There's a lot to consider when buying a video doorbell, including wireless network support, your existing hardware, video quality, functions, privacy and security.
Our review of smart doorbells help you navigate these factors and much more so you can make the right choice. Here's how we test them.
On this page:
Our expert testers
Our testers have years of expertise in testing internet and smart devices. Their focus is looking at and assessing the device to ensure that it not only performs as claimed, but is also easy to use and set up.
In this test, we find out which smart doorbells have the best audio and video quality, and the best security and privacy features. We also consider ease of use during installation and when using the associated app.
How we choose what we test
We looked at the most readily available smart doorbells in Australia, both online and in local retailers.
Scoring
We give every smart doorbell that we test a CHOICE Expert Rating, so you can see at a glance which are the best and worst performers.
This CHOICE Expert Rating is an overall score that's based on the following criteria:
- Video (30%)
- Sound (20%)
- Application (20%)
- Installation (10%)
- Recharging (10%)
- Privacy and security (10%)
How we test
Video score score
We assess the video quality in daylight, and indoors at night with a porch light on and with a porch light off. The indoor test simulates an outdoor environment. This covers all typical lighting conditions.
Sound score
We test the quality of sound from the doorbell speaker and in the app (from the doorbell microphone).
App score
This covers the intuitiveness and ease of use of the app to see if the steps and features are well explained. We also look for troubleshooting assistance and whether it offers clear steps to resolve any issues.
Installation score
We assess how easy it is to install the app and create an account, and how easy it is to mount the doorbell. This involves wall-mounting the doorbell, registering it with the app and setting up automatic software updates (if available).
Recharging score
An ease of use test that looks at accessing and charging the device. If the device is permanently powered, it scores 100%.
Privacy & security score
We look for a privacy policy and transparent information about data storage. This includes whether the videos go to offshore servers for processing or storage and if they specify the server location. We also see how easy it is to run software updates and change your password.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
