Video Doorbell Cameras

How to Choose the Best Doorbell Camera in the UK

Of all the smart home devices, doorbell security cameras are the most popular device. As per Statista, every 1 in 5 UK-based households are using video doorbell surveillance cameras to ensure improved security of their homes, crime prevention, effective visitor management, integration with smart home systems, and more. Market offers various kinds of doorbell video cameras, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities. For further understanding, you can visit our video doorbell collections, featuring doorbell cameras with advanced capabilities such as night vision, motion detection, 4K video doorbell, built-in speaker and microphone, and more.

However, for ordinary users, this huge variety can overwhelm them because, at face value, all smart doorbell cameras appear the same, making it hard to choose the best doorbell camera that serves their particular needs. In this write-up, we will help you understand the basics of these cutting-edge smart home devices that are revolutionising home security and surveillance systems.

We first need to understand what a video doorbell is.

What is a Video Doorbell?

Video doorbells, also dubbed as Doorbell cameras, are essentially all-in-one devices, combining security cameras, doorbells, and intercom into one device. Users install these surveillance cameras in front of their doors. Doorbell cameras can either be hardwired into existing doorbell systems or alternatively, there are battery-powered doorbell cameras.

Video or smart doorbell cameras can communicate with visitors through mobile phones, detect suspicious motion in front of their doors and they can potentially pre-empt burglary or theft attempts.

Types of Video Doorbell Systems

Doorbell video cameras come in various form factors, suitable for particular sets of users. For instance:

1. Wired vs Wireless Doorbell Cameras: Which One You Should Choose?

Wired Doorbell cameras are those that need cables for power supply. There are two types: Hardwired cameras which are installed in the existing doorbell system. PoE wired doorbell depends upon Cat6 or Cat5 ethernet cables for power data transmission and power supply.

Wired doorbell cameras are less susceptible to hacking, they don’t suffer from interference from internet-based devices, and they are much more stable.

Wireless doorbell cameras rely upon batteries or solar power for powering doorbells and cameras. They can be connected through WiFi to communicate with devices. The upsides of wireless doorbell cameras are many such as they are easy to install and reallocate. Secondly, they allow you to ensure effective remote monitoring and therefore, they are easy to manage.

Wireless doorbell security cameras are suitable where the current location does not have proper electrical wiring. Moreover, if your household has messy wiring and your landlord does not want any more holes in the building, go for wireless doorbell surveillance cameras.

2. Doorbell Surveillance Cameras with Motion Detection:

Motion detection is an important feature because it helps you to detect any motion in front of your home and sends you mobile alerts. You can thus view the cause of motion and then react accordingly. You can enhance the security of your household considerably.

There are also other features linked to motion detection you should consider. For instance, some doorbell cameras come with customizable settings, allowing you to focus on a particular area, and helping you avoid the constant bombardment of alerts that may result from irrelevant objects. Some cameras differentiate between pets, people, and objects, helping you further improve the accuracy and relevance of surveillance of your household.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro and Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) are two options, that offer motion detection features.

3. Doorbell Cameras with Two-Way Audio Support:

Two-way audio is also an important consideration. When you receive an alert from Doorbell cameras on the mobile app, you can simply tap the app to start the Live View feature, helping you to assess the on-ground situation. You can use Two-Way audio to communicate with visitors, say a delivery boy, and ask him to follow your instructions without opening the door.

This two-way communication allows you to boost the security level of your household considerably as you don’t have to open the door physically to encounter a visitor directly.

4. Doorbell Cameras Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant:

You should also consider buying doorbell cameras that are compatible with Alex and Google Assistant. You can monitor your household and surrounding areas with Alexa and Google Assistant, providing you with an additional layer of security. Secondly, you can respond to alerts hand-free, making it suitable particularly for handicapped persons. Third, these cameras support two-way communication, helping you to keep visitors at a safe distance. Fourth, these doorbells are compatible with other Alexa- and Google Assistance-compatible devices such as Smart Lockers, Smart Sensors, Thermostats, and more, allowing you to integrate them seamlessly with your smart home security system.

Eufy Doorbell, Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi, Ring Doorbell, and Arlo Video Doorbell are some worth-mentioning devices compatible with Alexa.

Additional Features to Look for in a Doorbell Camera:

Here are some features that you should look into before making an ultimate choice.

High Resolution:

Resolution is a critical factor. As a thumb rule, the higher the resolution, the better. Doorbell security cameras offer varying resolutions, ranging from 1080p to 2K and even 4K resolution. Besides, higher resolution, you should also look for a wider angle, allowing your cameras to monitor and record an extensive area.

Accessories and Extensions:

Both wired doorbell and wireless doorbell cameras are provided with extensions and accessories that make their installation easy. You need to check these accessories. For instance, wireless doorbell cameras need to offer wireless push buttons, plug-in chime kits, and volume control and strobe light features. These accessories and added features help you to add more layers of security.

Similarly, wired doorbell cameras are provided with additional chime kits and Strobe Light. You need to check whether manufacturers are offering these accessories or not.

Night Vision:

Night vision is crucially required for effective surveillance and security ends. Night vision not only provides clear vision during the night, but it also helps you see objects clearly under cloudy conditions when they are under thick trees or shadows of any nature. You should also make sure that doorbell security cameras support integration with your existing smart home devices such as a timed lighting system.

Cloud Storage Vs Local Storage:

This is also an important consideration. Local storage is quite popular among normal users. They come with compatible microSD cards, offering storage ranging from 16GB to 128 GB. You can either activate event-based recording if there are some suspicious activities or you can enable your cameras to record 24/7. In either case, you need to delete previous footage to prepare space for a new one.

But local storage is a great option for those who are concerned about privacy threats and they don’t want to pay cloud storage subscription fees endlessly.

In cloud storage, the footage is stored elsewhere and you have to pay a monthly subscription fee to continue using the storage space. Cloud storage is convenient and easily scalable, but there are strong privacy issues because doorbell cameras’ videos are recorded on a remote server.

Video Doorbell Buying Guide:

Here are our recommendations to help you make the right choice.

● Best Doorbell Camera:

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is ranked as one of the best video doorbells in the UK and beyond. Featuring 2K resolution, 8GB internal storage, and two-way audio support, the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is a battery-powered security camera that offers both wired and wireless connectivity.

● Best Budget Video Doorbell

Amazon Blink Video Doorbell is a sure answer if you are looking for a video doorbell camera that is the cheapest in the market.

● Best WiFI 5 Video Doorbell Cameras:

The doorbell that supports fast internet including one of the latest WiFi Standards such as WiFi 5 are the following; UniFi G4 Doorbell , UniFi G4 Doorbell Pro , Tapo Doorbell and many more are the best options to choose for your home or business security.

How Can We Help You:

Morgan Ingland Ltd is a prominent name when it comes to surveillance and security devices. We love to help our customers find top-notch surveillance equipment at the best price available in the market. Our product portfolio is extensive, featuring IP/CCTV cameras, Network Video Recorder (NVR), Doorbells, and more. Contact us today and establish high-performing and seamless video surveillance systems with our value-added security devices from top-ranking brands such as Ubiquiti, Hikvision, Axis, and the like.