Choose the Best Doorbell

Wired doorbells are the traditional type of doorbell found in most homes. These models consist of a push-button switch mounted next to an outside door and wired to a chime located inside the home. The electrical wires that connect the switch and the bell unit run through the walls.

Considerations:

• The bell unit must be located in an area of the home where it can be heard from all rooms.
• The best time to install a new wired doorbell is during a home’s construction or a major renovation. Otherwise, you may want to consider a wireless doorbell instead.
• Wired doorbells are available in a wide variety of chime sounds and melodies, button styles and plate finishes to suit almost any décor.
• Wired doorbells require the least amount of upkeep as they do not use batteries that must be replaced.
• The distance between the button and the bell unit is not an issue with wired doorbells. If your home has thick walls, especially ones made of stone, a wireless doorbell signal may not be able to penetrate them.
  

As the name suggests, wireless doorbells don’t require any electrical wiring updates to install. Most consist of a battery-powered, push-button transmitter that mounts beside an exterior door and triggers an indoor receiver component using radio waves much in the same way that a remote control turns a television on and off.

In general, wireless doorbells:

• Are easier and safer to install than wired doorbells and don’t require any electrician skills.
• Are a great choice for historic homes or challenging architecture where running new wiring is not possible or could potentially damage the structure.
• Come in a variety of transmitter styles (some wireless doorbell buttons look like traditional wired models while others have a modern look).
• Have a specific range of operation, so you’ll need to determine how far away the outdoor transmitter button will be located from the receiver and check the package specifications before purchasing a particular model.

Smart doorbells, which are sometimes referred to as video doorbells, operate using your home’s internet connection (either wired or Wi-Fi). These premium doorbells have a range of capabilities depending on the model and enable you to do a variety of things such as:

• Enjoy the added security and peace of mind of always knowing who’s at the door.
• Receive notifications on your device every time someone rings the doorbell.
• Speak to visitors from your smart device without opening the door, even while you’re away.
• Record video when someone rings your doorbell or steps onto your porch (some models even feature a night mode and HD video).

To choose the best video doorbell for your home, check the packaging to ensure the model you’re considering works with your smartphone and home automation platform and has the features you want. Some models connect to your home’s existing doorbell wiring while others operate wirelessly. Be sure the model is suitable for your current doorbell configuration.

A doorbell extender amplifies your doorbell chime in areas of your home where it may be hard to hear. This is particularly useful in larger or multilevel homes where there's a greater distance between the front door and the rest of the dwelling. Some models operate using batteries and others plug into a standard outlet. In addition, doorbell extenders are designed to work with wired doorbell systems, wireless systems or both. Before purchasing a doorbell extender, check the specifications to ensure it’s compatible with the doorbell model you have. Some brands of extenders only work with the same doorbell brand.