Keeping your family safe and secure is a priority in any household. When you’re renting, it might feel like you have fewer options for achieving this. Luckily, the best doorbell camera for apartments offers this extra blanket of protection.
Our number one favorite apartment doorbell camera is the Google Nest Doorbell Camera. This can be powered up either wired or wireless, whichever is convenient for you. It offers HDR vision both during the day and at night. Additionally, it has a tall vertical field of view allowing for an unobstructed view of people and packages in your hallway.
Even though it’s our top one, it will not be in everyone’s favor. That’s why we included not one but five other video doorbell cameras, each with its own set of features that make them unique.
Below, we’ll go over these top five favorites and also cover everything you need to know before buying and installing any of them in your apartment.
Why You Should Install a Doorbell Camera in Your Apartment
Doorbell cameras are increasingly becoming popular and more in demand these days. If you’re still on the fence, here are all the reasons why you should consider getting and installing one:
Increased safety and security
Perhaps the number one reason that drives many people to install a doorbell camera in their homes is the promise of increased safety and security.
If there’s someone at your door, you can easily see who it is right from your phone. Then you can decide if you should open the door or not.
A doorbell camera in your apartment can ward off potential burglars, intruders, and security threats. They are also capable of sending you live feeds and real-time notifications when movements are detected.
All these give you an extra blanket of security and peace of mind.
Convenience and remote access
Doorbell cameras are very convenient to use thanks to their remote access feature.
Modern doorbell cameras connect to phones and devices so you can have access to live feeds, alerts, notifications, and settings anytime, anywhere.
This also allows you to see and know who’s at your door without having to get up and be on your feet.
Smart home upgrade
Most modern doorbell cameras offer a great smart home upgrade. If you already have a smart ecosystem in your home, you can easily connect and integrate this new feature.
Depending on the brand and model of camera you got, you can easily connect to smart systems and assistants like Amazon and Google.
Being integrated into your smart home ecosystem also allows for more control and access than what the product initially offered on its own.
Easy installation
Many doorbell cameras are designed for easy installation without special tools or heavy machinery. You can say goodbye to complicated wiring and setups.
Most that are available in the market allow you to install one yourself, even without the help of a professional.
Easy installation also means easy dismantling. This comes in handy when you need to move out of your apartment and into a new one and would like to bring your friendly doorbell camera with you.
Our Top Picks for the Best Doorbell Cameras for Apartments
| Product Image | Product Name | Price | |
| Best Overall |  | Google Nest Doorbell Camera | Check Price |
| Best Value for Price |  | Eufy Doorbell Camera | Check Price |
| Best Peephole Camera |  | Ring Peephole Cam | Check Price |
 | Blink Video Doorbell | Check Price | |
 | Arlo Essential Doorbell Camera | Check Price |
The Best Best Doorbell Camera For Apartments
- Google Nest Doorbell Camera – Best Overall
Our number one pick for the best doorbell camera for apartments is the Google Nest Doorbell Camera! This fan-favorite allows for 24/7 live surveillance so you can check your family’s safety remotely, wherever you are.
With built-in intelligence, this is programmed to detect the difference between a person, package, animal, or vehicle for accurate chimes and alerts sent through the Google Home app.
Additionally, this has a tall vertical field of view, which allows you an unobstructed view of people from head to toe and even packages left on the ground.
You can enjoy HDR vision for clear videos and images, no matter how bright the light is. And at night, enjoy a clear night vision that still gives you clear images no matter how dark out it is.
Even without a subscription, you can go back to up to three hours of video history so you can playback everything you’ve missed. Additionally, a subscription to Nest Aware will give you up to 60 days of video history.
This offers convenience with two ways of powering it up: wired or wireless. You can connect it to existing doorbell wires or you could go completely wireless. And for wireless use, this comes with rechargeable batteries.
While this would need a WiFi connection for features like notifications and alerts and live video streaming and recording, it can locally store up to an hour of recordings in case WiFi goes down.
With a built-in mic and speaker, you can talk with anyone at your door and even send out quick pre-recorded messages if you’re away.
Truly a smart video doorbell, this is compatible with Google Next and Amazon devices and can easily be integrated into your smart home ecosystem.
Pros:
- Built-in intelligence
- HDR and night vision
- Tall vertical field of view
- Wired or wireless power
Cons:
- None
- Eufy Doorbell Camera – Best Value for Price
If you’re looking for an apartment doorbell camera that won’t sacrifice price for performance, check out Eufy Doorbell Camera!
Unlike other video doorbells, this doesn’t have monthly fees for a premium subscription. This means all your data, videos, and images are stored locally. This also means an extra layer of privacy protection.
This has 2K video and picture quality so you can see sharp details no matter how bright or dark it is. Additionally, this has an expanded field of view with the increased 4:3 ratio so you can see people outside your door from head to toe.
This offers dual power options: wired or wireless. If you choose to go wireless, you are sure to be getting at least half a year of uninterrupted power from a single charge.
With features like motion sensors, smart human detection, and activity zones, you can choose what your camera detects. You will also receive real-time alerts and notifications whenever someone is at your door or if you have a package waiting for you.
Aside from live streaming, you can speak to anyone at your door directly and in real time. You can also set up three instant responses.
Truly a smart doorbell camera, this is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Voice Assistant for upgraded convenience.
It’s important to note though that some noticed a little lag with alerts and live intercom.
Pros:
- No monthly subscription
- 2K video and picture resolution
- Local storage
- Wired or wireless power
Cons:
- Some lag
- Ring Peephole Cam – Best Peephole Camera
If you want to replace your apartment’s peephole with a smart peephole doorbell camera, check out the Ring Peephole Cam!
Upgrade your regular peephole with a 1080p HD video doorbell camera that lets you see and hear whatever’s going on outside your door. This comes with all the necessary tools you need to have it installed in no time.
This Ring video doorbell has an advanced motion detection feature in which you can customize the motion zones so it only detects what matters to you. This also lets you talk to anyone ringing your doorbell, without having to stand by the door.
With real-time alerts, you’ll know when there is movement or a person ringing your doorbell.
And with Ring’s 24/7 live view video footage, you can keep a close eye on your home’s front door, warding off potential security threats.
This is powered wirelessly and comes with a removable battery pack that easily charges into a standard outlet. Compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, this can completely integrate with your home’s smart ecosystem.
One important thing to keep in mind is this Ring doorbell is not compatible with all kinds of doors. It’s only compatible with 12 mm to 14 mm standard-size peepholes and door thickness from 34 mm to 55 mm. Measure your apartment’s door first before purchasing this one.
It’s also important to remember that the position and height of your peephole will have an impact on the camera’s field of view.
Pros:
- Smart peephole camera
- Advanced motion detection
- 1080p HD resolution
- Wireless power connection
Cons:
- Not compatible with all doors
The next item to make it into our list of the best doorbell cameras for apartments is the Blink Video Doorbell!
This has 24/7 live video streaming plus 1080p HD video resolution day or night. And at night, this has infrared HD night vision so you can still see clearly even in the dark.
This has a speaker output and two-way audio allowing you to talk in real-time with anyone ringing your doorbell, even without getting up. This also offers real-time alerts so you will be notified of movements or whenever someone presses the doorbell.
You can create customized activity zones so you only get alerted of things that matter to you.
This offers homeowners two ways to hook and power it up. The first is by connecting and wiring it to existing doorbell wiring or having it completely wire-free.
And to add more customizing options, you can also choose to either save data, videos, and images in the cloud with a subscription or locally with the Sync Module 2 and a USB drive, both sold separately.
This is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa for chimes, motion detection, and doorbell presses.
Though this comes with two lithium batteries, the batteries are non-rechargeable so you will have to completely replace them.
One drawback to this is that the motion detection feature and alert notifications can lag.
Pros:
- 1080p HD resolution
- Customized activity zones
- Wired or wireless
- Cloud or local storage
Cons:
- Non-rechargeable batteries
- Motion detection and alerts can lag
And our last favorite doorbell camera for apartment dwellers are the Arlo Essential Doorbell Camera!
This boasts HDR video quality so you see faces, objects, and movements, with clarity. This has a 180-degree wide field view, to see people from head to toe or packages left at your door.
This sends calls to your phone so you can hear, see, and speak directly to anyone ringing your doorbell. And if you’re not available, respond easily with pre-recorded messages.
This offers a quick and easy wireless setup, perfect for apartments. The camera itself is certified weather-resistant and can withstand the sun, heat, rain, or cold.
On top of 24/7 clear and crisp live video streaming, this has a 24/7 emergency response feature. This will alert 24/7 live security experts to have police, fire, or medical responders at your place with a single tap.
You can customize the activity zones so you’re sure you’re alerted of only things and movements that matter to you. Moreover, this has an Object Detection feature that can tell the difference between a person, package, animal, or vehicle.
This wireless video doorbell is smart home-ready and is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.
The one drawback to this is that features like cloud storage, advanced object detection, quick responses, and cloud activity zones would require a continuous Arlo Secure plan after the expiration of your free trial.
Pros:
- HDR video quality
- 180-degree wide field view
- 24/7 emergency response feature
- Smart object detection
Cons:
- Subscription plan required for some security features
Before Installing a Doorbell Camera in Your Apartment, You Should Know…
Installing a doorbell camera in your home is definitely a good idea for safety and security.
But if you live in and are renting an apartment, there are a few things you should know first and tick off your checklist before installing one:
- Landlord’s consent
If you’re renting, you don’t want to be installing anything in the building and property without talking it over with your landlord first. If there isn’t anything specified in your written agreement, seek their permission first.
Some landlords and apartment owners don’t allow the installation of such security cameras due to the possibility of privacy concerns from other tenants. Some are also concerned about the damage installing one may cause to their property.
Of course, you don’t want to sour your relationship with your landlord so make sure you talk to them and settle on an agreement.
- Neighbors’ consent
Obviously, you’re not the only person living in an apartment building. You have numerous neighbors to consider as well.
A video doorbell goes right in front of your doorway so it is inevitable that it will capture your neighbors’ apartments, doors, properties, faces, and daily movements.
Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of a security camera surveilling and monitoring their daily routines and activities. Some may not prefer cameras pointed directly into their doors and homes.
Before installing one on your door, make sure to ask your neighbors for their permission first. This will prevent violating their privacy and conflicts in the future.
- Wiring and installation
All video doorbells would require some sort of power source: either hardwired or with a battery pack.
For sure, wireless battery packs are more convenient for apartment installation. But if your place has an old doorbell wiring already in place, you might have no issues installing a wired video doorbell.
But then again, ask your landlord what they would allow in the unit you’re renting. Some would prefer wireless units versus hardwired ones.
Also, there is the issue of drilling into walls or doors. Typically, landlords would not allow this so you might have to stick with another way of installing it in place.
- Moving homes in the future
In the case of you wanting or having to move to another place, you would most likely want to bring your doorbell camera or your landlord would ask you to remove it before leaving.
You would want to consider a doorbell camera that’s not only easy to install but also easy to remove and dismantle.
How to Choose the Best Video Doorbells For Apartments
Lastly, here are all the considerations you should keep in mind in looking for your next best video doorbell:
- Installation
Most landlords would prefer that you do not drill into the walls of the apartment to install something, and it’s best to stick with that.
Minimal drilling would be the best way to go. Luckily, there are many options with other installation methods like with an adhesive.
- Power source
Wireless and battery-powered doorbell cameras are easier to install than wired ones. Plus, installing them won’t have you messing around with complicated hardwiring, making wireless video doorbells a safer bet.
- Image quality
HD video and image quality and resolution should make it easier for you and your family to make out people, packages, and movements whether it’s bright or dark out.
You don’t want to get a doorbell camera for security and end up with nothing but pixilated images.
- Field of view
A wide field of view would allow you to see people from head to toe and get a glimpse of any packages left at your doorstep.
- Storage
Doorbell cameras would typically have two storage options: cloud or local.
Cloud storage is convenient but would usually come with a subscription fee. Other cameras would have the option of local storage but could ask you to buy a separate add-on to make it possible.
- Other features
Keep an eye out for other features like built-in intelligence, motion detection, customizable activity zones, live feed, real-time alerts and notifications, and more.
- Smart home integration
Many modern doorbell cameras are compatible with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. If you already have a smart ecosystem set up at home, a unit that is compatible with your system would be your best choice.
Conclusion
Safety and security are an ever-growing concern wherever you are. If you’re an apartment dweller, one of the best investments to get your hands on is doorbell cameras.
Our number one pick for the best doorbell camera for apartments is the Google Nest Doorbell Camera. It has built-in intelligence that can differentiate between a person, package, animal, or vehicle. It also has HDR vision and clear night vision. Additionally, it offers two power options: wired or wireless.
And that has been our detailed review of the best doorbell camera for apartments. Reach out to us below if you have more queries!
