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High tech with low hassle. video door intercom
Stefanie Waldek is a writer with 10+ years of experience in the home and travel industry. She has written for Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and The Washington Post, among other publications.
If you want to modernize your home with a smart doorbell but aren't keen on rewiring, there are plenty of battery-operated wireless doorbells to choose from. Anyone with a smartphone can upgrade from the standard “ding dong” to a doorbell with package detection, video recording, and audio from wherever you happen to be, even when you're not home.
To find the best wireless doorbells, we tested 14 models in real-world conditions over six months, evaluating each wireless doorbell's ease of setup, design, features, and value. With some help from Mark Buskuhl, owner and CEO of Ninebird Properties, we compared various doorbell options across multiple categories, considering size, functionality, subscription services offered, and price.
You can add accessories like doors, windows, and motion sensors.
There are no built-in features like video or two-way audio.
The button has a battery life of approximately two years, so you won't need to replace it often. Overall, we found it very durable—after six months of use, this doorbell is still working as well as it was on day one.
We didn't test the ability to merge accessories like door, window, and motion sensors to the bell, but we do like the option to add them to increase home security. For those who want a wireless doorbell that's long lasting and easy to install with simple functionality, the Honeywell Home 3 is a great option.
Size: 4.33 by 2.75 by 1.67 inches (doorbell), 2.75 by 1.1875 by 0.625 inches (button) | Wireless Range: 250 feet | Power Source: Electrical outlet (doorbell), non-removable battery (button) | Installation Type: Adhesive or screws
You can sync up to four buttons with this doorbell, with each linked to a different sound.
The plastic doesn't hold up well in winter weather.
The GE Wireless Doorbell Kit includes two push-button doorbells and a single receiver for a simple setup that was a breeze to install: Simply plug in the doorbell to an outlet, then use included adhesives or screws to attach the buttons to your doors.
The buttons are already synced with the doorbell, and the 150-foot range should be enough for most homes. It offers eight different chime options—which we found easy to adjust—with the loudest chime able to be heard from all corners of our home. You can connect up to four wireless buttons to the device, linking each one to a different sound. We appreciate this feature, which could be especially useful for those using the bell for different doors.
Given its price, it's worth noting that this basic kit doesn't have added features like silent mode or visual alerts, and it lacks the aesthetic appeal of more advanced options. It also left much to be desired in terms of durability—after six months of use, we found that the plastic was unable to withstand winter weather, falling with the wind. That said, we think this pick would be a better choice for those who live in warmer climates. Despite its lack of durability, the low price tag makes it inexpensive enough to replace and ideal for those with multiple entry points at home.
Size: 2.3 by 3.5 by 4.5 inches | Wireless Range: 150 feet | Power Source: Electrical outlet (doorbell), battery (button) | Installation Type: Adhesive or screws
This doorbell has customizable advanced motion detection, allowing you to identify specific individuals or turn off certain detections.
You'll need to recharge the battery every two weeks.
The Nest Doorbell is the smart doorbell that has it all. It alerts you to visitors, but more importantly, it has a 3:4 vertical camera view with night vision that offers an extensive high-definition view of your doorstep. It doesn't sync to a physical doorbell, though—it sends you notifications via smart home hubs like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You can also control and monitor your doorbell with voice commands via hubs throughout your home or the app, so you can monitor who (or what) is at your door any time, anywhere.
We really liked the Nest's advanced motion and person detection capabilities, which you can customize to receive relevant alerts about subjects you choose, such as packages, cars, or animals. During testing, it was so advanced that it even recognized visitors and announced them by name. If you don't know who's at the door, you can use the two-way audio paired with the video to find out.
This pick has held up perfectly in our testing—after six months of use, including many extreme weather conditions, the video quality has remained crystal clear. In fact, we were even able to watch a potential tornado through the camera. Our only complaint involves the battery life, as we do need to recharge the device every two weeks or so. However, we think this is a small price to pay given its high quality.
Size: 0.95 by 1.9 by 6.3 inches | Wireless Range: Wi-Fi, operates remotely | Power Source: Battery or wired | Installation Type: Screws
It has smart home compatibility.
It doesn't have high-quality night vision.
The Blink Video Doorbell is the lower-cost cousin to the popular Ring doorbell and is one of the most reasonably priced wireless video doorbells we tested. The Blink lacks advanced features like smart alerts or quick replies, and it offers only 1080p video with a standard 16:9 aspect ratio. However, it has essential functionalities including motion-activated recording (up to 30 seconds), alerts, live view (with some limitations), motion zones, and two-way audio (though we found it to have about a one-second lag). You can also sync it with Amazon Alexa for smart home capabilities.
This doorbell can last for up to two years with just a pair of AA batteries, which you can easily replace. After using it for six months, this doorbell is still going strong—it hasn't endured any damage, color fading, or changes in camera quality. Unfortunately, we found that that we were unable to snooze notifications without turning off the doorbell completely. This proved especially frustrating when we had yard work done, as we were flooded with alerts. That said, on the typical day, the camera did a good job of activating when someone was nearby without constantly going off. If you prefer a budget-friendly option that serves the purpose of having a camera at your door, the Blink camera is a good choice.
Size: 5.12 by 1.65 by 1.34 inches | Wireless Range: Wi-Fi, operates remotely | Power Source: Batteries or wired | Installation Type: Screws
This doorbell has built-in local encrypted storage, and you can upgrade to cloud storage.
The app isn't intuitive, and the two-way audio lags.
With a high-definition 2K video camera and excellent night vision, no visitor will go unseen (or unrecorded) at your front door. The Eufy Security Doorbell S220 has advanced motion detection that can distinguish subjects, including cars, packages, or people. And if you happen to miss an event live on the mobile app, the doorbell will store up to six months of footage, even without a subscription. Or, if you don’t mind the footage being cloud based, you can opt for Eufy’s service, which includes 30 days of video history for $3 per month or $30 per year.
This doorbell boasts impressive durability. It was able to withstand six months of use—including rain, snow, wind, hail, and even an earthquake—with no damage whatsoever. We especially appreciate the rechargeable battery, which has remained fully charged for six months. While this is still an overall quality pick, there's room for improvement on the user interface, and we noticed a lag when using the two-way audio. Still, we think the precise motion detection is worth it.
Size: 4.33 by 2.75 by 1.67 inches | Wireless Range: Not listed | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Installation Type: Screws
It records four seconds of pre-roll footage before motion is detected.
The battery pack isn't as long lasting, and motion detection can be inaccurate.
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 provides HD video, night vision, customizable motion sensors, and doorbell notifications, and it's simple to sync with various smart home systems, including Amazon Alexa. It also allows you to see up to four seconds of pre-roll footage before any motion or package delivery is detected—videos are saved in the cloud, but a subscription is required.
We found the video quality excellent during day and night, with no choppiness on recordings, though the motion sensors sometimes inaccurately detected subjects. The two-way audio was also clear and not too laggy. One downside we noted was that it took 30 minutes to install, which is on the longer side for wireless doorbells that we tested.
After six months of daily use, the doorbell has maintained its quality with no issues. In fact, we've come to love this doorbell so much that we can't see ourselves going back to another model. Just keep in mind that if you opt for the battery rather than the wired option, it only lasts a month or so with regular use—all the features are pretty power intensive.
Size: 5.06 by 2.44 by 1.06 inches | Wireless Range: Wi-Fi, operates remotely | Power Source: Rechargeable battery or wired | Installation Type: Screws
It has a mute mode.
The bright lights are not adjustable.
If you're hearing impaired or have a sprawling home that prevents you from hearing the doorbell, opt for a portable model. This doorbell has basic functionality—while it has no video or smart home features, it is conveniently portable, lasts up to five years on battery power, and has a stellar range of 450 feet. There are 11 pre-loaded chime sounds, or you can add your own MP3 files to play.
The doorbell lights up when it's rung, but we found the lights to be almost blindingly bright. Still, it's certainly a catchy visual indicator, especially if you have headphones in. One of our favorite features is its sleep and mute modes, so the bell won't wake you up at night. We found the volume controls to be especially useful, allowing us to lower the volume as our newborn slept.
After using the doorbell for six months, we don't plan to stop anytime soon. It's still working as good as new, and we have yet to replace the battery. If you're seeking a portable model with an adjustable noise level, we can't recommend this wireless doorbell enough.
Size: 4.96 by 4.96 by 1.65 inches (doorbell), 2.75 by 1.1875 by 0.625 inches (button) | Wireless Range: 450 feet | Power Source: Outlet or batteries (doorbell), batteries | Installation Type: Adhesive
This doorbell has an impressive 1,000-foot range.
There are 52 chime tones, but some are jarring.
If you need a traditional doorbell, this one will get the job done, and looks good while doing it. It has a sleek black style that looks high tech, though the doorbell is actually very straightforward. All you need to do is plug it into a standard outlet and affix the button near your door.
Perhaps most impressively, it has a 1,000-foot range, which easily covers most homes. The doorbell sound is customizable with 52 different chime options—we didn't find all of them to be pleasant, but they are adjustable at five levels up to 115 decibels. We've enjoyed lowering the volume as to not disturb our pets while we're out and then turning it back up once we return home.
The button is powered by a lithium battery that can last up to three years before replacement, and the exterior casing is water- and dust-resistant. After six months of use, this doorbell is still performing up to par. Overall, we think this is a simple, easy-to-install, and durable choice.
Size: 3.2 by 2.9 inches (doorbell), 2.8 by 0.6 by 3.1 inches (button) | Wireless Range: 1,000 feet | Power Source: Outlet (doorbell), battery (button) | Installation Type: Adhesive or screws
Overall, we recommend the Honeywell RDWL313P Home 3 Series Plug-In Wireless Doorbell, a no-frills option that's inexpensive, easy to set up, and customizable. You can add on other features as needed, or use it as is—either way, it offers simple installation and long-lasting battery life. If you want something even more budget-friendly, we suggest the GE Wireless Doorbell Kit, which is incredibly easy to set up and use but doesn't come with many features.
To find the best wireless doorbells, we rounded up 14 models and put them through a series of tests in real-world conditions. To start, we timed how long it took to set up the doorbells, noting the installation process, the tools required, and the instructions. Then we put the doorbells to work. We evaluated each doorbell based on its durability (including weather resistance), aesthetics, and audio quality.
Next, we tested each wireless doorbell's special features. For video doorbells, we noted video resolution, streaming speeds, storage options, and range of vision. For doorbells with motion detection, we tested the range of its sensor, the sensitivity, the accuracy of subject detection, and the frequency of notifications. For doorbells with microphones, we tested the audio quality. For models compatible with smart assistants (like Amazon Alexa and Google Home), we noted the ease of connection and ability to control the doorbell via voice commands. For all doorbells with apps, we looked through all the app capabilities and tested each feature.
After the testing period, we analyzed the value of each doorbell, evaluating the price of the hardware and any software required for its use, such as subscription services for video recordings. We continued using each doorbell long term, assessing its durability after three and six months.
Wireless doorbells eliminate the need to rewire your home but still need power to function. While shopping for a wireless doorbell, consider the different power source types to inform your decision. In some cases, wireless doorbells use removable batteries you can replace, while others have a rechargeable battery. We like rechargeable batteries, as they are a more sustainable alternative to disposable batteries. Additionally, some chimes can also plug directly into outlets.
Receivers create the chiming function on your wireless doorbell. Most receivers are physical devices that you install somewhere in your home. Consider purchasing a wireless doorbell with multiple receivers if you have a multi-story house or a larger property to ensure you can hear your doorbell throughout the home. Also, consider whether you want a wireless doorbell that sends alerts to your phone via app or phone call.
Most wireless doorbells can be attached to a door, door frame, or wall with adhesive strips or a screw. Before buying, consider which is best for your home. While the location of the doorbell itself is obvious, think carefully about where you want to install your receiver. Avoid locations with obstructions like concrete walls or metal objects, as they can weaken the signal between the button and the receiver and cause disruptions in service. Some wireless doorbells require a Wi-Fi connection for installation, as they pair with an app or a smart home hub.
Be sure to check the range of the wireless doorbell before making your purchase and compare the distance from your main door to the farthest point in your home. Opt for a longer-range doorbell if you have a larger property. Our best basic wireless doorbell, the Avantek Wireless Doorbell, boasts a range of 1,000 feet.
SadoTech Wireless Doorbell: This model was easy to install, taking just five minutes, and has clear audio and 52 options for chime sounds. But the doorbell feels a little flimsy—while it didn't sustain any damage during our tests, we do question its longevity.
Wyze Video Doorbell Pro: Installation couldn't be easier with this wireless doorbell, and the app is user-friendly and functional. However, we found the video stream to have a poor connection when we were away from home, and the motion detection identification was hit or miss.
“Wireless doorbells offer convenience as they do not require any complicated wiring or installation," Buskuhl says. "This makes them easy to set up and use, especially for those who may not have technical skills or tools needed for traditional doorbells." He adds that wireless doorbells also provide flexibility, allowing you to move or reposition them without having to worry about rewiring. This adaptability can be especially useful for those who live in rental properties or frequently move homes, as they won't have to constantly buy and install new ones.
The cost of a wireless doorbell varies depending on the doorbell's brand, features, and range. On average, a basic wireless doorbell without a camera can cost anywhere from $15 to $50, while more advanced models with video, smart home, and two-way talk capabilities may cost more than $100. The median price of the doorbells we tested was $70, although the Honeywell RDWL313P Home 3 Series Plug-In Wireless Doorbell, our best overall pick, costs well below that.
According to Buskuhl, a wireless doorbell's battery life varies depending on usage and the type of batteries used: "On average, most wireless doorbells can last anywhere from six months to a year before needing replacement batteries. However, some more advanced models may have longer battery life due to energy-saving features."
Despite what you may think, wireless doorbells do not necessarily require Wi-Fi to function. "Some models may use their own wireless frequency or Bluetooth technology to transmit signals between the push button and receiver," Buskuhl says. He notes that smart wireless doorbells can also connect to a Wi-Fi network for added features such as live video streaming and remote access through a mobile app.
door eye viewer This article was written by Stefanie Waldek, a freelance writer with a decade of experience writing home, travel, and lifestyle content; and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To find the best wireless doorbells, we tested 14 models in real-world conditions for more than six months while evaluating their ease of setup, design, features, and value. We also spoke with home renovation expert Mark Buskuhl, owner and CEO of Ninebird Properties.