Are smart video doorbells worth the money?
What are smart video doorbells?
If you’ve ever worked in a large commercial building or lived in an apartment, you might be familiar with video intercoms; the door entry system technology that enables security staff or tenants to view and communicate with visitors before granting them access into the building.
Smart doorbells (also known as video doorbells) are essentially video intercoms for your home. A typical smart doorbell has a built-in camera, which sends a live video feed to your phone whenever it’s triggered; letting you see who’s at the door before you answer it.
So, what makes them smart video doorbells?
Well, modern smart doorbells are internet-enabled. By connecting your doorbell to your home’s wifi, you’ll be able to see and talk to visitors from wherever you are in the world. As long as your phone has internet access, your doorbell can tell you whenever someone is at your door.
Most smart doorbells also feature motion sensing, so you’ll receive an alert on your phone immediately whenever anyone steps foot on your property. You’ll be able to see and confront trespassers with your voice, and your doorbell will even record and store the footage from the camera for you to view and share later; handy for identifying potential burglars.
Smart doorbells can also be paired (or ‘integrated’) with other internet-enabled smart security devices, which can be activated with a tap of your phone or even programmed to activate depending on certain factors.
For example, you could set outdoor security lights to switch on whenever your doorbell detects motion; or if a family member has locked themselves out while you’re at work, you can open the door for them remotely via a smart door lock.
In other words, a smart video doorbell can essentially serve as a complete home security solution – but are they really worth it?
The pros and cons of smart video doorbells…
More affordable than a break-in
Many homeowners underestimate the devastating financial impact of a burglary – not to mention the lasting emotional trauma – until it’s too late.
Smart doorbells can seem pricey at first glance, but the value they offer in deterring burglars or even identifying them in the act can vastly outweigh the financial consequences of an unprotected home.
Cheaper smart doorbells are risky
Watch out for cheaper smart doorbells, as these often have major online security issues that can make your home more vulnerable to tech-savvy criminals.
You’re best off seeking out a well-known brand such as Ring, Google Nest or Arlo.
Simple installation
Based on the sheer volume of technical features, you might imagine that installing a smart video doorbell would be a nightmare.
In reality, since most of the features are wireless, internet-enabled and designed to be as intuitive as possible for consumers, the physical work of installing a smart doorbell can be almost as simple as installing a regular doorbell.
A potential target for thieves
Unfortunately, smart doorbell theft has become all too common amongst opportunistic thieves and burglars.
However, keep in mind that most smart doorbells detect motion and will likely capture footage of the theft; this footage is stored online and can’t be accessed by the thief unless they know your online account details.
You can also protect your doorbell by mounting it with a tamper-proof cage or cover, and/or by installing additional cameras in hard-to-reach spots near your front door.
Handy for deliveries
We’ve all experienced the familiar red flyer through the door. Missing a parcel delivery is always frustrating – especially if you’re home when they arrive but you’re unable to get to the door in time!
With video doorbells, you can greet the delivery driver at the door even if you’re not home; plus, you can direct them to place your package over the fence or in another safe spot.
No home insurance savings – yet
You’d think having a smart video doorbell would reduce your premium with the major insurance providers.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case in the UK yet; but some smaller insurance providers are beginning to offer savings for smart doorbell owners, and it’s likely that big-name insurers will soon follow suit.
Potential privacy issues
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the privacy and internet security concerns surrounding even the most trusted smart doorbell brands on the market.
The technology of video doorbells certainly has benefits for customers, but as with any online product, it’s important to consider how any footage recorded and other personal data may be used or shared by the companies behind them; or by other parties, such as police or unauthorised hackers.
At the very least, we recommend reading the terms and conditions and privacy policies of your chosen doorbell brand before buying.
Are smart video doorbells worth it?
Ultimately, the decision is yours.
Smart doorbells aren’t necessarily for everyone; but if you find yourself always missing visitors and deliveries, or your neighbourhood has suffered burglaries in the past, a smart doorbell might just be the solution you’re looking for.
JC Electrical UK Ltd offers professional smart doorbell installation to customers across the capital. Our team can supply, install and set up Ring video doorbells, Google Nest Hello and other smart integrated products from all the leading brands.
For more info, or to request a quote, call us on 0208 839 9561 or email info@jcelectric.co.uk today.
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