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The best cheap video doorbells to see who's at your door

Video doorbells don't have to break the bank. These cheap video doorbell options offer features like two-way audio, night vision, motion detection, and more, for $150 or less.
Blink Video Doorbell | Best cheap video doorbell overall
Blink Video Doorbell
Blink Video Doorbell
Best cheap video doorbell overall
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Wyze Video Doorbell | Best cheap video doorbell with package detection
wyze-video-doorbell
Wyze Video Doorbell
Best cheap video doorbell with package detection
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Roku Video Doorbell and Chime | Best cheap doorbell and Chime combination
roku-video-doorbell
Roku Video Doorbell and Chime
Best cheap doorbell and Chime combination
View now View at Roku
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell | Best stylish cheap video doorbell
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell
Best stylish cheap video doorbell
View now View at Amazon
Ring Video Doorbell 3 | Best premium cheap video doorbell
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
Ring Video Doorbell 3
Best premium cheap video doorbell
View now View at Amazon

Installing a video doorbell is one way to deter burglars and keep an eye on who is coming onto your property. These devices can give you peace of mind in terms of letting you see who is at your door before you open it. Safety aside, smart video doorbells are also incredibly convenient -- you will never miss a package or visitor again, as they provide real-time, two-way audio and video. 

ZDNET has conducted hands-on testing of many of the top video doorbells on the market that are on the more affordable side. Our top pick for the best cheap video doorbell is the Blink Video Doorbell. At only $60, this doorbell is easy to install and gives you features like motion detection and 1080p HD video. 

Also: The best video doorbells

Here are all of our picks for the best cheap video doorbells to help keep your family and home safe and sound. 

The best cheap video doorbells of 2023

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Easy installation
  • Fantastic battery life
  • Affordable
  • Alexa compatible
Cons
  • Narrow field of view
  • No Sync Module 2
  • Chime sold separately
More Details

Blink Video Doorbell features: 1080p HD recording | 30fps camera | Night vision | Two-way audio | Weather-resistant | Mobile connectivity | Alexa compatible | Cloud or local storage | 135° horizontal, 80° vertical field of view

With this device, you can answer the door from anywhere using your smartphone with two-way audio. Motion detection can keep you aware of visitors, while 1080p HD allows you to see crisp detail and infrared video at night. 

Also: The best security cameras

During installation, I found the process quick and easy, and setup was a smoother and quicker experience than with other products I've previously tested, such as Ring doorbells.

All you have to do is wire your doorbell and choose your privacy settings. Keep in mind, however, that live view and two-way audio are only available when the doorbell is pressed or when motion is detected. If you want 24/7 video, you'll want to invest in the Sync Module 2 add-on. You can also pick up a Blink Mini camera as a Chime accessory.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Multiple sound effects
  • Weather-resistant
  • Compact design
Cons
  • Chime charged separately
  • The design won't suit everyone
More Details

Wyze video doorbell features: 1080p HD recording | Night vision | 3:4 aspect ratio | Mobile push notifications | Package detection | Weather-resistant 

If you want constant awareness of your home's surroundings, the Wyze video doorbell may be the perfect fit for you. With instant notifications, you can check the camera whenever you have a visitor. With "head-to-toe" camera capabilities, the doorbell can also record deliveries left on your porch.

Also: The best cheap home security cameras under $100

The camera records a livestream you can access at any time, all in 1080p HD video with a 3:4 aspect ratio. You'll also receive other Wyze perks, like motion detection, video recording, and smart alerts. 

This doorbell is hardwired, so you will need to set aside some time for installation. 

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Recieve alerts from mobile or TVs
  • Reasonable field of view
  • Wire-free
Cons
  • Cloud recording locked to plans
  • Limited IoT ecosystem support
More Details

Roku video doorbell and Chime SE features: 1080p HD recording | Two-way audio | Motion and sound detection | 120° vertical and 88° horizontal field of view | Color night vision | Mobile connectivity | Weather-resistant | Different sound choices

While Roku is best known for streaming services, the company also developed a Roku smart home video doorbell and Chime SE. 

Also: The best outdoor security cameras

The wired Roku doorbell and Chime accessory provide basic smart features you would expect in a video doorbell, including 1080p HD recording and weather resistance, as well as a variety of different sound choices available for your Chime. Alerts are sent to your smartphone or Roku TV/Roku player. 

While you can pick up the doorbell's live stream whenever you want, you will need a subscription to access cloud storage and unlock advanced features. 

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Built-in siren
  • Pre-recorded messages
  • Compatible with many IoT ecosystems
Cons
  • Wiring required
  • Full functionality restricted without a plan
  • Subscriptions can be expensive
More Details

Arlo Essential wired video doorbell features: 1080p HD recording | Two-way audio | 180° viewing angle | Pre-recorded messages | Mobile connectivity | Voice assistant compatible | Siren | Weather-resistant 

The Arlo Essential wired video doorbell is another top pick as a budget-friendly video doorbell.

This Arlo doorbell is wired and compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. Footage is recorded in HD and has a 180° viewing angle, allowing you to see exactly what's happening outside your home. Like other options on this list, you must pay for a subscription to save footage in the cloud. 

Also: The best home security systems

Having tested multiple Arlo home security products throughout the years, we appreciate the Arlo video doorbell's strong ability to record footage at night. This model only provides budget-level capabilities, but it is still good value for money, especially if you can grab one on sale -- such as now, at just under $70.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Mobile notifications
  • Alerts when power is low
  • Removable battery pack
Cons
  • Installation can be frustrating
  • Limited free features
More Details

Ring video doorbell 3 features: 1080p HD recordings | Dual-band (2.4/5.0 GHz) Wi-Fi connectivity | Privacy zones | Battery-operated/wired | Two-way audio | Motion sensors

The flagship Ring doorbell range is not often discounted outside of sales events. However, the Ring video doorbell 3 is currently on sale for $150, so you can save $50.

At 25% off, the Ring video doorbell 3 has entered this list as an option if you have a little more to spend. 

Also: The best personal safety alarms to carry for self-protection

I've used Ring doorbells frequently over the years. Even though Ring doorbells can be irritating to install, the design has drastically improved over time. Plus, connectivity is reliable, and recorded footage tends to be high-quality, too. In the time I've used them, I've never had a Ring doorbell fail and I consider the design not only stylish but also prominent enough to also remind potentially unwanted visitors of the device's security features.

What is the best cheap video doorbell?

For all its features, the vote is unanimous: The Blink Video Doorbell is the best cheap video doorbell for your home. At only $60, this doorbell is easy to install and gives you modern features like motion detection and 1080p HD video. 

However, to see how it stacks up, this is an overview of the best cheap video doorbells based on price, resolution, and other important features. 

Best cheap video doorbell

Price

Resolution

Chime included?

Color night vision?

Blink video doorbell 

$60

1080p HD

X

X

Wyze video doorbell 

$35

1080p HD

X

X

Roku smart home video doorbell and Chime SE 

$79

1080p HD

Yes

Yes

Arlo Essential wired video doorbell

$70

1080p HD

X

X

Ring video doorbell 3

$150

1080p HD

X

Yes

Which is the best cheap video doorbell for you?

While you're browsing for the best smart video doorbell for you, it's worth considering more than just the price point. Our recommendations are focused on budget, true, but each offering also has strengths and weaknesses you'll want to consider before making a purchase. 

Choose this cheap video doorbell...

If you want...

Blink video doorbell 

Excellent performance with a reasonable price tag. This doorbell is extremely easy to install and is a great entry-level device.

Wyze video doorbell 

The widest field of view. This "head-to-toe" camera is a worthwhile option if you often have deliveries and want a doorbell with dedicated package detection functions.

Roku smart home video doorbell and Chime SE

A cheap doorbell and Chime combination. Best suited for Roku users, the inclusion of the Chime means you don't have to buy any further accessories.

Arlo Essential wired video doorbell

The most stylish cheap doorbell that won't break the bank for standard security features. The doorbell is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.

Ring video doorbell 3

A high-end video doorbell at a discount. Ring can be a pain to install, but if you're willing to pay for a subscription, you can take advantage of high-quality recordings and advanced features.

How did we choose these cheap video doorbells?

When researching the best cheap video doorbells for you and your family, we considered various features and specifications, including those listed below: 

  • Features: Motion detection, two-way talk, night vision, and picture quality are the main features we look for in a modern, smart doorbell. 
  • Installation: Some cheap video doorbells skip the manual work of wired installations and instead opt for wireless technology. However, there's a trade-off. If you take on the hassle of installation, you'll often pay a lower price. 
  • Accessibility: Many video doorbells require you to purchase a separate subscription in order to access features like cloud storage. A subscription is a cost to consider, especially if local storage is unavailable.
  • Price: Cost is an important factor, so we looked for the most affordable video doorbells for your home. 

Do all cheap video doorbells require a subscription?

Some cheap video doorbells require a subscription to access premium or advanced features like cloud storage and the automatic storage of footage over a period of time. You can generally use video doorbells without a plan, but you might miss out on some features. 

If you install a smart doorbell without a subscription, many vendors only allow you to view short, motion-activated snippets, or to watch in real time. Many of us have signed up for a subscription occasionally to ensure we have access to recorded footage, such as when we are away for extended periods of time. 

How do video doorbells work?

Video doorbells are an invaluable piece of a home security system for surveilling the front entrance to your home. 

By using motion detection, video doorbells help you identify guests and even communicate via two-way talk. With a video doorbell, you can talk to visitors and access live-stream footage to keep your family safe at all times. Smart video doorbells provide a wide viewing angle -- typically, the more advanced, the wider the angle -- and may also provide night vision. 

Most vendors offer cloud storage facilities to automatically store event footage. However, this service generally requires a subscription.

Is a subscription worth it?

It depends on your situation and what you need from your video doorbell. 

Let's take Ring's Protect plans, for example. A basic subscription is $3.99 monthly and includes 180 days of video history, footage saving and sharing, alerts for when people are on your property, daily snapshots, video downloads, and more. However, the more expensive plans include 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular technology for alarms as a backup for when your Wi-Fi fails, and hands-free access to emergency hotlines. 

If you have concerns about your safety, if you're trying to catch a vandal, or if you want the reassurance of front-door footage, we would recommend you pick up at least a basic video doorbell subscription.

Are there alternative cheap video doorbells worth considering?

It's not possible to showcase every cheap video doorbell on the market. However, with so many vendors now fighting for customers in the same space -- Blink, Ring, Arlo, and Google, to name a few -- competition is fierce. New sales, discounts, and price drops are often launched to entice consumers, so here are some alternatives you might want to consider. 

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