So, you’re thinking about getting a video doorbell? I get it; with all the gadgets out there, it’s hard to tell what’s worth your bucks and what’s just techy fluff.
Video doorbells are like your regular doorbells but with a cool twist: they have a camera. When someone rings the bell, you can see them on your phone or computer, no matter where you are. It’s like FaceTime with your front door.
Here it works: someone presses the bell, and the camera starts rolling. Or walked up to the door, and the sensor went off. You get a notification on your phone and can see who’s there. You can even talk to them through the doorbell, like “Hey, just leave the package” or “I’ll be right there!” It’s handy for knowing who’s at the door, especially if you’re not home. Plus, it records visitors, so you can check later who came by. It’s a simple way to add a bit of safety and convenience to your home.
Reasons to buy video doorbells
Well, let me walk you through why a video doorbell could be a smart addition to your doorstep. It’s not just about catching porch pirates in the act or making your entrance look high-tech. These handy devices are like having a personal assistant for your front door. They keep you in touch with what’s happening at your home, whether you’re just chilling on your sofa or far away.
See Who’s There
Every time someone rings your doorbell or triggers the motion sensor, you get a notification on your Smartphone. This allows you to check who’s at the door immediately.
Video doorbells usually feature infrared night vision, allowing you to see who is at your door, day or night.
Think about it like having a 24/7 security guard for your front porch. You can instantly see and record anyone approaching your door at home or away. This feature is invaluable for preventing theft and vandalism. If a suspicious person lurks around, you’re immediately alerted and have video evidence if needed.
Checking in from anywhere
These doorbells work with an app. With this app on your phone, tablet, or computer, you can watch live from your doorbell camera, wherever you are.
Say you’re at work and your package arrives. You can talk to the delivery person right from your phone and tell them where to leave it. Or if you’re away on a holiday and someone stops by, you can chat with them. It’s like you’re there without actually being there.
Smart home teamwork
Modern video doorbells can easily integrate with other smart home devices. This integration allows for automated actions, like turning on lights when motion is detected or unlocking a smart lock remotely.
The Arlo Video Doorbell is a good example here. It can connect to various smart home devices. For instance, it can link with smart lights from Philips Hue, so your outdoor lights turn on when someone approaches the door. And Ring Doorbell working with Alexa is pretty cool. Alexa can tell you when someone’s at your door. It’s like, “Someone is at the front door,” kind of alert. If you have an Echo Show or an Echo Spot, you can see who’s there through the screen. You can ask Alexa to show you the front door camera anytime or even talk to the person at the door using your Echo device.
When someone approaches your door at night, the doorbell can trigger outdoor lights, enhancing visibility and security. Or, if a family member forgets their keys, you can remotely unlock the door for them.
Keep a record of everything
Miss a visitor? Your video doorbell keeps a record. It can save videos in the cloud or on the doorbell itself. This way, you can always check who was at your door anytime. It’s handy if something strange happens, like someone trying to take a package. You’ll have the video to show what happened.
Scaring off unwanted guests
Just having this cool gadget can scare off the baddies. Thieves usually look for easy targets and a house with a camera at the door? Not so easy. It’s a big red flag for them saying, “Hey, you’re on camera!” They’ll usually just bail unless they want to steal video doorbells.
Your privacy, your rules
With the app for your video doorbell, you’re in control. You can set how sensitive the motion detector is or choose which areas it watches. Don’t want the bell to ring all the time? Set it to silent and get notifications on your smartphone. It’s all about making your home secure in a way that works for you.
Disadvantages of video doorbells
Alright, video doorbells are pretty cool, but they have their downsides, like everything. Let’s chat about a few of them:
Dependent on Internet
Your video doorbell needs a strong Wi-Fi signal to work well. If your router is more than 30 feet away or has many walls in between, the signal might not be strong enough. If the Wi-Fi is weak where your doorbell is, you might miss alerts, or the video might get choppy. Also, the quality of your video recording depends on your internet connection.
Battery or Wiring Issues
So, video doorbells can run on batteries or be wired into your home’s electrical system. Battery-powered doorbells are easy to install, as you stick them on your door or wall. But you need to keep an eye on the battery level. Wired doorbells don’t need battery changes, but installing them can be more complex since they need to connect to your home’s wiring.
False Alerts
Here’s a funny thing – sometimes your doorbell gets a bit overexcited. It might send you alerts for every car passing or squirrels running around. This happens because the motion sensor is too sensitive or not correctly adjusted.
Most video doorbells let you adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensor. You can set it so it doesn’t go off for every little thing. Some models also let you set specific zones. This means you can tell your doorbell to only care about motion right by your door, not the street. It takes a bit of tweaking, but it can cut down on those annoying false alarms.
In all these cases, the issues are manageable with a bit of know-how and maybe some extra equipment. It’s about finding the right balance for your home and your needs. Video doorbells are super helpful, but they do need a bit of attention to work their best.
Should you buy video doorbells or not?
I think buying a video doorbell is a good idea. Can we live without video doorbells? Absolutely, yes. They’re not like a fridge or something – you won’t starve without one. But they do make life easier. It’s like having a smart light bulb or a video baby monitor. Sure, we can get up and switch on the lights. But isn’t it nicer to tap a button on your phone?
Now, about those drawbacks I mentioned earlier, they’re not huge problems. They’re more like minor issues you can sort out with work.
Still, I’d say video doorbells are worth it for their extra security and convenience. They’re not just fancy tech toys. They’re like a helpful tool that keeps an eye on your home, making things easier and safer. It’s your call, though. A video doorbell could be a great addition if you like the sound of that extra help around the house.
