The Ultimate Guide To Smart Video Doorbells 2024

Posted November 16th, 2023 by SimpliSafe

Smart video doorbells offer real-time insights into who's at your doorstep, enhancing security and convenience for any homeowner. Though the demand for smart video doorbells has skyrocketed with the growing prevalence of porch pirates, video doorbells offer many other benefits and security uses than porch piracy surveillance that make them a worthwhile investment. 

From providing instant notifications when your kids get home from school to monitoring for a special delivery, there’s so much you can do with this small - yet mighty - piece of smart home security.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about smart video doorbells, so you can be confident in your investment.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Smart Video Doorbell?

Smart video doorbells come loaded with a range of benefits that elevate your home security system to the next level. These are just a few of them worth noting:

  • Enhanced Security: Video doorbells provide a clear view of who is at your doorstep, enhancing security by allowing you to screen visitors without opening the door. Real-time video feed offers immediate visual confirmation of guests, helping you to spot potential intruders.

  • Stop Porch Pirates: With video evidence of package deliveries and theft attempts, video doorbells can discourage porch pirates from snatching much-anticipated packages from your doorstep.

  • Remote Monitoring: Smart doorbells enable remote access to your front door's camera feed via smartphones or tablets. With such capabilities, you can check on your property's security and receive notifications from anywhere, enhancing peace of mind.

  • Motion Detection: Many video doorbells include motion sensors that trigger alerts and recordings when someone approaches your door. Early detection of suspicious activity around your home helps to improve overall security.

  • Visitor History and Records: Most smart doorbells store video recordings, providing valuable evidence in case of incidents or disputes. With this, you can access historical visitor data and footage that can assist in investigations or resolving security-related issues.

  • Insurance Savings: In some cases, simply having a smart video doorbell can be enough to lower your insurance premiums.

  • Peace of Mind: The overall benefit of a smart video doorbell is the increased peace of mind and sense of security it offers to homeowners. Knowing your home is equipped with advanced security measures contributes to a greater sense of safety and well-being.

SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro offers some unique features that provide customers with additional benefits, including HDR imaging, 1080p HD camera, infrared night vision, 2-way audio, motion alerts, pan and zoom capabilities, 162° field of view, accompanying Bast Station chime to alert you to people at the door. 

How to Choose a Doorbell Camera

Selecting the right smart video doorbell involves considering various factors that impact its functionality and usability. Here are some considerations to take into account when shopping: 

  • Video Quality: High-resolution video ensures clear visuals for accurate identification. Look for a video doorbell with HDR imaging and at least 1080p HD video so that you don’t end up with an unclear recording that prevents you from identifying the person approaching your doorstep. 

  • Field of View: A smart video doorbell that offers a wider view can cover more area, reducing blind spots. SimplISafe’s video doorbell, for example, has a 162° field of view.

  • Motion Detection: Advanced motion sensors trigger alerts when activity is detected.

  • Additional Functionality: Look for features like two-way audio, night vision, and remote access.

  • Smart Home Compatibility: Ensure your video doorbell will be compatible with your existing smart home devices.

  • Storage Options: Cloud storage is generally convenient and secure and gives you the ability to access footage remotely. Local storage provides a physical copy of the footage, ensuring data privacy. Most smart video doorbells offer both, which you can customize depending on your plan. 

  • Hardwired Doorbells vs. Battery-Powered Doorbells: Hardwired doorbells offer a continuous power supply but often require professional installation. On the other hand, battery-powered doorbells feature easy DIY setup, with the need for occasional battery changes. 

It's Time to Invest in a Smart Video Doorbell!

Smart video doorbells have become an integral part of modern home security systems. Their ability to provide real-time notifications, high-quality videos, seamless communication, easy installation, integration with the rest of your smart home security system, and more make video doorbells a reliable and affordable security component. By choosing the right smart video doorbell that aligns with your needs and preferences, you can take a significant step towards boosting your home's security.

Explore the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro and empower your home security system with advanced features and cutting-edge technology.