Apartment Doorbells: 10 Best Options for Renters & A Better Alternative

 

 

Apartment doorbells or video doorbells are increasingly popular among renters because they enhance security while providing a way for visitors to request access.

Many apartment doorbells offer wireless, no-drill models, making it easy for residents to install them without altering the property. But unlike door phones and intercom systems, most apartment doorbells don’t enable residents to unlock the door remotely.

So, as doorbells for apartments gain popularity, you should know about the best apartment doorbells renters want and what types are available. Plus, discover a better, more comprehensive alternative to apartment doorbells.

This post covers:

• The better alternative to an apartment doorbell
• 10 best apartment doorbells to buy
• Do apartment buildings have doorbells?
• What types of apartment video doorbells are there?

 

The better alternative to an apartment doorbell

While apartment doorbells may work for individual residents to implement on their own terms, they don’t serve as a good solution for the entire multifamily property. Instead, you need to implement a property-wide entry solution.

The best alternative to an apartment doorbell is the ButterflyMX video intercom system.

ButterflyMX introduced the smart video intercom system in 2015. Since then, the modern video intercom has been installed in more than 10,000 buildings and one million apartments. With more than 20,000 five-star reviews, the ButterflyMX video intercom’s transformative design is packed with features residents love.

 

 

What features does the ButterflyMX video intercom offer?

• Cloud-based: Because the video intercom is wireless, it stores data in the cloud rather than on an on-site server. As a result, the space needed for the system is minimal, and the system’s software is updated remotely. Not to mention, the system is easier to install with no building wiring. For areas where a direct internet connection is difficult, the intercoms’ 5GHz WiFi makes connecting it to the cloud simple.
• Mobile app: Residents can access the property using their phones rather than a key or fob. In addition, your residents can let in guests, delivery drivers, and service providers using the ButterflyMX app.
• Key cards & fobs: With built-in RFID technology, residents and staff can easily access the property using a key card or fob. This is a great solution when a user has lost their phone or has had their phone die.
• Wide-angle camera: The video intercom features a 156° wide-angle camera that allows residents to see and speak with visitors via two-way video calling. Moreover, the camera is an added security feature that takes date- and time-stamped photos of every person who enters the property.
• Delivery PINs: Prevent missed deliveries by implementing delivery PINs. Assign a unique PIN code to each delivery driver so they can access the property without the help of a resident or staff member. Then, residents don’t have to be home when receiving packages.
• Directory: When visitors arrive at the property, they can use the video intercom directory to request access from specific residents. Then, residents receive a request on their phones. After speaking with the guest over a two-way video call, the resident may grant them access remotely.
• Robust hardware: The intercom is both weatherproof and vandal-resistant.

 

 

10 best apartment doorbells to buy

When searching for an apartment doorbell, renters will find numerous options with varying features. So, here are the top 10 best doorbells for apartments.

The best apartment doorbells for renters are:

1. Ring Peephole Camera
2. Arlo Essential Video Doorbell
3. Eufy Video Doorbell
4. Blink Video Doorbell
5. Ring Video Doorbell
6. Google Nest Video Doorbell
7. Tuck Sharkpop Doorbell Camera
8. Ozone Smart Video Doorbell
9. SadoTech Wireless Doorbell
10. Wyze Video Doorbell Pro

 

1. Ring Peephole Camera

As the most renter-friendly apartment doorbell, the Ring Doorbell for apartments replaces your existing peephole with a camera. Installation requires no screws or additional hardware. The apartment doorbell and peephole camera support two-way audio with a 1080p resolution and 155° field of view. That way, you can clearly see who is ringing your doorbell.

 

2. Arlo Essential Video Doorbell

The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is available in wired and wireless models and offers a weather-resistant exterior. No additional hardware, like a WiFi bridge, is needed, meaning renters can get it connected in no time. What’s more, visitors can reply quickly using two-way audio or the unique pre-recorded quick reply feature.

 

3. Eufy Video Doorbell

Unlike many of the other apartment doorbell options on this list, the Eufy Video Doorbell doesn’t require an ongoing subscription fee. However, it does require a Eufy Homebase, which acts as a WiFi bridge and storage for the doorbell. Without the Homebase, the video doorbell can’t operate.

 

4. Blink Video Doorbell

The Blink Video Doorbell is available in wired and wireless models and is equipped with an HD camera with infrared night vision. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa, so residents can seamlessly integrate it with other smart home technologies.

 

5. Ring Video Doorbell

Unlike the peephole model, the Ring Video Doorbell offers a vast range of mounting options, giving renters the option to angle it for the best view. The removable battery makes it easy to charge. Once fully charged, the apartment Ring doorbell should last about six months, but the frequency of use can affect battery life.

 

 

6. Google Nest Video Doorbell

Google offers both wired and battery-operated versions of their video doorbell. The biggest difference between the two systems is that the wired version can continuously stream video. You can greet visitors and delivery personnel remotely from your smartphone. Additionally, the HDR video camera allows you to see through the doorbell even in rainy weather. The camera also features night vision. And while Google Nest connects to WiFi, it will continue to record for at least an hour if your WiFi happens to go down.

 

7. Tuck Sharkpop Doorbell Camera

This apartment doorbell offers an optional subscription plan for encrypted cloud storage, which lets you store and share videos through a secure system. In addition to motion detection and a wide-angled camera, the Tuck Sharpop Doorbell Camera features infrared night vision. This doorbell also allows you to remotely communicate with anyone at your front door from your smartphone.

 

8. Ozone Smart Video Doorbell

The Ozone Smart Video Doorbell can be remotely managed from your smartphone. It’s battery-operated and also features an SD card slot for data storage. Its camera is activated by motion detection and has a 145° angled lens with night vision. Additionally, this doorbell allows for two-way communication.

 

9. SadoTech Wireless Doorbell

This wireless apartment doorbell system is battery-operated and features a physical transmitter for the doorbell’s chime that can be placed in any outlet. The range between the receiver (the doorbell) and the transmitter extends up to 1,000 feet. SadoTech offers packages that feature multiple transmitters and doorbells for larger living spaces. This doorbell also has over 50 different chimes that you can control the volume of.

 

10. Wyze Video Doorbell Pro

The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro claims it can be installed in just thirty seconds thanks to an adhesive mounting panel that can attach to pretty much any surface. This doorbell features a battery life that lasts for up to 180 days. Its camera triggers when motion is detected at your front door. Additionally, the camera has a 150° angled lens.

 

Do apartment buildings have doorbells?

Apartment buildings typically don’t have doorbells.

Instead, they may have a buzzer or intercom system. These systems allow guests to request property access from a device at the property’s entryway. Using the system’s directory, guests press the appropriate button to alert the resident of their presence. The resident can then remotely unlock the door or gate using an in-unit device or their cell phone.

However, some companies have recently started selling doorbell systems designed to pair with a resident’s smartphone. Although they’re primarily designed for single-family homes, some doorbells can be installed at unit doors in multifamily properties. That way, a visitor can alert a resident in a multi-tenant building that they’ve arrived at the door.

Some doorbell devices even have a camera that records activity or sends live video footage to the resident’s mobile app.

 

Can you put a doorbell in an apartment?

It depends on your apartment building or property.

Property managers and owners have the right to set restrictions on apartment doorbells. For example, properties may regulate where they can be placed, or they may outright prohibit the use of video door phones and doorbells. On the other hand, properties may not have any rules on apartment video doorbells.

With that said, it’s important you consult the lease agreement or property staff regarding policies on apartment doorbells.

And if you own or manage a multi-unit building, consider implementing clear policies regarding doorbell use.

 

What types of apartment video doorbells are there?

The two types of apartment video doorbells are:

• Wired
• Wireless

 

Wired

As the least renter-friendly option, a wired apartment doorbell is constantly connected to a power source. It doesn’t utilize a rechargeable battery, so there is never recording downtime. It may also be physically connected to a device in every unit, which alerts residents when someone rings the doorbell.

Unfortunately, wired doorbells require a nearby power source, which can be difficult for some renters. In addition, installing a wired doorbell is much more difficult, especially when renting a property, since leases often prevent renters from making permanent changes to the property.

What’s more, property owners and managers may want to avoid cumbersome wired doorbell systems for their apartments because installation is expensive, and the wiring can deteriorate over time.

 

Wireless

A wireless doorbell is the best type of apartment doorbell for renters because installation is quick. Most wireless doorbells come with a mounting bracket that uses an adhesive surface to attach to the door or wall. In turn, residents don’t need to drill or alter the property in any way.

However, apartment wireless doorbells generally require batteries that must be changed or recharged periodically. As a result, residents could face some inconvenience when they have visitors or deliveries while the doorbell is charging.

Nonetheless, the best doorbell for apartment buildings is a wireless model. It often provides more convenience for renters while adhering to lease agreements.