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Video doorbells aren’t just convenient; they’re an integral part of home security. These gadgets notify you when visitors are at your door, allowing you to see, hear, and communicate with them directly from your smart device. But with dozens of models available, it’s hard to know which to choose. After testing seven of the best video doorbells, we discovered that not all are created equal. With almost instant response times, excellent video and audio quality, and optional premium features, the Google Nest Doorbell is a step above the rest.
Our Favorite Video Doorbell
Photo: Amazon
Without clear video and crisp audio, a video doorbell is pretty useless. And in an ideal world, these devices should also be easy for the average user to install and set up. Surprisingly, it’s not easy to find a video doorbell that meets those criteria. But fortunately, the Google Nest Doorbell is one of the few picks out there that ticks all the boxes. It features a rechargeable battery and is also compatible with existing doorbell wiring, giving you multiple installation options. We opted for the battery-powered setup, attaching the baseplate near our door with just two screws, and then snapped the doorbell into place. After that, we set up the Google Home App (a Gmail address is required) and were good to go. The entire process took less than 20 minutes.
“This is hands down the best video doorbell in the market right now. Not only is it simply beautiful to look at, it’s also packed with cool features and has excellent sound and video quality.”
—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer
This doorbell delivered great video quality, but what really set it apart was its response time. Some of the other doorbells we tested lagged by 2 to 4 seconds, but this model was nearly instant. We also appreciated the sleek design that complements an entryway rather than sticking out like a sore thumb.
Its basic features don’t require a subscription, which is a breath of fresh air. These features include essentials like live view, two-way talk, alert notifications, and night vision. Two paid subscription tiers can unlock premium features, including facial recognition, custom activity zones, smart alerts for smoke or carbon monoxide, automations, and more. Whether you’re interested in the free plan or the upgraded features, the Google Nest Doorbell is hard to beat.
