The Best Video Doorbells of 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

The Best Video Doorbells of 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

Video doorbells have revolutionized home security, offering real-time monitoring, two-way communication, and smart alerts. Whether you are at home or away, these devices allow you to see and interact with visitors while enhancing overall security. The market is saturated with options, ranging from budget-friendly choices to high-end models with advanced AI detection and cloud storage.

This guide highlights the best video doorbells of 2025, categorizing them based on features, power options, and smart home compatibility.

Best Overall Video Doorbell

Nest Doorbell Wired (2nd Gen)

• Video Quality: 960 x 1280p, 6x zoom, HDR
• Smart Alerts: Person, package, animal, vehicle, and facial recognition (subscription required)
• Aspect Ratio: 3:4
• Field of View: 145 degrees diagonal
• Power Options: Wired
• Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Storage: Cloud and local
• Subscription Fee: $8/month
• Works With: Google Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings

The Nest Doorbell Wired (2nd Gen) stands out for its 24/7 recording, a feature available on only a few models. It provides clear video, smart AI detection, and proactive package monitoring. Google’s system ensures that alerts are categorized accurately, distinguishing between people, animals, vehicles, and packages.

Unlike many competitors such as Ring and Arlo, Nest offers free smart notifications without a subscription. Users receive three free hours of event-based recordings, supported by local storage and AI processing. However, for extended video history, a Nest Aware subscription ($8/month or $80/year) is required, covering all Nest cameras in the household.

Google has also introduced a search and description feature, allowing users to search recorded footage based on events, such as “kids on bikes.” This feature is expected to roll out later this year.

Best Battery-Powered Video Doorbell

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus

• Video Quality: 1536 x 1536p, HDR, color night vision
• Smart Alerts: Person, package (subscription required)
• Aspect Ratio: 1:1
• Field of View: 150 degrees horizontal, 150 degrees vertical
• Power Options: Battery, wired trickle charge, solar
• Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz
• Storage: Cloud and local (with Ring Alarm Pro)
• Subscription Fee: $4.99/month
• Works With: Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings

For those needing a battery-powered option, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is an excellent choice. It offers a high-resolution, head-to-toe view, ensuring packages and visitors are clearly visible. Unlike the Ring Battery Doorbell (standard model), this version includes a removable, rechargeable battery, eliminating the hassle of detaching the doorbell to charge it.

Ring’s AI-powered search feature allows users to look through footage for specific elements like vehicles, animals, or clothing colors. However, motion detection is limited to people and packages, with no free alerts for animals or vehicles.

Battery life is around two months, but users can optimize power consumption by adjusting recording length and disabling HDR or snapshot capture.

Ring offers local storage and cellular backup through Ring Edge (requires Ring Alarm Pro and a Ring Home Premium subscription at $20/month).

Best Budget Video Doorbell

Blink Video Doorbell

• Video Quality: 1080p
• Smart Alerts: None
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Field of View: 135 degrees horizontal, 80 degrees vertical
• Power Options: Wired or battery
• Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz
• Storage: Cloud or local (with Sync Module)
• Subscription Fee: $3/month
• Works With: Amazon Alexa

For a budget-friendly option, the Blink Video Doorbell delivers essential features at a low cost. While video and audio quality are not premium, it supports motion-activated recording, night vision, motion zones, and two-way audio.

What sets Blink apart is exceptional battery life—up to two years on two AA lithium batteries. Unlike most battery-powered doorbells, Blink can fully function as a wired doorbell, triggering an existing chime and receiving continuous power.

For local storage, users need the Sync Module 2, which also enables on-demand live view. Otherwise, the app only allows live viewing when motion is detected.

Best Doorbell Camera Without a Subscription

TP-Link Tapo D225

• Video Quality: 2K HD (no HDR)
• Smart Alerts: People, packages, pets, vehicles (free)
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3
• Field of View: 180 degrees horizontal
• Power Options: Battery, wired trickle charge
• Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz
• Storage: MicroSD card (up to 512GB) or optional cloud
• Subscription Fee: Optional ($2.79/month for cloud storage)
• Works With: Amazon Alexa, Google Home

For those who prefer local storage without monthly fees, the TP-Link Tapo D225 is a standout option. Users can insert a microSD card (up to 512GB) for motion-based video recording, eliminating reliance on cloud services.

The battery lasts up to eight months, though wiring it ensures continuous 24/7 recording. However, 24/7 recording disables compatibility with existing chimes.

While the video quality is good, lack of HDR can make faces hard to distinguish in low light. The Tapo app also allows custom notifications for different detection zones.

Best Wired Video Doorbell for Amazon Alexa

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

• Video Quality: 1536 x 1536p, HDR
• Smart Alerts: Person, package (subscription required)
• Aspect Ratio: 1:1
• Field of View: 150 degrees horizontal, 150 degrees vertical
• Power Options: Wired
• Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Storage: Cloud and local (with Ring Alarm Pro)
• Subscription Fee: $4.99/month
• Works With: Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings

For Amazon Alexa users, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a premium wired option. It offers superior video quality, speedy notifications, and accurate motion detection using radar and video analysis.

It integrates seamlessly with Ring Alarm, Echo Show, and Fire TV, displaying live feeds automatically when someone rings the bell. Smart alerts require a Ring subscription, and there’s no free recording option.

Ring has announced upcoming 24/7 recording for wired cameras, but it is not yet available for the Pro 2.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right video doorbell depends on power preferences, budget, and smart home integration needs. The Nest Doorbell Wired (2nd Gen) remains the best overall choice, while the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus excels for battery-powered convenience. For budget-conscious buyers, the Blink Video Doorbell is an excellent option, and those seeking a subscription-free experience should consider the TP-Link Tapo D225.

With continuous improvements in AI detection, smart integrations, and local storage options, video doorbells are becoming more versatile and essential for home security.