Installing a peephole camera is a great way to increase your home security and allow you to see who is at your door. These devices are motion-activated, work in low light conditions, and record footage of activity.
Our top pick is the Ring Peephole Camera with its remote viewing and two-way audio. The Brinno is a simple solution, with easy installation and syncing to a smartphone not needed.
There are currently two types of peephole cameras available.
Smartphone & Voice-Enabled Peephole Camera
This type of peephole camera allows you to see who is at your door when you are not at home. It doubles up as a doorbell and allows two-way audio so you can speak to the person without being there. Currently, the Ring Peephole Camera is the only serious player in this space.
Upgraded Peephole with LCD Screen
This device upgrades your existing peephole. You no longer need to strain your eye through a fisheye lens as it comes with an LCD screen which is mounted on the inside of your front door. These devices record video footage or images on to a local SD card and have motion sensors and night vision capabilities. They do not have an app to view remotely or two-way audio.
This Wi-Fi peephole camera is compatible with Alexa, meaning it sends an alert when a visitor approaches and allows two-way communication.
It comes with a 1080p HD video display along with a 155-degree field of view
A state-of-the-art infrared night vision system allows you to clearly see in challenging lighting conditions
Using a two-way communication feature, you can remotely talk to the visitor
This compact peephole camera is an innovative piece of equipment that can effectively replace your traditional peephole. Whenever someone presses the bell button, knocks on your front door, or triggers the motion sensors, you get notifications on your smartphone.
No matter wherever you are, this front door peephole camera allows you to see and communicate with the visitors standing at your door.
The installation of this device is incredibly easy and quick, and it involves very little effort. The process doesn’t need any tools that can damage your door, as a result, you can easily install it in your house or apartment.
Smart Home Integrations
The compatibility of this peephole camera with smart devices like Amazon Alexa (that feature a screen such as Fire TV and Echo Show) offers some extra convenience.
Like all other ring devices, this camera makes use of the same Ring mobile app that can be downloaded for both Android and iOS. There you will also find the “Lights” button to control the Ring Smart Lighting devices if they are installed in your home. Similarly, you can check all the activities from your Ring devices.
Moreover, the battery pack of this camera is removable and can be charged at any point, which indicates that the manufacturer had the durability factor in mind.
- The display is crystal clear
- It can also work as a doorbell!
- Installation and setup process is easy
- Compatibility with smart devices is an added advantage
- Some barrel distortion is noticeable
- You cannot check the recorded video without a subscription
- Can send unnecessary notifications
The Brinno SHC500 Peephole Camera is a simple yet effective security solution that helps you keep an eye on unwanted people.
Records a 10-second video clip and saves it to the microSD whether you want to see the person or not
Four AA batteries can keep it running for up to six months
Eliminates fish-eye distortion for a clear view of the person standing at the door
Instead of a tiny fish-eye view, this security peephole camera from Brinno produces clear images of the person standing on your front door. It brings along a clear digital resolution and enables you to record the visitors.
Featuring an advanced lens, it effectively eliminates the fish-eye effect and helps you identify the visitors with its wider field of view. Unlike the traditional home security systems, installation is easy and cheap. Besides, you get a high-resolution imaging system.
Recorded data is stored in a log that can be accessed to view images and video clips. You can easily sort out and track these images and videos as they are time-stamped with the time when the visitor arrived at your home.
Local Storage
With a single push of a button, you can save or replay these videos. A microSD with a capacity of up to 32GB can be used to save the data.
As for low light scenarios, the camera allows you to take a good look at the person at the door. You can even see him even if it’s completely dark outside.
The camera doesn’t need any permanent installation, meaning no complex wiring is required. Therefore, you can easily install it in your apartment or dorm room, and take it with you if you are moving to the next location.
- The camera unit features a clear 2.7-inch display
- Setup and installation is easy and quick
- Allows you to keep video logs of the visitors
- Lacks WiFi so you won’t be able to check the video remotely
- Image quality is not amazing in low light conditions
If you are on a budget and looking for a peephole security camera that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, this device is for you.
Features a 3.5-inch TFT LCD monitor on the inside of your home
Uses a lens with a 120-degree viewing angle
Takes a snap once the visitor presses the bell button
As you can see, the Digitharbor’s door peephole viewer camera incorporates some impressive features. It will capture the visitor’s image once he hits the bell. At 3.5 inches, the display size is good with decent image quality.
The user interface is well-designed that ensures nice and smooth accessibility to the captured images and videos.
Although the video resolution is less than what we’d recommend, it still produces a decent result. Also, the night vision capability makes it a capable peephole camera considering the price factor. The viewing angle of the lens is also pretty good.
Power
This security peephole camera is powered by four AA batteries that provide it enough juice to last for a few months. However, the camera doesn’t come without flaws.
For instance, it doesn’t allow you to use your smartphone as a display. Sadly, it means you won’t be able to communicate with the visitor remotely. To put it simply, there is no two-way audio.
Similarly, the camera takes the snap when the guest presses the doorbell button situated under the camera, which is not an ideal position for the capture and would fail in most cases.
- Impressive night vision capabilities for a clear view in the dark
- Works better than other competitors with the same viewing angle
- Easy installation and interface is user-friendly
- Video resolution is only 480p
- Doesn’t trigger automatic recording until someone pushes the ring button
- Lacks motion detection capabilities for a better experience
- No remote viewing capabilities
Other Peephole Cameras
Features a VGA camera and a 2.8-inch LCD monitor
Offers a viewing angle of an incredible 165 degrees
Supports microSD with a memory of up to 32GB
This peephole camera is available in three different colors and works without the phone, taking snaps of your guests at both daytime and nighttime.
Not only is this camera easy to install, you also don’t have to worry about purchasing some extra pack of batteries as they are rechargeable. Its 165-degree viewing angle provides wide coverage for a clear look. There is no hardwiring required but some of the users may wish for an automatic motion sensor.
Equipped with a 720p HD camera
Features PIR motion detection to monitor unwanted activities
Its lens has a 100-degree field of view
Like the above digital peepholes, this product also comes with an indoor and outdoor unit for monitoring and easy access. It supports a microSD of up to 64GB and will automatically start recording if someone hits the bell.
Thanks to its PIR motion detection sensor, you can capture unwanted movements and individuals at your door. Furthermore, it employs an infrared alarm notification system that sends you alerts if it detects an intrusion. This feature can be managed using an app on your iOS or Android device.
Comes with a 3.5-inch screen for a clear footage
Its lens features a 120-degree field of view
Camera offers a decent 480×320p resolution
It’s one of the most affordable security solutions for your home. The inside unit has a widescreen and decent resolution to monitor smooth and precise operation when a person knocks on your front door.
The installation process is easy and can be done without any additional tools. The operation is simple and effective for the protection of your home. The viewing angle is more than adequate and the camera can produce appropriate results at both daytime and nighttime.
It’s one of the most affordable security solutions for your home. The inside unit has a widescreen and decent resolution to monitor smooth and precise operation when a person knocks on your front door.
The installation process is easy and can be done without any additional tools. The operation is simple and effective for the protection of your home. The viewing angle is more than adequate and the camera can produce appropriate results at both daytime and nighttime.
Peephole Camera Features to Consider
Answer Door Remotely
Some peephole cameras look exactly like the older peepholes. They allow you to look through the door without letting the outside person know. With a single press of a button, you can view the visitor’s profile on a clear LCD.
Likewise, you can also answer the door and communicate with your guests remotely on your smartphone if you are not home.
Increased Security
When it comes to a home security system, peephole cameras are also a simple and effective solution. They are loaded with several features that help you monitor suspicious movements outside.
For instance, they are equipped with motion detection sensors and automatic recording features that can send you alerts if there is an intruder.
Video Quality & Field of View
Good video quality and a wider field of view mean your peephole camera can capture clear footage of the events and allows you to see a good area around the door.
Modern peephole cameras provide HD footage and up to a 170-degree field of view. Some of them are also equipped with advanced lenses to remove the fish-eye effect.
Stylish Design
Not only are the peephole cameras loaded with smart features, but they are also incredibly stylish. They feature an ultra-slim design that looks stunning and fits into a variety of door types.
Two-Way Audio
The two-way audio is another useful feature that these peephole cameras offer. Using this communication system, you can talk to the visitor at your door even when you are not home.
The device makes use of a mic and a speaker that make it possible. Since the visitor can’t see you, he won’t be able to tell whether you are home or not.
Live Video Feed and Recording
Peephole cameras can provide a live video feed if you wish to monitor or track the visitors. They can also record the footage and save it to a microSD or cloud storage.
Night Vision & Motion Alerts
If your friends or guests often visit you at nighttime, it’s vital to look for a peephole camera that offers night vision capabilities. Most of the modern peepholes come with this feature that uses infrared sensors to produce the image in the dark.
These devices also include motion sensors and send alerts to your smartphone if they detect any movement.
Mobile Integration
Today, many of the peepholes have their own mobile app that can be downloaded for iOS or Android devices. It enables you to monitor your visitors while you are away from your home.
This can be quite useful if you travel a lot. Sometimes it even allows you to talk to the visitor via the app.
Local vs Cloud Storage
You can usually store your video files in two ways: save it into a microSD or cloud storage. While storing the data on a memory card is easy, you will always have to remove and replug it if it runs out of memory.
Cloud storage, on the other hand, requires a paid subscription which has some extra benefits such as viewing and sorting the recorded files through the app, sharing the footage with friends, and more.
Smartphone App
Some of the peepholes also come with app support which is quite an advantage. You can install it on your phone and enjoy a number of features.
For instance, you can directly monitor your visitors, communicate with them, receive notifications, access files in the cloud storage, and a lot more. If you want to benefit from these features, make sure your peephole camera has WiFi and app support.
Common Questions Relating to Peephole Cameras
Most of you wouldn’t want to spend all day installing your new security peephole camera, so you might want to consider those that are easy to install. There are a lot of cameras that simply take the place of the doorbell and don’t need drilling a hole in the front door.
Usually, manufacturers provide YouTube tutorial guides or manuals that explain step-by-step installation procedure. Some of these cameras also include an indoor panel, which can simply be mounted onto the wall.
As mentioned, these devices are simple to use and the installation process is also incredibly easy. The wireless peephole cameras simply take the place of your existing peephole and don’t need any sophisticated tools for installation. Also, some are theft-proof.
So yes, these wireless peephole cameras can certainly be used for your apartment's security.
Wireless peephole cameras usually come with rechargeable batteries, and they last for several months on a single charge. Also, there are several advantages to battery-powered cameras – they are easy to install and keep monitoring the activities outside during a power outage.
However, it is recommended to keep an extra pack of batteries that can replace the old ones when they are out of juice.
It has been a concern for many that their new shiny camera could be stolen. So you will have to take some measures to secure your device. The only effective way is to buy a camera with a theft-proof design that keeps the camera on the inside and reduces the risk of theft.
The Verdict
As mentioned earlier, choosing the best peephole camera for your home security can be a daunting task as you may feel overwhelmed by a wide variety of choices. So we have presented some of the best peepholes that offer a range of security features at very reasonable prices.
Our top choice is the Ring peephole camera that features two-way communication, WiFi connectivity, integration with Alexa, and a lot of advanced features.
This Wi-Fi peephole camera is compatible with Alexa, meaning it sends an alert when a visitor approaches and allows two-way communication.
It comes with a 1080p HD video display along with a 155-degree field of view
A state-of-the-art infrared night vision system allows you to clearly see in challenging lighting conditions
Using a two-way communication feature, you can remotely talk to the visitor
