A video doorbell or security camera is one of the most reassuring upgrades you can make — see who's at the door, get motion alerts and keep an eye on the house from your phone. Here's how to choose.
Wired or battery?
- Battery models fit anywhere in minutes — no wiring — but need occasional recharging.
- Wired models never need charging and can chime your existing doorbell, but need a power connection.
What to look for
- Video quality: 2K or higher gives clearer faces and detail than 1080p.
- Field of view: a tall, wide view shows parcels on the step.
- Night vision and two-way talk as standard.
- Smart motion alerts that tell people from passing cars.
- Storage: free local storage (microSD) vs a cloud subscription — check ongoing costs.
Our picks
- Doorbell: the Ring Battery Video Doorbell or Eufy Video Doorbell 2K cover the front door brilliantly.
- Indoor/outdoor camera: Tapo C100 and C200 cameras are superb value — see the full smart home range.
A note on subscriptions
Some systems need a monthly plan for cloud recording and smart alerts; others record free to a memory card. Factor that running cost into your choice.
Final thoughts
Decide wired vs battery, aim for 2K with smart alerts, and check whether you'll pay a subscription. Browse smart home security online or ask in any of our 60+ stores.
