---
title: "Our Favorite Video Doorbell of 2026 Is a Must-Have for Home Security"
description: "We've tested countless video doorbells throughout the years and our top pick is a must-have for ease of use and home security."
date: "2026-01-07"
modified: "2026-01-07"
authors:
  - name: "Katie Barton"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/katie-barton/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/favorite-video-doorbell-2026-nest/"
categories:
  - "Exterior"
  - "Home Security"
  - "Reviews"
tags:
  - "SPR"
---

# Our Favorite Video Doorbell of 2026 Is a Must-Have for Home Security

![Google Nest Doorbell Installed](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Google-Nest-Doorbell-Installed.jpg>)
*Photo: Amazon*

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](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/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.

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](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GZQ1MHC/?tag=bovi01-20>) 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.

## Author
Katie Barton is a home improvement freelance writer based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been writing for the BobVila.com team since July 2022 and specializes in topics such as cleaning, organizing, and gardening.