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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 July 9, 2026
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ADT has partnered with Google and now offers the Google Nest product line. These are some of the best doorbells and are rich with features like AI facial recognition and package detection.
SimpliSafe’s video doorbell is a safe bet for budget-conscious buyers. It doesn’t have cutting-edge features, but it does offer DIY installation and a neat pan and zoom feature. It also integrates seamlessly with SimpliSafe’s home security system.
Vivint’s sleek doorbell camera looks just like a normal doorbell, adding a layer of hidden security to your porch. This camera recognizes people, differentiating them from shadows, passing cars, and animals. Other features include two-way talk and a 180-degree wide-angle lens.
Nearly every home security company offers a video doorbell — and honestly, it makes total sense. The front door is one of the most common entry points for break-ins, and a doorbell camera puts eyes on anyone walking up to it. Today's models do a lot more than just record footage. We're talking built-in sirens, AI-powered threat detection, facial recognition, and two-way audio so you can talk to whoever's at your door. It doesn’t even matter if you're at home or halfway across the country.
With so many options on the market, narrowing it down can feel overwhelming. That's why we've tested dozens of doorbell cameras, putting video quality, motion alerts, smart integrations, and everyday usability head to head. Our top picks came from ADT, SimpliSafe, and Vivint. Here's a breakdown to help you figure out which one fits your home best.
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 our 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. This focused approach 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.
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. The wired Nest Doorbell captures up to 2K footage, which comes in handy when trying to make out a license plate number of a car parked outside your house. Pair that with ADT’s industry-best monitoring and it’s clear why they’re our favorite.
The Nest Doorbell is the only option on this list with facial recognition. It won’t identify strangers, but it can learn familiar faces — friends, family, and neighbors — and notify you when they arrive.
We saw this feature in action while testing ADT’s Trusted Neighbor. Using facial recognition, the system can automatically unlock a smart lock and disarm the alarm for approved visitors. Safeguards are built in. We limited access to our dog walker on Tuesdays between 3 and 4 p.m., and the system handled it exactly as expected.
Pro Tip: Both Google Nest Doorbells retail for $180. However, ADT frequently runs promotions for new customers that include free or heavily discounted video doorbells. Check their website regularly to catch these limited-time offers.
Professionally installed ADT systems typically start at $599 for equipment before promotional discounts. That said, there are smaller packages and deals are almost always available for new customers. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect — just keep in mind that prices and promotions change regularly:
| System | Normal Retail Price | Recent Sale Price | Total Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Starter | $349 | n/a | n/a |
| Life Safety | $404 | $199 | 51 percent |
| Video Essentials | $528.99 | $349 | 34 percent + free Nest Cam or Doorbell |
| 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 |
While ADT’s prices are relatively high compared to DIY alternatives, they offer a six-month money-back guarantee. That level of protection helps justify the premium as most competitors only offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Testing the ADT Control Panel
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $349 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional |
| Monitoring Cost | Starting at $49.99 per month |
| Contract Length | Monthly or 3 years minimum |
| Installation Options | Professional |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
SimpliSafe's video doorbell hits a sweet spot between affordability and reliability with its hardwired design. However, the real differentiator here is monitoring integration. On a Pro or Pro Plus monitoring plan paired with an outdoor camera, live monitoring agents can actually use your doorbell camera to intervene and deter crime as it's happening.
SimpliSafe’s video doorbell doesn’t offer facial recognition like ADT’s, but it does include person detection and customizable motion zones. In our SimpliSafe doorbell camera tests, those features kept false alerts to a minimum. We were also impressed by the wide field of view, which let us see the entire porch and monitor packages placed directly below the camera.
One limitation is that SimpliSafe only offers hardwired doorbells. Installation is still DIY-friendly—SimpliSafe provides some of the clearest instructions in the industry—but renters or apartment dwellers without an existing doorbell may need to look elsewhere.
The video doorbell is competitively priced at $169, which is affordable enough to fit most budgets. SimpliSafe systems are similarly wallet-friendly. Here’s a quick breakdown of their current 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 | $437.91 |
| The Beacon | 10 | $733.90 |
| The Knox | 13 | $520.87 |
| The Haven | 14 | $558.86 |
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 |
| Water sensor | $19.99 |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide detector | $69.99 |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm listener | $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 available. 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 paid plan.
For professional monitoring, SimpliSafe offers several tiers. Their Core monitoring plan starts at $32.99 per month and covers 24/7 professional monitoring, camera recording, and live guard protection for the wireless indoor camera. If you just want self-monitoring with camera recording and no professional backup, the Self-Monitor with Camera Recording plan runs $9.99 per month.
We tested SimpliSafe’s Pro plan ($49.99 per month), which adds overnight Active Guard Outdoor Protection. That allows monitoring agents to access your outdoor cameras for active crime deterrence. Just keep in mind that this feature requires one of SimpliSafe’s latest outdoor camera as its AI threat detection triggers the response. To enable this feature 24/7, you need the Pro Plus plan at $79.99 per month.
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's doorbell camera is high-tech and polished, fitting seamlessly into Vivint's broader smart home security ecosystem. It can trigger lights, lock doors, and start recording the moment someone steps onto your porch. Expect to pay a premium price, though. The Doorbell Camera Pro Gen 2 is priced at $249.99, putting Vivint's hardware costs well above most competitors.
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 is Vivint’s price tag. The Doorbell Camera Pro alone runs about $249, and it isn’t sold as a standalone product. You’ll need a full system, which typically costs upwards of $1,000 for most homes. Professional monitoring is also required, starting at $24.99 per month.
Vivint custom-designs each system based on your home’s specific needs, which makes it tricky to get a straight answer on total cost. They also don’t publicly list all equipment prices on its website. To help you plan ahead, we called Vivint’s sales team directly and got a current quote for each component they offer:
| 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 | $249 |
| 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 | Starting at $199.99 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $24.99 |
| Contract Length | 60 months |
Frontpoint is one of the best wireless security systems on the market, and its fully wireless design makes setup genuinely painless. Both doorbell cameras are powered by Alarm.com, a well-respected name in security hardware. Even the wired model plays nicely with Frontpoint’s broader wireless equipment lineup. Our favorite feature? Every time the system detected motion, it captured a snapshot and sent us a thumbnail image, helping us quickly screen alerts.
Frontpoint’s cameras, including its video doorbell, arrive preprogrammed for a quick setup. It only took us about 30 minutes to get our whole system up and running. That said, some fine-tuning was still needed. Out of the box, motion sensitivity was set low to reduce false alerts, so we bumped it up slightly to reliably capture activity on our porch.
The doorbell also includes smart video analytics and customizable activity zones. In practice, this lets you zero in on high-traffic areas while filtering out irrelevant motion, a must-have feature for reducing alert fatigue in day-to-day use. We set ours to ignore the sidewalk in front of our house.
FYI: We were impressed 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 negative 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
Like SimpliSafe, Frontpoint lets you choose from pre-built packages or mix and match individual components to fit your setup. Here’s a current look at the cost of Frontpoint’s packages:
| Name | Equipment | Regular Price | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Home Security System |
|
$1,134.89 | $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. They also run frequent sales similar to SimpliSafe, although Frontpoint offers a smaller discount on their individual components compared to their packages. Still, they’re significantly 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 | $229.99 |
| Wireless doorbell camera | $339.99 |
| Extra keypad | $59.99 |
| Flood sensor | $59.99 |
| Garage door tilt sensor | $49.99 |
| Glass-break sensor | $99.99 |
| Indoor camera | $119.99 |
| Keychain remote | $39.99 |
| Motion sensor | $74.99 |
| Outdoor camera | $229.99 |
| Outdoor smart plug | $69.99 |
| Smart door lock | $239.99 |
| Display Hub+ | $469.99 |
Frontpoint’s monitoring prices are higher than most other companies. For the full service treatment, expect to pay $49.99 per month. You’ll also find a $14.99 per month self-monitoring plan that gives you remote access and cloud storage for camera recordings.
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $69 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional or DIY |
| Monitoring Cost | Starting at $44.99 per month |
| Contract Lengths | Month-to-month |
| Installation Options | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, and Siri |
Ring pioneered the video doorbell, and after years of hands-on testing, we still consider it one of the strongest doorbell camera brands in the category. With multiple video doorbell models available across a range of price points, Ring makes it easy to find an option that fits most homes, budgets, and installation setups. That said, our experience shows Ring's broader security system doesn't match the depth or reliability of ADT, Vivint, or SimpliSafe.
Ring gives you a solid lineup to work with. There’s a model built for nearly every setup — from a no-frills wired option at $79.99 all the way up to a premium model with radar-based motion detection and 3D motion zones for $499.99.
Ring Video Doorbell, Installed
We tested the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro, a premium model priced at $249.99. It offers a wide 140-degree field of view and sharp 4K resolution, which gave us a clear look at the entire front porch. Two-way talk worked reliably, though we did notice slight audio lag — something we’ve seen with most battery-powered doorbells we’ve tested.
What impressed us more was how seamlessly the doorbell integrated with the Ring Alarm system. While Ring’s professional monitoring isn’t as advanced as ADT or SimpliSafe, it’s significantly cheaper at $19.99 per month. In our experience, the system performed consistently, and the Ring app made managing cameras, sensors, and alerts simple and intuitive.
One of the nice things about Ring’s large selection is that it’s easy to find a doorbell or an entire system within your price range. There’s a wired video doorbell for just $79.99 if you’re on a tight budget. On the other hand, you can invest in complete 14-piece systems for around $330, or go all-in with the Video Doorbell Pro 2 — a top-of-the-line wired model — for $249.99. 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 | $279.99 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Doorbell Pro | Battery | $249.99 |
| Battery Doorbell | Battery | $99.99 |
| Battery Doorbell Plus | Battery | $179.99 |
| Wired Doorbell | Wired | $79.99 |
| Wired Doorbell Plus | Wired | $179.99 |
| Wired Doorbell Pro | Wired | $249.99 |
| Video Doorbell Elite | Power over Ethernet | $499.99 |
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 $199.99 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $19.99 |
| Contract Length | Month-to-month or 1-year |
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 people think video doorbells are gimmicky, 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 key things to keep in mind when shopping for a video doorbell. Whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrading an older model, considering these factors will help you find the best fit for your home:
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 a 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.
A doorbell that can record video captures suspicious activity, break-ins, and even environmental hazards. Some doorbell cameras offer continuous 24/7 recording, while others record only when triggered by motion or activity. Pair a video doorbell with a cloud storage plan, and you've got a solid, reviewable record of everything happening at your front door.
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 a natural entry point into smart home security. The more devices you can connect — smart locks, lighting, garage doors, thermostats — the more seamless and secure your setup becomes. Look for systems and doorbell cameras that support popular ecosystems like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Z-Wave and Zigbee. We also recommend picking a provider that gives you full control through a single 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/
