Choosing the Best Home Video Doorbell System for Australians

In today’s fast-paced world, ensuring the safety and security of our homes has become more critical than ever. One of the most effective and convenient ways to enhance home security is by integrating a video doorbell system into the intercom system. These devices allow you to monitor who is at your door, communicate with visitors, and receive alerts when someone approaches your property. For Australians, choosing the right video doorbell system involves considering various factors unique to the local environment and market. This guide will walk you through the essential aspects to consider when selecting the best home video doorbell system in Australia.

What is a Video Doorbell System?

A video doorbell system typically consists of a doorbell unit with a built-in camera, microphone, and speaker. When someone rings the doorbell or approaches your door, the camera captures a video feed, and the system sends an alert to your smartphone or other connected devices. You can then view the live video, talk to the visitor, or even remotely unlock the door if integrated with a smart lock system.

How to Choose the Best Home Video Doorbell System

Key Features to Look For

When choosing a video doorbell system, several key features should be taken into account to ensure you get the best performance and value for your needs:

1. Video Quality: High-definition (HD) video is crucial for clear and detailed images. Look for doorbells with at least 1080p resolution to ensure you can see faces and other important details clearly.

2. Field of View: A wide field of view allows you to see more of the area around your door. Look for a doorbell with at least a 160-degree field of view.

3. Night Vision: Ensure the doorbell has infrared or low-light vision capabilities to provide clear images even in darkness.

4. Two-Way Audio: This feature lets you communicate with visitors in real-time, which can be useful for instructing delivery personnel or deterring potential intruders.

5. Motion Detection: Advanced motion detection can differentiate between humans, animals, and other movements, reducing false alerts.

6. Connectivity: Reliable Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for seamless streaming and notifications. Ensure the doorbell supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands.

7. Storage Options: Consider whether the system offers local storage, cloud storage, or both. Cloud storage often requires a subscription but provides secure and easily accessible recordings.

8. Power Source: Video doorbells can be wired, battery-powered, or both. Battery-powered units offer flexible installation but need regular recharging or battery replacement.

9. Smart Home Integration: If you have other smart home devices, ensure the doorbell is compatible with systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.

Installation Considerations

The installation process can vary depending on the type of doorbell and your home’s setup. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Wired vs. Wireless: Wired doorbells require an existing doorbell wiring system for power, which can limit installation options but provides a consistent power source. Wireless or battery-powered doorbells offer more flexibility in placement but require regular charging or battery replacement.

2. Compatibility with Existing Chimes: If you prefer to use your existing doorbell chime, ensure the new video doorbell is compatible with it. Some models come with their own chime units.

3. DIY vs. Professional Installation: Many video doorbells are designed for easy DIY installation, but you might prefer professional installation for a seamless and hassle-free setup, especially for wired models.

Privacy and Security Concerns

When installing a video doorbell, it’s important to consider privacy and security implications:

Data Encryption: Ensure the video doorbell uses strong encryption protocols to protect your video feeds and personal information.

Privacy Zones: Some doorbells allow you to set privacy zones, which can exclude certain areas from being recorded, ensuring you don’t capture footage from neighboring properties.

Regulations and Legalities: Familiarize yourself with Australian privacy laws regarding video surveillance to ensure compliance. It’s generally recommended to inform visitors that they are being recorded.

Subscription Costs

Many video doorbells offer additional features through subscription services. These can include extended video storage, advanced motion detection, and premium support. Evaluate the subscription costs and benefits to determine if they fit your needs and budget.

Evaluating User Reviews and Ratings

Reading user reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into the real-world performance and reliability of different video doorbell models. Pay attention to comments on video quality, ease of use, connectivity, and customer support.

Best Video Doorbell Systems in Australia

Based on the aforementioned criteria, here are some of the best video doorbell systems available in Australia:

1. Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is their best-in-class wired doorbell camera with cutting-edge security features . Here are its key features:

Head-to-Toe HD+ Video: Get a clear view of who is at your door from head to toe with the improved 1536 x 1920 resolution.
3D Motion Detection: This advanced feature uses depth perception to more accurately identify people and objects, reducing false motion alerts.
Quick Replies: When you can’t answer the door, choose from pre-recorded responses to let visitors know you’ll be back soon or are unavailable.
Built-in Wi-Fi: Connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network for a reliable connection.
Two-Way Talk: Communicate with visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker.
Night Vision: See clearly in low-light conditions with night vision.
Weatherproof: Withstands rain, snow, and sun.
Easy Installation: Installs using existing doorbell wiring (no need for an electrician).

Optional Features:

Ring Protect Subscription: Sign up for a Ring Protect subscription to store video recordings and access other features.
Chime: Connects to the doorbell and plays a chime sound when someone presses the doorbell button.

Is the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 Right for You?

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a good option for you if you are looking for a wired doorbell camera with high-quality video, advanced motion detection, and quick replies. It is also a good option if you want a doorbell camera that is easy to install and weatherproof.

Here are some things to consider before you buy:

Price: The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is more expensive than some other video doorbells on the market.
Existing Doorbell Wiring: You will need existing doorbell wiring to install the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2.
Ring Protect Subscription: Some features require a Ring Protect subscription.

2. Alula Wifi Video Doorbell

Alula CAM-DB-HS2-AI: This doorbell offers 2K HD video resolution, two-way audio, motion detection, and dual-band Wi-Fi. It also has a wider viewing angle of 140 degrees.
Alula CAM-DB-JS1: This doorbell offers 1080p HD video resolution, two-way audio, motion detection, and dual-band Wi-Fi. It has a 16-foot night vision range and a 140-degree viewing angle.

Both models are weatherproof and can be used in any climate. They also come with a micro SD card for local storage of video recordings. You can view live footage and recorded clips from the doorbell through the Alula Smart Security App or the Slimline Touchpad PRO control interface.

Here are some of the things to consider when choosing an Alula Wi-Fi video doorbell:

Video resolution: The CAM-DB-HS2-AI offers a higher video resolution than the CAM-DB-JS1. If you want the best possible image quality, then the CAM-DB-HS2-AI is the better option.
Night vision: Both models have night vision, but the CAM-DB-HS2-AI has a longer night vision range. If you need to be able to see at night, then the CAM-DB-HS2-AI is the better option.
Price: The CAM-DB-HS2-AI is more expensive than the CAM-DB-JS1.

3. Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)

Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) is a wireless video doorbell that runs on battery power. It offers a number of features that can help you improve your home security, including:

HD video: The Nest Doorbell (Battery) records video in 1080p resolution, so you can get a clear view of who is at your door.
Motion detection: The doorbell will send you an alert whenever it detects motion, so you can be aware of what is happening outside your home, even when you are not there.
Two-way talk: You can use the doorbell to talk to visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker. This can be a good way to deter criminals or to screen visitors before you let them in.
Night vision: The doorbell has night vision, so you can see even in low-light conditions.
Person detection: The doorbell can distinguish between people and packages, so you will only receive alerts for important activity.
Easy installation: The Nest Doorbell (Battery) is easy to install yourself. You do not need to hire an electrician to wire it in.

Optional Features:

Nest Aware subscription: You can sign up for a Nest Aware subscription to store video recordings and access other features, such as facial recognition and 24/7 cloud storage.

Is the Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) Right for You?

The Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) is a good option for you if you are looking for a wireless video doorbell that is easy to install and offers a variety of features. It is also a good option if you want a doorbell that works with other Google Nest products, such as the Google Nest Hub and Google Nest Hub Max.

Here are some things to consider before you buy:

Price: The Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) is more expensive than some other video doorbells on the market.
Battery life: The battery life of the doorbell will vary depending on how often it is used. However, you can expect to get several months of battery life on a single charge.
Nest Aware subscription: Some features require a Nest Aware subscription.

4. Arlo Video Doorbell

Arlo offers two video doorbell options: a wired doorbell and a wire-free video doorbell , both offering a variety of features to enhance your home security.

2K or HD Video Resolution: Choose between a crisp 2K resolution for superior image quality or an HD resolution for a more budget-friendly option.
180° Field of View: See a wider view of your front door and surrounding area to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Night Vision: Keep an eye on your entryway even in low-light conditions with clear night vision.
Motion Detection with Pre-recorded Messages: Receive alerts whenever motion is detected and choose from pre-recorded messages to respond to visitors when you can’t answer the door.
Two-Way Talk: Communicate with visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker for added security or convenience.
Easy DIY Installation: Installs using existing doorbell wiring (for the wired version) for a quick and hassle-free setup.

Arlo Wire-Free Video Doorbell

HD Video Resolution: Capture clear footage of visitors at your door in 1080p resolution.
180° Field of View: See a wide range of your porch or entryway with the 180-degree field of view.
Night Vision: See clearly in low-light conditions with night vision capability.
Motion Detection with Pre-recorded Messages: Be alerted whenever motion is detected and respond to visitors with pre-recorded messages when you can’t answer the door in person.
Two-Way Talk: Talk to visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker for increased security or convenience.
Long-lasting Battery Life: The wire-free doorbell runs on a rechargeable battery that offers long battery life on a single charge.
Easy Wire-Free Installation: Install the doorbell anywhere you want without the need for existing doorbell wiring.

Choosing Between Wired and Wire-Free

Existing Doorbell Wiring: If you have existing doorbell wiring, the wired doorbell is the most straightforward option and offers a continuous power supply.
Flexibility and Ease of Installation: If you don’t have existing doorbell wiring or prefer a more flexible installation option, the wire-free doorbell is the better choice.

Additional Considerations

Arlo Secure Plan: While not required, subscribing to an Arlo Secure Plan allows you to store video recordings and access other premium features.
Chime: Arlo also sells a separate chime that can be connected to the doorbell to provide an audible alert inside your house when someone presses the doorbell button.

5. Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K

The Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K is a wire-free video doorbell that offers a number of features to beef up your home security, including:

2K HD Resolution: Get clear and sharp footage of visitors at your door with the doorbell’s 2K resolution, allowing you to zoom in on details if necessary .
Human Detection Technology: Minimize false alarms with human detection technology that can distinguish between people and packages or animals.
Two-Way Talk: Communicate with visitors through the built-in two-way talk feature, which can be a deterrent to criminals or allow you to screen visitors before opening the door.
Wide Field of View: See a wider view of your doorway with the doorbell’s 130-degree field of view.
Night Vision: Keep an eye on your entrance even in low-light conditions with the doorbell’s night vision capability.
Local Storage: Store video recordings locally on the doorbell’s built-in eMMC storage, eliminating the need for a monthly cloud storage subscription fee.
Long-lasting Battery Life: The wire-free doorbell runs on a rechargeable battery that offers long battery life on a single charge.
Easy Wire-Free Installation: Install the doorbell anywhere you want without the need for existing doorbell wiring.

Is the Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K Right for You?

The Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K is a good option for you if you are looking for a wire-free video doorbell with high-quality video, human detection technology, and local storage. It is also a good option if you want a doorbell that is easy to install and does not require a monthly cloud storage subscription fee.

Here are some things to consider before you buy:

Battery life: The battery life of the doorbell will vary depending on how often it is used. However, you can expect to get several months of battery life on a single charge.
Chime: The Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K does not come with a chime included. You can purchase a chime separately if you want to hear an audible alert inside your house when someone presses the doorbell button.

6. Swann Wire-Free 1080p Security Camera & Video Doorbell

This Australian brand’s offering is easy to install and provides reliable performance with a focus on security. Its wire-free design and local support make it a popular choice among Australians.

Swann offers a wire-free security camera and video doorbell system that allows you to keep an eye on your property without having to run any wires. Here’s a breakdown of the system:

180-degree+ ultra-wide viewing angle to see more of your property
True Detect heat and motion sensing to differentiate between people and objects, reducing false alarms
Night vision for clear viewing even in low-light conditions
Two-way talk to communicate with visitors or delivery personnel
Rechargeable battery for wire-free installation
Weatherproof design for outdoor use

Swann Video Doorbell

1080p HD video resolution for clear footage of visitors at your door
180-degree vertical viewing angle to see a wide range of your porch or entryway
True Detect heat and motion sensing to trigger alerts and recordings only when necessary
Night vision for clear visibility in low-light conditions
Two-way talk to speak with visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker
Weatherproof design to withstand harsh weather conditions

Benefits of Swann Wire-Free 1080p Security Camera & Video Doorbell

Easy and wire-free installation: Since the system is wire-free, you won’t have to deal with any complicated wiring during installation. This makes it ideal for renters or those who don’t want to drill holes in their walls.
Peace of mind: With a Swann security system, you can check in on your property anytime, anywhere through the Swann Security app. You’ll also receive alerts whenever motion is detected.
Cost-effective: Swann’s security system is a budget-friendly option compared to professionally monitored systems. There are no monthly fees required.

Things to Consider

Battery life: The battery life of the camera will vary depending on how often it is used and triggered. However, you can expect to get several months of battery life on a single charge.
Cloud storage: Free cloud storage is included, but if you want to store more video recordings, you will need to subscribe to a paid cloud storage plan.
Chime: The doorbell does not come with a chime included. You can purchase a chime separately if you want to hear an audible alert inside your house when someone presses the doorbell button.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best home video doorbell system in Australia requires careful consideration of various factors, including video quality, installation options, smart home compatibility, and subscription costs. By understanding your specific needs and the features available, you can make an informed decision that enhances the security and convenience of your home.

With the right video doorbell, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you can monitor and control access to your property, whether you’re at home or away. As technology continues to advance, these systems will likely offer even more sophisticated features, making them an indispensable part of modern home security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do video doorbells require a subscription? A: Not all video doorbells require a subscription. Some offer local storage options, while others provide cloud storage and additional features through a subscription service.

Q: Can I use a video doorbell if I live in an apartment? A: Yes, many video doorbells are suitable for apartments. Battery-powered models are particularly convenient as they don’t require existing doorbell wiring.

Q: How do video doorbells handle internet outages? A: During an internet outage, most video doorbells will continue to record locally if they have built-in storage. However, you won’t receive real-time alerts or be able to view live video until the connection is restored.

Q: Are video doorbells weatherproof? A: Most video doorbells are designed to withstand various weather conditions, but it’s important to check the specific model’s IP rating to ensure it can handle your local climate.

Q: How can I prevent theft of my video doorbell? A: Many video doorbells come with anti-theft mounting hardware. Additionally, some models offer a replacement guarantee if the doorbell is stolen.

By taking the time to evaluate these factors and explore the options available, you can find the perfect video doorbell system to enhance your home’s security and provide peace of mind.

Choosing the Best Home Video Doorbell System for Australians

What is a Video Doorbell System?