How do you choose best security camera for your home? There are too many options to choose from. Hence, we have compiled a list of front door security cameras that meets the need of every type of home, budget, and individual. We have compiled the list after evaluating almost 18 cameras. It took us 96 hours to test, compare, and rate each camera. We also consulted 6 experts to help us create the list. If you are in hurry, our top pick is No products found.. It performed much better than other security cameras during tests.
Top Pick
Best Front Door Security Camera
1. Ring Video Doorbell Pro – Best For Live Viewing
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Ring offers some of the best home security gadgets. The biggest positive about the Ring Video Doorbell Pro is it takes 1080p videos.
So, this camera definitely passed our important test of quality video. And the installation process also didn’t take much time and it was easy. As it supports WiFi, the connectivity is also a breeze. However, it requires a hardwired installation for existing doorbells.
Our team tested the product in different lights and temperature. It passed our test with ease. The night vision also works fine. Another great thing about the product is via your phone or any other Wi-Fi enabled device you can talk or hear the person at your door. However, during our tests we found that if connectivity is weak, sound may break.
We also tested its integration with smart home devices. For now, it works only with Alexa. Through the Alexa, you can receive an alert of a visitor on echo devices. And you can also communicate with the visitor.
Based on our experience with the device, we suggest using fast internet with upload speed of 2 Mbps or more for better connectivity.
- 1080P HD video with live view.
- It comes with motion-activated alerts.
- It supports two-way talk.
- Interchangeable faceplates.
- With subscription of Ring Protect Plus you can save, and share videos.
- Doesn’t work well with weak WiFi signals.
Bottom Line
If you want front door security system that offers great quality video feed right into your hand, buy this camera now. It is the best front door WiFi camera system.
2. Ring Video Doorbell 2 – Best Under $ 200
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 has almost same configuration as Ring Video Doorbell Pro. The big difference being it doesn’t support 5 GHz WiFi connectivity. The design is also same except Ring 2 is bigger in dimension.
Since the configuration is the same, we were keen to see how same they are in terms of performance. We started out with the installation of the door camera. It didn’t take more than 20 minutes. Connecting to WiFi and smart devices is easy. Like the Pro variant it only supports Alexa.
When we tested how the product performed, we found that there was not much difference in terms of alert and video feeds. Using Alexa or phone you can easily talk or hear the visitor on your front door.
As far as the quality of the video is concerned, it scores high numbers. You can easily access the live feed or check past events on your phone or any other device. However, to see the past events you will need a monthly subscription of $20 per month.
There is one more additional feature which makes it highly recommended product. It can run on hardwired power source as well as battery. However, we suggest stick to hardwired power source as battery is not dependable.
- It captures 1080p image and videos.
- Integrates with Alexa easily.
- Two-way talk.
- Motion-activated alert either on phone or smart device.
- Interchangeable faceplate for better aesthetics.
- Does not support 5 GHz WiFi connectivity.
Bottom Line
If you do not want to spend more than $200 on the front door security, you can buy the Ring 2. However, you will have to get the alarm security subscription $20 per month, if you want to access the more than 5-second old video feeds.
3. SkyBell HD Bronze WiFi Video Doorbell – Best For Budget Conscious Users
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SkyBell is complete a package if you don’t want to spend for additional features. In addition, it can integrate with Alarm.com devices which is a big name in home security systems. Hence, you can easily add SkyBell HD Bronze to your existing Alarm ecosystem of home security.
If you look at the whole package of SkyBell, it has everything. It includes WiFi support, captures 1080p Videos, integrates easily with Alexa or Google Home, live video feed, etc. The greatest advantage of having the camera is that it doesn’t require you to buy a monthly subscription. It easily stores the data of the past 7 days.
Our team was able to install it easily within 30 minutes. We also added to an Alarm ecosystem to see how it works with other home security systems. We were able to see the live feeds on the monitoring device. However, we noticed that there was a delay of about 10 seconds before it begins video capturing. That was definitely a big demerit.
The video captured is of great quality. However, you will require an internet service that has higher upload speed because the videos are 1080p and these types of videos have large file sizes.
As the system saves the data of only past seven days, you can download and save it on some other device for future. This feature is really a money saver. Because, most of the front door security system charge a fee to provide these feature.
- Captures 1080p videos.
- More features than its competitors.
- Alarm equipment integration.
- Live video as well past 7-day videos are accessible.
- No subscription for extra features.
- Supports only one user.
- Video starts with 10-sec delay.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for the best wireless front door camera without any extra subscription fee, you can go for the SkyBell camera.
4. August Doorbell Cam Pro – Best For Quality Video
August is way ahead of its competition when it comes to capturing a quality video. The main reason behind it is its 960p HD. This type of resolution is found in GoPro which is considered to be the best camera for motion capture. These cameras usually have a high frame rate, hence the video you get is smooth.
When we examined the video it captured, we were amazed. We were able to see the minute details of the person standing in front of it. As it used GoPro like higher frame rates, we slowed down the video and examined it. There was no frame drop, the smallest of the movement was clear. It is a winner in terms of the quality of video.
Though the camera doesn’t have night vision or infrared, it has built-in floodlight to capture video in low-light conditions. However, the quality of videos makes it for the lack of night vision or IR.
The other thing that we loved about the product is it gives you control over alerts. You can set it for motion sensitivity or chime. Thus, you get softer alerts than panicky alerts.
In addition, the WiFi connectivity is very good. However, make sure the internet connection has higher upload rate. Moreover, we feel that it is much cheaper as compared to other doorbell camera system because it can store videos of maximum last 24 hours on the cloud for free which is more than enough. Beyond that you require a premium package.
- 960p HD quality video with higher frame rates.
- Fits well with other August devices.
- You can store Up to 24 hours of video for free.
- Installation may be complicated.
- No night vision or IR.
Bottom Line
Probably it is top front door security camera that offers great video quality.
5. Panasonic HomeHawk Wireless – Best Security Package
If money isn’t a constraint, you can go for the Panasonic HomeHawk. Unlike most of the door cameras, it comes with 2 camera kit and wireless access base unit. In addition, it stores the videos in a SD card. It supports SD card of up to 64 GB.
However, the camera quality is really good. Out of the two cameras included in the kit, one is perfect for the door. You can either place it on top or bottom of the door. Another camera is for whole-house coverage but you can use it cover the front of the house.
The system connects easily with the Alexa devices. You can monitor live videos and also access past events. The amount of past hours you can store depends on the size of the SD card you use. However, the company states that you can store 9 hours of video per 4GB.
One great thing about the system is that you can see the video output for night vision in both monochrome and color.
- Much higher storage compared to other security systems.
- No extra fees for video storage.
- Super wide field of view.
- Vocal Alerts.
- 100 % wire free.
- Too many units to connect.
- Need much higher upload speed to work efficiently.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a system that has a separate camera and base unit, this system gives you that option.
Buyer’s Guide – What To Consider ?
Not everyone has the same requirements or budget. Hence, even before considering the type of model you want for your home, be clear about what you require and how much you can afford to pay for it.
How do you decide on your requirements?
There are several factors that could help you know your requirements:
Once you have understood your requirements, its time to see what factors help you buy the best system for your home.
1.Video Quality
If you see the front door security camera reviews above, each and every system has HD quality cameras. Do not compromise with the output of the camera. You need to have a camera that provides you at least a video of 720p resolution. Such resolutions offers you a clear view of your front door.
We recommend you to go for August Doorbell Cam Pro as it has the best video quality; even when the video is played in slow motion.
2. Field Of View
The field of view means how wide the camera can see. It is best to get the camera that has a wide field of view. Especially, when your front porch is big, you want to cover every inch of it. Cameras with super-wide field of view help you with it. It is not necessary but always make sure the camera you buy has a field of view wider than 160 degrees.
3. WiFi Connectivity
Most of the front door security system uses WiFi to connect with the base station, or the monitoring devices. So it is necessary to know the capacity of your connection. It also helps you accommodate the best possible security system for your home. The best camera security systems require an internet speed that has an upload speed of more than 2 Mbps. So get the fastest internet possible to get most out of your home security system.
4. Video Storage
Video storage is required if you want to access past events. Most of the front door system does not support video storage. It either requires a cloud service or requires a base unit. If you can afford to pay a monthly fee of $20 or more, get the cloud service offered by the manufacturer. It can help you access the events of the past 30 days. However, you don’t feel comfortable paying a monthly fee, then get a system like Panasonic HomeHawk Front Door Camera. Such systems support SD card storage. Hence, you can save the videos right onto your device.
5. Smart Device Integration
The best way to access any home security system is by using a smart home devices like Alexa and Google Home. Hence, get a system that works with the best smart devices. Most of the devices in our list support Alexa and Google Home. So you can choose one of them.
6. Warranty
Warranty is another important factor as you want to have a trustworthy security system guarding your home 24×7. Many of the manufacturers, provide 1-year warranty on the product. You can check with the seller for more on the warranty of a product. Interestingly, there are few manufacturers that offer theft protection too. So, if someone steals your security system, the manufacturer will replace it with a brand new system without charging a penny.
7. Budget
Everyone knows how expensive these home security systems could be. Getting the right system within your budget is sometimes a tough task. You not only pay for the security system but you also pay a monthly subscription fee to get full value out of the system.
So when you are seeking out a front door camera system, set a budget and stick to it. Because the basic need of securing the house should be fulfilled first. If in the future, you feel that you have money to spend, you can always update the system with better one.
How We Conducted The Tests?
We brought 18 top front door security systems for tests and evaluation. Our testing process took 96 hours where we evaluated each product based on the parameters like video quality, connectivity, integration, video storage, ease of use, weather etc.
After evaluation, we asked our teams to test it as a normal user. The big reason being it allowed us to get a first hand experience of the product. Most of the time, test scores don’t justify the product. In addition, we also contacted several users and went through several review sites to understand what people think about the product.
In addition, we interviewed 6 experts on home security systems. Their interview helped us to know more about the products as well as what an individual need in an front door security camera. Their contribution really gave us a insight on the different needs of a customer. Eventually, this interview helped us to categorize the products. Here is how we scored the products:
| Product Name | Video Quality | Connectivity | Storage | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic HomeHawk | 95.3 | 96.3 | 97.4 | 96.33 | Check Price |
| August Doorbell Cam Pro | 96.8 | 96.2 | 96.2 | 96.40 | No products found. |
| SkyBellHD Bronze | 97.3 | 95.2 | 97.2 | 96.57 | No products found. |
| Ring 2 | 98.2 | 97.4 | 95.1 | 96.90 | Check Price |
| Ring Pro | 98.2 | 97.6 | 95.6 | 97.13 | No products found. |
FAQs
1. Does front door security system save videos locally?
No, not all systems support the storage of videos on local devices. Some brands like Ring offer a cloud service for a monthly fee and some use base station which can store videos up to a few hours.
2. Can I use the front door security system with other home security systems?
Most of the home security systems, use base station which controls all the devices. If the base station is of the same company, the system can be added to the existing ecology. Beyond that, you may not able to integrate with a third-party home security system.
Final Thought
The front door security camera reviews that we have written, are based on our tests and experience. Not everyone will agree with us. Some may have different views but we have tried to offer you basic information about all the systems. So that you can take an informed decision. All the systems we have recommended are based on our views and evaluation. If you want more information on the product, always checkout with seller or manufacturer.
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