Through the Alexa/Google Home or smart hub app, you can tie in other Z-Wave devices through scenes and routines. Alternatively, your could pick up a simple Z-Wave doorbell and install a security camera, or integrate a micro-controller to smarten up your existing doorbell!

Video Doorbells Compatible With Z-Wave Hubs or Voice Assistants

9.5

Lorex 2k QHD Video Doorbell with Google Home & Alexa Integration

Top pickYou can use routines in Google Home or Alexa to tie into other Z-Wave devices

View Price

9.4

Ring Doorbell Pro with Chime Pro

Runner upSamsung SmartThings compatible

View Price

Z-Wave Button Doorbells & Chimes

9.5

Aeotec Z-Wave Doorbell 6

Best valueFull Z-Wave!

View Price

Z-Wave Doorbell Sensors (Interface Module)

9.3

Nexia Z-Wave Plus Doorbell Sensor

Event relaying and trigger based doorbell sensor

View Price

9.2

FortrezZ Z-Wave MIMOlite Motor Control

A sensor and motor controller

View Price

 What are my options?

When choosing the right video doorbell cameras, chimes, or sensors, you have up to 4 different options. You can opt to:

1. Get a standard Z-Wave doorbell and chime
2. Get a video doorbell that you can integrate into Google Home or Alexa – allowing you to create routines and scenes with your Z-Wave devices
3. Get a video doorbell that you can directly integrate into a smart home hub – such as Samsung SmartThings
4. Install a Z-Wave interface/bridge module and integrate that with your Z-Wave hub

You will notice that few models come with built-in Z-Wave radios. Nonetheless, you can still integrate them into the Z-Wave ecosystem using a hub like Samsung’s SmartThings or via the Alexa or Google Home apps. 

You can even use a bridge module which turns any electronic device into a Z-Wave compatible device.

Video Doorbells Compatible With Z-Wave Hubs or Voice Assistants

There is a good selection of video doorbells that are fully compatible with voice assistants. Through these voice assistants (such as Alexa or Google Assistant), you can integrate video doorbells into your entire smart home system by creating scenes or routines.

9.5

Top pick

Lorex 2k QHD Video Doorbell with Google Home & Alexa Integration

You can use routines in Google Home or Alexa to tie into other Z-Wave devices

View Price
On Lorex.com

With the Lorex 2K QHD Video Doorbell, you can use routines in Google Home or Alexa to tie into other devices

Top Features

• 164 degrees field of view
• 2HK QHD resolution
• Motion-activated LED warning light

The Lorex 2K QHD Video Doorbell is built with an impressive 2K QHD resolution which delivers excellent video quality. The doorbell camera’s 164-degree viewing angle and 4:3 aspect ratio allow you to accurately view a full picture. The HDR imaging on the other end automatically corrects exposure when lighting is not ideal to ensure a clear and true-to-life end result.

Additionally, the doorbell is built with two communication options. You can use 1 of the 3 pre-recorded quick responses to greet your visitors at the door when they ring the bell. You can also choose to record your own custom messages, and when you are around, you can use the two-way talk technology to communicate with them at the door.

At night, a night light feature allows you to program the built-in LED light to turn on at select times. The LED light can even be activated by motion to deter unwanted guests for extra security. The patented color night vision with low light capabilities allows you to see with great clarity whoever is approaching your doorway at any time – day or night.

Tech Specs

9.4

Runner up

Ring Doorbell Pro with Chime Pro

Samsung SmartThings compatible

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Ring Doorbell Pro features an advanced motion detection build with customizable motion zones

Top Features

• 1080p HD Live Video
• Color Night Vision
• 160 degrees horizontal and 90 degrees vertical viewing field

The Ring Doorbell Pro is built with an upgraded 1080p HD video resolution to ensure you enjoy exceptional video quality. Using the doorbell, you can view the video footage using a wide selection of methods, including the SmartThings app. You can use the doorbell with your Samsung TV using the SmartThings app to view footage of your doorway.

An advanced motion detection feature allows you to always know when someone is at your front door for guaranteed security. As if this is not enough, you can set up the motion detection feature with a customizable motion zone to have an even larger perimeter of security coverage. You can even get motion-activated alerts on your phone, tablet, or PC at any time, anywhere you are, and enjoy a live view of your home using the Ring app.

The built-in Alexa greetings allow you to communicate with your visitors even when you are not nearby, When you are nearby, the two-way talk mode allows for direct back and forth interaction. The doorbell is built with an exclusive Ring Protection Subscription Plan, allowing you to record footage up to 6 seconds before an event. The plan allows you to save the footage for up to 60 days as well as share videos and images.

Tech Specs

Best Z-Wave Doorbell Buttons & Chimes

Z-Wave button doorbells and chimes can be connected to your Z-Wave smart hub/controller. Connected to the Z-Wave hub, these devices enjoy uninterrupted wireless control from the app. The app acts as a one-stop control for all the devices in the system.

9.5

Best value

Aeotec Z-Wave Doorbell 6

Full Z-Wave!

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Aeotec Z-Wave Doorbell 6 integrates a 3-step layer of encryption for the total security solution of your home.

Top Features

• 100 lumens visual light alerts
• 110dB audio alerts
• 30 different chime tones

The Aeotec Z-Wave Doorbell 6 features a 110dB chime and siren with up to 30 preloaded sounds and 8 tones dedicated to the doorbell functions. Thanks to this construction, the doorbell is up to 27% louder than Z-Wave doorbells of previous generations. Furthermore, the easy-to-install doorbells are built with versatility, allowing a single chime to connect to up to 3 buttons for multi-door monitoring.

The doorbells can easily be installed by anyone in the house – simply install, plug, and sync with your smart hub. Furthermore, the doorbell features advanced wireless range connectivity. Built with 2 different wireless technologies, the doorbell button can be installed up to 300 feet from the indoor chime and the chime can be installed up to 328 feet from the Z-Wave gateway.

Yet, the doorbell offers a quick response time and an overall wireless range of up to 490 feet in open space. The doorbell is also compatible with Z-Wave gateways such as Samsung SmartThings, Vera, and Figaro. Additionally, the doorbell features built-in Z-Wave Plus technology. The Z-Wave Plus technology offers 3 layers of wireless security to prevent hacking or interference from intruders.

Tech Specs

Best Z-Wave Doorbell Sensors (Interface Module)

An integrated Z-Wave sensor (also known as an interface/bridge module) will notify you when someone rings the doorbell through your Z-Wave hub.

9.3

Nexia Z-Wave Plus Doorbell Sensor

Event relaying and trigger based doorbell sensor

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Nexia Z-Wave Plus Doorbell Sensor alerts you when someone is at your door whilst offering extra benefits when synced with other Nexia-compatible smart home devices.

Top Features

• Simple attach-and-play installation
• Battery operated
• Compatible with Nexia-friendly devices

The doorbell is designed to connect directly to your indoor chime, detects when someone rings your doorbell, and notifies you through your smartphone. When connected to other smart devices, the sensor’s functions are not limited to just sending alerts.

The sensor can also trigger automations you set up in your smart hub and even log the event in your Nexia account. The sensor works with compatible devices such as an outdoor camera that can record video footage for later viewing or a light that turns on when the doorbell is detected.

9.2

FortrezZ Z-Wave MIMOlite Motor Control

A sensor and motor controller

View Price
On Amazon.com

The FortrezZ Z-Wave MIMOlite Motor Control brings versatility, allowing you to use it on a wide range of devices. Using the FortrezZ Motor Control, you can control a wide selection of devices including garage doors, motorized shades, and gates, just to mention a few.

Top Features

• 100-feet distance range
• Indoor-specific plastic-enclosed casing
• LED status indicator

The device works by converting digital or analog voltage input to dry contact relay input or message input. In short, the interface device acts as a sensor that relays information and triggers automations.

The motor control is even built with a reasonable distance range of up to 100 feet in a clear line of sight. Nonetheless, due to its delicate plastic-enclosed casing, the motor control is ideal for indoor use only.

Best Z-Wave Doorbell: The Verdict

This review of the best Z-Wave doorbells, cameras, chimes, and sensors allows you to choose the ideal device for your home, no matter your budget or preferences. 

You can opt for a dedicated doorbell camera or a more comprehensive doorbell that you can sync with your smart hub to connect to cameras and other devices in your home. Either way, both options guarantee a reliable security solution for your home.

9.5

Top pick

1. Lorex 2k QHD Video Doorbell with Google Home & Alexa Integration

You can use routines in Google Home or Alexa to tie into other Z-Wave devices

View Price
On Lorex.com

With the Lorex 2K QHD Video Doorbell, you can use routines in Google Home or Alexa to tie into other devices

Top Features

• 164 degrees field of view
• 2HK QHD resolution
• Motion-activated LED warning light

Sources

Samsung

The post Best Z-Wave Doorbell Cameras, Chimes & Sensors appeared first on Smart Home Perfected.

The latest video doorbells offer the best of technology where you can see, communicate, record, and playback all activities happening at your doorstep every minute.

With a video doorbell, you won’t miss a single moment of what’s happening outside your home, even in your absence. Besides, you ensure that your loved ones are protected at all times. Arrivals or deliveries will never be missed either.

What to look for in a Video Doorbell

Waterproof Rating

Generally, video doorbell transmitters can face extreme weather ranging from severe cold, to heat, to pouring rain. You need to consider waterproofing when shopping for such a device as the transmitter is going to be installed outside. You should also consider dustproof and weather-resistant products in the same category.

Video

Video on a video doorbell is a great feature if you need to secure your home, you have kids or grandparents, or you keep valuable things locked away. 

Having video at the door is becoming popular all over the world as crime rates are on the increase. When choosing the video camera for this device, you should select something with infrared because this makes it work during the night too. 

Wired vs Battery Powered

The ideal doorbell should have both as, during extreme weather, if electricity is cut off, the battery backup will continue to work. And you want to be more alert when the power supply fails. So, wired as well as battery-powered are the best way to go. Battery life comes into the picture at this time too. So, before selecting the doorbell, see how long it can continue functioning in the absence of a stable power supply.

Chime Options & Volume Adjustment

Before deciding on a video doorbell, you should consider the average noise level in your home and surrounding area. The size and layout of your home or office are also important as you may need louder chimes to draw your attention. 

Regarding chime options, you should check if custom chimes can be added, as some products let you download audio files that you can use for your door. Some doorbells come with a mute option and a timer. Such products are very useful when you want to turn off the doorbell during the night. Instead of turning it off and on, timers perform these tasks automatically.

LED Indicators for Silent Alert

If you have older people around or people with a hearing deficiency, you must consider doorbells with LED because they catch their visual attention.

This feature is extremely useful if someone pings you when you have babies sleeping too. 

It’s also an ideal solution for those who are constantly busy with meetings and need to put their phones and doorbells on silent but still receive alerts.

Wireless Range

Depending on the place you want to install the doorbell, range may be an issue. 

It’s best to select a device with a slightly longer range than what you need. When manufacturers say a product has a range of 1000 feet, this is based on ideal test conditions. 

Generally, that is not the case in real life as nobody can install a doorbell in true open space in their home. Therefore, if you have a distance of 100 feet then you should aim for a video doorbell with a 150 foot range.

Installation

Generally, the simpler the video doorbell, the easier is the installation. The latest doorbells come with an installation guide and even provide installation customer support. When it comes to doorbells with video cameras and doorbells compatible with other devices such as smartphones or tablets, perhaps Alexa, double-check that the doorbell you’re purchasing supports your devices. 

Though technology today is typically Plug and Play, some manufacturers don’t make things this easy, so choose something that is not a hassle to put on the wall and connect with other devices, especially if you’re not that tech-savvy.

Smart Home Integration

Smart Home Integration of a video doorbell depends on the security policy of your home or office. Some people like everything connected. Some are afraid of a security breach. 

If you have the technical know-how and you can connect all your devices, then say yes to Smart Home Integration. This enables you to control multiple gadgets from just one app and gives you the power to manage them from only one device.

You should also consider which app best suits your needs as there may be many of them available out there.

Questions You Might Have About Video Doorbells

How to install a video doorbell?

The method to install a video doorbell differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. You should refer to the user manual for installation.

In general, all the doorbells have certain standard procedures irrespective of the installation process. Decide on the place where you want to put the transmitter. If you are expecting kids or shorter people, then at what height do you want to put the transmitter? 

Consider this. If you are installing a video doorbell with a camera, then you need to ensure the camera is fitted at the right height and the right angle.

Some video doorbells need to be wired, either into the existing doorbell wiring, or need a PoE connect. Others are battery powered and communicate over 5GHz Wi-Fi.

Is it possible to have a video doorbell extra loud?

Generally, every video doorbell can be adjusted for loudness. Before purchasing such a doorbell, check the dB mentioned on the product, since if you have set the dB on the highest and you’re still not satisfied with the sound, then you’ll have to replace the entire device. 

Usually, the loudness of a sound depends on the size and capacity of the speaker installed in the receiver. So, beyond the capacity of the chime, the loudness cannot be increased. It can always go down, though.

Video Doorbell Articles

Citations

Ring

The post Video Doorbell Guide appeared first on Smart Home Perfected.