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How Much Do Doorbell Cameras Cost? The Ultimate Guide 2023

How Much Do Doorbell Cameras Cost

Did you know?

The global doorbell camera market value was at over 1.4B USD in 2018 alone.

Imagine how much bigger this industry has grown.

And you know it’s getting significant as you wanna have one at your home yourself.

But first, which doorbell camera is right for your budget?

Read on to find out:

  • How much a doorbell camera actually costs.
  • What you need to consider when choosing a doorbell camera.
  • The best brands of doorbell cameras you can choose from for your home.
  • And so much more…

How much do doorbell cameras cost?

Doorbell cameras cost anywhere from 60 USD to about 250 USD. The price depends on the brand and the range of features of the camera. The latter includes both built-in features and paid features. You may also have to factor in installation costs.


Costs of different doorbell cameras compared


Here’s a fun fact:

One of the very first doorbell camera systems was invented in 2014.

And since then, so many upgrades and developments have happened.

In fact, today, you can choose among various brands.

There are also more and more add-on features available.

So how much will all of it cost you? 

And even more important: is it worth it?

Here, we’ll compare different doorbell camera costs.

We’ll also discuss their features, advantages, disadvantages, and more.

#1: Ring Video Doorbell Wired: $60

As its name implies, this one needs to be wired.

But at only $59.99, it’s one of the best buys that you can consider.

The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is the smallest of its kind from the brand.

But don’t be fooled by its size…

It offers a packed list of features, such as:

  • Clear 1080p pictures.
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa.
  • Accurate motion and person alerts.

“Is there a catch, though?”

Quite a few, to be honest.

First off, it won’t work with your existing doorbell chime.

So you’ll need to get a compatible chime so you can hear if someone is at the door.

Like the Ring chime.

Also, you’ll need to pay for additional features.

For instance, if you want to record videos or need more storage.

Those will cost an additional $30 every year.

#2: Zmodo Greet: $100

For a hundred bucks, you can also consider the Zmodo Greet.

This doorbell camera is great for budget-conscious users…

Who wants something more than the Ring wired doorbell can give.

I’m talking about more features.

The Zmodo Greet comes with motion detection, 720p resolution, and some cloud storage.

So yes, it’ll record clips and store them for 36 hours. For free!

But does it have some cons, too?

Yes. For one, this product has connectivity issues.

And if you’d like to upgrade your storage, you’ll pay more than you would for other cameras.

#3: Ring Video Doorbell 3: $179

Need something else?

Try the Ring Video Doorbell 3.

For $179 and 99 cents, you get a camera that offers the following:

  • Two-way talk.
  • HD video with Night Vision.
  • Motion detection and alerts.
  • Compatibility with Amazon Alexa.
  • Quick-release rechargeable battery.

What’s the catch, you ask?

This camera can be a bit slow at times.

Also, storage isn’t free forever.

For the first 30 days, you won’t have to pay anything.

But after that, storage will cost $3/month or $30/year.

#4: Skybell HD Wi-Fi Video: $194

SkyBell HD WiFi Video Doorbell

“But I want even more features.”

Then, the Skybell HD Wi-Fi Video doorbell camera could be the right fit for you.

This product is packed with a ton of features that make it a favorite among techies.

Especially those that like super crisp video resolution.

This camera offers a clear 1080p resolution.

But you know what’s really impressive?

It will work even at -40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s because it’s weather-proof.

On top of that, you get the following advantages:

  • Two-way audio.
  • Activity history, for 7 days.
  • Free video recording, for a week.
  • Quiet mode, for when your baby is sleeping.
  • Multiple user functionality, so more people get alerts.
  • Motion sensor, even if your guests don’t ring your doorbell.

“So does that mean it’s perfect?”

Not quite.

Some users say that they get poor technical support from the manufacturer.

Which is a big thing because this product isn’t the easiest to set up.

Also, depending on where you buy it, you may have to pay a subscription fee.

Moreover, the costs vary from store to store.

But essentially, if you’re not buying it from the manufacturer themselves…

You’ll need to pay a monitoring fee of about $12 to $50 a month.

#5: Vivint Camera: $199

Want something that’s more straightforward?

Then consider the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro.

This camera doesn’t just show you who’s at the door…

It can even protect your packages.

How?

If someone tries to steal a package left at your door, the camera will issue sound and light alerts.

Also, it offers a 180 degrees field of view.

So you’ll know exactly what’s happening at your front door.

And it comes with customizable surveillance zones.

Which allows you to choose which specific areas to monitor.

“Sounds good. Is there any con?”

Yep, a few of them.

First off, you can’t buy this product by itself.

You’ll need to purchase a Vivint Security system, too.

When it comes to cloud storage, you’ll also need to cough up more…

The Vivint Security Plan costs $49.99 a month.

#6: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: $250

“Can I just get something that’s really, really good and not worry about additional fees?”

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a great idea!

This doorbell camera boasts a 1536p resolution.

So you know you’re getting incredible video and audio quality.

It also comes with built-in Alexa greetings.

This will come in handy if you don’t want to or can’t answer at the door.

Plus you get 3D Motion Detection.

According to the manufacturer, this is the first of its kind in its range of doorbell cameras.

And you won’t have to worry about setting it up.

It’s easy, but if you need help, you can rely on excellent customer support.

The only cost you’ll need to think about for this product is the monthly cloud storage.

You see, the first month will be free.

But after that, you’ll have to pay $3/month or $30/year for 6 months of recorded activity.

You may also be interested in: 3 Ways To Save Ring Doorbell Video Without Subscription


Total costs of getting a doorbell camera


One-time fees

Buying a doorbell camera comes with one-time fees. Those are:

#1: Installation

First off, you’ll need to pay for the installation.

Using the rates posted by Home Advisor, the average installation cost is $1,326.

Wired cameras cost more at about $150-$200 per camera.

For wireless cameras, the average installation fee is $100.

Watch how you can install a Ring doorbell yourself here:

#2: Device cost

On top of that, you also need to pay for the device itself.

You can get a basic one for about $60.

Or splurge and invest in an advanced product for about $250.

Monthly fees

Installing a doorbell camera may also incur monthly fees.

The following are the most common monthly costs you’ll need to cover.

#1: Subscriptions

Doorbell cameras typically come with free storage.

But for some products, there’s a free period that’ll eventually end.

For example, some cameras provide free cloud storage for a week.

While others will let you enjoy the storage space for a month

After, you’ll have to pay a subscription fee for storing recorded clips and monitoring.

The most affordable package is $3 a month.

And the most expensive one is around $5 a month.

Some subscriptions are also yearly. These range from $30 to $99.99.

If you want a camera with no monthly subscription

You’ll need to get one with an add-on or in a bundle.

The additional product will provide free storage for your recorded clips.

#2: Maintenance

For maintenance, the costs will vary according to:

  • Your warranty coverage.
  • The type of issue of your doorbell camera.
  • Whether any parts will need to be replaced.

#3: Accessories

Finally, you’ll have to pay for additional accessories.

“Do I have to?

That depends on two things.

First: if you want to upgrade your doorbell camera system.

For example, for Ring cameras, you can purchase outdoor cameras to add to your doorbell camera.

And second: sometimes, you have to.

Vivint doorbell cameras, for example, need to be installed with the Vivint Security system.

You can’t use your camera if you don’t install their entire system.


People also ask:


Are doorbell cameras worth it?

The answer depends on how much you value three things:

  • Security.
  • Peace of mind.
  • Comfort and convenience.

Sure, it’s not exactly cheap to install a doorbell camera.

But the payoff can be quite significant.

You get a smart home device that can improve your quality of life.

In addition, it can raise your home’s value.

And if you’re working towards having a completely smart home

A doorbell camera is a worthy investment.

How much does it cost to install a doorbell camera?

The price for installing a doorbell camera varies.

It starts at around $600 and can go up to over $2,000.

If you don’t want to pay for installation, you can install the device yourself.

Some are easy to set up, but others will be a challenge.

How much is the monthly charge for the ring doorbell?

The Ring doorbell’s monthly subscription plan starts at $3 per month.

This is for storing recorded clips and audio for up to 6 months.

If you want, you can save a lot more by purchasing a yearly subscription at $30.