Testing Over 60 Days
We installed eight smart doorbells at three homes with different layouts. Over 60 days, we logged every alert, measured detection accuracy, and tracked battery drain for wireless models.
Best Overall: Reolink Video Doorbell PoE
Powered over Ethernet, this doorbell never missed an alert in 60 days. Its person detection filter was the most accurate — zero false alerts from passing cars, tree branches, or cats.
Best Wireless: Eufy S220 SoloCam
The Eufy S220 runs on a rechargeable battery lasting 47 days in our test. Local storage via HomeBase means no subscription fees. Video quality is sharp at 2K resolution.
Best for Apple Users: Aqara G4
The only doorbell with native HomeKit Secure Video that works reliably. Video streams to HomePod or Apple TV as picture-in-picture when someone rings.
False Positive Rankings
- Reolink PoE: 0 false alerts in 60 days
- Eufy S220: 3 false alerts (all from heavy rain)
- Aqara G4: 5 false alerts (shadows at sunset)
- Ring Battery Plus: 22 false alerts
- Nest Doorbell Battery: 31 false alerts
Subscription Costs Matter
Over 3 years, a $4/month subscription adds $144. Models with local storage (Eufy, Reolink) eliminate this ongoing expense.
