Video Doorbell Buying Guide – Wi-Fi vs PoE vs Wired

A video doorbell lets you see and hear who is at the door, even when you're away. This buying guide compares Wi-Fi, PoE and wired models, explains the key specs and helps you choose the right video doorbell for your home, apartment building or business.

July 15, 2026 4 min read

Dahua video deurbel met camera als buitenstation

A video doorbell lets you see and hear who is at the door, even when you're not at home. There are three types to choose from: wireless on Wi-Fi, wired via PoE, or connected to your existing doorbell wiring. In this buying guide you'll learn the differences, what to look out for and how to choose the right video doorbell for your situation.

What types of video doorbell are there (Wi-Fi, PoE, wired)?

Broadly speaking, there are three types. Each has its own advantages, depending on your home and whether you already have cabling in place.

Wi-Fi (wireless): a smart doorbell powered by a battery or your existing doorbell supply that connects to your Wi-Fi. Quick to install and ideal if you don't want to run a cable. Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi signal at the front door.
PoE (wired with a network cable): the doorbell receives power and data over a single network cable. Stable, no battery to run flat, and the best choice for continuous recording. You do need a PoE switch or injector.
Wired (traditional doorbell wiring): connects to your existing doorbell wiring and transformer. Convenient if that wiring is already in place.

Torn between a Wi-Fi and a PoE video doorbell? For a single home with good Wi-Fi, wireless works perfectly well. If you need multiple units, apartments or continuous recording, PoE is more reliable.

Key specs to look out for

A good smart doorbell stands or falls on a few key points. Here's what to compare:

Image quality: resolution in MP (for example 2 MP or higher) and a wide field of view, so a parcel on the doorstep is also in the picture.
Night vision: infrared (IR) or colour night vision for a sharp image in the dark.
Storage: locally on an SD card or a recorder, or in the cloud. Local storage usually means no monthly fees.
Power supply: battery, doorbell transformer or PoE. This determines how often you need to recharge.
IP rating: choose at least IP65 so the video doorbell can withstand rain.

Installation: step by step

Most video doorbells are easy to install yourself. In broad terms it works like this: choose a mounting height of about 1.20 to 1.50 m, fit the bracket, connect the power (battery, doorbell transformer or PoE cable), and pair the device with the app or your indoor monitor. For a PoE model, first run a network cable to your switch. We won't hold the screwdriver for you, but we'll help you remotely with documentation and via WhatsApp.

Integrations: door release and smart home

Some systems can do more than just ring. With a complete intercom system you can link the doorbell to an indoor monitor or an electric lock, so you can open the door remotely. That's handy for a homeowners' association (VvE), office or practice. For a B&B or holiday home, our article on access control with code, NFC and app explains how to combine the two. Check carefully that the model you want supports the door release and app control you need.

Our recommendations

You'll find the full range in our intercoms and doorbells collection. Looking specifically for the outdoor unit? Take a look at our door stations. Not sure which type of video doorbell suits your home? Send us a message via WhatsApp describing your situation (Wi-Fi quality, number of doors, existing cabling or not) and we'll help you choose.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a subscription for a video doorbell?

Not always. Models that store footage locally on an SD card or recorder work without monthly fees. If you choose cloud storage, the manufacturer sometimes charges a subscription for keeping recordings. If you want to avoid recurring costs, look for local storage when you buy.

Can I open the door via the app with a video doorbell?

Yes, with systems that support it. You link the doorbell to an electric lock or an indoor monitor, and can then open the door from the app or the panel. Not every model can do this, so check before you buy that door release and app control are supported.

What about privacy and GDPR (AVG) with a video doorbell?

You may film your own door and property, but keep the public road and your neighbours' garden out of view as much as possible. Set the field of view or privacy masks so that you only record your own property. Let visitors know that recording is taking place. That way you stay within the GDPR (AVG) rules.

Which is better: a Wi-Fi or a PoE doorbell?

Wi-Fi is quicker to install and fine for a single home with a good signal at the front door. PoE gives you a single, stable cable for power and data, with no battery to run flat, and is better for continuous recording or multiple units. For homeowners' associations and businesses, we usually choose PoE.

Does a smart doorbell work without internet?

A wired intercom system with an indoor monitor works locally, even without internet. If you want notifications on your phone or to view footage while you're away, you do need an internet connection. So choose based on whether you want remote viewing.

How much network cable do I need for a PoE doorbell?

You run a single CAT cable from the doorbell to your PoE switch or injector. Measure the route including bends and allow some extra length. Stay within the 100 m limit that applies to Ethernet. You'll find network cable and a suitable switch in our networking category.