Smart doorbell technology gives Aussie homeowners an extra tool to keep an eye on their properties as they look for ways to protect against home invasions and break-ins.

Home security and property protection have become increasingly important to homeowners in recent years, with many parts of the country impacted by a spike in youth crime and property theft.

According to March Australian Bureau of Statistics data, people in the Northern Territory or Queensland are more likely to have their homes broken into and items stolen than people in any other state. 

Meanwhile, statistics released earlier this year showed that Victoria saw a 30 per cent annual increase in residential burglaries. 

In WA, residents faced more than twice the number of property break-ins in NSW despite having a third of the population.

With one home invasion taking place every 30 minutes somewhere in Australia, it’s no wonder Aussie homeowners are looking for ways to improve their security. 

The influx of offences has seen many Australians turn to smart doorbell cameras as a solution. They join online community groups to seek security updates and share video footage of offenders on social media and with the police. 

The smart garden deterrent can autonomously record incidents at the front or rear of your property, sending alerts and pre-trimmed clips to a smartphone app. 

The smartphone app allows users to modify settings, sensitivity levels, and alerts while giving them access to a live camera at any time, from anywhere in the world. 

But with so many smart doorbell security systems now on the market, each with its own set of features, it’s hard for homeowners to tell the best from the rest. 

BuildIT has compiled a list of the best 5 video smart doorbells to buy in 2024 so readers can make an informed choice when bringing their home security up to date.

5. Swann Buddy video doorbell

The SwannBuddy video doorbell offers affordability alongside easy, renter-friendly installation without the need to drill or install wires. While it does offer a cloud storage subscription, it can also hold a 32 GB microSD card, which continues to record even during power outages. However, the constant removal and download of footage will quickly make the cloud software more appealing.

The doorbell’s most significant issue is its smartphone app, which needs a better quality live view and a sluggish feel, which can lead to long lag times. The Swann Buddy retails for $179.

Pros

• No subscription required
• Plenty of app features
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Live view lag
• Memory cards or subscriptions are needed.
• App issues
  

Rating 6/10 

4. Eufy Security Video Doorbell S220

Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, the Eufy Security Video Doorbell S220 (Battery-Powered) seamlessly merges impressive performance with a robust battery that lasts approximately four months. This doorbell stores up to six months’ worth of footage for free on its indoor base station, with additional cloud storage available at an extra cost.

Unfortunately, the recording time is limited to 60-second clips, and there might be brief gaps between recordings in continuous motion scenarios.

The S220 stands out among our list for its crystal-clear 2K image and long-lasting battery, making it the ideal choice for those seeking a wire-free smart doorbell solution. These hardware upgrades do come at a price, however, with the Eufy S220 being one of the more pricey doorbells on our list at $359.00

Pros

• No monthly subscription is required to view videos 
• Battery operated option
• 2K resolution

Cons

• Delay in voice chat and video
• More expensive than most models as it requires a hub.
  

Rating 7/10

3. Ring Video Doorbell 2

Designed to work seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Ring’s mobile app, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 combines clear two-way audio with high-quality video and colourised night vision. 

This is the least expensive video doorbell on BuildIT’s list. Priced at around $150, this smart doorbell delivers accurate motion and person alerts. 

However, It’s worth noting that a Ring Protect Basic plan is required to record and save motion events, making a subscription nearly essential to watch back, save or share the footage.

Pros

• High-quality app software 
• Good audio.
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Subscription needed to record or playback events
  

Rating 6/10

2.  Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell

Arguably featuring the best smart tech integration of all the doorbells on this list, the Arlo Essential Wired is compatible with the largest number of smart home kits, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings.

Thanks to its built-in AI technology, it distinguishes between people, animals, vehicles, and packages, reducing the number of unmerited alerts.

There is the option to upgrade with an Arlo Secure subscription, allowing access to features such as 5-minute-long video recordings.

The footage is saved in HD with a wide 180-degree viewing angle to provide a thorough vertical and horizontal view of any activity occurring. Unfortunately, users are limited to basic motion, bell alerts and live video without a subscription.

Pros

• AI filters alerts and footage  
• Wide viewing angle
  Recordings available without a subscription

Cons

• Subscription needed to keep recordings longer than seven days
• Subscription required for higher video quality
  

Rating 7.5/10

1. Google Nest Doorbell 2 (Wired)

The second-generation Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) has set the benchmark, emerging as BuildIT’s top recommended video doorbell of 2023. Its exceptional accuracy in identifying different types of motion and its ability to customise alerts using specific activity zones make it our number one choice.

This doorbell will even recognise particular individuals and name them on alerts by upgrading to a Nest Aware subscription. The Nest 2 has the highest processing speed of any doorbell on this list, with notifications and live view able to load fast without lag.

It also comes with up to three hours of video storage space, which can be extended with a subscription purchase. It is recommended to take advantage of its unique 24/7 recording capability. On the downside, it is one of the more expensive video doorbells on the list at $289.00

Pros

• AI filters alerts and footage. 
• 3hrs of recordings available without a subscription
• 24/7 recording available

Cons

• Expensive 
• A subscription is needed to access the 24/7 recording feature.
  

Rating 9/10