The options…

1. Our choice: Arlo Video Doorbell

Offering a good balance between price, premium features, and usability, Arlo’s Video Doorbell is our top choice if you want a high-quality, reliable device.

Its standout feature – telling the difference between people, animals, vehicles, and packages, and only sending you the notifications you want – means you don’t get an alert every time a strong breeze sends a plastic bag down the street.

Being able to create motion zones – so you get alerted only when someone (or the neighbour’s cat) is in them – and the option to turn off all alerts when you are home (using the location of your phone to figure this out) ensures a smart doorbell doesn’t become just another electronic annoyance but a useful security tool.

Along with some of the bestquality video we tested and a square video shape that shows you more of your doorstep, we like that it has a built-in siren you can set off from the app if you spot someone suspicious.

It also has an answering machine. While no one left us a message – possibly because most people aren’t used to talking to a doorbell – we can see potential here as smart doorbells gain popularity.

PRICE: £179.99 | SUBSCRIPTION: £2.50/month | RESOLUTION: 1536p x 1536p | POWER SOURCE: Wired with battery backup