Home security is a growing priority in the UK, and smart doorbell cameras have become a mainstream solution. More than one in five of the United Kingdom households have a video doorbell to combat rising doorstep crime. Nowadays, parcel theft also is at record highs, as over 3.5 million homes lost at least one delivery to thieves in recent years.
So, installing the best video doorbell UK seems to be a good idea. However, you may feel overwhelmed by the choices present on the internet. To help you make an informed pick, this guide explains exactly which video doorbell to choose in the UK.
Throughout this article, we will also discuss why your home needs a door camera and some buying tips. Read on till the end to learn about the UK installation costs and legal advice to secure your home from theft attempts.
Why Do You Need the Best Doorbell Camera in the UK?
With doorstep scams, parcel thieves, and fraud on the rise, a video doorbell is more than just a convenience. Here are five key benefits you will get from the best door camera:
- Deterrence and Evidence: Visible cameras deter opportunistic burglars. If a crime does occur, high‑quality footage provides crucial evidence. For example, Essex Police used video doorbell footage of a sword‑wielding intruder to make an arrest.
- Parcel and Package Protection: In recent years, there has been a 59% year‑on‑year jump in parcel thefts. Video doorbells trigger alerts when parcels arrive and record anyone taking packages, helping you recover losses and charge thieves.
- Remote Visitor Screening: Some of the best doorbell cameras UK let you see and speak to visitors from anywhere. You can verify deliveries, tradesmen, or unexpected callers, and even send prerecorded responses. This protects vulnerable residents from bogus callers and ensures you don’t miss important guests.
- Peace of Mind: A smart doorbell keeps you connected. Forty‑two percent of UK users install cameras for peace of mind, knowing they can check their front door at any time via the app.
- Smart Alerts and Integration: Modern doorbells use AI to cut false alarms and can integrate with home assistants. Many link into smart home systems, such as Alexa, or run on local storage, so you avoid monthly fees.
4 Top-Rated Video Doorbells in the UK
Once you realize the importance of video doorbells, let’s talk about the best options you have. Go through these four highly rated eufy models, chosen for different needs.
eufy Video Doorbell E340
Ideal For: Best overall security coverage with dual camera and night color vision.
This battery-powered best video doorbell UK packs dual HD cameras into a slim design. One of its 2K cameras covers the person at eye level, and a second camera points downward at your doorstep. Together, they give a full-body view and focus on parcels.
Moreover, its night vision and two built‑in spotlights ensure clear color video at night. You can power this video doorbell from its internal 6500 mAh battery, which can last for months per charge. However, you also have the option to wire it to existing doorbell power for always-on use.
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Main Features
- Delivery Guard Package Alerts: AI detection notifies you when a parcel appears. This helps catch thieves or alert couriers if no one’s home.
- 8GB Local Storage: Records events on-device with the help of its 8 GB built-in memory. Clips stay private on your camera or a HomeBase if used.
- Flexible Chime Compatibility: Hear alerts anywhere in your home by pairing the doorbell with multiple options. Supports existing mechanical chimes and eufy HomeBases for improved transition.
Pros
- Enjoy built‑in storage with no monthly fees for cloud storage.
- Dual cameras capture every visitor and package down to the head and toes.
Con
- The storage of this video doorbell is fixed and cannot be expanded.
Specifications
|
Resolution |
|
|
Field of View |
Wide-angle |
|
Connectivity |
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |
|
Motion Detection |
Yes |
|
Pricing |
£159.99 |
eufy Video Doorbell S330
Ideal For: Parcel protection with dual view and advanced motion detection.
Like the previous doorbell camera, the S330 also uses two cameras, including a 2K front camera and a downward-facing 1080p camera for overall monitoring. With its package and human recognition technology, you’ll know exactly when a parcel arrives or a person approaches.
Moreover, this top-rated video doorbell includes an 8 GB HomeBase hub without any cloud fee. So, you can store footage on-site, which runs up to 90 days.
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Main Features
- Advanced Motion Detection: Combines PIR and radar sensors for accurate alerts. Its AI recognizes vehicles and even spots packages to cut out any false alarms.
- Two‑Way Audio: With its built‑in speaker and microphone, you can speak to visitors or deter intruders in real time, right from your smartphone.
- Guard Package Alerts: Its exclusive Delivery Guard feature instantly notifies you the moment a parcel arrives, so you can monitor drop‑offs in real time.
Pros
- Use battery power or existing doorbell wiring as preferred.
- HomeBase storage keeps video free of subscription costs.
Con
- The battery lasts months, but you must recharge periodically if not hardwired.
Specifications
|
Camera |
|
|---|---|
|
Power |
3 to 6 months |
|
Connectivity |
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |
|
Smart AI Support |
Package Detection, Waiting Detection, Human Detection |
|
Pricing |
£229.00 |
eufy Video Doorbell C31
Ideal For: Budget-friendly theft protection with a single camera.
Being a cost‑effective option, this best doorbell camera UK has a single front-facing camera to help you see visitors head-to-toe. It runs on a quick-release 6500 mAh battery or can be hardwired for unlimited 24/7 recording.
It works with HomeBase 3 for optional local storage and connects to Alexa or Google devices for improved security. It lacks a downward camera, but its strong performance and video-call feature make it a great budget choice.
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Main Features
- Video Call Alerts: When someone rings, the app notifies you like a phone call with live video. You can answer anytime, send quick voice replies, or have guests leave voicemails if you’re out.
- AI Security Hub: HomeBase S380 secures your data with on-device encryption and smart AI. It auto-compiles motion across all linked cameras into unified event summaries.
- Quick Response Setup: You can set custom voice prompts within the eufy app to greet visitors when you’re away and ask them to leave a voice message.
Pros
- This best video doorbell UK provides high-quality 2K video at a low price.
- Get live video calls and two-way talk whenever the doorbell rings.
Con
- Some users have complained about the sluggish performance.
Specifications
|
Video Resolution |
2K |
|---|---|
|
Battery Capacity |
6500mAh |
|
Storage |
Up to 128GB microSD |
|
AI Detection |
Human and Motion |
|
Pricing |
£89.99 |
eufy Video Doorbell C210
Ideal For: Budget-conscious homeowners with an extra chime support.
As an entry-level eufy model, this top-rated video doorbell has a 1080p camera with WDR-enabled for clear day and night images. It also uses a Wi-Fi chime as its storage hub. So, all footage is saved on an SD card inside the chime, and nothing goes to the cloud.
Its giant battery can last about 120 days on one charge. Like others, it provides AI human detection and smartphone alerts to keep your house secure when you are away.
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Main Features
- Full‑Body View: Its expanded 4:3 aspect ratio captures visitors from head to toe, so you never miss details at their feet or packages on the ground.
- Custom Activity Zones: You can draw precise detection areas to ignore busy footpaths and focus only on your doorstep to cut down false alerts.
- Automated Voice Responses: UK house owners record up to three custom voice messages in-app for instantly greeting visitors.
Pros
- Records the clips to include the chime’s SD card, so no monthly plan needed.
- Wireless connectivity with included chime, so power cutouts don’t compromise security.
Con
- Only 1080p, so images are less detailed than higher-end models.
Specifications
|
Video Resolution |
1080P |
|---|---|
|
Battery Capacity |
5000mAh |
|
Technology |
AI Human detection |
|
Smart Integration |
Alexa and Google Assistant |
|
Pricing |
£99.99 |
How to Choose the Right Video Doorbell for Your Home?
When comparing the best door cameras, consider these factors to make the right choice.
Wired and Wireless Options
Most of the wired models draw constant power but require professional wiring. Wireless doorbells are easier DIY installs but need recharging and can suffer false lows if the battery drains. So, you have to choose based on your wiring and reliability needs.
Resolution and Field of View
You need to think about the resolution that works best for your needs. We recommend you use a 2K resolution camera with dual-view for overall coverage and better security.
Detection Features
Look for smart motion detection, such as adjustable activity zones, and AI human or parcel recognition. To reduce false alerts, eufy has dedicated package and person alerts. More advanced detection improves security awareness.
Storage Options
Decide if you want local storage (free and private) or cloud (subscription-based). Local options include an SD card or a base station, while Cloud plans let you store events remotely but cost ongoing fees.
Budget and Features
Finally, match features to price. For example, when parcel alerts are key, we recommend you go for dual-cam models like the S330. For budget-conscious people, the C31 or C210 delivers core functions cheaply.
eufy vs. Ring: Subscription Plans
Ring’s subscription plans have recently become more expensive. As complained by users, the UK Basic plan jumped from £35 to £49.99 per year per device. Go through this detailed table to pick the best video doorbell in the UK without any subscription fee:
|
Plan / Feature |
Ring Protect Basic |
Ring Protect Standard |
eufy (Local Storage) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cost |
£4.99/mo £49.99/yr/device |
£7.99/mo £79.99/yr (all devices) |
£0 |
|
Coverage |
1 device (bell or cam) |
All devices at one address |
All recorded locally |
|
Cloud Storage |
Yes (up to 180 days) |
Yes (up to 180 days) |
No cloud needed |
|
Local Storage |
No (except for live view only) |
No |
Yes, on HomeBase/SD |
All in all, eufy’s free local storage saves you hundreds over time. Unlike Ring, eufy doesn’t force you into paid cloud plans to view or keep footage. You store and replay events on your own hardware, so there are no subscription surprises.
Installation Costs for the Best Video Doorbells in the UK
Installing a video doorbell can incur extra costs beyond the unit price. On average, UK electricians charge £45 to £60 per hour for labor, sometimes more in cities. Hardwired systems often require professional installation. By contrast, most battery-powered eufy models can be DIY-mounted with just basic tools.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
If you have existing doorbell wiring, you’ll likely need an electrician to connect your new smart bell and chime. A typical UK electrician's rate is about £50 per hour, plus call‑out fees.
Installing a wireless camera is easier, so you can drill a bracket and snap it in place yourself. eufy video doorbells are designed for a simple DIY fit, as many users install them without experts.
Additional Hardware
While picking the top-rated video doorbell, budget for any extra accessories. If you have no traditional chime, you may need a chime connector to hear rings indoors.
Some battery models can add an optional solar panel to extend the time between charges. Many doorbells come with angled wedge-mounts, but you may need to buy them separately. And eufy doorbells now cannot connect to a solar panel. If you need to monitor a larger outdoor area, we'd suggest choose our solar CCTV cameras instead.
UK Regulations and Privacy Considerations Related to Video Doorbells
When installing the best door cameras, UK laws relating to doorbell cameras requires you to respect these data rights:
Data Protection
ICO guidance requires you to aim cameras at your own property only. You should minimise recording beyond your boundary and use privacy filters if available.
Sometimes, homeowners are required to install a warning sign that CCTV is in use. The ICO also advises keeping recordings secure with encryption and deleting old footage regularly.
GDPR Impact
When your door camera records people outside your home premises, they have rights under GDPR. They can request a copy of any footage or ask you to stop filming them.
You are legally obliged to handle such requests, usually within one month. In practice, keep retention periods short and be prepared to share relevant clips with any recorded person.
Neighbour Relations
To avoid disputes, point the cameras away from capturing neighbors’ gardens or adjacent houses. The best video doorbells UK from eufy support privacy zones to blur out sections of the view.
Communicating with neighbors helps, so you can let them know your system is for security or adjust angles if needed. The ICO specifically recommends positioning CCTV away from others’ property and public areas where possible.
Conclusion
Video doorbells have become essential UK home security devices, as they deter criminals and let you monitor your doorstep from anywhere. Our top picks from the eufy video doorbell lineup cover every need and budget.
With their dual‑camera views and smart AI alerts, the best video doorbell UK from eufy proves suitable for home security. So, we highly recommend these eufy door cameras for British homes. Buy any of your desired models now and install them by yourself to protect your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best subscription-free video doorbell in the UK?
In the eufy lineup, the eufy E340 is widely cited as a top subscription-free choice. It has dual cameras and built-in recording with no monthly fees.
Do burglars avoid houses with video doorbells?
Many homeowners believe video doorbells deter burglars. Industry surveys found that 30% of UK respondents said their cameras act as a deterrent to burglary. In practice, visible cameras make a home harder to rob anonymously, as they raise the risk for intruders.
Can a neighbor complain about a video doorbell?
Yes, if your doorbell camera records outside your property, they can ask you to reposition the camera or even file a complaint. UK guidance advises owners to avoid filming neighbors and to respond to any requests for footage.
Do doorbell cameras record all the time?
Usually, battery‑powered doorbells typically record only when triggered by motion or a ring. Continuous 24/7 recording is rare and generally requires extra setup. Some wired systems can record continuously, but most home doorbells just store clips from events.
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