How long do homeowners say video doorbells typically last?

Some people may get rid of their Ring cameras for valid privacy reasons. Even if you’re not a fan of smart home gadgets, a doorbell camera is well worth it for the convenience it offers. This is especially true because it does so at a price that is typically over $100. Since it’s so cheap (objectively speaking), can you expect to get a few years out of it? How long do homeowners say video doorbells last?

Good news. For gadgets this cheap, you can get about three to five years out of them. That’s what most users report online and, frankly, it’s good value for something that runs on batteries. In fact, the wired and battery models seem to average similar mileage, so go figure. However, there are exceptions. One user replaced four doorbell cameras in four years, while another person reports that their Netatmo (which they hate, mind you) held up for about eight years.

For such inexpensive devices, they certainly have tank-like qualities. It often goes beyond brand names, which is great if you’re struggling with the dreaded analysis paralysis. For example, the Eufy Video Doorbell S220 is the worst video doorbell, according to Consumer Reports. Although some users complain about their longevity, others have been wiped out for over three years, and one user even owned four and claims only one died due to the tropical climate.

Compared to other brands, the Google Nest Doorbell seems sturdy. Of course, some have encountered duds that failed after two years or less. The majority of the same thread got significantly more mileage, which is the five year lifespan. Funny enough, the experience with Ring doorbells seems similar, with one Reddit user complaining that their device died after five years. Others quickly rushed to defend the company, saying that this lifespan is typically longer for a consumer product exposed to the elements.

In fact, the detail of the “elements” matters. There is no shortage of people reporting that battery-powered video doorbells “go to sleep” in freezing temperatures. Extreme heat is no better. It’s not difficult to find users trying to troubleshoot cameras that have disconnected after being exposed to the sun’s scorching rays.

So knowing how long homeowners say video doorbells last can give you some much-needed peace of mind. However, like any other device, there are occasional things you need to do to ensure your Ring or Nest camera reaches its final years. Aside from regular cleaning, it stands to reason that the majority of smart gadgets sometimes require the good old “turn on and off” treatment, and these little cameras are no exception. In fact, a quick reset often fixes most problems.

What about long-term care? Well, the video doorbell is exposed to a lot of things over its lifespan. Heat, rain, sun, snow, it doesn’t matter, the gadget takes it like a champ. So if you want to get the most mileage out of it, it doesn’t hurt to “help” it out during extreme temperatures, so to speak. For the winter months, a simple modification can be a lifesaver, as one Reddit user learned. They covered the camera body with heat tape, which prevented the camera from freezing.

In other scenarios (primarily those involving high heat and rain), you may need to spend around $20 more. For example, Amazon sells nifty covers for most of its Ring doorbells. These protect the camera from water and heat, reducing its internal temperature. Versions to suit Nest devices and others also exist and are all relatively affordable – worth a try if you want to avoid the hassle of installing a new doorbell camera every few years.