active in “arm” mode, the alarm will sound the moment a door or window opens. These add to the protection offered by a video doorbell camera.
Here we are installing the new and improved SimpliSafe Motion Sensor.
Now that your entryway is secure with a doorbell camera and sensors, it’s time to round-out your home security system with motion detectors. These devices are strategically mounted throughout your home to monitor activity inside. If they detect movement, the alarm sounds and alerts are sent. Rest assured that if there’s any motion or commotion, you’ll be the first to know.
Doorbell cameras are the foundation of smart home security, but the more devices you can connect your doorbell to, the more secure and convenient your life is going to be. With that in mind, look for home security systems and doorbell cameras that support a broad range of home automation ecosystems and features. Can you operate your door locks remotely? Can you control when your lights come on? Can you open your garage door and turn off your thermostat with just your voice? In addition, you want a system that allows you to control all your devices – including your doorbell camera – through the system app.
Two-way voice comes with the best home security doorbell cameras. At work but have a visitor at your front door? No problem. You’ll get a mobile alert, allowing you to open the app and talk with the person remotely. If it’s the mailman, have him hide your package. If it’s a burglar, tell him to skedaddle. If it’s your mother-in-law … you’re on your own.
Night vision is another great feature that comes standard with many home security doorbell cameras. Some night vision cameras are black and white, while others boast full-color imaging. Both types leverage infrared technology to record crisp and clear video as if it were broad daylight. Impressive tech-forward functionality aside, night vision just sounds cool.
Ring Doorbell Camera Night Vision
Live view, live stream, live feed — whatever you call it, just be sure your doorbell camera has it. This feature lets you tap into a real-time video feed of your doorbell camera. Simply log in to your home security system’s companion app, open the live view option, and get comfortable. This feature is especially powerful when combined with two-way voice.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office of New York. (Retrived 2025). Prevent Burglaries. https://www.washingtoncountyny.gov/252/Prevent-Burglaries
Florida Community Association Professionals. (2023). Smart Home Solutions for Community Safety.
https://www.fcapgroup.com/flcaj/flcaj-articles/smart-home-solutions-for-community-safety/
