A video doorbell and a security camera are not the same thing, and many homes end up wanting both. Here is how they differ.
What a video doorbell does best
- Shows you who is at the door, and lets you talk to them from your phone
- Alerts you when someone presses the button or walks up
- Records visitors and package drop-offs at your front door
What a security camera does best
- Covers areas a doorbell cannot see, such as the driveway, side gate or backyard
- Can watch wider areas and be placed where you choose
- Comes in indoor models too, for pets, kids or a family member who needs checking on
Which one should you start with?
- Mainly worried about deliveries and visitors: a video doorbell.
- Want to see the driveway, yard or sides of the house: one or more outdoor cameras.
- Want full coverage: a doorbell at the front plus cameras for the areas it cannot see.
A few things to check first
- Power. Wired doorbells use your existing doorbell wiring. Battery models need recharging from time to time.
- WiFi at the door. Many front doors sit at the edge of the signal, which causes lag and dropped alerts.
- Storage. Check whether recordings need a monthly plan.
If you are not sure what fits your home, we can look at it with you and set it up. See our camera installation service, and our smart home setup if you want your doorbell to work with your other devices.