How to Choose a Smart Doorbell

Introduction:

Smart doorbells are a great way to keep an eye on your home, even when you're not there. Not only do they let you see and speak to visitors from anywhere in the world, but many also come with motion sensors that can alert you when someone is at your door. So, how do you choose the best smart doorbell for your needs? We'll walk you through the process step-by-step.

Power Sources

When it comes to power, smart doorbells come in two varieties: those that are hardwired into your home's low-voltage wiring and those that run on batteries. The first type of bell has a small base that is attached to your home near your current doorbell. There are two screw-down terminals on the base to which the installer can attach the low-voltage wires that powered the previous doorbell. This type of doorbell is designed for homes that already have a working low-voltage doorbell system. If you don't have one of these, you'll need to hire an electrician to install one for you. The second type of smart doorbell runs on batteries and is perfect for renters or anyone who doesn't want to make any upgrades to their home. This type of doorbell usually has a much shorter battery life than the hardwired variety, so be sure to check the specs before you buy.

Storage

Most of the current-generation smart doorbells come with some onboard storage. This is where the recorded videos are stored when they are captured by the doorbell. The amount of storage can vary, but usually, it's a few events. That means, if someone rings the doorbell and you're not home to answer, the video of that event will be stored on the device for a few days before it's automatically deleted to make room for new recordings. If you need to review footage and the device has already deleted it, then you're out of luck.

False Alarms

One common concern with smart doorbells is the potential for false alarms. After all, who wants to be constantly woken up by a notification that someone is at the door? Thankfully, many of the latest models have adjustable sensitivities to allow the user to tailor their settings so only certain events activate the device. In theory, this should help to cut down on false alarms, but it's important to realize that they can still happen, even with the most advanced models. No matter how careful you are, there's always a chance that something will set off the alarm. Users need to be aware of this and adjust their settings accordingly—doing so will help, but it won't do away with the issue altogether.

Privacy and security

One of the main concerns people have about smart doorbells is privacy and security. Since they send signals over WiFi, they are hackable, allowing a hacker to access the video stored on the phone or possibly on the cloud. But that’s as far as the hacking goes. A hacker can’t actually do anything with that information—they can’t unlock your door or anything like that. So while it is a concern, it’s not something you need to worry about overly much. Just make sure you have a strong password and keep your software up to date.

Prices

Doorbells with smart technology used to be quite expensive, but the prices have come down in recent years. You can now find basic models for under $100, and more advanced models for less than $200. This makes them a more affordable option for those looking to add smart technology to their home. Keep in mind that the features available on different models vary, so it's important to do your research before you make a purchase.

Conclusion:

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a smart doorbell, and the right one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this article has helped you to better understand the different features available and how to choose the best smart doorbell for your home.