(checked 2026-10-10)
Wirecutter's top battery doorbell and PCMag's Editors' Choice: sharp 2K video and full smart detection with free local storage. It's bulky with a fish-eye look, the battery lasted about four months in testing, and the whole unit comes down to recharge.
Subscription: Optional: free local microSD storage (card not included); Tapo Care from $3.49/mo or $34.99/yr per camera
Top complaints
- Bulky with a fish-eye look
Wirecutter calls it 'chonky' and less attractive than its other picks. Its 180-degree view has a distorted fish-eye effect. PCMag notes it's bulkier than the Arlo.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review - Battery and connection gripes
Wirecutter needed to recharge it every four months, half of TP-Link's 8-month claim. The battery isn't removable, so the whole doorbell comes down for up to five hours of charging. Amazon's summary says some owners report connection issues and quick battery drain.
- Weak color night vision, 2.4GHz only
Wirecutter found color night vision hit or miss, often worse than black-and-white, and notes there is no 5GHz Wi-Fi. PCMag says color night video lacked vibrancy, the microSD card isn't included, and there's no HomeKit support.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review
What owners love
- Full smart detection without paying
Wirecutter says it tells people, pets, vehicles and packages apart with customizable detection zones. PCMag found motion alerts quick and accurate.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review - Sharp 2K head-to-toe video
Wirecutter and PCMag praise the sharp 2K image and 180-degree view. Amazon shoppers call the video crystal clear day and night.
- Cheap to own, easy to set up
It offers free microSD storage or one of the cheapest cloud plans, $3.49 a month. PCMag says it was very easy to install and pair. Amazon shoppers like that it needs no subscription.
- You want a slim doorbell
- You need 5GHz Wi-Fi or Apple Home
- You don't want to take the doorbell down to charge it
- Avoiding monthly fees (free microSD storage)
- Homes without doorbell wiring
- Alexa, Google and IFTTT users
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best battery-operated doorbell, 'pretty close to perfect'. It's bulky, has a fish-eye effect and iffy color night vision.
- PCMag: 4.0/5, Editors' Choice and Best for Local Storage. The cons are that the SD card isn't included and there's no HomeKit.