If you thought a household staple as simple as the doorbell was immune to the "smart tech" revolution, think again. Most apartment buildings today now feature video and wifi-enabled door attendants, and stand-alone units for homes and other habitations are growing in popularity, too. Not only do these nifty devices allow you to see who's knocking without opening the door or even getting off the couch, but they also let you keep tabs on visitors while you're away from home altogether. Most of the options on this list also come with other features aimed at enhancing your safety and convenience, including night vision, smartphone alerts, and voice assistant compatibility. 1. Ring Video Doorbell 2 with HD Video Ring Video Doorbell 2 with HD VideoWith night vision, smartphone alerts, and seamless Alexa compatibility, the Ring Doorbell 2 has all you need to keep your home safe and secure. Best OverallFind on Amazon Among all the companies in the smart doorbell business, Ring offers one of the most comprehensive lineups, with models ranging from budget to premium. But with the Ring Doorbell 2, they truly hit on an ideal medium. It’s one of their most well-rounded — not to mention most popular — offerings to date thanks to a slew of features that make it both safe and easy to use, such as night vision mode for seeing the dark, motion-activated notifications for keeping tabs on visitors while you’re away, and Alex compatibility for enhanced voice operation. On top of that, it all comes at a price that feels like a steal compared to other high-end models. Pros: 1080HD video Two-way talk mode Removable battery Cons: Requires subscription Sound quality could be better 2. Eufy Security Wi-Fi Video Doorbell with 2K HD Eufy Security Wi-Fi Video Doorbell with 2K HDFor a subscription-free alternative to our top pick, get the Eufy Security Video Doorbell.Best Runner-UpFind on Amazon If you’re looking for a high-end smart doorbell but would rather not be stuck with a monthly fee that many other models require to operate, try the Eufy Security Video. It offers all the same features as our number one pick on this list, including HD video quality, two-way talk, and mobile alerts, yet spares you the annoying subscription. That not only makes it a more convenient choice, but also a more economical one, since there’s no added software hurdles or hidden costs. Pros: Large aspect ratio Smart detection zones Includes doorbell chime Cons: Motion detection is inconsistent Doorbell chime could be louder 3. Ring Video Doorbell Elite Ring Video Doorbell EliteWhen safety and security is your top priority, get the power-over-ethernet Ring Doorbell Elite.Best High-EndFind on Amazon By giving you a way to monitor your house or apartment while away, smart doorbells undoubtedly add safety and security to your home. The one real weak spot in their operation, however, has to do with how they’re powered — specifically, most run on rechargeable batteries, which must be replaced every now and then. For uninterrupted protection, then, you need the Ring Doorbell Elite, which is designed to be connected to an ethernet cable, giving it a continuous source of power. It also means a continuous connection to the internet, so you never lose the ability to see who’s knocking at the door. Pros: Advanced motion detection Interchangeable face plates Very sleek and stylish design Cons: Very expensive option Requires subscription to access additional features. 4. Remo+ RemoBell S WiFi Video Doorbell Camera with HD Video Remo+ RemoBell S WiFi Video Doorbell Camera with HD VideoAt a third of the price of similar models, the Remo+ RemoBell S offers the most bang for your buck. Best On A BudgetFind on Amazon You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to keep your home safe from strangers, as the Remo+ RemoBell S so clearly demonstrates. The popular smart doorbell is a frequent winner of editor’s choice awards for best value, thanks to its combination of useful features and reliable design and highly affordable price tag. It records and stores all motion activity for up to three days with free cloud storage — and unlike its competitors, requires no monthly subscription — but still manages to provide your front door with 24/7 surveillance. Pros: 180 wide angle view Live on-demand streaming Weather-resistant construction Cons: Only works with 2.4ghz wifi Video quality is subpar 5. Amcrest Video Doorbell Camera Pro Amcrest Video Doorbell Camera ProThe Armcrest Doorbell Pro works with both your home's existing wiring and even electronic or mechanical chime. Also Worth ConsideringFind on Amazon For users who prefer to have full control over their smart home tech, the Armcrest Doorbell Pro might be the closest you’re going to get. For one thing, it works with your home’s existing doorbell wiring and chime, so you don’t have to fuss with custom installations or invest in an additional chime, as some other models force you to do. For another thing, it stores all video footage on a local SD card, which gives you direct access to your recordings without having to go through proprietary software or sign up for a monthly subscription. For those reasons as well as many others, it’s a model well worth considering as an alternative to the leading smart doorbells out there. Pros: Mobile alerts are fast Built-in mic and speaker Great value for price Cons: Only 140 degree viewing angle Not compatible with 5Ghz wifi Frequently Asked Questions What is a smart doorbell? Much like other products that are part of the “smart tech” revolution, a smart doorbell is a doorbell that connects to the internet, giving it capabilities that more traditional doorbells lack. By being wifi-ready, a smart doorbell can be controlled by your mobile phone or tablet, can record and store video to the cloud, and can work with other web-based software, such as voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa. Together, these features help smart doorbells enhance the safety and security of your home. What should I look for in a smart doorbell? While most smart doorbells follow a general design that allows them to connect to your home’s wifi, their functionality beyond that will differ from model to model. Some boast high-quality video cameras, capable of giving you a clear view of visitors. Others offer features like automatic motion sensing and mobile notifications, which detect and alert you when someone knocks at the door. Perhaps one of the most significant differences is storage — while some models require a monthly subscription to access recorded videos, others will incorporate SD cards that allow you to store footage locally. The ideal combination of features is really up to you. Related posts: The Best Dog Bell Collars That Are Fashionable And Functional Read more The 5 Best Durable Dog Doors For A Pup On-The-Go Read more The 5 Best Dog Collars For Everyday Use Read more