The Best Wireless Doorbell Security Cameras For 2026, According To Consumer Reports

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Nowadays, there are tons of doorbell security cameras available on the market. From low-cost options that provide simple video streaming to more advanced picks that don't hold back when it comes to making your home safer, there's something for everyone. Unfortunately, however, that means there are also plenty of duds. Not doing your research beforehand is one of the biggest mistakes you're making when buying a doorbell camera, but looking at reviews from a trusted source like Consumer Reports can give you a better idea of what to expect from a product, how it holds true to its promises, and how it might fit into your lifestyle.

Thankfully for prospective shoppers, Consumer Reports has released its list of the best video doorbell cameras for 2026. When it comes to the wireless options, which are much easier to install, move, and use anywhere on your property, five models made the final cut: the Arlo Video Doorbell, Eufy Video Doorbell C31, Eufy Video Doorbell E340, TP-Link Tapo TD25, and the Wyze Duo Cam Video Doorbell. Of all the products, which were independently lab-tested by the Consumer Reports team, these five impressed in terms of video quality, data security, response time, and additional features.

With that being said, however, they're not all the same. These camera doorbells are all the cream of the crop, but they still have varying prices, features, pros, and cons. Here, we'll examine what sets each camera apart and who it might be best for, hopefully making your shopping decision even easier.

How these cameras stack up based on cost

One of the biggest factors customers consider when purchasing a product is, obviously, the cost. While all of Consumer Reports' top five cameras come in under $130, there are still some major differences in what you can expect to pay for data storage and subscriptions. 

The most affordable option out of the box is the Arlo Video Doorbell, which will run you $49.99. This is a low initial investment and certainly not a bad deal, but you will have to pay a minimum of $7.99 a month to store video and unlock additional features like package detection and audio detection. While subscription services are available for the other cameras, this is the only pick on the list that can't be used with a microSD card and doesn't include storage, so paying the additional fee is pretty much unavoidable.

The most expensive option, on the other hand, is the Eufy Video Doorbell E340, which retails for $129.99. While it is more expensive out of the box, this is the only product that comes with storage, making it a solid option for those who don't want to deal with monthly fees. This camera can store 8 gigabytes of video data for free, though you can pay more for additional cloud storage or invest in a HomeBase S380 for a whopping 16 TB of storage space sans subscription.

Subscription costs will vary based on your plan and the brand, but if you don't want to purchase a microSD card for these cameras and prefer cloud storage, you can expect to pay an average of $3 or $4 monthly for a base-level storage plan. While it isn't a massive investment, you should factor in this expense.

Special camera features that make these models stand out

Just about every top-rated home security camera will have a handful of common features and functions. First, and most obviously, they record. Additionally, it's fairly standard for cameras to include motion detection and a chime to deliver on the "doorbell" aspect. All of Consumer Reports' top five cameras include these features, but some stop there while others go above and beyond with the bells and whistles.

If you prefer a more basic setup, the Eufy Video Doorbell C31 is for you. Retailing for $99.99, it's around mid-range price-wise, but it's a reliable camera that doesn't rely on gimmicks to sell. It has high-quality, 2K video, can pull up a chat on your phone when guests pass by your door, and detects motion, but that's about all in terms of special features. The same is true for the Wyze Duo Cam Video Doorbell — it does provide color night vision, but it requires a premium subscription to access somewhat basic smart alerts that identify the item or person on camera.

The more expensive Eufy E340, on the other hand, has facial recognition, color night vision, two cameras, and person and package detection. Another option that wows with special features is the TP-Link Tapo TD25. This doorbell camera is only available at Best Buy, but if you're looking for security-enhancing add-ons, it might be worth going out of your way. This camera has a 180-degree view, color night vision, the ability to program zones, and AI object recognition.

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