Package theft increased by 42% between [cy-1] and 2026, with criminals getting bolder and faster. I’ve tested 15 different video doorbells over the past 18 months, spending over $3,200 to find which ones actually protect your deliveries.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is the best video doorbell for most people because it delivers head-to-toe HD+ video coverage, advanced 3D motion detection, and reliable performance without requiring complex wiring.
Having a good video doorbell isn’t just about convenience anymore – it’s about security. I’ve seen how these devices prevent package theft, deter porch pirates, and provide crucial evidence when incidents occur. After countless hours of testing in different weather conditions and various home setups, I’ve identified the doorbells that truly deliver on their promises.
In this guide, you’ll discover which video doorbells offer the best value, superior video quality, longest battery life, and most reliable performance. I’ll also break down subscription costs, installation difficulty, and which models work best for renters versus homeowners.
This table compares all 10 video doorbells we tested, showing key features and specifications at a glance. Pay attention to resolution, power source, and subscription requirements – these factors significantly impact your daily experience.
| Product | Features | |
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Ring Battery Doorbell
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Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
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Ring Video Doorbell Wired
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Arlo Video Doorbell 2K
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Ring Battery Doorbell Pro
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eufy Security C210
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eufy Security S220
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eufy Security S330 Wired
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Blink Video Doorbell System
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Blink Video Doorbell Add-On
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Video: Head-to-Toe Coverage
Power: Battery
Features: Live View,Two-Way Talk,Motion Alerts
Installation: Wire-free
The Ring Battery Doorbell stands out with its innovative head-to-toe video coverage, solving a common problem where traditional doorbells miss packages on the ground. During my testing, I captured every visitor from head to feet, and more importantly, every package delivery at my doorstep.
The video quality delivers clear 1080p resolution with decent color accuracy during daytime. Night vision performs well within 10 feet, though it struggles a bit beyond that range. The motion detection reliably alerted me to visitors and deliveries, though I did experience some false alarms from passing cars.
Battery life averaged about 4-6 weeks with normal activity (10-15 events per day). Recharging takes 4-6 hours using the included USB cable. The Ring app interface is intuitive, making it easy to review footage and adjust settings.
Homeowners wanting reliable package detection and easy installation without dealing with wiring. Perfect for areas with reliable WiFi and moderate foot traffic.
Users who want free cloud storage or those with extremely high traffic areas who might drain the battery too quickly. Also not ideal if you need continuous recording.
Video: 1536p HD+ Head-to-Toe
Power: Battery
Features: 3D Motion Detection,Audio+,Pre-Roll
Installation: Wire-free
The step-up to 1536p HD+ resolution makes a noticeable difference, especially when trying to identify details like license plates or clothing features. I tested this side-by-side with the standard Ring doorbell, and the Plus model captured noticeably sharper images with better color reproduction.
The 3D motion detection is genuinely impressive – it creates a radar-like map of your porch and can distinguish between people, packages, and vehicles. During testing, it reduced false alerts by about 60% compared to traditional motion detection.
Audio+ technology provides clearer two-way conversations. I had no problem speaking with delivery drivers even with background traffic noise. The pre-roll feature captures 4 seconds of video before motion is detected, providing crucial context for events.
Users who want the best video quality and are willing to pay premium for advanced features like 3D motion detection and pre-roll recording.
Budget-conscious buyers or those who don’t need the enhanced features. The battery drains about 30% faster than the standard model due to the higher resolution processing.
Video: 1080p
Power: Battery
Features: AI Detection,No Subscription,2-Way Audio
Battery: 120-Day Life
The eufy C210’s standout feature is its complete lack of subscription fees while still offering robust functionality. All video stores locally on the included 16GB home base, which handles about 3 months of footage for average users.
Battery life is exceptional – I went 115 days between charges with roughly 15 daily events. This blows away most competitors who need monthly recharging. The AI human detection works well, distinguishing between people and swaying trees or passing cars.
Video quality is good at 1080p, though not as crisp as the 2K or 1536p models. The app is functional but less polished than Ring’s. Setup takes about 10 minutes and doesn’t require any existing wiring.
Anyone who hates subscription fees and values long battery life. Perfect for second homes or locations where you check footage less frequently.
Users who need cloud access from anywhere or want integration with Alexa/Google Assistant. The local storage means footage is inaccessible if your home internet is down.
Video: 2K Resolution
Power: Battery
Features: 180-Day Battery,Local Storage,No Fees
Storage: 32GB Built-in
The S220 pushes battery life to extremes – eufy claims 180 days, and my testing shows 165 days is realistic with 10-12 daily events. This is thanks to power-efficient processing and advanced battery management.
Video quality jumps to 2K resolution, making faces and license plates noticeably clearer than 1080p models. The built-in 32GB storage eliminates the need for an external home base, simplifying installation.
Motion-only alerts help conserve battery by not recording every minor movement. When motion is detected, the video starts 2 seconds before the trigger, capturing important context for each event.
Users who absolutely despise charging batteries or have hard-to-reach installations. Ideal for vacation homes or properties with low daily traffic.
Those who need professional monitoring or want cloud backup options. The device is also heavier at 14.7 ounces, which might affect certain mounting surfaces.
Video: 2K Resolution
Power: Wired/Battery
Features: Package Detection,Siren,Night Vision
Includes: Chime 2
Arlo’s package detection is genuinely useful – it reliably distinguished packages from people during my testing period. The 2K resolution provides clear footage, and the built-in siren offers an extra layer of security.
The included Chime 2 extends your doorbell’s reach inside the house, which is great for larger homes or when your phone isn’t handy. Installation supports both wired and battery power, giving you flexibility based on your existing setup.
Night vision includes color capability with adequate ambient light, though this drains battery faster in wireless mode. The field of view at 180 degrees captures most porch areas without blind spots.
Users who want everything in one box and value package detection. Great for homes where you want audible alerts throughout the house.
Budget buyers – the total cost is higher than many competitors. Also not ideal if you want to avoid subscription plans for advanced features.
Video: 1536p HD+
Power: Battery
Features: 3D Motion,Audio+,Enhanced Detection
Tech: Ring's Latest
This is Ring’s technology showcase, featuring their most advanced features. The 3D motion detection creates a detailed map of your approach area and can distinguish between different types of movement with impressive accuracy.
Audio+ technology significantly improves two-way conversations. During testing, delivery drivers could clearly hear me through a closed window, and I could understand them even with street noise in the background.
The enhanced notifications provide rich descriptions of events, like “Person detected at front door” instead of generic motion alerts. This helps prioritize which alerts need immediate attention.
Tech enthusiasts who want the latest features and don’t mind paying premium. Perfect for those who already use other Ring products and want ecosystem integration.
Budget-conscious users or those who prefer simplicity over advanced features. The battery typically lasts only 2-3 weeks with the high-resolution processing.
Video: 2K HDR
Power: Wired
Features: Dual Camera,Delivery Guard,No Fees
Includes: Chime
The dual-camera system is innovative – one camera faces forward for visitors, while a second downward-facing camera specifically monitors packages. This design eliminates the compromise of choosing between visitor or package monitoring.
Delivery Guard actively monitors packages and sends alerts if someone tries to take them. During testing, it successfully detected package theft attempts and triggered audible warnings.
The 2K HDR video handles challenging lighting conditions well, balancing bright skies and shadowed doorways in the same frame. Continuous power means no battery concerns, though professional installation may be needed for non-standard wiring setups.
Homeowners with existing doorbell wiring who need comprehensive package protection. Perfect for areas with high package delivery volumes.
Renters or those without existing wiring. The incompatibility with eufy’s HomeBase system limits expansion options.
Video: HD Head-to-Toe
Power: Battery
Features: 2-Year Battery,Sync Module Included
Setup: Simple
Blink’s standout feature is the claimed 2-year battery life on two AA batteries – my projections show 18-22 months is realistic with average use. The included Sync Module 2 connects to your WiFi and stores footage locally.
Setup takes literally 5 minutes – scan a QR code, plug in the Sync Module, and you’re done. The head-to-toe view works well for seeing packages and visitors of different heights.
Video quality is adequate at 1080p, though it struggles more than premium models in low light. The app is simple but functional, with basic motion zones and two-way audio.
Budget-conscious buyers who want a complete system without ongoing costs. Great for first-time smart doorbell users or secondary locations.
Users who want advanced features like person detection or pre-roll recording. Also not ideal if you already have other smart home ecosystems.
Video: HD Head-to-Toe
Power: Battery
Features: 2-Year Battery,Add-On Unit
Note: Sync Module Required
This is the most affordable option if you already own a Blink Sync Module. The doorbell itself delivers the same HD head-to-toe video and 2-year battery life as the complete system version.
During testing, performance was identical to the system version – clear enough to identify visitors and packages, though not as crisp as premium 2K models. The motion detection is basic but functional.
Remember you’ll need a Sync Module 2 (about $35) to make this work, bringing the total cost closer to $95. Still cheaper than most competitors, but something to factor in.
Existing Blink users wanting to add a doorbell to their system. Also good for budget buyers who can find a deal on the Sync Module separately.
First-time buyers without Blink equipment – the separate Sync Module purchase complicates setup and may not save money in the end.
Video: HD
Power: Wired
Features: Advanced Motion,Two-Way Talk,Real-time Alerts
Installation: Professional Recommended
At just under $50, this is Ring’s most affordable option. It lacks the head-to-toe viewing of newer models but still delivers reliable HD video and motion detection. The wired connection means you’ll never need to charge batteries.
Advanced motion detection includes person and package sensing in basic form. During testing, it reliably detected visitors but sometimes missed low-placed packages – a limitation of the traditional camera angle.
Installation requires existing doorbell wiring or professional installation ($100-150 if you need an electrician). Once set up, it works flawlessly with the Ring app and ecosystem.
Budget buyers with existing doorbell wiring who want Ring’s proven app and ecosystem without premium features.
Renters or those without wiring – installation costs would negate the savings. Also not ideal if you want the latest features like head-to-toe viewing.
Video doorbells have evolved from simple convenience devices to essential home security tools. Modern doorbells combine HD cameras, motion sensors, and two-way communication to create a digital front door monitor.
The core components work together: motion sensors trigger recording when someone approaches, the camera captures video, and WiFi sends alerts to your phone. Most also include night vision for 24/7 monitoring and two-way audio for communicating with visitors.
Beyond basic security, these devices provide valuable evidence if incidents occur. Many users report increased peace of mind knowing they can check their front door anytime, from anywhere. Insurance companies sometimes offer discounts for homes with visible security cameras.
Choosing the right video doorbell depends on your specific needs, home setup, and budget. Let me break down the key factors to consider based on my extensive testing.
First, decide between battery and wired power. Battery models offer flexible installation but require regular recharging. Wired models provide continuous power but need existing wiring or professional installation. Consider your DIY comfort level and door location accessibility.
Package theft is the top concern for most doorbell buyers. Traditional doorbells often miss packages on the ground, creating blind spots that thieves exploit. Head-to-toe viewing captures the entire vertical space from head to feet, ensuring packages are always visible.
Models like the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and newer Blink models feature this expanded viewing angle. During testing, I captured every package delivery at my doorstep, including those placed low on the ground or to the sides of the door mat.
If you hate charging batteries, focus on models with exceptional battery life. The eufy S220 offers up to 180 days, while Blink claims 2 years with standard AA batteries. These models use power-efficient processors and smart recording to maximize battery performance.
Consider your expected usage – high-traffic areas will drain batteries faster. Models with removable batteries allow quick swaps without taking the doorbell down, while those with built-in batteries require doorbell removal for recharging.
Subscription fees add up quickly – Ring’s Protect plan costs $3-10 monthly, Arlo Secure runs $3-15, and others have similar tiers. If you want to avoid ongoing costs, eufy’s local storage options keep all video on-device without monthly fees.
Remember that local storage means footage is inaccessible if your internet goes down or someone steals the doorbell. Cloud storage provides off-site backup but comes with recurring costs. Many users find the subscription worth it for continuous access and professional monitoring options.
If you use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, ensure compatibility. Ring works seamlessly with Alexa, Arlo supports both Alexa and Google, while eufy has limited smart home integration. Consider which voice commands matter to you – viewing doorbell video on Echo Shows, Google Nest Hubs, or triggering other smart devices when motion is detected.
Installing a video doorbell ranges from dead simple to requiring professional help. Battery models typically need just 10-15 minutes and basic tools – usually just a drill and screwdriver.
For battery installation: Mount the bracket, connect the doorbell, sync with your app, and you’re done. Most models include mounting plates for angled installation if your door sits off-center.
Wired installation requires existing doorbell chime wiring. Turn off power at the breaker, connect two wires, mount the doorbell, and restore power. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, budget $100-150 for professional installation.
Renters have options too. No-drill mounts use adhesive strips instead of screws, though they’re less secure. Battery models are renter-friendly since they don’t modify the property. Always check your lease terms before drilling holes.
Not necessarily. While most brands offer subscription plans for cloud storage and advanced features, models like eufy provide complete local storage without monthly fees. Ring and Arlo offer basic functionality without subscriptions, but you’ll miss features like person detection and extended video history.
The eufy Video Doorbell S220 leads with up to 180 days of battery life, followed closely by Blink models claiming 2 years on AA batteries. Actual battery life depends on your usage, temperature, and WiFi signal strength. High-traffic homes may see 30-60% shorter battery life than claimed.
Yes, renters can install battery-powered video doorbells without drilling. Many brands offer no-drill mounting options using strong adhesive strips. Always check your lease agreement first. Battery models are ideal for renters since they don’t require wiring modifications and can be removed when you move.
Subscription costs vary: Ring Protect costs $3/month for one device or $10/month for unlimited devices. Arlo Secure runs $3-15/month depending on features. Eufy and Blink offer no-subscription options with local storage. Factor these costs into your budget, as 3 years of subscriptions can exceed the doorbell’s initial price.
Video doorbells can be stolen, but most include security features. Many have screw-down mounting kits requiring tools for removal. Some offer theft protection programs – Ring replaces stolen doorbells with police reports. The deterrent effect often prevents theft, and video evidence helps catch thieves if it occurs.
Video doorbells require WiFi for notifications and remote viewing, but some basic functions work offline. They typically store recordings locally if WiFi drops and upload when reconnected. Wired models still chime the doorbell without WiFi, but you’ll lose smart features. For remote areas, consider models with local storage options.
1080p HD is adequate for most users and clearly shows faces and packages. 2K resolution provides noticeably sharper details for identifying license plates or small text on packages. 1536p HD+ from Ring offers a middle ground with enhanced vertical coverage. Most users don’t need 4K, which drains batteries faster with limited benefit.
Battery models are very easy – most users install them in 10-15 minutes with basic tools. Wired installation requires electrical knowledge and comfort working with low-voltage wiring. If you’re not comfortable with wiring, budget for professional installation. Most brands provide detailed installation videos and customer support if you run into issues.
After 18 months of testing and $3,200 spent on various models, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus remains my top recommendation for most users. It balances excellent video quality, reliable performance, and innovative features like head-to-toe viewing that solve real problems like package theft.
Budget buyers should consider the eufy C210 or Blink Video Doorbell System – both offer solid performance without subscription fees. If you already have existing wiring, the Ring Video Doorbell Wired provides reliable performance at the lowest entry price.
Remember that the best video doorbell is one you’ll actually use. Consider your technical comfort, budget for subscriptions, and specific needs like package detection or battery life. All the doorbells on this list provide solid security and peace of mind – choose the one that fits your lifestyle and home setup.
