This digital transformation is giving homeowners the ability to keep their homes safe and secure from intruders through a variety of technologies, including home security cameras, voice recognition software, and smart home devices.
This article is about how to install home security products using companies like Ring, Nest and Arlo. These companies provide subscription-based models that allow you to have smart devices that connect to your handheld devices and are easy to set up.
Starting with a Smart Doorbell
The first thing to consider when choosing a smart doorbell is its price. Smart doorbells that are not expensive but have high-quality features tend to be more reliable and offer more features than those that are less expensive but do not have as many features. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of doorbell that you will be using it on-the-go-the cheaper models may not work with all types of doors, while more expensive models may only work with certain types of doors.
Ring, Nest, and Arlo each offer their own variations of the smart doorbell. Ring offers several doorbells that increase in price. These aren’t the only companies that offer smart doorbells, but Ring and Nest are certainly the most popular, and Arlo deserves a fair evaluation alongside them, given it’s a newer product receiving some attention and a bit different than your typical smart doorbell. ..
Both companies offer a basic model of their smart doorbell that offers key features and benefits. ..
Each doorbell offers unique capabilities that can be customized to fit your needs. The weather-resistant and two-way communication features make it easy to keep your home safe in bad weather. The free app from each company makes it easy to manage and monitor your doorbell.
Each of these products has its own unique features that make it a better choice for your home. Let’s explore what makes them different so you can decide which one would work best for your needs. ..
Ring Video Doorbell – $99.99
The Ring Video Doorbell is a video doorbell that was first released in 2012. It is a basic doorbell that offers basic features, such as recording video and sending alerts to your phone. However, the Ring Video Doorbell has come a long way since its release. Now, it can be purchased in several models, each with its own unique features.
However, the latter is still packed with high-tech DIY home security features that keep it a contender in the smart doorbell space. The biggest benefits are that it’s incredibly simple and affordable. ..
Simplicity
Ring Video Doorbell is a great smart doorbell that is easy to set up and use. It has a simple setup and can be monitored by your phone. The app is free and there are tools included to install it.
The doorbell app is a great way to control your doorbell. You can access and manage the doorbell through any of your handheld devices with the app, making it easy to control.
Affordability
The live streaming video service, called Motion, is available for free to anyone who triggers it by motion. It includes night vision and 180-degree viewing. If you want to archive these clips, you only pay $3/month, giving you 60 days of video storage.
Ring is offering a $10/month subscription for all Ring doorbells and cameras to archive footage and motion detection data. This service can be used to expand your home security system by adding additional Ring cameras, motion detectors, sensors, locks, and other devices.
Cons
Many people have complained about the orange button on the back of the product not working as it is supposed to. In some cases, even after a hard reset, the problem persists. ..
Ring Video Doorbell is pretty sensitive to your WiFi connection. If you’re having trouble connecting the smart doorbell, the company suggests moving your router closer to it. Whether the situational or aesthetic aspects of this suggested solution, it probably isn’t an ideal workaround for most people. ..
Some people have complained that the Ring Video Doorbell’s battery life isn’t the best. Depending on how much activity is going on outside your home, your Ring Video Doorbell could be picking up a bunch of false alarms, meaning motion from innocuous things–cars, animals–could be triggering your smart doorbell camera, which saps the battery after a while. ..
The motion sensors in this home are adjustable, so you can avoid or at least reduce the regularity of this problem.
Nest Hello – $229
Nest is a young company, founded in 2010. Its flagship product was the Nest Learning Thermostat, which many people are familiar with. Nest launched its own smart doorbell in 2018.
Nest Hello is the only smart doorbell Nest offers, but it has a lot of features that make it a good choice. It can be used to watch videos or see who is at the door, and it has a high visibility so you can see who is there even in low light. ..
Flexibility
Nest Hello is always on, giving you 24/7 streaming of footage. This means that you can scan through a continuous recording, rather than just viewing clips of footage triggered by motion or sound. But that’s a lot to take in, which is why Nest Hello offers you a three-hour snapshot history. ..
Nest Aware offers three video-subscription options that range in price: five-day, 10-day and 30-day. The five-day plan costs $5 a month, the 10-day plan costs $10 a month and the 30-day plan costs $30 a month.
Visibility
Nest Hello offers 4:3 HD video, which is supposed to allow you to see someone from head to toe. And nighttime is no problem; the smart doorbell’s HDR video provides clear details of people and objects. To that point, Nest Hello isn’t just triggered by motion and sounds, it can actually tell when a person is at your door and recognize familiar faces (with a Nest Aware subscription). ..
If you’re not in the mood to or can’t respond to someone at your door, Nest Hello allows you to save pre-recorded responses you can select and play from your phone. ..
Cons
Nest Hello offers a 24/7 recording feature that means existing doorbell wiring is required. If you have a battery-powered doorbell, Nest Hello won’t work. If you’re determined to have this particular smart doorbell, you’ll need to run new wiring.
Nest Hello’s delayed notifications and video can create a security risk. ..
Arlo Audio Doorbell – $79.99
Arlo Audio Doorbell from Netgear is a camera that does not include a video capability. ..
The Arlo Audio Doorbell is a smart doorbell that doesn’t require a video camera to function. This makes it more affordable than other smart doorbells, as well as providing some unique benefits. For one, the Arlo Audio Doorbell can be used to record video footage of your home, which can be used in future marketing campaigns or to show off your home’s features to potential buyers. Additionally, the Arlo Audio Doorbell has an easy-to-use interface and is compatible with most home automation systems.
Communication
Arlo’s smart doorbell is a mobile notification system that you can answer like a call if someone is at your door. All audio is stored for free in a secure cloud on a rolling seven-day basis.
If you can’t respond to someone at your door, you have the option to give instant response from a list of pre-recorded responses you select in the app on your handheld device. You can also let visitors leave messages that you can listen to later if you’re unable to answer or use quick responses at the time.
Rationality
Arlo’s intention with the design of their doorbell was to make it an audio-only device so that you can connect it to your Arlo security cameras and have it chime when your security cameras detect motion. ..
Arlo Audio Doorbell is a great addition to any DIY home security system, but it can also be used on its own if you’re looking for an affordable and smart option. ..
Cons
The biggest downside of Arlo Audio Doorbell is that it doesn’t include a video camera. This can make it more expensive than an all-in-one video doorbell like Ring’s, depending on what you’re looking for. However, this disadvantage may not be a big deal for some people. ..
The Arlo Chime and Arlo Audio Doorbell are two separate products that you must purchase separately if you want to hear when someone rings your doorbell.
Conclusion
When it comes to making a decision about which smart doorbell you purchase, consider the big picture. Consider what matters most to you–affordability, visibility, rationality, something else?
Regardless of which doorbell you choose, you’ll end up with a DIY home security device that makes life a little safer. Whether it’s the first smart security device you purchase or more of an accessory you’re deciding to add on, enjoy! ..
