Best doorbell camera,expert guide to choose

[habib386]

I am looking for the best doorbell camera as my home security upgrade after a recent break-in attempt in the neighborhood. i have been experiencing constant anxiety about package thefts and strangers at the door. i went through reviews from trusted sources like Wirecutter and TechRadar and after comparing many options these two kept coming up as the top choices:
AOSU Doorbell Camera Wireless
https://www.amazon.com/Aosu-Doorbell-Camera/dp/B09H2T18WD/
Tapo Smart Video Doorbell Camera
https://www.amazon.com/Tapo-Doorbell-Camera/dp/B0D8MKQ5RC/?th=1
however i am having trouble deciding which one would be better for me and i would love to get your expert advice and hoping maybe some home security pros or experienced users on this forum can also share their advice.
i usually prefer battery-powered setups with no subscription fees. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.\
Thanks in advance

 

[TonyR]

Do you plan to record video to a SD card in the camera, to a NVR or to a PC with VMS (software) such as Blue Iris?
Do you plan on wireless battery operation, wireless but powered by existing doorbell transformer or POE (Ethernet cable with power + data) ?

 

[Aocam]

Have the same question. Replacing old rca db2 doorbell hard wired to exsting doorbell supply. Would prefer to use blueiris . It seems that ezviz and a lot of newer doorbells do not support onvif or rtsp. Any recommendations ?

 

[Johnny Trendy]

Same question I also have the RCA db2 & a LaView branded db2. Looking to just replace them & use existing mechanical chime & rtsp to my Synology NAS.

 

[TonyR]

Have the same question. Replacing old rca db2 doorbell hard wired to exsting doorbell supply. Would prefer to use blueiris . It seems that ezviz and a lot of newer doorbells do not support onvif or rtsp. Any recommendations ?

I have 2 Reolink doorbells that have been streaming RTSP to Blue Iris since June of 2023....no hicccups, work great...the ONLY Reolink product I recommend.

 

[bob2701]

Are they the WiFi version or the PoE versions, and are they connected to your chime? My daughter’s DB1 just died and looking for a replacement. Thanks.

 

[TonyR]

Are they the WiFi version or the PoE versions, and are they connected to your chime? My daughter’s DB1 just died and looking for a replacement. Thanks.

They are the Wi-Fi version, each connected to a dedicated 5GHz wireless router that is configured as access point only (no routing), no other W-Fi traffic.
They both use the Reolink supplied plug-in chime (433Mhz, IIRC), I no longer use my mechanical chime.

Older (V1) doorbells use 433Mhz but recent/later doorbells (V2, V3) are now 900-915Mhz. The version (V1, V2) is typically listed on the back sticker of the device.

If you get a V1 you can use the below hack found on Reddit to actuate your mechanical doorbell IF your have the 433Mhz (V1) doorbell chime. I haven't looked but there may be a 900-915Mhz version of the components used in the below hack.

 

[bob2701]

They are the Wi-Fi version, each connected to a dedicated 5GHz wireless router that is configured as access point only (no routing), no other W-Fi traffic.
They both use the Reolink supplied plug-in chime (433Mhz, IIRC), I no longer use my mechanical chime.

Older (V1) doorbells use 433Mhz but recent/later doorbells (V2, V3) are now 900-915Mhz. The version (V1, V2) is typically listed on the back sticker of the device.

If you get a V1 you can use the below hack found on Reddit to actuate your mechanical doorbell IF your have the 433Mhz (V1) doorbell chime. I haven't looked but there may be a 900-915Mhz version of the components used in the below hack.

Thanks for the info, are you powering it with the normal doorbell transformer?

 

[TonyR]

Thanks for the info, are you powering it with the normal doorbell transformer?

Yes, 20VAC.
Reolink states it'll run on 12 to 24VAC 50/60Hz or 24VDC

 

[bob2701]

Just ordered one from Amazon. $101.

 

[TonyR]

Just ordered one from Amazon. $101.

Wish I had thought of this earlier... @Arjun has used one, I think Wi-Fi, for sale below. Not sure of the version number.

WTS Thread 'Reolink PoE [and WiFi] Doorbell (a well regarded Doorbell) | $65 Shipped [USA ONLY]'

Jan 15, 2026

Ships via UPS or USPS
Condition: GOOD

Shipping included
Only shipping to lower contiguous 48 states
Buyer must have an established account on ipcamtalk

Payment only accepted via PayPal after PayPal invoice is emailed

• Arjun
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Cameras, NVR / DVR's, hardware & more

 

[Arjun]

Wish I had thought of this earlier... @Arjun has used one, I think Wi-Fi, for sale below. Not sure of the version number.

WTS Thread 'Reolink PoE [and WiFi] Doorbell (a well regarded Doorbell) | $65 Shipped [USA ONLY]'

Jan 15, 2026

Ships via UPS or USPS
Condition: GOOD

Shipping included
Only shipping to lower contiguous 48 states
Buyer must have an established account on ipcamtalk

Payment only accepted via PayPal after PayPal invoice is emailed

• Arjun
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Cameras, NVR / DVR's, hardware & more

Thanks @TonyR
I have two actually (one is WiFi and the other is PoE)
One is still installed but is too darn cold to remove it at the moment

REOLINK Doorbell WiFi Camera - Wired 5MP Outdoor Video Doorbell, 5G WiFi Security Camera System, Smart Detection Local Storage No Subscription, Front Door Camera Home Security, Customized Chime V2
REOLINK Video Doorbell PoE Camera – 180 Degree Diagonal, 5MP IP Security Camera Outdoor with Chime V2, 2-Way Talk, Plug & Play, Secured Local Storage, No Monthly Fee

UnIFi G4 Pro Doorbell replaced the first one (PoE)
a UniFi G6 Entry Standard will be replacing the second one (WiFi)

I don't mind selling both Reolink Doorbells for $100 flat plus shipping - also accepting offers

I wanted a Doorbell with a dedicated package camera beneath it (either way I am still installing another turret above this door)
Instead of WiFi, I wanted to go PoE - will be pulling new Cat6 when the weather warms up

Currently, the WiFi version works with my antiquated mechanical door chime lol