Best Front Door Camera for an Apartment

A front door camera is a convenient way to get yourself notified whenever the package is delivered to your doorstep. Secondly, the camera functions as an additional security measure providing footage of whenever something bad happens. For example, if your package gets stolen by the porch pirates.

We have researched in detail the most popular front door cameras available on the market in 2022 and shortlisted the best ones in this article.

Front Door Camera for Apartment Reviews & Recommendations for 2022

• Ring Video Doorbell 4
• EUFY Security Video Doorbell
• Blink Outdoor Camera
• Wyze Cam v3
• Canary Flex Outdoor Home Security Camera
• Remo+ DoorCam 2

Ring Video Doorbell 4

EUFY Security Video Doorbell

Blink Outdoor Camera

Wyze Cam v3

Canary Flex Outdoor Home Security Camera

Remo+ DoorCam 2

What to look for when choosing an apartment door camera? – Buying guide

Here are key features you need to check to choose the most suitable apartment door camera to fully cover your needs.

Power Source

There are 2 options: battery or hardwired. Some cameras have both, which is the best option.

Battery

For battery-powered surveillance cameras make sure that the battery provides at least 1 month (better 6 months) of operation. This way the worst-case scenario is you will add an additional monthly routine of swapping the battery on the 1st day of each month. 

Wire

The best option if you want to install and forget. You will get more installation hassle. In some cases, drilling will be required to lay the wire. 

Also, from a security perspective, it is better for wire not to be easily accessible. This way burglars can’t simply cut the wire to turn off the camera. The built-in battery acts as a fail-safe for such situations.

Operating Temperature

Most cameras have operating temperatures from -20° to 45° C. This range has you covered for any indoor installation. 

If you want to use a camera outside, take operating temperature into account based on your geography. 

Camera Resolution

1080p is the minimum quality standard you should consider.  The larger the area you want to cover, the higher resolution you should go for.

For indoor use, the coverage area is usually around 10-30 square meters and 1080p resolution will give you crystal clear images and video in this field of view.

Motion Detection

Motion detection is the single most important feature of any security camera. Security cameras are not recording all the time since you will run out of disk space in a couple of days. Instead, security cameras start recording only when they detect motion. 

Security cameras with poor motion detection may start recording only 30 seconds later and not capture the actual crime from the beginning. 

On the other hand, if motion sensors can not differentiate between big and small objects – cameras may record a lot of useless videos as well as send you a bunch of useless notifications for no particular reason. 

Good motion detection that can differentiate between big and small objects is a must. Some cameras even allow you to configure the area of motion detection and adjust the sensitivity level. Always favour security cameras with advanced motion detection if they are within your budget.

Streaming Latency

Streaming latency is a notification delay. Ideally, you should receive a notification to your phone within 10 seconds of the motion sensor being triggered. 

Also, the camera should start recording within 1 second of the motion sensor being triggered. If the delay is 5 seconds or more – the security camera becomes useless since it fails to capture the first part of the crime happening.

Storage Features

Storage may be split into 3 main options.

Internal SD Card

Internal removable SD card is convenient; however, if your camera gets stolen you also lose the footage. 

Modern SD cards have 32+ GBs of storage which is enough for security cameras. Just check it once every 3 months. In some cases, the internal drive is not extractable.

External Hard Drive

With an external hard drive, the camera is connected to an external hard drive located in your apartment either via hardwire or WiFi. Such a system is a lot better since a hard drive might have a lot more storage space compared to an SD card. Secondly, in case your security camera gets stolen, you still have the footage.

WiFi is a more convenient way to connect the security camera to the storage since it does not require any drilling for cables. Make sure the camera supports 5.0 GHz WiFi connectivity for a smooth connection.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage usually comes at a subscription fee. Some security camera manufacturers claim free cloud storage yet such plans usually come with limitations that force you to upgrade to a paid plan. Limitations usually include limited storage space and a very short storage period of fewer than 7 days.

If you don’t mind paying an additional $3-$10/month for cloud storage, this option is convenient. Make sure your camera and router support 5.0 GHz WiFi connectivity for smooth file exchange with cloud storage.

Integrations with Google Assistant/Alexa/Siri

If you are using home assistants like Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant, check if the security camera is compatible with your home system. This will enable more convenient notifications when someone comes to your door. Especially convenient if you are waiting for package delivery.

Installation

Easy installation is usually a plus. However, take note that with no drilling installation it becomes very easy to steal the camera. And if your camera has internal storage – you lose the footage. 

If you opt for a camera with unsecure installation make sure it has external storage. Ideally via WiFi connection.

Night Vision

Night vision is not as important for indoor installation since shared indoor corridors usually have automatic lights that either work all night long or turn on with motion sensors when there is any movement.

For outdoor usage night vision is a must. If you plan to install a camera in a poor light condition place – make sure to check if the camera has decent night vision.

Consent from the Neighbors

If neighbour’s property is in the area of view of your camera – you need their permission for camera installation. For example, if the neighbour’s apartment door is in front of your apartment door and inside of their apartment is visible when they enter their apartment.

Alternatively, you can install your camera so that the neighbour’s apartment does not fall into the field of view.

Field of View

The bigger the camera’s field of view the better. If you just want to cover the area in front of your door – any camera will do it; however, depending on the specifics of your particular apartment door area a wider horizontal FOV (field of view) might be required.

Waterproofing

For indoor installations, waterproofing is not necessary. Yet you might want to check if the camera has an IP65 weatherproof rating. This rating means that the camera can handle the rain, however, do not try to put it underwater.

Privacy

With cloud storage make sure the cloud storage service provider clearly states in a privacy policy that they can not share your private footage with third parties. This is important since you will enter and exit your apartment multiple times in a day triggering a motion sensor to record a video. 

Subscription

Cameras without internal storage and without the possibility to connect external hard drives save the footage into the cloud via an internet connection. Usually, such cloud storage comes at a subscription fee. Without a subscription, the camera becomes useless since you won’t be able to access any recorded footage. Make sure to check the subscription fee before ordering a security camera since it may significantly increase the price when you count that in.

The Bottom Line

A good front door camera for an apartment should have a resolution of over 1080p and multiple footage storage options. If you want an easy installation without laying down wires – choose a camera that supports 5.0 GHz WiFi connections. 

Always check if there is a subscription fee associated with cloud storage and what are other data storage options to avoid additional monthly costs. 

A good motion sensor with accurate sensitivity and the possibility to adjust the motion detection area will save you a lot of nerves in the future. Also, phone, Alexa or Siri notifications will work better with good motion detection.

With indoor installations water resistance and night vision are not as important yet might be a nice additional feature if you decide to use a camera elsewhere in future. 

Finally, for battery-powered cameras make sure the battery life allows over one month of operation without swapping or recharging the batteries.