Doorbell Camera vs Security Camera: What’s Better for Your Home?

Thinking about upgrading your home security? You’ve probably seen plenty of security cameras around; they’ve been protecting homes for years. Doorbell cameras, on the other hand, are the newer, smarter option. They don’t just show you who’s at the door; they let you talk to visitors, check on deliveries, and record what’s happening outside.

That’s why many people ask: what’s the real difference between a doorbell camera vs security camera? Do you actually need both, or can a doorbell camera do the job on its own? In this guide, we’ll break down how each one works, their key differences, and the situations where each option makes more sense for your home.

Understanding the Basics of Each Device

Before comparing features, it helps to get clear on what each device actually does:

What is a doorbell camera?

A doorbell camera, often called a smart or video doorbell, is a device that combines the functions of a traditional doorbell with a built-in camera, microphone, and speaker. When someone presses it—or even just walks past—the camera activates and sends a notification to your phone.

You can see, hear, and talk to whoever’s there in real time. It’s designed for doorstep interactions, like speaking to couriers, checking on visitors, or keeping an eye on deliveries when you’re away.

Most models connect over Wi-Fi, with power coming either from a rechargeable battery or from your existing doorbell wiring. Recorded clips can be stored on your device, or in the cloud if you choose a monthly plan.

What is a security camera?

Security cameras are broader security devices meant to watch over different parts of your business or household. These cameras are usually installed at vantage positions to capture a wider area, such as driveways, gardens, side paths, or inside your home.

They come as standalone Wi-Fi cameras or as part of a wired multi-camera system that records to a local NVR (Network Video Recorder). Wired PoE (Power over Ethernet) systems are valued for reliability and 24/7 coverage, while battery-powered Wi-Fi models are easier to install and move around.

Most modern cameras now support remote viewing through apps and can send smart alerts when motion is detected.

Key Differences Between Doorbell and Security Cameras

On the surface, both devices capture video and send you alerts, but they’re designed for different jobs. Here are the key differences between doorbell cameras vs CCTV cameras:

Field of view and coverage

Doorbell cameras are built to give you a narrower, “head-to-toe” view right at your doorstep. They’re usually mounted lower than a traditional camera (around 1–1.5 metres high), which means you can clearly see faces and parcels left on the ground. Recent models may feature wide-angle lenses that give you a broader view, more of the porch or entryway, but they can cause a bit of fisheye distortion at the edges.

Security cameras, on the other hand, are typically mounted higher (2.5–3 metres or more) to monitor much larger spaces such as driveways, gardens, side entrances, or inside your house.

You’ll also find more lens options: wide-angle for broader coverage or varifocal and zoom lenses for honing in on specific areas with fewer blind spots. There are also PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) models that can pan a whole 360° and track motion automatically, offering better coverage and more flexibility.

Resolution and night vision

Most doorbell cameras record in 1080p to 2K (4MP), which is enough for clear doorstep footage. Night vision is usually infrared (IR), though some models also use HDR to handle tricky lighting at porches.

Security cameras offer a much broader range, from basic 1080p right up to ultra-clear 4K and above. The sharper the image, the easier it is to spot important details like faces and license plates, even at a distance. They usually come with stronger night vision, and many outdoor models now include built-in spotlights or advanced low-light sensors to deliver colour footage even in the dark.

Motion detection and AI recognition

Doorbell cameras often combine PIR (heat-based) motion sensors with video analysis to cut down on false alerts. They’ll notify you if someone presses the bell, if a person approaches, or if a package is detected.

Security cameras take this further. Depending on the model, they can spot people, vehicles, pets, or define “virtual boundaries” so you’re only alerted when someone crosses a line or enters a set zone. A lot of PTZ models can follow movement automatically, so you always end up with a consistent clip of what happened. This makes them more flexible for bigger areas with regular movement.

Viewing and alerts

Both doorbell and security cameras support live viewing, push notifications to your phone, and remote playback through an app. Battery-powered doorbells normally record short motion-triggered clips to save power, whereas wired or PoE security cameras often support continuous 24/7 recording with a full timeline you can scrub through.

Audio features

Two-way talk is a standard feature for doorbell cameras, letting you speak directly to visitors or couriers from your phone. Many also include quick-response messages you can play with one tap.

Security cameras vary more. Some models have built-in microphones and two-way talk, while others focus purely on video and durability, especially in outdoor, weather-exposed areas.

Weatherproof rating and durability

Doorbell cameras are designed to withstand rain and cold on the porch, with solid weather resistance for everyday use.

Outdoor security cameras often take things a step further, with higher IP ratings (like IP66 or IP67) for dust and water resistance. Dome-style models can even come with vandal-resistant housings (such as IK10), making them tougher to damage.

Power and connectivity

Doorbell cameras usually run on rechargeable batteries or connect to your existing doorbell wiring for continuous power. Some high-end models support PoE (Power over Ethernet), but Wi-Fi is by far the most common connection type.

Security cameras give you more flexibility. Battery-powered Wi-Fi versions are easy to set up for single-camera coverage, but for more reliable performance and multi-camera systems, PoE/Ethernet camera is the standard. One cable provides both power and data, making it perfect for continuous, round-the-clock use.

Local storage vs cloud

Doorbell cameras tend to rely on cloud subscriptions for storing clips and unlocking advanced features like person or parcel detection. Some do offer microSD card or on-board local storage, but it’s less common.

Security cameras usually give you more choice. Many support microSD cards inside the camera, while multi-camera setups often use an NVR (Network Video Recorder) for local, long-term storage. You can also add cloud storage for off-site backup if you want an extra layer of security.

Installation

Doorbell cameras are generally simple to install, especially battery-powered models, which can be fitted with basic tools in minutes. Wired versions take a little more effort. You’ll need a compatible transformer and some low-voltage wiring, but still fall within DIY territory.

Security cameras vary. A single battery Wi-Fi camera is as straightforward as a doorbell cam, but PoE or NVR systems require running Ethernet cables and setting up a recorder. With planning, many homeowners do this themselves, though professional installation is often chosen for neater cabling and guaranteed reliability.

Side-by-side comparison

When to Choose a Doorbell Camera

Pick a doorbell camera if your main questions are “who’s at the door?” and “where did that parcel end up?” It’s the right fit when:

• You live in a flat, terraced home, or smaller property where the front door is the main area you want to keep an eye on.
• You want to see and speak to visitors, couriers, or tradespeople wherever you are.
• Package theft or missed parcels are your biggest concerns.

A natural pick here is the eufy Video Doorbell E340. It uses two cameras, one looking out for people, the other angled down to cover the doorstep, so you see visitors and parcels in the same glance. At night, a dual-light system enables colour night vision up to about 5 m, which helps you read clothing colours and spot package details in low light.

You get 2K video, two-way audio, and AI for human and package detection (with face recognition available) to cut the noise from routine street motion. Power is flexible: run it on the detachable battery or wire it to your existing chime; the battery is designed for easy swaps and is quoted for up to six months per charge.

It’s IP65-rated for UK weather and works standalone with 8 GB of on-device storage, or you can pair it with HomeBase S380 (also usable as a chime). That combination of dual-cam view, colour night vision, and flexible power makes the E340 a strong, practical front-door upgrade.

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When to Choose a Security Camera

Choose a security camera when you need to watch wider areas and capture useful detail across a garden, drive, side path, or multiple angles of your property. It’s the better fit when:

• You want coverage beyond the doorstep, including side gates, driveways, or back gardens.
• You want continuous 24/7 recording (24/7) instead of event-based recording.
• You need flexible framing (pan/tilt or zoom) to reduce blind spots.
• You want cameras installed at multiple vantage points around your property.
• You need higher video quality, night vision, or zoom features for detailed surveillance.
• You want indoor monitoring for kids, pets, or valuables.

A well-suited choice is the eufy SoloCam S340. It’s a dual-lens PTZ Wi-Fi camera delivering a 3K wide-angle view plus a 2K telephoto view, with hybrid 8× zoom to keep faces and number plates clearer at distance (rated for detail at 15 m). The unit supports 360° pan and 70° tilt, so you can actively follow movement or set it to patrol the area; a built-in spotlight and colour night vision help you see useful detail after dark.

Power is worry-free thanks to an adjustable 2.2W solar panel, which keeps the battery topped up indefinitely. It comes with 8 GB of internal storage and on-device AI that can recognise motion, people, and vehicles, so you only get relevant alerts.

The camera connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, is fully weather-resistant, works with Alexa and Google, and can link toa HomeBase S380if you want to expand into a wider system later. It’s a practical choice if you want strong coverage outdoors with minimal upkeep.

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Mixed Systems: Why Many Households Benefit from Both

For many homes, the most reliable setup is a mix: a doorbell camera at the front door, plus one or more security cameras around the perimeter. You get the right tool for each job: a doorbell cam to manage visitors and parcels in real time, and a security cam to watch drives, gardens, and side entrances with pan/tilt and zoom when needed.

If you’d like that balance, pairing the eufy Video Doorbell E340 at the door with the SoloCam S340 outdoors works cleanly: both support local storage, both can run standalone, and both are compatible with HomeBase S380 should you want a central hub later. That way you keep doorstep interactions quick and personal while maintaining wider, colour-accurate coverage across the rest of your property

Conclusion

Choosing between a doorbell camera vs security camera really depends on how you want to protect your home. Doorbell cameras are ideal for managing visitors and deliveries at your front door, while security cameras give you wider coverage across gardens, drives, and side entrances. For many households, a mix of both offers the best peace of mind. And at eufy, you can find flexible, reliable options, whether you want a smart video doorbell, a versatile outdoor camera, or a system that combines the two seamlessly.

FAQs

Can I use a doorbell camera and security cameras together?

Yes, you can use both together and they often complement each other. A doorbell camera is great for keeping an eye on your front door, while other security cameras can cover wider areas like gardens, driveways or side entrances. This creates a more complete security system, and when they’re from the same brand, like eufy, you can easily link them through one app for seamless monitoring.

Do you need permission for a doorbell camera?

In most cases, you don’t need formal permission to install a video doorbell in the UK. If it only records within your property, data-protection rules don’t apply. However, if the camera captures public streets or neighbours’ property, UK GDPR does apply. You’ll need to put up clear signage, limit recording to what’s necessary, keep footage secure and delete it regularly.

Does a Ring doorbell act as a security camera?

Yes, a Ring doorbell works like a security camera. It records video when motion is detected, sends you alerts, and let you see and communicate with who’s at your door when you are not home. But unlike a full security camera system, it usually only covers your doorway and has a narrower field of view. It’s great for monitoring visitors and parcels, but you may still want extra cameras for wider coverage of gardens, driveways, or side paths.