Among the many advantages of high-tech home accessories is their ability to let us untangle ourselves from old-fashioned wired systems, to grant us newfound flexibility and convenience, and to simplify our lives. Wireless doorbells are one of those high-tech upgrades that offer all these benefits. Unlike older models, these battery-powered units take mere minutes to install, repair, or pack when we move to a new house, making them an easy and often inexpensive upgrade.
Today’s wireless doorbells come packaged with a host of modern conveniences, including enhanced home security, integration into a smart-home system, and the ability to interact with guests from afar. Use this guide to zero in on the best wireless doorbell for your abode. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting.
- BEST OVERALL: Ring Video Doorbell
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: SadoTech Wireless Doorbell
- UPGRADE PICK: Morecam WiFi Video Doorbell Camera
- BEST RESOLUTION: eufy Security Video Doorbell Kit
- BEST COVERAGE: Arlo Essential Video Doorbell
- BEST BATTERY LIFE: Honeywell Home RDWL917AX2000 Series 9 Doorbell
- BEST PLUG-IN: AVANTEK Wireless Door Bell
- BEST FOR LARGE HOMES: X-Sense Wireless Doorbell Kit
- BEST FOR APARTMENTS: Ring Peephole Cam with Ring Chime
How We Chose the Best Wireless Doorbells
When gathering our list of the best wireless doorbells, we looked at the most popular brands on the market to provide our recommendations for shoppers to invest in a wireless camera doorbell that grants enhanced security at their front door. Motion alerts, night vision, and two-way audio were all highly rated features that we looked at during our research. As such, we came across multiple options that provide these high-tech features while also providing suggestions for pared-down options that are more budget-friendly.
Our Top Picks
Selecting a new doorbell can be a difficult process, especially since there are so many types to consider. The following wireless doorbell models represent a selection of the top performers in various categories. Check out some of the best wireless doorbell picks below for busy households.
Photo: amazon.com
This video doorbell from Ring boasts a range of convenient security features, including 1080p HD video, live view, two-way talk, improved motion settings, night vision, and compatibility with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. With advanced motion detection and privacy zones, users can determine where motion is—or isn’t—detected. This feature ensures that visitors’ movements are captured, but it keeps the motion detector from sounding every time branches sway on the tree next to the front door.
The versatile doorbell can operate as either a wired or wireless video doorbell. Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity enables the Ring to connect to 2.4GHz networks. Users can opt to receive real-time notifications and live views of the front door area via a smart device. Video storage and playback options are available with an optional Ring Protect Plan subscription.
Product Specs
- Range: Wi-Fi connected, depends on signal strength
- Installation: Wired with backup battery, requires internet connection
- Advanced Features: Motion detection, night vision, live monitoring
Pros
- Wide range of features; covers most user needs
- High-quality audio and video; no more grainy footage
- Real-time notifications to smart devices, anywhere
Cons
- Pricey compared to other options in the market
- Requires internet connection
Get the Ring Video Doorbell at Amazon, The Home Depot, Target, or Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
If the goal is to find a simple, low-cost doorbell, this may be the right option. This affordable wireless model from SadoTech has a 1,000-foot operating range, which is impressive for its price point. The wireless doorbell includes a weatherproof transmitter, four volume settings, and a library of 52 chime options.
The SadoTech doorbell has a plug-in chime box and comes in nine colors ranging from neutrals to rainbow brights. This unit can be installed using all-weather adhesive or wall screws, and it has an estimated 3 years of battery life. Plus, there is an option of customizing the doorbell with add-ons for motion detectors and pet alarms.
Product Specs
- Range: 1,000 feet
- Installation: Adhesive or screws, battery powered
- Advanced Features: Weatherproof
Pros
- Affordable option compared to similar models
- Installation is very simple
- Long-lasting battery life; up to 3 years
- Impressive operating range; suitable for most home sizes
Cons
- Limited advanced features
- May malfunction if wet; install wisely
Get the SadoTech wireless doorbell at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This video doorbell from Morecam is a premium option, and it comes with a 32-GB SD card for video recording and storage. The wireless doorbell has a built-in 1080p camera that has motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio, giving the user the ability to immediately respond to visitors or intruders when away from home.
The camera is able to sense ambient light, so it can automatically switch to night vision, ensuring that the video remains clear with a night-vision distance of about 32 feet. Just plug the indoor chime into an available power outlet and adjust the volume between three different levels. The system operates on the home Wi-Fi, so the range is reliant on the Wi-Fi signal, not the signal between the doorbell button and the indoor chime.
Product Specs
- Range: Wi-Fi connected, depends on signal strength
- Installation: Wireless with rechargeable battery
- Advanced Features: Two-way audio, HD camera, night vision, smartphone notifications
Pros
- High-quality HD camera automatically switches to night vision
- Can be used for two-way audio communication
- Sends notifications to users’ smartphones
Cons
- USB adapter not included
- Camera can lag on video startup
Get the Morecam wireless doorbell at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
With a built-in Sony 2K sensor and professional-grade lens, this video doorbell from eufy captures crisp, clear 2K footage. The eufy doorbell can be wired to a home’s electrical system or installed wirelessly. When used as a wireless doorbell, the rechargeable battery provides up to 180 days of power on each charge.
The eufy doorbell camera provides a range of useful features, including real-time alerts, live streaming, motion detection, human detection, and customizable activity zone settings. One of the biggest advantages of purchasing the eufy kit is that no monthly subscription plan is required to take advantage of these features.
This video doorbell comes with a hub, which stores video footage locally via a Wi-Fi connection. To ensure that stored clips are safe, the hub boasts military-grade, AES-256 data encryption and can hold up to 16 GB of footage. There’s no cloud involved, so users retain full access to the footage.
Product Specs
- Range: Wi-Fi connected, depends on signal strength
- Installation: Screws into wall, wireless with rechargeable battery
- Advanced Features: Encrypted built-in storage, 2K lens
Pros
- No monthly subscription fees
- Large 16-GB built-in storage; suitable for most users
- Quick and easy installation; no power cables required
Cons
- Unit is quite bulky; needs to be placed somewhere in the home
Get the eufy wireless doorbell at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
While many video doorbells have a 130- to 160-degree viewing angle, this video doorbell from Arlo features a 180-degree field of vision in clear HD quality. Custom activity zones allow users to set parameters as to where the motion detector is triggered. This helps users maintain a wide field of vision while preventing false alarms.
Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, Arlo can be installed as a wired or wireless video doorbell. When used as a wireless doorbell, the rechargeable battery provides up to 6 months of battery life on each charge.
Live alerts, two-way audio, prerecorded messages, and night vision are some of Arlo’s best features. What’s more, in case of any trouble or if the goal is to scare trespassers off the property, the WiFi-enabled doorbell has a built-in siren that can be triggered from the Arlo app. With an Arlo Smart plan, cloud storage and extra security features are available.
Product Specs
- Range: Wi-Fi connected, depends on signal strength
- Installation: Wired or wireless, Wi-Fi connected
- Advanced Features: Night vision, two-way audio, prerecorded message playback, smartphone alerts
Pros
- Sleek compact design fits neatly around most doors
- Easy installation; either battery powered or hardwired
- Provides a wide 180-degree viewing angle
- 6 months of battery life
Cons
- Limited features without the monthly subscription
Get the Arlo wireless doorbell at Best Buy, The Home Depot, or Target.
Photo: amazon.com
This impressive wireless doorbell from Honeywell Home has an incredible 5-year battery life, ensuring that it can be used regularly without quickly draining the battery. It comes with all the screws and brackets to install the doorbell system on the wall, but the portable receiver also can be carried and set up on almost any flat surface for users who are regularly moving around the home. The receiver has a range of 450 feet, so as long as it stays within this range it can connect to the doorbell transmitter and chime when the doorbell button is pushed.
The wireless doorbell comes with the option to adjust the volume to a maximum level of 90 decibels, or users can simply mute the chime if they don’t want to be disturbed. While it includes eight chimes, there is an option to download MP3 files to create custom doorbell chimes that suit personal taste.
Product Specs
- Range: 450 feet
- Installation: Wireless, long-lasting battery
- Advanced Features: Supports custom MP3 chimes
Pros
- Budget-friendly option that still offers some extra features
- Setup is simple and user-friendly
- Receiver is portable; take it anywhere in the home
- Users can install custom chimes
Cons
- Prone to false alarms from interfering signals
Get the Honeywell wireless doorbell at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
With a built-in LED light, the wireless doorbell button and receiver are easy to see, even in the dead of night. The doorbell transmitter runs on a 3-year battery, but the compact receiver is designed to fit comfortably in a single power outlet, without blocking access to another socket. Just plug it into an electrical outlet within 1,000 feet of the transmitter and install the transmitter with the provided accessories to set up the system.
The wireless doorbell includes 52 different chimes that sound through the 29-millimeter stereo speakers for clear, crisp sound quality. Choose between five volume levels with a maximum noise level of 115 decibels. This weatherproof product has an internal memory function that allows it to remember and automatically restore the last settings after a power outage.
Product Specs
- Range: 1,000 feet
- Installation: Wireless doorbell, receiver plugs directly into an outlet
- Advanced Features: LED light, internal memory for power outages
Pros
- 1,000-feet range is suitable for most homes
- Very simple installation and setup
- Compact and waterproof design; great for wet climates
- LED light provides visual alerts
Cons
- Limited choice of doorbell ring sounds
Get the AVANTEK wireless doorbell at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This wireless doorbell system from X-Sense is designed for large, sprawling homes and has two receivers that can each wirelessly connect to the transmitter (doorbell button) from a long range. The doorbell has a relay function that allows the wireless range to be extended from 2,000 feet up to 3,200 feet from the transmitter. It also includes five volume levels that can reach up to 115 decibels to ensure that the chime is heard throughout the home.
Choose a custom chime from 56 various options that play through the 40-millimeter stereo speakers for rich, crisp sound quality. The waterproof wireless doorbell is easy to set up with the provided screws and adhesive patches. Once installed, the doorbell battery will last for up to 3 years, and the device is designed to withstand temperatures from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Product Specs
- Range: 3,200 feet
- Installation: Wireless, battery-powered
- Advanced Features: LED notifications
Pros
- Includes 2 receivers for around the home
- Affordable option compared to similar products
- Simple installation with long-lasting battery
Cons
Get the X-Sense wireless doorbell at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
While many wireless doorbells are suitable for apartment life, this Ring wireless doorbell takes apartment security a step further with a built-in camera that is designed to replace the door’s peephole. The kit comes with all the necessary tools to install the video doorbell through the existing peephole in about 10 minutes; no wiring or drilling required.
Once installed, the wireless doorbell and peephole camera can be connected to the user’s phone or tablet to receive real-time notifications when the camera detects motion outside the door or when someone presses the doorbell button. The wireless doorbell does come with the option of recording and storing up to 60 days of videos, but this feature requires a subscription to the Ring Protect Plan.
Product Specs
- Range: Wi-Fi connected, depends on signal strength
- Installation: Wireless, rechargeable battery
- Advanced Features: HD camera, two-way audio, peephole camera
Pros
- Innovative peephole camera that connects to smart devices
- No drilling or wiring required for installation
- Storage for up to 60 days of footage
Cons
- Motion and knock sensitivity is temperamental
Get the Ring Peephole Cam at Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wireless Doorbell
Don’t invest in just any wireless doorbell without taking the time to learn about the differences between the options. There are distinguishing product features offered with many wireless doorbells, including an integrated camera, chime settings, notifications, alerts, range variations, and portable designs.
Integrated Camera
Wireless doorbells used to have a simple button and an indoor chime. Now some wireless doorbell systems offer an additional layer of security to the home with an integrated camera. These cameras typically have motion detection features, though some will only activate if the doorbell button is pushed.
The video resolution of a doorbell camera can range from just 576p (pixels) to premium options with high-definition 1080p resolution, giving users a better view of the person standing at the front door.
While a higher number of pixels helps with the clarity of the images, the field of vision is also a factor to consider. A wide field of vision gives the user a broad view of the front entryway and anyone approaching.
Chime Settings
Testing out the sounds various doorbells make is perhaps the most fun part of the selection process. Test the doorbell’s sound, or collection of sounds, to find one that won’t be annoying every time a neighbor, mailman, or guest rings the bell.
Fortunately, while traditional wired doorbells are typically limited to a single sound, a wireless system can offer dozens or even hundreds of options, including music and holiday themes. Some have the ability to play files that have been uploaded from personal sound libraries, such as a favorite song that isn’t already on the menu. Most wireless doorbells also come with more than one volume setting.
Range and Portability
While the sound of a traditional wired doorbell may be hard to hear in all corners of a large home, its wireless counterpart offers the flexibility of placing additional receivers in various locations around the house so a ring is never missed. Larger homes may benefit from a long-range wireless doorbell, which increases the operating distance between transmitter and receiver from the standard 100 or 150 feet to nearly 3,000 feet.
While the transmitter remains just outside the door, its indoor receivers can be moved throughout the home as needed—whether to avoid waking a sleeping child on the second floor or to carry it to the farthest reaches of the house. One of the biggest perks of a wireless doorbell is the portability of its parts. Without wires to root it, users also can take the entire system with them in a move, or pull the transmitter from its position to inspect and repair.
Notifications and Alerts
Standard wireless doorbells are activated when the doorbell button is pushed, sounding a chime inside the home to notify that someone is at the door. However, more advanced products can have integrated cameras with a range of detection options, including night vision, motion detection, and even human detection, which helps to reduce false alarms that may be caused by birds, insects, or other small animals.
This range of detection features trigger-specific alerts in the wireless doorbell system, which are then sent to linked smart-home or mobile devices, instantly informing users of any visitors or suspicious activity. Smart doorbells are especially useful for ensuring that delivered packages aren’t stolen while the house is unoccupied.
Advanced Features
With the combination of wireless doorbell and security camera, there are also several advanced features that can be included to improve their functionality, including two-way audio, motion detection, night vision, paid security monitoring, and storage plans.
- Two-way audio allows the user to speak directly through the doorbell. This gives the freedom to answer the door, receive packages, or ward off intruders when the user is away from home.
- Motion detection systems have a built-in sensor that will trigger an alert when the camera detects motion within a specific range.
- Night vision uses infrared lighting to allow the camera to see and record objects and people at night and in dim lighting.
- Paid security monitoring is a feature that is offered by certain product manufacturers and affiliated security companies. For a monthly or yearly fee, a professional security company will monitor any alerts that come in through the device and respond accordingly.
- Storage plans are another subscription service offered by some companies, allowing users to store weeks or even months’ worth of video doorbell recordings online.
Weather Resistance
The wireless doorbell receiver doesn’t need to have a weather-resistant exterior because it’s typically installed indoors, but the doorbell transmitter needs this protection unless it’s installed inside a closed-in porch. The doorbell transmitter is made up of the doorbell button and possibly a few other features like a two-way speaker and microphone system or an integrated camera.
These sensitive systems need to be kept safe from wind, snow, sleet, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. However, it’s important to note that not every location experiences the same yearly temperature or precipitation levels. To ensure your wireless doorbell can survive, find a product suited to the local weather.
Aesthetic
The functionality and convenience of a wireless doorbell should be the first things to consider, but that doesn’t mean its appearance and appeal aren’t important. When installing a new piece of equipment that will welcome guests to the home, take the time to choose a wireless doorbell that looks great with the current outdoor decor.
When looking at the indoor chime, think about how the indoor chime blends with the indoor aesthetics, or consider a location that is relatively out of sight in order to preserve the desired appearance of the home.
Installation
One of the main benefits of having a wireless doorbell is that they are typically very easy to install. There is no need to worry about running wires; just mount the doorbell transmitter with a couple of screws or some strong adhesive. These devices are battery powered, so they should be able to slide out of the secured frame so the user can access the battery compartment.
The indoor receiver may be a standard battery-powered chime that can be mounted to the wall with a set of screws, but it could also be a plug-in unit or a rechargeable chime that comes with a power cable.
Plug-in receivers don’t need to be wall mounted because they are made to be plugged into a nearby electrical outlet to receive direct power from the home’s electrical system. There also are portable receivers that operate on batteries, but instead of mounting them, the receiver can simply sit on a table or counter. The choice between these doorbell types depends on your preference.
FAQs
The best wireless doorbells can range from basic push-button products to premium options with an LED light, custom doorbell chime, and excellent sound quality. However, these innovative devices can leave some people with a few questions. Take a look below to find answers to several commonly asked questions about wireless doorbells.
Q. Do wireless doorbells need batteries?
Yes, wireless doorbells operate on battery power. Typically, both the receiver and the button will need batteries, though there are some products with receivers that plug directly into a power outlet.
Q. Do wireless doorbells interfere with Wi-Fi?
Wireless doorbells can interfere with the home Wi-Fi signal because both systems operate on a similar frequency. Some wireless doorbells are designed with the ability to change the operating frequency to help prevent issues with Wi-Fi.
Q. Are wireless doorbells easy to install?
Most wireless doorbells are relatively easy to set up. Just put the batteries into the transmitter or button and secure it to the wall. Then either put batteries into the receiver or plug it in. After both devices are installed, sync the receiver and the transmitter, then make any desired adjustments to the doorbell.
Q. How do I choose a wireless doorbell?
These devices come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors, with a variety of functions. Look for a wireless doorbell with the aesthetic appeal, range, and functionality that suits your home and personal preferences. Take a look at the guide above for important product considerations to help determine the best wireless doorbell for your home.
Q. Why does my doorbell battery die so fast?
Cold weather or a high frequency of use can quickly drain a doorbell battery. This is especially true for wireless doorbells that use cameras to integrate with the home automation and security systems because motion alerts, live streaming, and weak Wi-Fi signals all contribute to rapid energy usage. Very high volume levels or a malfunctioning chime box also may be responsible for batteries dying quickly.
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