Smart doorbells: what they do and who they’re for

A smart doorbell, also called a video doorbell, lets you see and talk to whoever is at your door from your phone, whether you’re in the kitchen or across town.

What it actually does

• Shows you who’s there. When someone rings or walks up, your phone gets an alert with live video.
• Lets you talk to them. You can tell a courier to leave a parcel without getting up, or answer without opening the door.
• Records what happens. Most keep short video clips, handy if a parcel goes missing.

Who it’s great for

People who’d rather not open the door to strangers, anyone with mobility issues who finds getting to the door hard, and families who want a bit of peace of mind about a parent living alone. You can also share access with a family member, so they can see who’s visiting.

Battery or wired?

Wired doorbells connect to your existing doorbell wiring and never need charging. Battery doorbells go almost anywhere but need recharging every few weeks or months. If you already have a doorbell that chimes, wired is usually the better choice.

The subscription question

This is the part most people don’t realise until after they buy. Some brands only save recorded clips if you pay a monthly fee. Others store video on a small unit inside your home, with no monthly cost. Neither is wrong, but it’s worth knowing before you choose.

Living in a condo?

Check your building’s rules first. Some condo corporations restrict what you can mount on or beside your unit door. A peephole camera that sits inside the door is often an acceptable alternative.

See our picks for the no-subscription model we like.