Which video doorbell should I buy?

A video doorbell lets you see and talk to whoever is at the door from your phone, wherever you are. The choice mostly comes down to power and subscriptions.

Battery or wired?

• Battery: easiest to fit, no electrician needed. You'll recharge it every few weeks to months depending on how busy your door is.
• Wired: never needs charging and often reacts faster, but needs existing doorbell wiring or a plug-in adapter.

The hidden cost: subscriptions

Most brands, including Ring, need a monthly plan to save and replay recordings. Without one you usually just get live view and alerts. Add the yearly plan cost to the price when comparing.

Quick checklist

• Wi-Fi: check your signal at the front door before buying. Weak Wi-Fi is the number-one cause of problems.
• Chime: some doorbells need a separate plug-in chime to ring inside the house.
• Renting or a flat: battery models are easier to remove when you move. Check with your landlord first.
• Privacy: in the UK, if your camera records beyond your property (like the street), data protection rules can apply. Angle it at your own doorstep.

Our advice is based on product specifications, prices and common trade use. We don't do hands-on product testing.