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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 October 3, 2024
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Coming home to an empty patio after getting a message that your package has been delivered is heartbreaking. Package theft is one of the many reasons Americans are buying video doorbells. But if you want to double down on your home security, get a doorbell camera that works with a security system.
After three months of testing different options, we decided that ADT provides the best solution. It wasn’t an easy contest. SimpliSafe, Vivint, Frontpoint, and Ring put up a good fight. SimpliSafe and Frontpoint were easy to set up; Vivint’s video doorbell offers state-of-the-art features; and Ring overwhelmed us with eight varieties to choose from. In this guide, we share our experiences with each brand and why we recommend installing a video doorbell.
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.
Did you know ADT has been around for over 150 years? Pretty impressive. The company invented the home security system and has been reinventing the industry ever since.
When I tested ADT most recently, I was impressed by the quality of the equipment and the service I received. But while you’ll pay a little more for the system and lock yourself into a three-year contract, the benefits of choosing ADT over DIY systems outweigh the drawbacks.
One of those benefits is that ADT has partnered with Google to offer some of the most advanced equipment in the market today. I have more information in my Nest Doorbell review, but for now, let’s just say it’s feature-rich and will surprise you with its functionality.
The Nest Doorbell that ADT offers has tons of features, but let’s talk about the one that no one else has: facial recognition. Plenty of video doorbells and cameras are smart enough to tell the difference between people, animals, and objects.
The Nest doorbell is the only one that can tell you exactly who is at the door. Of course, it can’t recognize any stranger who happens to walk up. For that, it would need to tap into all sorts of world databases, and it might get a little creepy.
Nest Doorbell’s facial recognition relies on your input. When it sees a new face, it asks you to tag it with a name. Over time, it learns to recognize that person. After seeing our friend Kate pop over to watch Bridgerton for the third time this month, we got an alert that said, “Kate’s here.”
Did it keep us safer? Not in that circumstance, but it was convenient (and really cool) to be able to know who’s at the door without checking the video.
Pro Tip: Nest Doorbells can set you back around $200 when you buy them from ADT. But I recommend keeping an eye on the ADT website as they regularly offer new customers exclusive deals, including free video doorbells.
Traditionally, ADT’s prices have been the main drawback from investing in one of its security systems. Recently, though, ADT has dropped prices across the board. Below, you can see how each of its professionally installed systems compares and just how much the costs have fallen.
| Feature | Secure Home | Smart Home | Video and Smart Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital control panel | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Contact sensors | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Motion detector | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Smart door lock | No | 1 | 1 |
| Smart plug | No | 1 | 1 |
| Remote arm/disarm | No | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor camera | No | No | 1 |
| Video doorbell | No | No | 1 |
| Remote livestreaming | No | No | Yes |
| Customizable alerts | No | No | Yes |
| New Monitoring Prices | $29.99 | $44.99 | $44.99 |
| Old Equipment Cost | Starts at $599 | Starts at $919 | Starts at $1,049 |
| New Equipment Cost | Starts at $499 | Starts at $778 | Starts at $1,586 |
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 $499 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring options | Professional |
| Monitoring cost | Starting at $29.99 per month |
| Contract length | Starting at 36 months |
| Installation options | Professional or DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
SimpliSafe’s video doorbell offers reliability, ease of installation, and affordability. You can use it on its own or integrate it with a SimpliSafe security system. That’s what I did when I tested it and loved the Fast Protect monitoring option in particular. Basically, SimpliSafe verifies security incidents using cameras (including the doorbell) so that the police respond faster.
SimpliSafe hasn’t forgotten how it made its name, though. You can still self-monitor your system for nothing. You’ll get instant alerts and live video feeds anytime, anywhere. Or, you can find some middle ground by coupling self-monitoring with a cloud storage plan and hang on to your footage.
FYI: When I tested the Fast Protect Monitoring for my 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 is exactly what we’d expect from this provider. From the DIY approach to the everything-you-need-and-nothing-you-don’t philosophy, this is a simple doorbell that just gets the job done right.
Don’t expect to be blown away by this camera’s features. This isn’t Nest, with its facial recognition software. It even lacks motion detection zones. That said, it has the basics you need to keep your home protected. When I tested the SimpliSafe video doorbell, I found that its wide range of vision, and its unique pan and zoom feature let me see everything — even packages set underneath it. And it has enough smart features to limit the number of false positives, if not eliminate them entirely.
One of the primary drawbacks is you have to hardwire the doorbell. Now, before you immediately turn your nose up, I understand that DIY isn’t everyone’s favorite acronym. Trust me, though, even if you’re not super handy, you can install this doorbell pretty easily. Just make sure you follow the instructions provided and turn your power off — you don’t want to get zapped like I did.
And as far as pricing goes, this doorbell is right on the money. At just $169, it’s an option for most budgets; when you consider what you’re getting for that price tag, I think it’s more than affordable. And speaking of pricing…
Another benefit of going with a SimpliSafe system is its affordability. I have more on this in my guide to SimpliSafe’s pricing, but here’s a quick breakdown of their security bundles:
| Package Name | Number of Components | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Foundation | 4 | $244.96 |
| The Essentials | 6 | $274.95 |
| The Lighthouse | 7 | $464.93 |
| The Hearth | 9 | $394.91 |
| The Beacon | 10 | $669.90 |
| The Knox | 13 | $469.78 |
| The Haven | 14 | $509.86 |
Also keep in mind that SimpliSafe is always running a sale. I’ve been covering the brand for years, and I’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 | $14.99 |
| Motion sensor | $34.99 |
| Glass-break sensor | $39.99 |
| Outdoor camera | $189.99 |
| Smart Alarm indoor camera | $139.99 |
| SimpliCam indoor camera | $99.99 |
| Video doorbell | $169.99 |
| Water sensor | $19.99 |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide detector | $59.99 |
| Smoke detector | $34.99 |
| Temperature sensor | $29.99 |
| Panic button | $19.99 |
| Key fob | $24.99 |
| Extra-loud siren | $59.99 |
As far as monitoring goes, SimpliSafe is one of the best no-fee security systems out there; they allow their customers to self-monitor their systems with no additional cost. If you’re looking for professional monitoring, though, there are two options. The Fast Protect Monitoring that I mentioned above is $29.99 per month, and standard monitoring is just $19.99 per month.
Checking out the privacy screen on SimpliSafe’s new wireless indoor camera.
| Monitoring options | Professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional and DIY |
| Smart platform integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $249.96 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $9.99 |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
Vivint takes a more white-glove approach to home security; when you use any one of Vivint’s cameras — the doorbell cam included — you’ll see what I mean. They place an emphasis on customer service as well as home automation capabilities.
When I tested Vivint, I appreciated the professional installation process. While I’m a DIYer at heart, it was nice to kick up my feet and not have to worry about setting the system up. I also enjoyed the home automation capabilities. I paired the system with my Amazon assistant and used my voice to control everything. This made things really convenient — so convenient, in fact, that Vivint is number one on my list of the best security systems for Alexa.
Vivint has a great professional monitoring plan, but the company doesn’t want you to have to wait for emergency personnel to arrive. So the video doorbell doesn’t just send an alert to a monitoring station. It includes active theft protection. What does that mean? It means that bright lights come on and an alarm sounds the moment the doorbell detects that something is amiss. We can’t guarantee that these features deter every porch pirate, but if we were looking to snag a package and those kinds of protections went off, we’d be gone in a flash. You can find more in the pricing section, but for quick context, this doorbell costs about $250. That’s expensive, but you definitely get value for your money.
Another thing I’m not a huge fan of, though, is that Vivint requires professional monitoring; since the equipment is proprietary, it stops working if you don’t pay the bill. That said, they do offer some of the best professional monitoring in the business, so you’re going to see where the money goes.
FYI: I had trouble seeing something in the distance, so I cast the live stream to my FireTV via Alexa. The image quality was superb, and I had a better view of the Uber Eats driver making their way to my front doorstep.
Ringing the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro
I’ve kind of hinted at it, but I’ll just come out and say it: The main drawback here is Vivint’s price. Put simply, this is a pretty expensive system. In all, my equipment cost over $1,000 when I was testing everything out, and their professional monitoring costs between $29.99 and $44.99 per month. If you’re willing to pay these prices, though, you’re going to be getting one of the most technologically advanced home security systems out there.
Like I said above, each one of these systems is customized to your needs. However, here’s the price of each individual component to give you an idea of what your final tab might be.
| 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 $40 |
| Contract Length | 48 to 60 months |
Despite Frontpoint being one of the best wireless security systems in the industry today, it’s not as well known as it should be. That means you can get good deals on a system that bridges the gap between professional monitoring and a DIY ethos. In many senses, Frontpoint offers the best of both worlds.
For instance, when I tested the Frontpoint system, I was impressed with the quality of the equipment the company provides. But I was equally impressed with how easy it was to set up. Of course, Frontpoint is one of the best DIY systems out there and setup only took me about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Frontpoint only recently began offering its own video doorbells. You can get a wired and wireless version. We regard this as a big step up for a company that deserves more attention. They used to offer a doorbell produced by Skybell. Their own version comes with more features, and producing its own video doorbell adds a notch in Frontpoint’s belt of accomplishments.
What kind of features are we talking about? If you’ve worked with video doorbells as long as I have, you know that dialing in the settings can be a bit of a headache. Most video doorbells are extremely sensitive right out of the box — your phone will be buzzing with alerts every few minutes until you tweak some things. Not only is this really annoying, but it also drains the battery of your doorbell.
Unboxing the Frontpoint Doorbell Camera
When I was testing the system for my Frontpoint review, though, I realized I wasn’t getting all of those annoying notifications to let me know a tree was swaying in the breeze. This is due to Frontpoint’s energy-saver smart video analytics and activity zones that allow you to focus on specific areas of the frame and exclude others. You can also set times and days you want to receive notifications so your phone won’t be buzzing after bedtime.
FYI: I was 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. I have more in my guide to Frontpoint’s costs, but here’s a quick breakdown:
| Name | Equipment | Regular Price | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Home Security System |
|
$1,351.83 | $419 |
| Premier Home Security System |
|
$771.90 | $169 |
| Starter Home Security System |
|
$541.91 | $79.99 |
These prices are about on par with SimpliSafe and a little more affordable than Vivint and ADT. And as far as individual components go, here’s a rundown:
| Component | Price |
|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide sensor | $65.49 |
| Door or window sensor | $19.24 |
| Doorbell camera | $109.99 |
| Extra keypad | $30.24 |
| Flood sensor | $24.74 |
| Garage door tilt sensor | $24.74 |
| Glass-break sensor | $41.24 |
| Indoor camera | $65.99 |
| Keychain remote | $17.59 |
| Motion sensor | $38.74 |
| Outdoor camera | $126.49 |
| Outdoor smart plug | $27.49 |
| Premium indoor camera | $109.99 |
| Smart door lock | $109.99 |
| Touchscreen | $82.49 |
Do keep in mind when you’re budgeting, though, that Frontpoint does require professional monitoring; it’s not exactly the cheapest option out there. It costs $49.99 per month, which makes it some of the most expensive monitoring on my list. That can be a pretty major turnoff for some folks.
| Equipment cost | Packages starting at $79 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring options | Professional |
| Monitoring cost | Starting at $49 per month |
| Contract lengths | Monthly or 36 months |
| Installation options | DIY |
| Smart platform integrations | Google Home, Alexa, and Siri |
Ring’s video doorbells are what popularized this category of security equipment in the first place. In the decade or so since that first model hit the shelves, they’ve only been improving their offerings.
They’ve been expanding them, too. Ring now offers a complete range of home security equipment and started offering bundles. That company has done a great deal over the last decade to position itself as one of the top video doorbell brands, and has now become a major player in the security system market as well.
Up until now all of our providers have only offered one video doorbell, but Ring, as you might expect, has quite a few. The most basic is the Wired Video doorbell, which costs $49.99. The most high-tech is the Video Doorbell Elite, which runs $349.99. You don’t have to select between these two, though. There are plenty of other middle-of-the-road options available, both hardwired and battery-powered. You can read more about that in my guide to Ring’s video doorbells to learn the ins and outs of each one.
Ring Video Doorbell 3, Installed
When I was testing out the Ring Alarm system, I was impressed with the quality of the video doorbell I was working with. I went with the Ring Video Doorbell 2 — one of their higher-priced pieces at $229.99. I appreciated the crystal-clear 1080p HD video and the massive 160-degree field of view. I could see everything I needed to from my stoop out to the street. The two-way talk left a little something to be desired — I thought it was a little laggy. Though, to be fair, I have yet to test a video doorbell where that isn’t an issue.
I have a lot more in my Ring Alarm prices page, but here’s a quick rundown of their most current 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 and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $244.95 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | $20 |
| 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 I am 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.
It’s true that doorbell cameras are the foundation of smart home security. But look for a home security system and doorbell camera that supports home automation features. This will allow you to remotely control everything from your door locks and lights to your thermostat, garage door, and more. Access the controls via mobile app or set up voice control for a future-forward lifestyle.
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.
Florida Community Association Professionals. (2023). Smart Home Solutions for Community Safety.
https://www.fcapgroup.com/flcaj/flcaj-articles/smart-home-solutions-for-community-safety/
