So you’re in the market for a video doorbell – one of the essential smart home gadgets to install – and you need to decide whether you want to get a wired or wireless video doorbell. From the outside, they generally look the same. They usually come in a rectangular or oval shape, with the camera on top and the doorbell on the bottom. They even have the same features. Both include high-resolution cameras that provide crisp, clear recordings. They also send motion detection notifications, offer night vision, and let you access the live feed remotely from a companion app.
But even though wired and wireless video doorbells work almost exactly the same, they have many differences, and each brings its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In general, though, if your home already has a doorbell system, the wired model is often the best choice. If you want a flexible installation, the wireless model is a good choice. To help you decide which best-selling video doorbell to install in your home, we’ll take a closer look at what distinguishes wired and wireless video doorbells and what each of their pros and cons are.
Differences between wired and wireless video doorbell
The main differences between wired and wireless video doorbells are how they are powered and installed. Wired video doorbells, as the name suggests, require cables. They connect to an existing doorbell installation (which, in turn, is connected to your home’s main electrical system) or plug into a Power over Ethernet (PoE) router or switch via a LAN cable. Regardless, the installation can get quite technical as you will need to take care of the wiring. If you are unsure about installing it yourself, you will need to hire a professional.
Meanwhile, a wireless video doorbell works with batteries built into the device. You won’t see any cables coming out of the doorbell unless you connect it to a power bank or solar panel to charge the rechargeable batteries. Since they don’t need to be wired, wireless video doorbells don’t require professional help. Depending on your wall material, you’ll need a few tools like a drill and screwdriver to mount the doorbell, but this is generally a DIY project.
Another difference between wired and wireless video doorbells is their internet connectivity. Wireless video doorbells simply connect to your home’s Wi-Fi. Wired video doorbells, on the other hand, use two different connection methods, depending on the type. If the model connects to your existing doorbell system, it also connects to your home network via Wi-Fi. But if it is PoE, it accesses the Internet directly from the Ethernet cable plugged into it.
How video doorbells record is also a key difference. Wired models support 24/7 continuous recording, while wireless models only record when events like motion detection and doorbell presses occur. Some wireless video doorbells can record 24/7, but these are the models with hardwired capability.
Advantages and disadvantages of wired or wireless video doorbell
Both wired and wireless video doorbells have their place. If you’re considering a wired model, one of the biggest benefits of homeowner-approved video doorbells is their reliability. Its 24/7 monitoring option and continuous power supply guarantee virtually no downtime. Wired video doorbells are also a set-it-and-forget-it device, requiring little to no maintenance after installation.
The downsides of wired video doorbells, however, are their reliance on an existing doorbell system. If your home is not equipped with compatible wiring and your doorbell does not support a plug-in power adapter, you will need to hire a local electrician to install a doorbell system. This is in addition to the total cost of the doorbell itself. Wired video doorbells aren’t very flexible either. You can only install them where the wiring is located.
If these drawbacks concern you, wireless video doorbells are the ideal solution. They are perfect for homes without a compatible doorbell system and are much quicker to install and remove. Because they are not attached by cables, you can even mount them wherever you need them, perhaps in the garage, gate or other entry point.
Unfortunately, wireless video doorbells also come with their share of compromises. On the one hand, they are prone to long downtimes. This happens every few months when you need to recharge the battery and during extreme temperatures when the battery becomes temperamental. Since the battery can only tolerate a certain temperature range, it will stop working or stop charging outside of that range. The battery also means that wireless video doorbells require more maintenance than their wired counterparts. You’ll need to check it regularly to see if it needs to be recharged or replaced, even when the manufacturer claims the batteries can last three to six months.
