Best Wireless Doorbells For Apartments

The latest wireless video doorbell cameras make it easier than ever to monitor and secure the front door of your apartment. In the past, video doorbells needed to be hard wired which made them difficult to install in an apartment. But new smart video doorbell models are 100% wireless and battery operated which makes them ideal for an apartment, condo, rental or townhouse. They’re much easier to install and don’t require access to the apartments wiring system. For about a hundred dollars, you can see and talk with anyone at your door, get real time notifications and security features. Although most video and security features require a monthly subscription.

Wireless doorbells are generally allowed in apartments as long as management doesn’t ban them and they don’t invade your neighbor’s privacy. Landlords reserve the right to enforce certain rules and restrictions for tenants which may include video doorbells and other surveillance type devices.

Make sure you thoroughly read your lease to find out if Wireless Video Doorbells are allowed in your apartment before installing one. With a wireless apartment doorbell, of the communication, video, notifications, alerts and updates between you and the doorbell happens 100% wireless. This means you’ll also need an internet connection, WiFi and a smart device to interact with your new doorbell.

Different types of wireless doorbells have very different prices and may require a monthly subscription fee to access all their advanced features. To help you make a choice between some of the best wireless apartment doorbells on the market, we’ve made a list of all their features, drawbacks, and important things to consider as you shop.

Because of its outstanding video performance and sleek design, the Google Nest Wireless Doorbell Camera is our top pick.

These are the best wireless apartment doorbells:

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1. Best Overall: Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)

The wireless Google Nest Doorbell is battery powered and 100% wireless. It has a sleek contemporary design, neutral color palette and small size that’ll fit in tight spaces like an apartment entry. It features HD quality with a 145-degree view that delivers vertical-oriented video. And it has WiFi so you can keep an eye on visitors from your smart phone whether you’re home or away.

• Two Way Talk: You can listen and speak to visitors at your front door thanks to the built-in microphone and speaker.
• Night Vision: The Nest Doorbell has decent night vision so you can always see what’s going on outside your front door.
• Easy Install: Nest is very fast and easy to install.
• Quality: The Nest Doorbell has stellar video quality and intelligent alerts that notify you of visitors, deliveries and more.

Even without a subscription, you’ll be able to receive smart alerts to your phone when Nest detects someone approaching the door. You can also save up to three hours of video history and access the always-on camera at anytime via the Google Home app.

With a paid subscription, which starts at $6 a month for a basic plan, you’ll be able to access up to 60 days of footage.

All in all, the Google Nest doorbell is an excellent choice for apartments. It offers exceptional value and performance with great looks whether you purchase a monthly subscription or not.

What gives Nest an edge over similar video doorbells is how much you can do with it even without a subscription and how easy it is to install..

Price at time of publish: $140

Product Details: Number of Ring Options: Notification | Adjustable Volume: Yes | Light Features: No | Built-in Camera: Yes

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2. Eufy Wireless Dual Cam Video Doorbell With Home Base

The Eufy Wireless Video Doorbell is great for apartments that receive regular deliveries. It has a fantastic 2K high-definition security camera to monitor your front porch and a second downward-facing camera to monitor packages that get dropped off on your doorstep.

The wireless doorbell automatically senses visitors as they approach. It can then play a custom audio recording or you can talk with them yourself via the two-way speaker and a smartphone.

• Storage: It can store several days of video in its included Home Base module without a subscription.
• Cameras: Eufy has two built in cameras. One for seeing people and the general surroundings and one for packages.
• Home Base: Eufy comes with a home base module that can store several days worth of video footage.

The system sends notifications to your phone or smart device when it detects motion. This includes intelligent alerts that remind you to pick up a package that’s been dropped off.

Best of all, the Eufy Dual doesn’t charge a subscription fee to store video. You only have to pay once for your device and all its features.

The Eufy stands out as one of the best battery-powered video doorbells for apartments because of it’s dual camera setup which monitors both the entryway and your packages. This added level of security is a great feature to have if you live in an apartment.

The Eufy Dual Cam Doorbell is more expensive than most other wireless video doorbells. But it’s a one time purchase that doesn’t require a subscription. In the long run this can make it a better deal than other apartment doorbells.

Price at time of publish: $260

Product Details: Number of Ring Options: Notification | Adjustable Volume: Yes | Light Features: No | Built-in Camera: Yes

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3. Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell

The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is one of the best wireless doorbells for apartments in terms of pure performance and versatility. It has advanced features like an extra-wide 180-degree view and a powerful zoom, great functionality and a cheap subscription plan. Arlo is fully compatible with other Arlo home cameras, safety devices and Alexa/Google devices. Streamlined security and integration like this is great for apartment living where you’re usually tight on space.

The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell records in HD video with HDR, has two-way audio, night vision, a wider 180-degree viewing angle, connects directly to your WiFi and comes with a free trial of Arlo Secure which boosts your security even further.

The basic plan for a single Arlo doorbell costs about $3 a month. With a subscription, video can be stored in the cloud for 30 days where you can access it later.

• Benefits: Arlo offers beautiful high-definition video, an extra wide viewing angle and an affordable subscription plan for the extras.
• Integration: Arlo works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Devices.
• Subscription Benefits: Drawable activity zones that help eliminate ghost notifications, cloud storage, easy access to emergency services and voicemails from guests at your door.
• Battery: In most cases a charge can last a few months but this varies based on how much you use it.

You’ll receive video notifications when guests arrive, which will allow you to see, hear, and talk to guests at your door. However, some may be bothered by the video call notifications instead of a push notification to your phone.

Price at time of publish: $100

Product Details: Number of Ring Options: One | Adjustable Volume: Yes | Light Features: No | Built-in Camera: Yes

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4. Ring Video Doorbell 3

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is one of the best wireless doorbells for apartments on the market. It has all the features you’d expect in the best wireless doorbells, but it stands out from its competition in a few key ways.

Connect your Ring Doorbell to the Ring app on your smartphone to see live footage of your front door, set up and change device settings, view alerts, use two-way talk, motion detection, and more.

The doorbell will send video notifications to your phone and save up to 180 days’ worth of video with a subscription plan.

The device has a fantastic camera, great viewable angles, and high video and audio quality.

The doorbell has a removable battery you charge via USB. And you can buy an extra battery so the doorbell functions while you charge the original battery.

• Camera: It has a really good HD camera, night vision, and a wide viewing angle that can see people and packages.
• Sensors: The motion sensors are very good and adjustable so you can limit false notifications.
• Battery: The Ring battery is very good and lasts for months on a single charge. It has an easy-release battery which makes it easy to take out and charge.
• Versatile: Ring Doorbell 3 is easy to pair with your Alexa and Echo devices.

Many of the Ring Doorbell’s advanced features, like cloud storage, are only available with a subscription.

I’m a big fan of Ring Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Pro models as well as Amazon’s other smart home devices. They have some great subscription plans that turn the doorbell into a home security device.

Price at time of publish: $140

Product Details: Number of Ring Options: Notification | Adjustable Volume: Yes | Light Features: No | Built-in Camera: Yes

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5. Ring Wireless Peephole Video Doorbell

The Ring Peephole Video Doorbell is one of the best wireless video doorbells you can buy for an apartment. It would be #1 on my list except for the fact that many apartments don’t have an existing peephole. But if you have an existing peephole, this is the video doorbell I’d buy. It’s battery powered, wireless, easy to install, small and very easy to use. Simply connect it to your apartments WiFi and access it through the Ring app on your smartphone. Setup is fast and easy and subscription plans are affordable if you want cloud storage and advanced features.

This is a great wireless doorbell for renters who are not allowed to install a wall mounted doorbell.However you must have a door with an existing peephole. This is very common with apartment front doors, but not all apartments have them.

• Talk: Two-way talk allows you to talk with visitors even when you’re not at home.
• Video: The camera takes HD video which can be saved to the cloud with a subscription.
• Battery: Ring peephole cam is very small and doesn’t use much power. A fully charged battery can last 3 months.
• Knock Detection: The doorbell automatically detects knocks on the door and turns on to record.
• Size: This is the smallest video doorbell on the list.

The Ring Peephole Camera is a great option for apartment renters who want a video doorbell that doesn’t require drilling or wires. However it lacks some of the features you’ll get from full size video doorbells that feature sensors and multiple cameras.

Price at time of publish: $130

Product Details: Number of Ring Options: Notification | Adjustable Volume: Yes | Light Features: No | Built-in Camera: Yes

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6. Nooie Doorbell Cam With Chime

For those who value both in-home and mobile audible alerts when someone’s at the door, the Nooie Doorbell Cam stands out as the superior choice. This sleek, battery-operated smart doorbell camera is paired with a multi-functional base station, serving not only as a chime but also as a Wi-Fi signal booster.

• Simply plug it into an outlet, and you’re set.
• Installation is a breeze, and once set up, the Nooie Doorbell Cam impresses with its 2K HD video clarity and advanced infrared night vision capabilities.
• Beyond its visual prowess, it’s equipped with an intelligent detection system that can distinguish between packages, people, and vehicles.
• The built-in two-way audio system also allows for real-time conversations directly from its app.

In a market saturated with high-end video doorbells, the Nooie Doorbell Cam differentiates itself with versatile storage solutions. Opt for an SD card or utilize cloud storage, guaranteeing uninterrupted access to your high-quality recordings, all managed at your leisure.

Price at time of publish: $119.99

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7. Most Affordable: Blink Video Doorbell

For those seeking exceptional value without exceeding a $50 budget, the Blink Video Doorbell emerges as a top contender. Its remarkable performance and elegant design belie its affordable price point, ensuring that regardless of budget constraints, quality isn’t compromised.

• Unique to the Blink Video Doorbell is its adaptability.
• While it’s inherently wire-free, allowing for hassle-free installations without needing pre-existing doorbell connections, it also seamlessly integrates with homes equipped with doorbell wiring.
• This flexibility means that should you relocate to a wired setup, it can utilize the existing system and even trigger the traditional in-home chime, truly offering a dual-advantage.
• This doorbell isn’t just about versatility; it’s feature-packed.
• Boasting a durable battery life, it offers 1080p HD daytime and infrared nighttime video capabilities, allowing for clear visuals regardless of the time of day.
• Its two-way audio, customizable alerts, and compatibility with Alexa underscore its commitment to modern convenience.

Available in both classic black and crisp white, the Blink Video Doorbell marries aesthetics with function, making it an outstanding choice in its price bracket.

Price at time of publish: $29.99

The Bottom Line: The Best Video Doorbell For An Apartment

The Google Nest Video Doorbell is our pick for the overall best Wireless Video Doorbell for an apartment. It has a sleek modern design and comes with plenty of useful smart features. Most of the Nest Doorbell’s key functions can be used without a monthly subscription which makes it an affordable option.

If you have a peephole on your front door, I’d consider the Ring Peephole Video Doorbell. It’s a great option if you don’t have an existing doorbell mount and aren’t allowed to drill new holes.

If you want an all in one Security Wireless Video Doorbell, consider the Eufy Wireless Dual Cam Video Doorbell With Home Base. It’s a fantastic product with 2 HD cameras the keeps an eye on your front door and packages.

Choose the Ring Video Doorbell 3 if you want an all around great wireless apartment video doorbell that works seamlessly with other Amazon Ring devices. They’re great if you want more home security functions that come with a subscription.

Arlo Essential Wireless Apartment Video Doorbell is a great choice if you want versatility and a very sleek design. It has advanced features like an extra-wide 180-degree view and a powerful zoom, great functionality and a cheap subscription plan.

For those who value both in-home and mobile audible alerts when someone’s at the door, the Nooie Doorbell Cam stands out as the superior choice. This sleek, battery-operated smart doorbell camera is paired with a multi-functional base station, serving not only as a chime but also as a Wi-Fi signal booster.

For those seeking exceptional value for under $50, the Blink Video Doorbell is the clear winner. Its remarkable performance and elegant design ensure that regardless of budget constraints, quality isn’t compromised.

The Benefits Of Installing A Wireless Video Doorbell In Your Apartment

The biggest benefit to installing a wireless video doorbell in your apartment is increased security. Video doorbells connect to your apartment’s WiFi so you can see and interact with people at your door from anywhere via your smartphone. This is a great feature if you routinely get packages delivered to your door and want to keep an eye on them when you’re away.

• With a built in two-way talk video intercom, you can see who’s at your door and talk with them from just about anywhere.
• Most video doorbells have motion sensors that detect anyone approaching the door. This is a fantastic home security feature.
• Some doorbells, like Ring, have additional security and home monitoring capability with a subscription.
• Real time video lets you monitor who’s coming and going from your apartment no matter where you are.
• Wireless doorbells can be installed in places without built-in doorbell wiring. This makes installation much quicker and easier and ideal for an apartment.

Renters don’t typically have the same home security options as homeowners because they don’t own the property. This is why video doorbells are such a huge benefit if you live in an apartment, condo or townhouse. They allow you to monitor the property in real time from just about anywhere.

In addition to monitoring the front door, many doorbells can link with other devices. This kind of versatility allows you to watch not only the front door but also other entryways and windows.

Things To Know Before Installing A Video Doorbell Camera In Your Apartment

There are a few things you should consider before installing a battery powered video doorbell camera in your apartment. Check your lease to see if it’s OK to install a video doorbell. Some apartments don’t allow them because they may be considered a privacy violation. If they are allowed, there may be restrictions on how you can install them and their settings. For example, you may not be able to install one so that it sees into your neighbors home. This is more on an issue in tight apartment buildings with enclosed hallways.

Many Ring doorbells, can adjust their field of view and aspect ratio. If you live in a tight apartment, it’s best to adjust the view so it only sees directly in front of your door. This helps limit false notifications. You’ll generally find these options in the sensitivity settings.

Remember that video doorbells are wireless and run off battery power. Once the battery runs low you’ll have to recharge it. Most doorbells will send a notification to your phone when this is necessary. But you can also check the battery level in your doorbell app.

Many apartments will not allow you to drill new homes into the facade. However, you may be able to mount a new video doorbell in the old doorbell mount holes. Check the holes before you buy a new doorbell to see if they’ll line up.

Before buying a wireless doorbell for your apartment, you should find out if you’re allowed to install one. To find out whether or not Ring Doorbells are allowed in an apartment, click the link. I have an entire article on the topic.

Get Consent From Management

Before buying and installing a new wireless video doorbell for your apartment, contact management to make sure they’re allowed. If they are, there may be some guidelines and/or restrictions on where and how you can install them.

How To Choose The Best Video Doorbell For Your Apartment?

There are a few important factors you should consider before choosing the right video doorbell for your apartment. The most important to me are the camera, motion sensors and two way talk. The ability to clearly see who’s approaching my door, keep an eye on packages and talk is why I bought a video doorbell for my apartment in the first place.

Here are some other factors you should consider:

Design

Some of the newer model doorbells are very sleek and minimalist which I really like. They’re easy to install in tight places which is the case with my apartment.

Price

Think about not only the cost of the doorbell but also the subscription. Some may seem like a good deal at first, but if they have a high subscription fee they may not be a good deal long term.

Battery

Wireless video doorbells are battery powered which helps when installing them in an apartment. But some have better batteries that last longer than others.

Features

Consider all the features you get with and without a subscription. Many devices have additional security functions and storage if you pay a monthly fee.

Camera

The best video doorbells have an HD camera with a wide enough lens to see people and packages. They also have night vision so you can see your front door at night.

App

The way you interact with a video doorbell is via your smartphone and an app. Some wireless doorbells have better apps with more options than others.

Always check reviews and device specifications before buying electronics and look for deals. Electronics are always being upgrades and you can get a great deal when buying last years model.

Installation Requirements

Because wireless doorbells don’t require wiring, they’re easier to install than wired doorbells. To install one, you simply have to screw the mount into the wall and then connect the doorbell to the mount. And there are even screwless ways to mount a wireless doorbell which makes it even easier. Although it’s also much less secure.

A receiver chime can be plugged into any outlet in the house to make a traditional doorbell sound when someone rings the bell.

Smart doorbells usually require more installation than a standard video doorbell because they can be paired with other smart devices, such as Alexa. The exact installation requirements you’ll have to follow depends on the devices you buy.

Some wireless doorbells work best when used as part of a specific tech ecosystems. For example, a Google Nest Doorbell works best with Google Home and other Google smart devices.

Read up on the specifics of device pairing before you buy a smart wireless doorbell. Research helps ensure that your doorbell will be compatible with the rest of your home’s tech.

All wireless video doorbells require a strong internet signal, WiFi and a smartphone or similar smart device. Make sure you have these things before buying a new wireless video doorbell for your apartment.

Camera Quality & Sensors

The very best wireless video doorbells come with an HD camera. Some are definitely better than others. Look for a doorbell that has full high-definition video, night vision, and a wide angle lens.

Most smart doorbells record and store video to a hub or the cloud. This allows you to review or download footage later on, but in most cases it requires a subscription for cloud storage.

Many doorbells come with multiple cameras to expand the vision field of the device. This is a great feature because you can keep an eye on the door and your packages at the same time.

Choose a wireless apartment doorbell that has motion sensors. The sensors will detect movement and send you a recording when someone approaches the door.

Doorbell cameras have different viewing distances and angles. Choose one that best suites what you want to monitor from your front door.

For example, if you live in a tight apartment building with hallways, a wide angle lens with a short field of view is best.

However if your apartment has a view of the street you may want a longer field of vision so you can see cars pulling up to the house.

Adjustable Volume

Many wireless doorbells have an adjustable volume. You can usually adjust the volume via a slider or buttons on the side of a receiver on doorbells that use a transmitter button and receiver chime.

Doorbells that pair with a smart home system like an Alexa or Echo come with their own volume adjustment controls. Volume control allows you to adjust how loud your wireless doorbell chimes when someone rings the bell.

LED Lights

Some of the best wireless doorbells come with LED lights that flash to alert you when the doorbell button has been pressed. This is a useful feature that want to keep the doorbell as quiet as possible.

Some smart doorbells can also be paired with other home security devices such as flood lights. They’ll automatically click on when someone’s at the door.

How Do You Install A Wireless Doorbell In Your Apartment?

Installing a wireless video doorbell in your apartment is an easy and fairly straightforward process. They’re battery powered so you don’t have to worry about wiring.

Simply pick a spot, screw the mount to the wall and attach the doorbell. Inside the box will be instructions, the screws, mount, doorbell and everything else you’ll need.

• First, make sure the video doorbell comes with all the necessary installation hardware and accessories.
• Second, determine where you want to mount the doorbell. Check the instructions to see if there’s a preferred height. This may vary a bit based on the camera’s field of view.
• Third, follow the instructions that come with your video doorbell. Typically you’ll have to drill holes to secure the doorbell mount first. Then you’ll attach the doorbell to the mount. Since this is a wireless apartment doorbell, it runs on batteries. You won’t have to deal with wiring.

Once installed, download and install the doorbell app. Connect the doorbell to WiFi and set it up in the app. Once inside the app, they’ll provide prompts for you to follow.

Some doorbells can be paired with other smart home devices and some can’t. If your can, pair them with your doorbell one at a time by following the prompts in your app.

Once the doorbell is setup, test it out to make sure it’s working properly. If you’re not used to using a video doorbell, everything is done via the app and your smartphone. If you want to make adjustments, access saved video or see what’s in front of your apartment, open the app.

Do All Wireless Doorbells Require WiFi?

No, not all wireless doorbells require WiFi, however all wireless video doorbells do. In order to transmit HD video to your smartphone, the cloud or another smart device, you need internet and a strong WiFi signal. You also need WiFi to interact with and control the doorbell with an app.

Because of the WiFi requirement, if your internet or WiFi signal goes down, you won’t be able to use most of the doorbells functions like notifications, two-way talk or real-time video.

Summary: Best Wireless Video Doorbell For Apartments

The latest video doorbell cameras make it easier than ever to monitor and secure the front door of your apartment. In the past, video doorbells needed to be hard wired which made them difficult to install in an apartment.

But new models are 100% wireless and battery operated which makes them ideal for an apartment, condo, rental or townhouse.

They’re much easier to install and don’t require access to the apartments wiring system. For about a hundred dollars, you can see and talk with anyone at your door, get real time notifications and security features.

Although most video and security features require a monthly subscription.

Wireless doorbells are generally allowed in apartments as long as management doesn’t ban them and they don’t invade your neighbor’s privacy. Landlords reserve the right to enforce certain rules and restrictions for tenants which may include video doorbells and other surveillance type devices.

Make sure you thoroughly read your lease to find out if Wireless Video Doorbells are allowed in your apartment before installing one. With a wireless apartment doorbell, of the communication, video, notifications, alerts and updates between you and the doorbell happens 100% wireless.

Different types of wireless doorbells have very different prices and may require a monthly subscription fee to access all their advanced features. To help you make a choice between some of the best wireless apartment doorbells on the market, we’ve made a list of all their features, drawbacks, and important things to consider as you shop.

Because of its outstanding video performance and sleek design, the Google Nest Wireless Doorbell Camera is our pick for the best wireless apartment doorbell.

If you have any questions or comments the best Wireless Doorbells for Apartments, email any time.