We all want our homes to be safe and secure. The bad news is that theft of doorstep packages has skyrocketed. In 2024, Brits had £376 million worth of goods stolen from their doorstep.
So home security is more important than ever in the UK. Fortunately, there’s no need to hire a night watchman. Smart video doorbells are now a must-have for convenience and peace of mind. And in 2025, we’re seeing major upgrades: smarter AI alerts, longer battery life, sharper video quality and better integration with smart home ecosystems like Google Home, Alexa and Apple HomeKit.
This guide covers the best smart video doorbells around. Comparing specs and unique features to help you find the best video doorbell for your home.
How to choose the best smart video doorbell in 2025
Pay monthly or everything upfront?
Lots of video doorbells work on subscription models. Meaning you get a bunch of really great features, but they come at an ongoing cost. This is the model that a lot of major brands like Ring and Nest work on – which give you access to advanced cloud features.
The other route is to go with a doorbell that doesn’t come with a monthly fee. You’ll certainly save money in the long-term, but you’ll probably be sacrificing useful features you might want.
Doorbells like the Eufy E340 store data locally and then delete footage as the device gets full – unless you purchase more storage. Another route is the Swann EVO, which offers both local storage or a subscription model. So you can try out both.
Smart home integration
Video doorbells work best when they’re hooked up to our smart homes. With full ecosystem integration into Alexa, Google and Apple, you can set up smart routines.
For example, your video doorbell spots you coming to the front door, which triggers your smart thermostat and smart home lighting.
Fortunately, most modern video doorbells now support at least one platform. Apple is often a bit more standalone, but not in all cases. The Aqara G4 is compatible with multiple systems, including Apple’s HomeKit.
Wired or battery?
Are you comfortable with installation tasks like wiring or solar mounting? If not, you can either pay an electrician to do the job for you – or you can just pick a battery powered model. Wired doorbells offer more reliability, but obviously there’s more to do on the install.
Battery-powered doorbells like the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus are ideal for a very fuss free installation. There is of course the drawback of having to change the battery every so often. But it can be months before you need to get round to it.
Best subscription-free doorbell: Eufy E340 2K Dual Video Doorbell
If you’re looking for a doorbell without a monthly payment, Eufy E340 2K Dual Video Doorbell is a great option. 8 GB of video is stored locally with the option to expand with external drives.
Its cameras eliminate blind spots too – so you won’t miss a thing. It uses two 2K lenses to capture head-to-toe views and wide zone coverage, making it excellent for spotting packages and visitors clearly. In fact, Smart AI not only knows when a package arrives - but it can also alert you if anyone else approaches it.
Best budget smart detection: TP-Link Tapo D210
Friend, stranger or tree branch… it’s important to know who or what is near your property. Fortunately, the TP-Link Tapo D210 offers AI person detection, so it’ll filter out the unimportant stuff and let you know when a human approaches your house.
Its colour night vision is clear in low-light street lighting, helping with facial recognition and package visibility.
Best value & battery power: Tapo D23OS1
If you want to go a bit more premium, the Tapo D23OS1 is a step up. It adds a spotlight for extra clarity and a better head-to-toe 4:3 view, so you can check if your parcel’s reached the doorstep yet.
The TP-Link Tapo D210 works with Alexa smart assistant whereas the Tapo D23OS1 works with Alexa and also Google Assistant. So, if you’re an Android user, it might be worth investing a little more.
The removable, rechargeable battery gives you 180 days before you’ll need to pop it on charge.
Best smart detection features: Arlo Essentials 2K
One of the reasons to rate Arlo Essential 2K Wireless Video Doorbell with Chime smart detection so highly is the ability to create Privacy Zones. This is where you can tell the camera what to focus on and what to ignore. That way you can block out areas public paths, roads and the neighbour’s garden. So, you won’t be getting false alarms just because your neighbour is taking the dog out for a walk.
Combine that with a 2K resolution camera and head to toe viewing, and you’ve got a doorbell cam that only lets you know about the important stuff.
Best classic HD option: Swann EVO
In our recent Ai.mazing Awards, SwannShield doorbells were finalists in our Connected Home & Wearables category.
So for a great value option that gets the best out of an HD cam, the Swann EVO SWIFI-SEVDBC Full HD WiFi Video Doorbell & Chime is a great pick!
Its crisp, high-definition camera that delivers clear visuals around the clock. With a 140° viewing angle, it captures a full head-to-toe image of visitors and packages. Plus, its night vision extends up to 5 metres ensuring you don’t miss a thing, even in low light.
Best all-round smart doorbells
If you’re after a doorbell that can do it all, you can’t go too far wrong with the Google Nest Doorbell or the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus.
Google Nest
With intelligent motion detection, it knows the difference between people, parcels, pets and passing cars - so you only get alerts that matter.
HD video with HDR and night vision ensures you can see clearly, day or night, while two-way audio lets you chat with visitors or respond with a quick pre-recorded message.
Its battery-powered design means it fits almost any home setup, and with Google Assistant integration, you can check your front door from your phone, smart display or even your TV.
Ring Video Plus
The Ring Video Doorbell Plus is a stellar all-rounder for keeping tabs on your doorstep. With sharp 1536p HD video and a Head-to-Toe view, you’ll see visitors clearly and easily spot parcels left on the ground.
Two-way talk lets you greet guests or ward off cold-callers, while real-time alerts (with a Ring subscription) keep you in the loop when packages arrive. It’s powered by a quick-release rechargeable battery, so installation’s a breeze. And with Alexa compatibility, you can get hands-free notifications on your Echo or Fire TV.
FAQs
Which of these models are available without subscriptions?
Eufy E340 and Swann EVO offer local storage, so you can skip monthly fees.
What doorbell offers the best battery life at Currys?
Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus and Google Nest Doorbell are top performers for battery longevity.
Do TP-Link Tapo doorbells support local storage?
Yes — both the D210 and D230S1 support microSD cards.
How do Ring’s new features (Pushpin, USB-C) compare to last-gen models?
The Ring Battery Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is easier to install and recharge, making it more user-friendly than older versions.
Can Aqara G4 be part of HomeKit automations?
Yes - Aqara SVD-C03 G4 integrates fully with Apple HomeKit for smart triggers and routines.
Do I need extra hardware (like chimes or HomeBase)?
Some models include chimes (like Eufy E340 and TP-Link D210), while others may require add-ons depending on your setup.
What’s next?
If you’ve picked out one you like, get some expert help on setting it up with our guide on installing a smart doorbell. For more tips and advice for a smart home set up check out our Smart home buying guide.
