Jane
Smart doorbells, often called video doorbells or doorbell cameras, have quickly become home security devices for homeowners. These advanced devices offer a blend of convenience, security, and peace of mind that traditional doorbells cannot match. Wi-Fi-connected and equipped with motion sensors, smart doorbells allow homeowners to receive notifications on their smartphones or smart hubs when someone is at their door. With the ability to communicate via two-way audio, view live video feeds, and even activate an alarm, smart doorbells provide an extra layer of security that traditional doorbells simply cannot.
The advantages of installing a smart doorbell extend far beyond basic functionality. These devices provide a range of practical benefits that enhance home security, protect belongings, and improve overall convenience. Here are nine reasons why every home needs a smart doorbell.
9 Reasons Every Home Needs a Smart Doorbell for Security
1. Lower Homeowners’ Insurance Costs
Homeowners looking to save on insurance premiums may find that installing a smart doorbell can help reduce their costs. Many insurance providers offer discounts to policyholders who implement security measures in their homes. By deterring burglaries and providing valuable video evidence, smart doorbells contribute to a safer home environment, reducing the risk of claims. Smart doorbells also offer motion detection and video storage features, making it easier for homeowners to gather evidence in the event of an incident. This evidence can prove invaluable for insurance companies and law enforcement, further strengthening the case for premium discounts.
Moreover, many smart doorbells come with the option for local storage, ensuring that crucial video footage is securely saved without a subscription fee or with minimal recurring costs. The high-definition video quality of these devices also enhances the reliability of the recordings, making them more effective for law enforcement investigations and insurance claims. In the event of an incident, having access to clear and detailed footage can significantly improve the chances of recovering stolen property or resolving the issue.
2. Protection Against Porch Pirates
As online shopping becomes more prevalent, the problem of “porch piracy” has grown increasingly common. Porch pirates are criminals who steal packages left on doorsteps or porches by delivery services. Smart doorbells help mitigate this ever-increasing crime in multiple ways. For instance, many smart doorbells have live video feed capabilities, which allow homeowners to monitor their porches and receive immediate notifications when activity is detected.
With motion detection and customizable zones, smart doorbells can alert homeowners whenever someone approaches the front door, ensuring that no one sneaks up to steal packages. Some devices, such as the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro Gen 2, include battery-powered options that are easy to install, making it more straightforward to protect one’s property. Additionally, the two-way audio feature allows homeowners to communicate directly with delivery personnel, ensuring packages can be placed in secure locations to avoid theft.
For added deterrence, many smart doorbells, like Vivint’s Doorbell Camera Pro, include a “Smart Deter” feature. When the camera detects suspicious behavior, it activates an LED ring and emits a loud alarm, making it clear that the porch pirate is being recorded. This visible deterrent is often enough to send criminals on their way, helping to prevent theft before it happens.
3. Providing Video Evidence for Law Enforcement
In the unfortunate event of a break-in or other criminal activity, smart doorbells can provide crucial video evidence that assists law enforcement. Most smart doorbell cameras are designed to monitor the front door or entryway, capturing video and audio of anyone approaching. This makes them an invaluable tool in criminal investigations, offering clear footage that can be used to identify suspects and track their movements.
High-definition video quality, color night vision, and 2K resolution features ensure that footage is detailed and precise, even in low-light conditions. This level of clarity allows law enforcement to capture essential details, such as the suspect’s appearance or the vehicle they arrived in, making it easier to solve crimes. Additionally, many smart doorbells support local storage options, such as microSD cards, to ensure that recordings are securely saved for later use.
Over time, smart doorbells have helped police solve various crimes, from car theft to kidnappings and assaults. Citizens who have recorded criminal activity on their doorbell cameras have played a significant role in helping law enforcement solve these cases, making smart doorbells a powerful tool in ensuring community safety.
4. Always Know Who is at the Door
Traditional doorbells provide little more than a simple chime to alert homeowners of a visitor’s presence, often leaving them to guess who is on the other side. Smart doorbells, however, offer a much more advanced solution. Live video streaming capabilities allow homeowners to see who is at their door in real-time, no matter where they are. The wide field of view and high-definition video ensure that homeowners can see visitors from head to toe, providing a clear and comprehensive view of the person at their door.
Advanced features like HDR (high dynamic range) and night vision make visitors visible even in low-light or dark conditions. This visibility helps homeowners decide whether to interact with visitors or ignore them. If someone arrives unexpectedly, such as a door-to-door salesperson or a neighbor, homeowners can make informed decisions without physically approaching the door.
For those who spend time away from home, smart doorbells offer peace of mind by enabling users to monitor their doorstep from anywhere. A notification sent to a smartphone or smart hub allows homeowners to watch and interact with visitors in real time, even if they are miles away. This feature is handy for individuals who travel frequently or work long hours away from home.
5. Deterrence of Burglars
One of the most effective ways to prevent burglaries is to make a home less attractive to criminals. Burglars often target unoccupied homes that lack visible security features. Smart doorbells act as a powerful deterrent, usually equipped with security cameras that record anyone approaching the front door. A visible camera alerts potential burglars that their actions are being monitored and recorded.
Smart doorbells are typically integrated with other smart home security features, such as smart locks and motion sensors. This integration creates a cohesive security system that makes it even harder for burglars to access the property undetected. Knowing that a home is equipped with smart security features such as these may prompt burglars to reconsider their target, opting for more manageable, less secure dwellings.
For those concerned about break-ins, having a smart doorbell is essential to a comprehensive security system that can significantly reduce the likelihood of burglary.
6. Safe Communication with Visitors
Smart doorbells allow homeowners to communicate with visitors without opening the door. This two-way audio feature is handy for those who prefer not to engage with certain individuals or when additional instructions are needed for delivery personnel. Whether asking a delivery driver to leave a package in a specific location or informing a neighbor about a package drop-off, smart doorbells allow homeowners to communicate clearly and safely from a distance.
This feature is also a valuable deterrent for burglars. Many burglars knock on doors to check if anyone is home before proceeding with a break-in. Using the two-way audio feature, homeowners can simulate being present, even if they are away, making the burglar think twice about proceeding.
This feature provides added security for families with children who may be home alone. Parents can monitor their children’s interactions with visitors and ensure that no unauthorized individuals gain access to the home.
7. Seamless Integration with Smart Home Systems
Smart doorbells are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing smart home ecosystems. Whether it’s Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, these devices work harmoniously with various smart home platforms. Homeowners can control their doorbell, view video feeds, and receive notifications using voice commands or their smart hub, providing extra convenience.
Homeowners can create a cohesive security and convenience setup by integrating a smart doorbell with a larger smart home system. For example, if a visitor presses the doorbell, the homeowner can receive a notification and see the live video feed on their smart display or smartphone. If the home is equipped with smart locks, the homeowner can unlock the door directly from the app after verifying the visitor’s identity, making the entire process seamless.
The ability to integrate with other smart devices also means that homeowners can create customized settings for their doorbells. This can include adjusting motion detection sensitivity or linking the doorbell to other security cameras or alarms for enhanced monitoring.
8. 24/7 Access to Video Footage
One key advantage of smart doorbells is the continuous video recording they offer. These devices are always on, recording footage 24/7, whether someone presses the doorbell button or approaches the door. Many systems include cloud storage options, allowing homeowners to access footage from anywhere and store it for extended periods.
Many smart doorbells come with local storage options, such as built-in SD cards, for homeowners who prefer not to pay for cloud storage. This ensures that video footage can be accessed quickly and securely without an ongoing subscription. With constant video availability, homeowners can quickly check on their property, verify deliveries, or ensure that their children or pets are safe.
Some models, such as the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro, offer fast video loading and smooth playback, reducing delays and buffering. This ensures that homeowners can review footage quickly and efficiently when needed.
9. Professional Monitoring for Extra Security
A significant benefit of smart doorbells is the option for professional monitoring. While many smart doorbells provide self-monitoring through mobile apps, professional monitoring offers an additional layer of security. In the event of a triggered alarm or suspicious activity, trained monitoring specialists can respond immediately, alerting authorities and dispatching help as necessary.
This service is particularly valuable for individuals who cannot respond to alarms in real time, such as those who travel frequently or live alone. With professional monitoring, homeowners can enjoy knowing their property is being monitored 24/7, even when they cannot respond.
Addressing Common Smart Doorbell Considerations
While smart doorbells provide numerous advantages, there are a few common considerations when choosing and using them.
- Video Storage Costs: Many smart doorbells offer cloud storage, often requiring a subscription fee. Some models provide local storage options, such as built-in SD cards for those who prefer to avoid recurring costs.
- Connectivity Issues: Weak Wi-Fi signals can cause delays or interruptions in video feeds. To mitigate this, homeowners can use Wi-Fi extenders or opt for wired video doorbells for more stable connections.
- Battery Life: Battery-operated doorbells may need frequent recharging, depending on usage. Choosing a model with long battery life or energy-saving features can help minimize this issue.
By addressing these considerations, homeowners can ensure that their smart doorbell functions seamlessly and effectively, contributing to home security and convenience.
A Must-Have for Modern Home Security
Smart doorbells have transformed home security, providing residents with an efficient means of tracking their front door, deterring intruders, and conversing with visitors remotely. Features such as motion detection, two-way audio, and high-definition video recording ensure that these gadgets are both convenient and reassuring. Whether to defend against package stealing, lowering insurance premiums, or connecting to a larger smart home network, the advantages of a smart doorbell far surpass what a standard doorbell can offer. As technology advances, smart doorbells will continue to be a necessary part of smart home security, keeping homeowners connected and safe regardless of location.
