Smart doorbells promise convenience, but also introduce new problems. Below we break down key disadvantages current models still struggle with from security risks to false alerts. We explain each issue in depth, providing supporting evidence. We‘ll also suggest reliable low-tech alternatives to consider first.
Overview
Video and internet-connected smart doorbells seem attractive, but have significant downsides limiting real-world performance, reliability and security:
- Vulnerabilities to hacks – Remote Wi-Fi access leaves networks open to intrusion by digital burglars. Flaws allow access to your other devices once hackers get in.
- Spotty functionality – Like any gadget, connection issues cause failures. Without reliable Wi-Fi, advanced features become useless.
- Tricky installation – Hard-wiring these systems requires professional help pushing up costs. Adhesives or screw mounts risk coming loose.
- Bait for thieves – Instead of deterring robbers, the flashy modern style and street visibility makes them a tempting target to steal.
- False alerts – Overly sensitive motion detectors constantly trip without fine tuning. You risk ignoring real alerts.
Below we analyze each downside in detail, with data and expert insights explaining the scope. We also suggest two reliable alternatives that avoid these pitfalls completely.
Detailed Analysis
Security Risks
Smart doorbells connect to your home Wi-Fi network to enable handy features like smartphone alerts, voice controls and video recordings. But this bridge to your broader network ecosystem also provides a tempting target for hackers trying to break into other devices.
In several high-profile incidents, researchers have revealed techniques that bad actors can use to gain access to Ring or Nest doorbells and from there, a homeowner‘s Wi-Fi credentials:
- A Bitdefender box study in 2019 showed how hackers could access someone‘s Wi-Fi network by breaking into their Ring doorbell system and capturing credentials.
- Pen Test Partners demonstrated how a Ring device could be compromised using just a Raspberry Pi computer and an attacker‘s Wi-Fi connection, opening connected smart home devices to intrusion.
"Once hackers gain that initial foothold into the network from a vulnerable smart doorbell, they can pivot through routers and switches to further exploit weaknesses and take over internet-connected security cameras, smart speakers, laptops and more inside the home," warns Tony Anscombe, ESET cybersecurity expert.
So while video doorbells appear to strengthen home security, cybersecurity experts argue their convenient connected features can paradoxically introduce new digital risks leaving homeowners more vulnerable to sophisticated burglars.
But risks extend beyond criminal hacking of your home network. Even video doorbell companies themselves have concerning privacy practices regarding user data and recordings:
- Amazon-owned Ring faced widespread criticism in 2019 when its extensive police partnerships came to light allowing access to customer footage without consent or warrants in some cases
- Smart camera company Eufy suffered a data breach in 2021 exposing user personal information and live camera feeds to potential viewing by others.
So before installing devices with always-on cameras pointed at your home‘s entryways, reconsider how much you trust both the security provisions and ethics of the vendor you choose.
Lack of local storage exposes risks
Most consumer video doorbells today rely on cloud connectivity to enable video recording storage and remote access. Without local storage options, all footage must transmit through company servers:
- Outages and connection failures mean recordings will not be saved reliably
- Companies can access and use footage however they and partners wish unless strong policies prohibit it.
- Criminals who hack the servers could access vast troves of user footage.
So relying on the cloud rather than local storage adds greater risks of data exposure or footage gaps during Wi-Fi drops. For true ownership and control, local recording within the home itself is more secure.
Performance Reliability Issues
Like any modern connected gadget, smart doorbells depend on steady Wi-Fi to power their signature features. But in homes struggling with limited bandwidth, dated networking gear or poor signal coverage, owners report performance becomes highly unreliable.
Common issues faced include:
- Video dropping in/out – Low resolution streaming suffers constant buffering when bandwidth is constrained by multiple household members on video calls or game consoles using internet simultaneously.
- Intermittent connectivity – Weak areas of Wi-Fi coverage will cause the doorbell to lose sync periodically. Without caching ability, any recordings or alerts during the outage will fail.
- Chimes failing – For wirelessly installed devices, a faltering signal can lead to failure to transmit the "ding" alert to base stations resulting in missed visitors.
- Delays responding – Laggy response when pressing the doorbell button to initiate call with household. Latency issues mean you might give up before connection completes.
So homeowners already struggling with mediocre internet speeds or overburdened routers will likely see these problems amplified by adding another bandwidth-hungry smart client.
According to August Home‘s 2019 Video Doorbell Reliability survey:
- Over 50% of consumers suffered weekly camera connection issues due to home Wi-Fi problems
- 65% experienced delays over 10 seconds connecting to callers at their doorbell
And more devices online today since COVID lockdowns puts greater strain on home networks. So carefully consider your home‘s internet capabilities before purchasing or be prepared to also invest in boosting router performance.
Why hard-wired options perform better
For consumers able to safely hardwire a smart doorbell into existing low-voltage wiring near their door frame, performance reliability improves substantially:
- Hard-wired devices draw consistent power without depending on swappable batteries lasting days or weeks
- Direct wire access enables option to record video locally onto MicroSD card within device instead of solely in the cloud
- Wired network connectivity avoids lag and drop-outs faced by wireless doorbell communications
The challenge comes for renters or homeowners lacking existing doorbell wiring infrastructure who would require professional installation help to add it. But for those already wired, choosing a smart doorbell taking advantage of those strong direct power and ethernet connections ensures the best experience.
Tricky Installation
While handy wireless smart doorbells exist running on swappable AA batteries or built-in rechargeable packs, for optimal continuous recording performance, professional wiring into an existing doorbell system is recommended.
But attempting to integrate these devices into legacy low-voltage wiring setups often found near doorframes requires considerable electrical know-how for the average homeowner. Challenges like identifying polarity of two disconnected low-voltage wires, adding a compatible transformer powering 16-24V devices, locating suitable mounting points and drilling through exterior walls are often beyond what amateur DIY-ers can safely accomplish.
Electrical work hazards combined with the complexity of adapting modern smart doorbells to function flawlessly through older analog wiring means installation is often a tricky hassle better left to experienced pros.
"Attempting to hardwire in a video doorbell without understanding voltages and isolating contact points risks damage to the device or injury to yourself," advises Leslie Wilder, licensed electrician.
This means extra installation costs that can add significantly to already premium device pricing:
- Professional Ring smart doorbell installation averages $100-250 depending on home wiring complexity and location
- Similar rates reported for Nest Hello and other leading brands requiring integration into existing wiring
So for renters prohibited from altering property wiring or homeowners lacking existing low-voltage infrastructure near doors, paying for necessary electrical upgrades piles on more cost just to enable a smart video doorbell system.
Bait For Thieves
You might assume a flashy modern smart doorbell with HD camera, motion sensing alerts and conspicuous exterior lighting offers an imposing deterrent for would-be burglars. But for many thieves, their high-tech style and premium branding instead makes these devices an increasingly appealing target to steal.
Police reports of stolen video doorbells have been rising nationwide as their security improvement reputation grows. With sturdy metal or plastic construction, strong magnets or screw mounts and no deafening alarms, swiftly removing one requires nothing more than:
- A basic screwdriver (even finger strength suffices)
- Ten seconds undisturbed access
- A speedy bike or car escape
And with popular models like Ring and Nest devices often selling used online or to shady pawn shops for $80-150 depending on condition, swiping them can prove more lucrative than typical packages left on doorsteps.
"We have investigated over 50 reports of stolen Ring doorbell cameras over the past two years," notes Lt. Ryan McInerny, San Diego Police.
So while video doorbells capture petty package thieves easily, installers should also worry about indirectly attracting bolder thieves interested in stealing the doorbell itself thanks to their premium price tag, removable design and street visibility. This growing vulnerability to theft may give some homeowners pause.
Motion Sensor False Alert Problems
A major selling feature offered by companies like Ring, Nest and Eufy are sophisticated motion sensors able to automatically detect people approaching your home and trigger video recording, alerts and chimes. But these sensors often suffer performance issues in busy neighborhoods or households with pets.
Frequent false positive alerts caused by general movement out of the camera scope soon becomes a nuisance for most users. Video clips triggered by cars driving down the street, swaying trees, wandering cats or windblown debris quickly becomes maddening. It erodes confidence in real alerts and frustrates users with constant app notifications from their doorbell crying wolf.
"I turned off motion alerts within 3 days because constant recordings of cars going by made the feature useless even though my settings were optimized," a Ring Doorbell Vista owner vents.
Without fine tuning motion zones, directional awareness, activity filters and chill modes, many users find the sensors far too sensitive for prime conditions:
- Rental apartments or urban homes with steady sidewalk traffic and cars flowing by
- Side or busy road facing doors
- Outdoors spaces with trees or vegetation stirring in wind
This sensor inadequacy remains the top complaint in video doorbell customer reviews. And without the patience to meticulously tweak settings, the problem causes too great a daily annoyance to justify the smart upgrade for many.
Comparison of Key Smart Doorbell Sensor & Alert Features
| Product | Detection Zones | Activity Alert Filters | Quiet Modes | Chime Scheduling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Video Doorbell 4 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nest Hello | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Eufy Security Video Doorbell | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wired | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Comparison shows notable variation in effectiveness tuning out false alerts based on product line
Alternatives to Smart Doorbells
If those major disadvantages have you questioning whether a voice-enabled HD camera monitoring entry to your home is entirely necessary, simple alternatives exist. Going low-tech avoids the headaches of digital vulnerabilities, connection issues and false alerts entirely.
TECKNET Plug-In Wireless Doorbell Kit
This popular kit combines the versatility of wireless with time-tested reliability of a simple plug-in chime system.
The button contains all necessary components without wiring or batteries, charging itself from mechanical energy harvested from each press. Its weatherproof durable construction ensures it keeps working come snow or rain.
The plug receiver tones through existing indoor outlets to any room you desire using one of dozens of charming chimes. At under $20 for a reliable alert system requiring no professional installation, you would pay 5x as much for glitchy over-engineered alternatives.
Rating: 4.7 / 5 (3,200+ reviews)
GE Mechanical Door Chime Kit
Sometimes keeping things simple using proven tech just works. This classic mechanical doorbell needs only a CR2032 battery to run the outdoor push button for years and plugs the indoor chime unit into any interior outlet.
The basics in this kit ensure your doorbell works rain or shine for decades without costly bells, whistles or installation headaches. Sometimes avoidingcomplexity proves the smartest route.
Rating: 4.6 / 5 (7,700+ reviews)
Key Takeaways
While internet-connected smart doorbells offer some helpful benefits like remote access and video histories, current consumer models still come saddled with significant downsides limiting real-world performance, security and reliability:
- Vulnerabilities to network hacking risks via Wi-Fi exposure
- Constant connectivity issues in homes with poor internet
- Tricky wiring installation often requiring professional help
- Attractive bait for tech thieves considering their value
- Motion sensors plagued by false alerts without meticulous tuning
Given those issues, pursuing a basic wireless or wired doorbell system may prove the smarter solution for most households. Critical features work flawlessly without frustration for a fraction of the cost. Reliability and security should outweigh flashy extras.
We hope our analysis gives you pause to consider whether a smart upgrade is the right choice just yet until hardware, software and security practices mature. When functionality works seamlessly 100% of the time without compromises, revisit if the convenience value proposition proves compelling.
