Budget Video Doorbells vs Security Cameras (What Actually Works)
Choosing between a video doorbell and security cameras depends on your coverage needs and security priorities. The decision hinges on three constraints: coverage area (door-specific vs property-wide), functionality (visitor interaction vs surveillance), and installation (single point vs multiple locations). Neither tool is universally better—the right choice matches your specific security needs and coverage requirements. If you're on a budget, see our guide on video doorbells under $100.
What Video Doorbells vs Security Cameras Can (and Can't) Do
Each tool serves different purposes and has distinct strengths. In most cases, you can expect:
Video Doorbells Typically Offer:
- Front door focus with visitor-specific features (two-way audio, doorbell button)
- Visitor interaction capabilities (speak with delivery drivers, guests)
- Door-specific alerts (package detection, visitor notifications)
- Single installation point (simpler setup than multiple cameras)
- Chime integration (works with doorbell chimes)
Security Cameras Typically Offer:
- Broader coverage of multiple areas (not limited to doors)
- Better video quality in many cases (higher resolution, better low-light)
- Multiple placement options (indoor, outdoor, various angles)
- Continuous recording options (not just motion-triggered)
- Comprehensive surveillance of property perimeter or interior
Security analysis consistently shows that doorbells excel at front door monitoring and visitor interaction, while cameras provide broader property coverage and surveillance capabilities (Wirecutter). However, what determines the right choice isn't just features—it's coverage needs, interaction requirements, and installation complexity. These factors matter more than whether a product claims "complete security solution."
What You Will NOT Get With Either Tool
From Video Doorbells, you will NOT get:
- Property-wide coverage (limited to front door area)
- Multiple monitoring points (single installation location)
- Interior surveillance (designed for exterior door use)
- Continuous recording in most cases (typically motion-triggered)
- Backyard or side coverage (front door focus only)
From Security Cameras, you will NOT get:
- Doorbell button functionality (no visitor interaction button)
- Two-way audio in all models (some cameras lack this feature)
- Door-specific alerts like package detection (general motion detection)
- Chime integration (don't work with doorbell chimes)
- Single-point simplicity (multiple cameras require more setup)
If a product claims to do everything both tools offer, expect compromises in specific areas.
Choose the Right Tool Based on Your Situation
Front Door Focus Only
If you only need to monitor your front door and interact with visitors:
- Video doorbell (perfect for door-specific needs)
- Two-way audio for visitor communication
- Package detection and visitor alerts
Tradeoff to accept: no coverage beyond front door; limited to single location.
Best fit: Video doorbell for front door monitoring.
Property-Wide Coverage Needed
If you need to monitor multiple areas (backyard, driveway, side entrances):
- Security cameras (multiple placement options)
- Multiple cameras for comprehensive coverage
- Better video quality for surveillance needs
Tradeoff to accept: more complex installation; higher cost for multiple cameras; no doorbell-specific features.
Best fit: Security camera system for property-wide coverage.
Both Door Monitoring and Property Coverage
If you want front door interaction plus broader surveillance:
- Video doorbell for front door
- Security cameras for other areas
- Combined system (may use same app/platform)
Tradeoff to accept: higher total cost; more complex setup; may need multiple apps.
Best fit: Doorbell plus security cameras for comprehensive coverage.
Budget-Conscious Single Point
If you have limited budget and only need one monitoring point:
- Video doorbell if front door is priority
- Budget security camera if broader coverage needed
- Consider coverage needs before choosing
Tradeoff to accept: limited to single location; may not meet all security needs.
Best fit: Choose based on primary security priority (door vs property).
When to Choose Each Tool
Choose a Video Doorbell If:
- You primarily need front door monitoring
- Visitor interaction is important (delivery drivers, guests)
- You want doorbell button functionality
- Single installation point is preferred
- Package detection and visitor alerts are priorities
Choose Security Cameras If:
- You need coverage beyond the front door
- Multiple monitoring points are required
- Better video quality is essential
- Continuous recording is needed
- Property-wide surveillance is the goal
Best Options Right Now
These options are included because they fit the constraints discussed above (doorbell vs camera functionality and availability at the time of writing).
Option A: Video doorbell for front door focus
- Best for: Users prioritizing front door monitoring and visitor interaction
- Product: Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K (Battery)
- Why it fits: Front door focus with two-way audio; package detection; visitor alerts; doorbell-specific features
- Tradeoff: Limited to front door area; no property-wide coverage; not suitable for multiple monitoring points
- Action: Check availability
Option B: Wired doorbell for reliable door monitoring
- Best for: Users wanting consistent front door monitoring with existing wiring
- Product: Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi Camera (Wired)
- Why it fits: Wired for reliability; front door focus; local storage; doorbell functionality
- Tradeoff: Single point coverage; requires existing wiring; not for property-wide surveillance
- Action: Check availability
Option C: Standard doorbell with good features
- Best for: Users needing basic front door monitoring
- Product: Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation)
- Why it fits: Front door focus; two-way audio; visitor alerts; doorbell-specific features
- Tradeoff: Limited coverage area; full features require subscription; not for property-wide needs
- Action: Check availability
Tip: If you need both front door interaction and property-wide coverage, consider using a video doorbell for the front door and security cameras for other areas. Many systems allow integration through the same app, providing comprehensive coverage.
FAQ
What's the difference between video doorbells and security cameras?
Video doorbells are designed specifically for front door monitoring with two-way audio and visitor alerts. Security cameras offer broader coverage, multiple placement options, and often better video quality, but lack doorbell-specific features like visitor communication.
When should I choose a security camera over a doorbell?
Choose a security camera if you need coverage beyond just the front door, want to monitor multiple areas, need better video quality, or want continuous recording. Doorbells are best for front door focus with visitor interaction.
Can a video doorbell replace security cameras?
No, video doorbells are designed for front door monitoring and can't replace comprehensive security camera coverage. They're ideal for door-specific needs but lack the coverage, placement flexibility, and often the video quality of dedicated security cameras.
Do security cameras cost more than doorbells?
Not necessarily. Budget security cameras can cost similar to doorbells, while high-end cameras cost more. However, comprehensive camera systems covering multiple areas will cost more than a single doorbell. Consider your coverage needs when comparing costs.
What can security cameras do that doorbells can't?
Security cameras offer wider coverage areas, multiple placement options (not just doors), better video quality in many cases, continuous recording options, and coverage of multiple areas simultaneously. They're designed for broader surveillance rather than door-specific monitoring.
What can doorbells do that security cameras can't?
Doorbells offer two-way audio for visitor communication, doorbell button functionality, visitor-specific alerts, and integration with doorbell chimes. They're optimized for front door interaction rather than general surveillance.
Can I use both doorbells and security cameras?
Yes, many people use both—a doorbell for front door monitoring and interaction, and security cameras for broader property coverage. They complement each other, with doorbells handling visitor communication and cameras providing comprehensive surveillance.
Which is better for apartment security?
For apartments, doorbells are often better suited as they focus on your specific door area and don't require extensive installation. Security cameras may be overkill for small spaces and can raise privacy concerns in shared buildings. However, it depends on your specific security needs.
Bottom Line
Choosing between video doorbells and security cameras depends on your coverage needs: doorbells excel at front door monitoring and visitor interaction, while cameras provide property-wide surveillance and multiple monitoring points. Choose based on your security priorities, coverage requirements, and interaction needs—the right tool matches your specific situation, not a universal solution.
Related Guides
If you're considering video doorbells, you might also find these guides helpful:
- Video Doorbells Under $100 — If budget is a concern
- Battery-Powered Video Doorbells — If you need flexible installation
Affiliate disclosure: Some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to options that fit the decision criteria described on this page.
Last updated: 2026-01-03