Setting up a home security system usually kicks off at the front door, showing just how crucial peephole cameras are. These nifty devices let you see who's visiting without cracking open the door, giving you spot-on security while keeping things super convenient.
Peephole cameras work by capturing footage when motion is detected, which is then sent to your smartphone or tablet. This means that no matter where you are, you can always see who’s at your front door.
On this website, I try to provide people with honest recommendations which are founded on my years of experience, along with extensive research of the topic and hands-on product testing.
My conclusion is that the vast majority of peephole cameras on the market are terrible! As you can see in the image below, most come from random, pseudo-brands on Amazon and Walmart. (The most ridiculous brand name I found in my research was “Btihceuot”!)
These are usually just white-labeled generics that are pretty poor quality and offer very little if any customer support.
If you’re looking for a quick recommendation on this, then just go for the Ring Peephole Cam (if the peephole specs match your door). It has long been the best in this market until they discontinued it a few years ago. However, it’s now back by popular demand and is light years ahead of the competition.
Having waded through the many, many products on sale in this space, the only other products worth talking about are the Ezviz and Brinno. Both of these are actual brands, as opposed to most others, and are likely to be around for more than 6 months to support your device into the future!
- Resolution: 1080p HD
- Two-way Audio: Yes
- Motion Sensor Alerts: Stay updated on door activity
- Easy Installation: No wiring or drilling is needed
- Alexa Compatibility: Yes
- Advanced Motion Detection: Yes
- Package Delivery Management: Yes (with Ring Protect)
- Ring Protect Plan (optional): Record, review, and share videos
Enjoy security and style with this 1080p HD video doorbell, offering sharp images and advanced motion detection for tracking deliveries and visitors. Customize motion sensor settings to suit your needs, proving practicality and appearance can work together.
Chat with visitors at your door using the doorbell's two-way audio feature, which allows safe and easy conversations. Compatible with smartphones, tablets, and PCs, it effortlessly takes door conversations to the next level.
I like that it has a simple installation and clear video quality. However, the inconsistent motion sensitivity and the need to subscribe to the monthly Ring Protect plan to access all features are the main downsides.
- Easy to install in peephole
- 1080p HD video quality
- Works with Alexa devices
- Advanced Motion Detection
- Two-way audio communication
- Ideal for apartments/rentals
- Extra battery provided
- Inconsistent motion sensor distance
- Charging time for the battery
- Poor audio quality in some cases
- Requires Ring Protect Plan for recording
- Limited view angle
- Touch Panel: 4.3-inch color display
- Video Quality: 1080p Full HD resolution
- Viewing Angle: 166° visual coverage
- Instant Two-Way Video Call: Yes
- Smart Human Detection: PIR motion & human-shape algorithm
- Battery Life: 90 days standby with 4,600 mAh rechargeable lithium battery
- Storage Options: Micro SD Card (up to 256G) or CloudPlay
- Wi-Fi Compatibility: Supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
The CP4 peephole camera offers 1080p resolution, ensuring clear images day and night. The 5M infrared night vision and 166° field of view capture everything outside your door.
The camera has a voice alteration feature for safe conversations, and adjustable detection sensitivity lets you control what gets recorded.
I liked the easy installation, thanks to a wire-free design and a 90-day rechargeable battery. Connecting to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network and using the Ezviz App is a breeze. However, I was disappointed that some users report complications with the app.
- Easy installation and setup
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- Wide 166° visual coverage
- Smart human detection to reduce false alarms
- Touch display for easy control
- Two-way video call with voice changer option
- Long battery life (up to 90 days)
- Multiple storage options (MicroSD/Cloud)
- Only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Infrared LEDs visible outside the door
- App issues for some
- No immediate intercom function (only through the app)
- IR night vision may have issues with certain external light sources
- Peephole Size: 12mm, fits doors 1.1"-2.2" wide
- Notifications: Automatic photo alerts via email
- Subscription: None required
- Built-in Sensors: Knocking and motion detection (optional)
- Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz
- Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 5 x 4.1 inches
- Battery Requirement: 4 AA batteries (included)
An improvement on the SCH500 model, with the SCHC100W you can swap your outdated peephole for this modern gold peephole camera, designed for doors 1.1" to 2.2" wide. With a 12mm diameter and high-quality lens, it provides a clear view of your front porch. I liked the sharp image and easy universal fit for any home.
This peephole camera has Wi-Fi-enabled live streaming and playback without subscription fees or hidden costs. Just insert the 4 AA batteries (included), connect to your smartphone, and watch from your couch or on the go. I enjoyed the simple installation.
The downside is the high battery consumption. Besides live viewing, the camera detects motion and knocking, sending automatic photo notifications to your email. It comes with a 2.7-inch TFT LCD display and a microSD card for storage, making it easy to see who visited your doorstep, wherever you are.
- Easy installation and setup
- Clear picture quality
- No subscription fees
- 3-year product warranty
- Automatic photo notifications sent to your email
- Optional motion detector setup
- Poor battery life
- Difficult Wi-Fi setup and connectivity issues
- Inconsistent motion sensor performance
- App functionality issues
- Product durability concerns
- Limited customer support assistance
Alternative Approaches
No-Drill Mounts
Video doorbells have a lot more features than a lot of the best peephole cameras. So you could just use a no-drill mount and that way you can opt for a high-quality video doorbell from established brands like Ring, Nest, Arlo, Eufy, or Reolink, instead of settling for lower-quality, generic peephole cameras.
No-drill mounts allow for an easy, non-invasive installation of video doorbells without damaging your front door. They provide similar, if not better, security and convenience features compared to the best peephole cameras. Plus, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of seamless integration with popular smart home ecosystems.
You can check out some no-drill mounts for a variety of video doorbell models here.
Over-the-Door Cameras
If you're a renter looking for a less intrusive option for monitoring your apartment's front door, consider using an over-the-door camera like the Remo+ DoorCam2 or the Panasonic HomeHawk. These devices eliminate the need for door modifications and ensure you don't violate any tenancy agreements.
Both the Remo+ DoorCam 2 and Panasonic HomeHawk offer easy installation, requiring you to simply hang them over your door. This straightforward setup is ideal for those who want to avoid drilling holes or making changes to their doors.
These over-the-door cameras provide high-quality video, allowing you to monitor your front door effectively. Additionally, they come with features like night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio.
Check out my dedicated over-the-door camera article here.
Key factors to take into account
Camera resolution and image quality
When considering a peephole camera for your apartment's front door, the camera resolution and image quality are crucial factors.
Higher resolution cameras, such as the 1080p video offered by the Ring Peephole Cam, ensure that the images and videos captured are clear and detailed. This allows you to easily identify any visitors, package deliveries, or potential security concerns.
Other devices like the Brinno WiFi Peephole Camera provide a 90-degree view angle, ensuring that you can see a wide area around your doorstep without blind spots.
Ultimately, a high-resolution camera with a wide field of view is essential for an effective best peephole camera.
Ease of installation with a low footprint
To avoid violating any tenancy agreements you need an installation method that results in very little if any changes to your front door.
The Ring Peephole Cam offers a straightforward installation process that takes under five minutes and doesn't require any wiring or drilling. It is also compatible with Alexa, allowing you to connect with Echo devices for a cohesive smart home experience.
On the other hand, the Brinno Peephole Camera is designed to fit doors between 1.1″-2.2″ wide and runs on 4 AA batteries, making installation quick and painless.
Best Peephole Cameras: Smart features
Smart features and app integration should also be a priority. Look for cameras that offer easy access to live video feeds, two-way communication, and motion detection alerts through smartphone apps.
For instance, the Ring Peephole Cam allows you to see, hear, and speak with visitors through an app and can be connected to compatible Alexa devices for added convenience.
Cameras like the Ezviz CP4 have customizable detection sensitivity to minimize false alarms and an intuitive touch panel for easy control.
Battery life
These cameras are generally not hardwired so you need to consider battery life.
Among the options mentioned, the Brinno WiFi Peephole Camera relies on 4 AA batteries for power. The Ezviz CP4 stands out with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, boasting a 90-day standby time and smart power-saving features.
It's essential to evaluate how long the battery will last and what kind of power source is needed for each camera, in order to choose the one best suited for your specific requirements while ensuring that it remains operational and reliable over time.
Security and data privacy
When it comes to security and data privacy, one crucial aspect to consider is how the peephole camera stores and transmits your data.
For instance, the Brinno WiFi Peephole Camera sends automatic photo notifications to your smartphone via email, allowing you to maintain control of your privacy without any subscriptions or hidden fees.
On the other hand, the Ring Peephole Cam offers optional video recording and reviewing up to 180 days through a Ring Protect subscription plan.
Regardless of the product, it's essential to examine how these cameras ensure the security of your data and what measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access.
Additionally, consider whether these devices offer features like encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security updates to keep your information safe from potential threats.
FAQs
What is a Peephole Camera?
A peephole camera is a small, discreet device that is installed in the viewer of a front door and allows residents to see who is outside without opening the door. It can also record videos and take pictures of visitors, providing added security for homeowners.
How does a peephole camera work?
A peephole camera uses a small camera lens to capture an image or video of the person standing outside your door. This image is then transmitted to a screen or mobile device, allowing you to see who is there without opening the door.
Can the best peephole camera be installed on any door?
Most peephole cameras are designed to be compatible with standard peepholes found in residential doors, but it is always advisable to check the specs before purchasing to ensure compatibility.
Are peephole cameras easy to use?
The best peephole cameras are generally very easy to use, with most models providing simple controls for image/video capture and review. Additionally, many models offer integration with mobile devices and other smart home products.
Conclusion
My main recommended peephole camera is the Ring Peephole Cam. With its HD video, 2-way talk, and easy installation, you can upgrade your door's peephole and see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere. Plus, the built-in motion sensors and compatibility with Alexa make this a top pick for smart home enthusiasts.
As for the second recommended product, I suggest checking out the Ezviz Peephole Camera as no monthly subscription is required to access all features.
Citations
https://www.ezviz.com/ca/product/CP4/43759
https://ipcamtalk.com/threads/ezviz-cp4-dp2c.66912/
https://support.ring.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021844872-Ring-Peephole-Cam-Information