A wireless doorbell allows you to remotely hear and respond to guests at your door from anywhere in your home or property. This convenience makes them invaluable for multilevel homes, busy households or those with mobility issues.
But with countless options available today boasting different features at varying price points, choosing the best wireless doorbell for your needs can feel overwhelming. This definitive guide cuts through the noise to help you discover your perfect match.
How Do Wireless Doorbells Work?
Wireless doorbells consist of two core components – a button or transmitter installed outside near your door, and a receiver kept inside your house.
When a guest presses the outdoor button, it wirelessly sends an alert signal to the indoor receiver. This then plays a chime, song or other sound to notify you. Some models also flash lights or emit visual alerts.
The system works over radio frequencies without requiring any wiring or electrical work. Modern options can have ranges exceeding 1,000 feet thanks to improved antenna and transmission technologies.
Many wireless doorbells today also integrate with your smartphone via WiFi or Bluetooth. This allows you to receive mobile alerts and see live video feeds when your doorbell is rung using companion apps.
Key Buying Considerations
Keep the below factors in mind when picking the ideal wireless doorbell for your home:
Installation
- Does the model offer peel-and-stick adhesive, screws or other mounting options? This impacts ease of DIY installation.
- Can additional buttons be synced if you have multiple entry points?
Range
- What‘s the maximum range offered? At least 200 feet is ideal for most homes.
- Can the signal reliably transmit through walls and obstacles?
Power Source
- Does it rely on replaceable batteries or built-in rechargeable batteries? The latter generally lasts longer per charge.
- How frequently will it require recharging?
Sound Quality
- Are the chimes/alerts loud, clear and pleasant enough?
- Does it allow you to customize tones and volumes?
Smart Features
- Can you integrate it with a security camera, video doorbell, smart home platform etc? This allows remote monitoring.
- Does it offer motion detection, mobile notifications or other useful smart features?
Weatherproofing
- Will it reliably work outdoors and stand up to the elements? Outdoor transmitters should have an IPX weatherproof rating.
Price
- How much does the doorbell cost upfront?
- Are there any subscription fees for premium features?
- What‘s the overall value offered relative to the price?
With these factors and your unique needs in mind, let‘s review the top wireless doorbells available today across different budgets and applications.
The 5 Best Wireless Doorbells
1. Honeywell Home Series 9 Portable Wireless Doorbell
Key Specs
- Range: Up to 450 feet
- Power source: C Battery (up to 5 years)
- Volume: Up to 90 decibels
- Alert tones: 11 preloaded, option to add MP3s
- Smart integration: None
Delivering unparalleled range and booming volume, the Honeywell Home Series 9 is our #1 pick for most homes.
It can transmit reliably up to 450 feet and play 90 decibel tones that are clearly audible even from afar. This allows you to hear the doorbell regardless of where you are. The sound can also be synced with flashing halo lights for a visual alert.
With a sturdy weatherproof design rated to withstand even frigid -4° F temperatures, it‘s built to last outside.
Conveniently running off C batteries that last for years, there‘s no hassle of frequent charging. And you get to pick between 11 great-sounding chimes or add your own custom MP3s.
While it lacks "smart" mobile and video integration, the adaptability, booming sound and vast range more than make up for it. If you want a fuss-free doorbell that excels at its core function, the Honeywell Series 9 is hard to beat.
2. AVANTEK D-3B Waterproof Door Chime Kit
Key Specs
- Range: Over 1,300 feet
- Power source: Battery (up to 3 years)
- Volume: Up to 115 decibels
- Alert tones: 52 chimes
- Smart integration: None
Boasting the longest range and greatest number of tones among budget options, the feature-packed AVANTEK D-3B is our value pick.
It can transmit alerts over a remarkable 1,300+ feet line-of-sight. So you‘ll always know when guests arrive regardless of where you are at home or on your property.
The doorbell also plays one of 52 chimes at an ear-splitting max volume of 115 decibels. From gentle rings to alarm sirens, there‘s an option for every scenario.
Completely waterproof with an IP55 rating, the outdoor transmitter reliably works come rain, snow or shine. It runs off replaceable batteries that last for years prior to needing a swap.
For just around $30, the feature-loaded AVANTEK gives you more range and tones than doorbells costing twice as much. An exceptional choice if you want maximum bang for buck.
3. Ring Video Doorbell 3
Key Specs
- Video resolution: 1080p HD
- Power source: Rechargeable battery or wired
- Smart integration: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Connectivity: WiFi and LTE
- Features: Custom motion zones, two-way talk
Delivering sharp 1080p video feeds and smart integration with leading voice assistants, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 brings next-gen functionality.
It captures video in crisp full HD quality, letting you see guests clearly. And it works with Alexa and Google Assistant for convenient voice controls, alerts and integration with your other smart devices.
The doorbell can be installed wirelessly on battery power alone or wired into your existing doorbell setup for constant power.
Added security features include customizable motion zones to reduce false alerts and two-way talk allowing you to communicate with visitors.
While it requires a paid subscription for recording and saving video, overall the Ring Doorbell 3 hits the sweet spot between price and premium smart features.
4. Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell
Key Specs
- Video resolution: 1536 x 1536 pixels
- Power: Rechargeable battery
- Smart integration: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Connectivity: WiFi
- Features: Package detection, siren, two-way audio
Offering crystal clear 2K video and smart detections, the Arlo Essential is our top video doorbell pick.
It records footage in stunning 1536p resolution so you can see every facial feature and detail. Along with convenient package and motion detection alerts that differentiate between people and general movements.
Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant support also allows easy voice controls. While two-way audio enables real-time conversations with visitors.
And running fully off a long-lasting rechargeable battery, the Arlo Essential can be installed anywhere without needing existing doorbell wiring.
For its balance of sharp 2K video, smart detections and battery-powered flexibility, the Arlo Essential is a compelling smart upgrade from traditional options.
5. Honeywell DC917NG Wireless Door Chime and Push Button
Key Specs
- Range: Over 200 meters outdoors
- Power: C Batteries (up to 5 years)
- Volume: Up to 90 decibels
- Alert options: 8 chimes
- Features: Motion sensor, remote system controls
Bringing extended range plus handy motion detections and remote controls, the feature-laden Honeywell DC917NG is a great upgraded pick.
It can transmit reliably up to 200 meters (650+ feet) outside or 80 meters indoors. Ensuring you‘ll catch every guest or delivery regardless of where you are.
The doorbell also features a handy motion sensor to alert you about activity near your front door. Along with support to control it from smartphones and voice assistants.
With 8 pleasant chimes that can be heard clearly even from afar at up to 90 decibels, the DC917NG brings modern upgrades to the classic doorbell.
How to Pick the Best Wireless Doorbell
To recap, focus on the below points when shopping for a wireless doorbell for your needs:
- Installation: Choose options offering peel-and-stick, screw-based or plug-in installation for maximum convenience
- Range: Look for at least 150 feet reliably to work across most homes
- Power Source: Opt for rechargeable batteries to minimize long-term costs
- Sound volume/quality: Ensure it‘s loud and clear enough for your needs
- Smart features: Evaluate which ones (like mobile alerts, motion detection etc) would be most useful
- Weatherproofing: Verify outdoor components have IPX4 or higher water resistance
- Budget: Calculate total lifetime costs, not just upfront price
Choosing the right product for your needs comes down to identifying the must-have features versus the nice-to-haves.
Be realistic here based on your budget, use case, tech comfort levels and other factors. The most expensive or feature-laden option isn‘t necessarily the best choice.
What Life Is Like With a Wireless Doorbell
Before: Having to physically get up and walk to the door whenever guests arrived was tiresome. This wasted time and disrupted work. I‘d also occasionally miss deliveries since I couldn‘t hear the door from my home office or backyard.
After: My Honeywell Series 9 Doorbell is a gamechanger! Now whenever anyone approaches my door, I instantly get an audible ring followed by flashing halo lights – even in the garage or garden outside.
No more missed guests or deliveries. I‘m also far more responsive, able to greet my neighbors on time with a smile versus making them wait. And remote controls allow me to mute the doorbell if ever needed without moving. I can‘t imagine not having this convenience!
Bottom Line
Adding a wireless doorbell allows you to conveniently monitor your entryway and respond to guests from anywhere in your home. With options scaling from basic chimes to deluxe smart detection, there‘s a perfect match for every home and budget.
Focus on core needs like reliable range and sound volume while evaluating special features like mobile integration. This ensures you discover the best-value pick for your exact requirements.
With a seamless installation requiring no complex wiring, wireless doorbells make for an easy upgrade with daily dividends towards responsiveness and safety. Give one a try – you‘ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
