What Are The Benefits of Video Doorbells?

Video doorbells, a seemingly simple yet revolutionary home security device, have been transforming the realm of home safety with their advanced tech features. These avant-garde devices can be defined as internet-connected doorbells that notify homeowners about a visitor's presence via their smartphones or other smart devices, providing a live video feed which allows real-time interaction.

Not only do these innovative gadgets offer unparalleled convenience, but they also present an effective deterrent against potential intruders due to their visible presence and recording capabilities. With advancements in technology and the rise of smart homes, video doorbells have emerged as an essential component in contemporary home security systems.

They offer proactive surveillance rather than reactive alarm systems. Besides enabling homeowners to keep tabs on who's at their front door from anywhere in the world, they significantly upgrade one's ability to ensure home safety through real-time and recorded footage.

7 Benefits of using a video doorbell

1.Enhanced Home Security

Video doorbells have been championed by some police forces and homeowners as a potential deterrent to crime. While there are anecdotal accounts of burglars being deterred after realizing they were being recorded, the effectiveness of video doorbells as a crime deterrent is still a topic of debate.

Some sources suggest that video doorbells, along with other smart security devices, can make a home less likely to be targeted by burglars, as they do not want to be caught on camera. Additionally, motion-activated lighting/camera combos, including video doorbell cameras, are mentioned as an effective way to deter burglars.

However, other sources argue that video doorbells may not be a strong deterrent on their own, and that smart security devices such as motion sensors with loud alarms may be more effective.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of video doorbells as a crime deterrent may depend on various factors such as their integration with other security measures and the specific circumstances of each home.

2. Valuable Video Footage

Recorded video events from a Ring video doorbell

The footage from a video doorbell can be highly valuable after a crime. It can provide crucial evidence to aid in investigations and court proceedings.

For instance, in a case from London, a man was convicted of manslaughter after detectives pieced together the case against him using video doorbell footage. Similarly, a doorbell recording was used to help convict a man in Somerset who had murdered his two next-door neighbors.

The footage is often used as evidence by law enforcement and can be instrumental in identifying suspects or finding potential witnesses. However, the admissibility of video doorbell footage in court can be subject to certain legal considerations, such as the quality and reliability of the video. Overall, the footage from a video doorbell can play a significant role in enhancing home security and providing evidence in the event of criminal activities.

3. Convenience for Receiving Deliveries

One of the key advantages of a video doorbell is the ability to remotely monitor and interact with delivery personnel. As soon as a delivery is made, the video doorbell sends real-time notifications to the homeowner's smartphone or other connected devices. This immediate alert enables residents to respond promptly, providing instructions to the delivery person or granting access to a secure location for package placement.

In cases where the recipient is away from home, video doorbells act as a virtual presence, allowing individuals to visually verify the delivery and ensure the package is handled appropriately. The recorded footage can serve as a valuable reference in case any discrepancies or concerns arise regarding the delivery process.

Enabling homeowners to communicate with delivery personnel even when physically absent can also be useful when additional instructions are warranted. Residents can instruct delivery drivers on preferred drop-off locations, such as a back porch or with a trusted neighbor, ensuring the safety and security of packages. This convenience extends to the flexibility of redirecting deliveries in real-time, accommodating changes to the delivery location based on the homeowner's schedule or preferences.

4. Lower Home Insurance Premiums

The presence of a video doorbell can lower home insurance premiums. The average discount for home security measures, including video doorbells, can range from 5% to 20% on insurance premiums. Some insurance providers offer discounts to homeowners who install smart home security devices, including video doorbells.

For instance, American Family is currently partnered with Ring, which means once your Ring Video Doorbell is installed, you may qualify for up to a 5% savings on your policy, depending on where you live. Insurers are increasingly offering discounts to homeowners who install smart home security devices, and installing a doorbell camera can add an extra layer of home security while helping to lower insurance premiums.

5. Preventing Package Theft and Robberies

Video doorbells increasingly have specific features identify and help monitor packages that have been left at your door. They can aid in preventing package theft in several ways:

• They can alert you when packages arrive and allow you to communicate with delivery people and give them instructions or feedback.

• They can deter porch pirates with motion detection and smart deterrence features, such as a loud siren, a flashing light, or a pre-recorded message.

• They can capture video evidence of any theft or vandalism and help you report it to the police or the delivery company.

Video doorbells are not a foolproof solution, but they can be a useful tool for helping to protect your packages. While the deterrent aspect is still up for debate, being able to monitor the package and be alerted to someone approaching your door can help you warn off a potential thief, and then record any activity for later investigation.

6. Remote Monitoring

The remote monitoring features of video doorbells allow homeowners to access live video feeds and receive alerts on their smartphones or other devices, enabling them to keep an eye on their front door from anywhere.

This feature isn’t just about monitoring deliveries but provides the same functionality as any security camera for keeping an eye on the front of your property, especially given the typically wide-angle lenses employed on these devices. Homeowners can also view real-time video footage and communicate with visitors through the app without needing to physically answer the door.

Some video doorbells can even be seamlessly connected to professional monitoring services offered by security companies, enabling the security company to receive alerts and access video footage in the event of an emergency, thus improving its ability to respond effectively.

7. Night Vision and Facial Recognition

Many video doorbells are equipped with night vision and facial recognition features, enhancing their functionality and security.

Night vision capabilities allow the cameras to capture high-quality footage even in low-light or nighttime conditions, thus providing continuous surveillance and security.

On the other hand, facial recognition technology enables the doorbells to distinguish between familiar faces and unknown individuals, providing an additional layer of security and convenience. This feature can help users receive alerts specific to recognized individuals and minimize false alarms caused by other motion activities.

While these features contribute to the overall effectiveness of video doorbells in enhancing home security, it's important to note that the use of facial recognition technology has raised concerns about privacy and civil rights, and its effectiveness can be influenced by various factors such as lighting and changes in appearance.

Learn more about video doorbells in our comprehensive guide.