Do you ever feel a little uneasy when you hear a knock, but you’re not expecting anyone? In today’s world, knowing who is at your door before you open it is important, especially when you live in an apartment. You want security, but finding a video doorbell that works well with apartment living can feel tricky. Many systems need drilling or complex wiring, which your landlord might not allow.
Choosing the perfect video doorbell for an apartment means balancing security needs with apartment rules. You worry about battery life, easy installation, and making sure the camera sees everything without bothering your neighbors. It can be a real headache trying to sort through all the features and restrictions!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you the best, renter-friendly video doorbells that offer great security without causing trouble with your lease. Keep reading to discover simple setups, long battery life, and features perfect for multi-unit living.
Top Video Doorbell For Apartment Recommendations
- Video Doorbell is our second-generation smart security doorbell with up to two years of battery life, an expanded field of view, and improved security features for more peace of mind, no matter where you are.
- Last longer with two-year battery life — Experience up to two years of continuous security coverage with three AA Energizer lithium batteries and a Blink Sync Module (both included).
- See more at your door — Greet guests and watch packages get delivered, day and night, with head-to-toe HD view and infrared night vision. Use two-way talk to hear and speak through the Blink app.
- Set up in minutes — Easily install wire-free or connect Video Doorbell to existing doorbell wiring. When wired, Video Doorbell will sound through your home. Without wiring, you can use your Blink Mini 2 camera (sold separately) as an indoor plug-in chime. You'll also get alerts on your Blink app with each doorbell press.
- Always know who's there — As part of a Blink Subscription Plan (sold separately), get alerts whenever a person is detected and enjoy features like Blink Moments, which stitches together clips into a single video to save and share.
- See more at your home or business — Get 66% more vertical coverage with the latest version of Ring’s best-selling Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), now featuring Head-to-Toe Video.
- Built-In Battery — Battery Doorbell includes a built-in battery, which charges with a convenient USB-C charging port. To recharge, simply detach your doorbell from the wall and connect to the included charging cable.
- Install in a snap — Charge it up, click into place, and stay connected right from your phone.
- Connect to who’s there — See and respond to activity with Live View & Two-Way Talk.
- Stay in the know — Receive real-time alerts on your phone when motion is detected.
- See more at your home or business — Get 66% more vertical coverage with the latest version of Ring’s best-selling Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), now featuring Head-to-Toe Video.
- Built-In Battery — Battery Doorbell includes a built-in battery, which charges with a convenient USB-C charging port. To recharge, simply detach your doorbell from the wall and connect to the included charging cable.
- Install in a snap — Charge it up, click into place, and stay connected right from your phone.
- Connect to who’s there — See and respond to activity with Live View & Two-Way Talk.
- Stay in the know — Receive real-time alerts on your phone when motion is detected.
- Anti-theft Design: By a group of excellent designers racking their brains to design the anti-theft doorbell bracket, with beautiful appearance and absolute anti-theft superpower. No more worrying about bad guys stealing your doorbell.
- Compatible Doorbells: KIMILAR Anti-Theft Video Doorbell Mount suitable for Ring Video Doorbell (1-4 generation) and Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation - 2020 Release) and Ring Battery Doorbell (2024 Release) / Battery Doorbell Plus (2023 Release) and Blink Video Doorbell. The size of the doorbell that can be placed inside is not more than 2.55inches Wide x 5.11inches High x 1.14inches depth. (Doorbell is Not Included in Package)
- Compatible Door: Suitable for most kind of door. The thickness of the door must be between 0.6 inches and 2.3 inches. You can measuring your door thickness before order. It can be used for doors that open left or right.(Doors that must be opened inward). Note: This product is not suitable for security door!
- Easy to Install: Put your video doorbell in the shell, then adjust the fixed clip according to your door thickness, so easily! There are installation instructions and various parts in the package. The KIMILAR mount has a unique feature that allows you to adjust the distance from the doorbell to the door by sliding on the mount!
- Includes: 1 * Anti-Theft Video Doorbell Mount. For any reason, if you are not completely satisfied for KIMILAR Doorbell Mount, please do not hesitate to contact us via the "Contact Seller" entrance on Amazon.
- 【2K Resolution】Details matter. Equipped with 2K resolution, see beyond traditional 1080p resolution with finer details and incredible clarity. Easily identify faces capturing every detail even when zooming in, showing you everything you need to see at your entrance. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
- 【160° Diagonal FOV, Head-to-toe view】See the full picture with a 160° ultra-wide head-to-toe field of view. See items that traditional video doorbells may miss ensuring comprehensive coverage of your entryway.
- 【Ring Call – Never Miss a Visitor】Receive a phone call to answer your door without opening up the Tapo app. Quickly answer visitors with once-click convenience. Stay connected, stay informed, and never miss a visitor again. (Calls are generated via app and will not use cellular minutes)
- 【Prioritize What Matters】Eliminate unnecessary notifications by defining activity zones specifically monitoring for motion or people. Receive real-time alerts for true security concerns with 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, eliminating false detection from other objects.
- 【Secure Storage No Subscription Required】Save recorded footage on a microSD card (up to 512GB, not included) or subscribe to Tapo Care for cloud storage which saves 30-days of video history. Your privacy is our priority when it comes to storing and transmitting sensitive information such as your camera videos and identity information. To ensure robust data security, Tapo implements AES 128-bit encryption and TLS 1.2 encryption protocols. (𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱: 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝟭𝟬, 𝗨𝗛𝟭, 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗦𝗗 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿)
- Video Doorbell is our second-generation smart security doorbell with up to two years of battery life, an expanded field of view, and improved security features for more peace of mind, no matter where you are.
- Last longer with two-year battery life — Experience up to two years of continuous security coverage with three included AA Energizer lithium batteries and a Blink Sync Module (sold separately).
- See more at your door — Greet guests and watch packages get delivered, day and night, with head-to-toe HD view and infrared night vision. Use two-way talk to hear and speak through the Blink app.
- Set up in minutes — Easily install wire-free or connect Video Doorbell to existing doorbell wiring. When wired, Video Doorbell will sound through your home. Without wiring, you can use your Blink Mini 2 camera (sold separately) as an indoor plug-in chime. You'll also get alerts on your Blink app with each doorbell press.
- Always know who's there — As part of a Blink Subscription Plan (sold separately), get alerts whenever a person is detected and enjoy features like Blink Moments, which stitches together clips into a single video to save and share.
- Smart AI Recognition: Advanced algorithms detect human activity while filtering out pets and vehicles, so you only receive meaningful notifications.
- Clear Two-Way Audio: Communicate directly with visitors through built-in audio, whether you're at home or away.
- Secure Cloud Storage: Protect your recordings with AES-128 encrypted cloud storage, supporting live view, playback, and easy sharing of important footage.
- Receiver Alerts: The included indoor receiver can be placed in any room to suit your needs. Multiple receivers can be linked to a single doorbell for enhanced coverage.
- Stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: Optimized for 2.4GHz networks, this doorbell provides smooth, consistent performance at all times. (5GHz not supported.)
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Compatibility: Only compatible with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi to provide a reliable and quick wireless connection (does not support 5GHz Wi-Fi).
- AI-Powered Smart Notifications – Eliminate false alarms and receive only the most important alerts, ensuring you stay aware of any unusual activity in real time.
- Multi-User Access for Shared Protection – Allow family members to monitor and control the camera for a more secure and connected home environment.
- Infrared Night Vision – Get a crystal-clear view of your property both during the day and at night, thanks to powerful infrared night vision technology.
- Encrypted Cloud Storage for Ultimate Privacy – Your security footage is protected with AES 128-bit encryption (subscription required), ensuring that only you can access and review your videos.
Choosing the Best Video Doorbell for Your Apartment
Apartment living often means shared hallways and entryways. A video doorbell gives you eyes outside your door, even when you are away. This guide helps you pick the right one for your space.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, certain features make a big difference in an apartment setting.
- Power Source: This is crucial for renters. Look for battery-powered models first. They avoid complicated wiring. Wired options are great if your building allows them, but batteries offer easy installation.
- Field of View (FoV): This shows how wide the camera sees. A wider FoV (like 160 degrees or more) is better. It helps you see people standing close to the door or packages left on the floor.
- Two-Way Talk: You must talk to visitors clearly. Good speakers and microphones ensure you hear the delivery person and they hear you.
- Night Vision: Hallways can be dark. Clear infrared night vision lets you see visitors clearly after sunset.
- Storage Options: Decide if you want cloud storage (monthly fee) or local storage (SD card). Local storage saves money over time.
Important Materials and Durability
Your doorbell needs to withstand hallway temperature changes and potential bumps.
Most modern video doorbells use durable plastic casings. Look for an IP rating, like IP54 or higher. This rating shows resistance to dust and splashing water. Since apartment doorbells are usually covered by an overhang, extreme waterproofing might not be necessary, but solid construction is important.
The mounting hardware matters too. Since you likely cannot drill large holes, check if the doorbell uses strong adhesive strips or small, secure screws that minimize wall damage. Tenants need easy, damage-free removal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means reliable performance. Poor quality means missed alerts or fuzzy video.
Improving Quality:
- Video Resolution: Aim for at least 1080p HD resolution. Higher resolution means sharper faces and clearer details.
- Motion Detection Zones: Quality doorbells let you draw boxes on the screen showing where the camera should watch. This stops alerts every time a neighbor walks by far down the hall.
- Wi-Fi Connection: Strong Wi-Fi signal is essential. Test your current signal strength near your front door before buying. Weak Wi-Fi causes delays in live viewing.
Reducing Quality:
- Battery Life: A short battery life means constant recharging, which lowers convenience. Look for models lasting at least three to six months per charge.
- Subscription Fees: If a device requires expensive monthly subscriptions just to see past recordings, the overall value is reduced.
User Experience and Use Cases
A video doorbell should make apartment life easier, not harder.
Ease of Setup: Since drilling is often restricted, choose a product that installs in minutes using strong tape or existing doorbell mounts. The setup process should be guided clearly through the companion app.
Use Cases:
- Package Security: See exactly when a package arrives and confirm it is safe until you get home.
- Screening Visitors: You can ignore solicitors without getting up. You can also let in trusted friends or repair people remotely using two-way talk.
- Monitoring Activity: Know if someone is lingering near your door when you are not home.
The best user experience comes from a reliable app. The app should send instant notifications to your phone. You should be able to view live video quickly—within two seconds—when you tap the alert.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Apartment Video Doorbells
Q: Can I install a video doorbell if I rent my apartment?
A: Yes, most renters choose battery-powered models. These usually attach with strong adhesive tape, requiring no permanent drilling or wiring changes.
Q: Will a battery-powered doorbell last long enough?
A: Most good models last three to six months on a single charge, depending on how often motion is detected. Check the manufacturer’s advertised usage time.
Q: Do I need a wired connection for the best doorbell?
A: No, many high-quality doorbells work perfectly using only battery power and Wi-Fi. Wired connections are only necessary if you want the chime inside your apartment to ring automatically.
Q: What is the best field of view for an apartment door?
A: Look for a field of view (FoV) of 160 degrees or wider. This helps capture packages placed right below the camera.
Q: How does video storage work?
A: Some companies keep videos online (cloud storage) for a fee. Others let you save videos directly onto a small memory card inside the doorbell (local storage).
Q: Will my Wi-Fi reach the doorbell?
A: Test your Wi-Fi signal at the door location first. If the signal is weak, the video quality will suffer, or alerts will be delayed.
Q: What if the hallway light is bad at night?
A: Ensure the doorbell has good infrared (IR) night vision. This technology lets the camera see clearly in total darkness using invisible light.
Q: Can I see my neighbor’s door with a wide-angle lens?
A: A wide lens helps, but quality doorbells allow you to set “motion detection zones.” You draw boxes to only monitor your direct doorway, ignoring neighbor activity.
Q: How clear should the video resolution be?
A: 1080p (Full HD) is the standard for clear facial recognition. Avoid anything lower than that for security purposes.
Q: How do I talk to someone at the door remotely?
A: You use the smartphone app. When someone presses the button, you get an alert, open the app, and use the two-way talk feature to speak through the doorbell’s speaker.