Popularity for cameras perched over doors keeps rising because they come with lots of perks. For those living in apartments, these gadgets work like a charm since they operate on batteries, sidestepping the hassle of electrical wires. Setting them up is a breeze, needing no tools, making them super handy and easy-peasy to use.
Most homeowners like to install video doorbell cameras to monitor their front porch. In most cases, video doorbells are wired into your existing doorbell system. But what if you live in an apartment where drilling on the doors is prohibited?
That’s where the best over the door security cameras come in!
Over the door security cameras are compatible with all standard doors. And when it’s time to shift them to another home, you can easily uninstall your camera and reinstall it elsewhere
This camera wins the top spot for its excellent performance – including its nice day and night video resolution
- 720p video resolution
- 160 degrees viewing angle
- Clear two-way talk
The Remo+ over the door smart security camera is a sleek door cam that was the first-ever of its kind. It is a wireless HD camera with a decent video resolution of 720p. Its images are clear and crisp. And thanks to the infrared night vision, you can monitor what’s happening outside your door both day and night.
This camera also supports two-way talk, and you can communicate with your visitors (or scare away unwanted guests) from any location in the world. Sound is clear, flawless, with no lag. What’s more, installing this over the door camera is a breeze. And it fits all standard doors.
Tech Specs
The Remo + over the door smart camera is weatherproof and will operate within a temperature range of 0°F to 122°F. Plus, it has a wide viewing angle of 160 degrees, which is enough to cover everything that’s happening on your entry pouch.
Also, note that this over the door cam is battery powered. It uses three D-type batteries with impressive battery life. Your camera can last for up to 12 months, which you can quickly replace while inside your home.
The camera also has a live view mode, which lets you see what’s happening at your entryway from any location at any time. And the motion detectors alert whenever there’s any movement at your door.
Your camera records these activities and stores them in a cloud where you can watch and review them using the Remo smartphone app. But you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription of $3 or $30 per year to access cloud recording.
This camera is also compatible with Amazon Alexa for hands-free control.
- Compatible with all doors
- Has a wide 160 degrees field of view
- Installation is a breeze
- Powered by long-lasting batteries that can last for up to 12 months
- 720p HD videos with an excellent resolution both day and night
- The motion sensor could be a bit more sensitive
With its easy installation and wide field of view to its free cloud storage, the Panasonic Home Hawk Outdoor Camera is a device worth considering.
- 173 degrees wide viewing angle
- Rechargeable battery
- Free cloud storage
There are numerous things to love about the Panasonic HomeHawk Outdoor Wireless Smart Home Security Camera. It is an easy-to-install over the door camera that easily fits into the included mount. And the camera can fit on all doors, making it a perfect choice for renters.
The camera has no wires and runs on batteries. Its batteries are rechargeable and will last for an average period of three months. Thanks to its wide 172 degrees viewing angle, this camera gives you full coverage of your front yard.
When any motion is detected within the camera’s range, instant alerts are sent to your phone. And you can customize your activity zones to focus on the areas that matter.
Tech Specs
After receiving an activity alert, you can choose to watch live footage of what’s happening at your door. And because the camera has a two-way talk feature, you can respond to your visitor and listen to what they say.
Alternatively, you can access the videos of the recorded footage on your cloud storage. There are no cloud storage subscriptions needed. And you can also include a micro SD card for local storage of your footage.
Videos are crisp thanks to the HD camera, and the color night vision makes it easier to know who is at the door. The Panasonic HomeHawk over the door security camera also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Customizable motion detection that allows you to focus on only what matters to you
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Sends instant push alerts whenever motion or sound is detected
- Wide field of view for total coverage
- Color night vision
- The phone app could have been better
The BodyGuardz camera is highly portable, easy to install with superb resolution.
- Two 1080p HD cameras
- 135 degrees viewing angle
- Automatic night vision
The BodyGuardz Portable Over-Door Camera is designed with renters in mind. Its installation is straightforward, and you can self-install the camera in minutes.
Thanks to its wire-free and sturdy design, you can take the camera with you for your vacation. And the camera will mount on any standard door. It has a decent 135 degrees field of view, which gives a broad view of what or who is at the door.
Another noteworthy feature? This camera has 2-way audio detection. And you will also get alerts whenever there is motion within your camera’s range.
Tech Specs
This over-the-door security camera has two HD cameras with an impressive resolution of 1080p, which is among the best available out there. Images are sharp and clean. Plus, the automatic night vision ensures you do not miss a thing, even at night.
Do you want to scare away an unwanted guest even when you’re miles away? This camera has a 90db alarm siren that is excellent for the purpose.
But the feature that makes this camera outshine the rest is its viewing monitor at the door. This feature is especially useful when you’re at home.
- Has an adjustable bracket that ensures it can fit in any standard door
- It’s wire-free and easy to set up
- Has a viewing monitor that allows you to view who is at your entry pouch without checking your phone
- Includes an easily removable and rechargeable battery that can last for up to two months
- Has a 90db alarm siren ideal for deterring intruders
- A little more expensive than its competitors
Should I Buy an Over the Door Security Camera
Viewing monitor at door
Some of the best over the door security cameras come with a viewing monitor at the door. This feature allows you to see who is at the door without relying on your phone app, which is handy, especially when you’re at home without your phone at hand.
Easy to install
Installing an over the door camera is a breeze. Simply hang it over your door, set up your camera, and you’re good to go. You don’t have to drill any holes or fix any wires. Plus, these cameras are super portable. You can pack your over the door camera in your bag in a split second.
Wireless
Forget about the messy wires on your door with the best over the door camera. These cameras are wireless, making their installation clean, quick, and straightforward. Just place the camera over any standard door to monitor your home or apartment. You’ll only need to connect it to your home Wi-Fi system.
Remote viewing access
Monitor your home or apartment from any location and at any time with an over the door security camera. That’s because the camera sends instant alerts of any motion or person at your door, even at night. And, you can hold two-way communication with the person at the door.
Battery so no wiring
Over-the-door security cameras are battery operated. That means the proximity of the camera doesn’t limit its installation to a power socket.
Most of these batteries are long-lasting and can last for about two to three months before it needs recharging. And the best part? Your camera will still work even if there is a power outage.
Great for apartments
Living in an apartment comes with several limitations. You are not allowed to install any device or appliance that will tamper with the residential property. And that’s where over the door security cameras come in. They are easy to install and will fit perfectly in all standard doors. Plus, you do not have to drill any destructive holes in the doors.
Over the Door Camera Features to Consider
Night Vision & Motion Sensor
You want, of course, to be able to monitor your entry porch both day and night. Night vision can either be colored or black and white. And although both work well, colored night vision makes it easier to identify who is at the door.
And to ensure that you do not miss anything happening outside your door, go for an over-the-door camera with a motion sensor. It will alert you when someone is outside.
Viewing angle
The viewing angle refers to the extent you can see from your over the door camera. The ideal viewing angle for your camera is 180 degrees. With that, your camera can view everything that’s happening at your front door. However, some budget options have a narrower field of view.
As a rule of thumb, go for an over-the-door security camera with the widest viewing angle within your budget.
Intercom 2-way-talk
The two-way-talk lets you communicate with the person at the door, regardless of your location. Your camera alerts you via your phone app that someone is at the door. And, using your app, you can chat with your visitor. Is there an unwelcome guest at your front door? Using the intercom 2-way-talk, you can let them know that you are watching to scare them away.
Your pick of an over the door cam should provide flawless communication with minimum or no lag.
Smartphone App
Do you want an over the door camera that you can monitor even when you’re miles away from home? Ensure your pick has a smartphone app that’s compatible with your phone. Luckily most smartphone apps are compatible with both android and iOS. You’ll only need to download the app when setting up your camera.
The app will allow you to view what’s happening at your door, review cloud footage, and communicate with the delivery guy standing at your door.
HD Video
Another important feature that determines how well your camera does what it is supposed to do is its resolution. The resolution will determine the clarity of your videos of your camera. Video resolution will mostly range from 480p or the way up to 1080p.
If you are looking to have super clear and crisp images choose an over the door camera with a 1080p video resolution. A 780p camera is also a decent option and will give clear images. However, 480p is a little too low.
Cloud Recording & Live Footage
Some over the door cameras include free cloud storage, while you’ll require a paid subscription for some. The cloud storage stores all footage recorded when your camera detects motion in front of your door. And you can review this footage remotely using your phone app.
If you want to have even more control of your home, even when you’re away, go for a camera that supports live streaming. This feature allows you access to the real-time events happening right outside your doorstep, which is a great feature even for monitoring your pets.
Common Questions Relating to Over the Door Cameras
How do I install an over the door camera?
Over-the-door cams are a favorite among most people for their ease of installation. You can install them in minutes, without drilling holes or damaging the doors. Their easy and quick installation makes them ideal for renters.
Plus, every cam has an adjustable bracket, which you can adjust to fit over any standard door. What’s more, the cameras are easy to uninstall. And you can carry them to your hotel room during your upcoming vacation.
Is my front door compatible with an over-the-door camera?
Every over the door security camera is designed with the renter in mind. Other than its easy installation, these cameras are also versatile and are compatible with all standard doors.
Your camera comes with an adjustable bracket for versatile installation. And you can adjust it as needed depending on your type of door.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for the best and affordable smart over-the-door camera with excellent performance, the Remo+ Over-the-Door Smart Security Camera is my best pick.
But if you want an option with a broader viewing angle and free cloud storage, go for the Panasonic HomeHawk Over the Door Security Camera.
The BodyGuardz Portable Over-Door Camera] on the other hand, has a viewing monitor inside the house, better video resolution, but a narrower field of view.
This camera wins the top spot for its excellent performance – including its nice day and night video resolution
- 720p video resolution
- 160 degrees viewing angle
- Clear two-way talk