Peephole cameras to stay safe at home and in the rental properties
The best peephole camera is a great solution for those who want to be aware of what is happening near their home, but do not want to buy and install a doorbell camera. This compact device will help you monitor the situation in front of your door and help prevent trouble.
In my article, you will find models from $17 to $215, so no matter your budget and requirements, you will find the most suitable option to hang on your door.
To choose the most suitable option, you should first figure out what is the best peephole camera for you. It combines ease of use and installation, reliable footage storage, compact design, high photo & video quality, and a wealth of features.
I find the night vision and two-way communication features useful, which offer some options below. As for the type of connection, wireless security cameras will be easier to install and use.
Average Install Time: 5 minutes | Resolution: 1080p HD | Audio: Two-way talk with noise cancellation | Connectivity: Wi-Fi
This compact front door peephole camera can efficiently replace a regular peephole. It has every chance to become your best peephole camera for apartment as it impresses with its shooting quality, wide viewing angle, and completely wireless connection. As a result, this full-featured security camera is compatible with a wide range of devices.
Featuring Advanced Motion Detection and compatibility with Alex and Echo, this camera is amazingly easy to install and offers a smooth user experience.
I like that the device notifies you of the delivery and allows you to tell the courier exactly where to put your package so that you can see it without even leaving your home.
Average Install Time: Around 15 minutes | Resolution: 3MP, no video recording option | Audio: No | Connectivity: Wired
Digitsea is a reliable camera for existing peephole that will help you seamlessly observe what is happening at the door without being tied to Wi-Fi. It is worth noting the optimal volume of the device, which allows you to hear notifications from anywhere in the house, even if the volume is set to a minimum.
Being energy-efficient, this security camera only takes a few hours to fully charge and gives you a long and productive user experience while saving energy.
Some may miss the smartphone pairing and video recording in this device, but this security camera under 50 dollars is a budget-friendly find for those who are looking for an online monitoring tool.
Average Install Time: Not identified | Resolution: 320x420p | Audio: No | Connectivity: Wired
DigitHarbor’s peephole viewer is an advanced option with a built-in display inside the door. Easy to install and use, this outdoor security camera is compatible with almost all peepholes available today.
When someone comes to you and presses the ring button, the device will trigger and take a photo. It comes with an internal storage capacity of 75 images, which it saves automatically, erasing the oldest ones when the memory runs out.
The camera does not require a micro SD and is easy to use. A nice bonus is its battery life – a full charge lasts for about six months.
Average Install Time: Less then 1 minutes | Resolution: 1080p HD | Audio: Two-way talk | Connectivity: Wi-Fi
If you don’t want to mount a peephole camera but are looking for something that looks like a button-free doorbell, then the feature-rich Remo+ DoorCam 2 can be your best peephole camera to hang right above your door.
Fitted with HD quality, 1080p resolution, and a 160-degree viewing angle, this device brings you a smooth and enjoyable user experience. This rugged security camera with two way audio communication also has 2 built-in sensors with infrared motion detection and enhanced night vision features.
Since the device is designed to be placed above a door, it comes without a screen. It pairs seamlessly with your smartphone via the app, allowing you to control the camera and view what’s happening behind the door. The handy app also allows you to integrate the camera with your smart home via IFTTT, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant.
Offering an IPX4 weather rating, this model is also one of the best waterproof security cameras on the market today.
Average Install Time: Not identified | Resolution: 480p(640x480) | Audio: No | Connectivity: Wi-Fi
The Brinno SHC500 is a robust and easy-to-install camera for existing peephole that comes with a built-in peephole removal tool. Once the device is installed, simply insert the battery and SD card that comes with the package, set the time and date, and keep an eye on everything that happens outside your door.
This powerful security camera with WiFi features a solid high-resolution LCD screen, a built-in digital visitor log that fixes the time and date of pictures, and a live view mode to view videos instantly.
Average Install Time: Not identified | Resolution: 1080P | Audio: Two-way audio | Connectivity: Wi-Fi
If you are looking for a reliable WiFi peephole camera, then the wireless JeaTone Peephole Viewer is what you need as it provides an amazing user experience through smooth control from your smartphone, tablet, or another device.
This full-featured security camera for home comes with 1080P HD resolution with a 120-degree wide viewing angle and night vision feature, which is more than enough for comprehensive monitoring of what is happening at your door whether day or night.
The device comes with a powerful battery, designed for long use. I like its multi-user access for up to 12 participants, which is very convenient since you can manage the whole family and even entrust this important task to neighbors when you go on vacation.
IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
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Ring Peephole Cam
OUR CHOICE
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CHECK PRICE → | ||
Digitsea
BUDGET
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CHECK PRICE → | ||
Digitharbor
ENDURING BATTERY
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CHECK PRICE → |
Unfortunately, all door peepholes and cameras come in different sizes, as there is no single standard. That’s why it’s important to make sure that the camera for existing peephole you like will fit into it if you don’t want to drill the door.
Type. Peephole cameras typically come in three different types: standalone, removable, and fixed-on-door ones. Standalone hidden cameras feature a doorbell and an LCD display, giving you an ability to see the visitors.
Detachable models please users with a wide angle of view, as well as the possibility to install extendable display devices. The fixed-on-door cameras have an incredibly compact size and, as the name indicates, are fixed on the door. They may be used for surveillance purposes and saving the filmed footage on the external device.
Installation. The best peephole camera isn’t supposed to bring you any inconvenience while installing. However, in case the security camera for apartment calls for removing the old peephole lens before installation, it will take plenty of time and effort. Besides, certain peephole camera models require replacing the doorbell.
Smartphone integration. If the camera integrates with the smartphone, it means that you will receive instant notifications, will be able to view filmed videos, pre-record messages, take advantage of wireless connectivity, intercom capabilities, cloud storage and so on. Besides, you will have an opportunity to track the activity outside your place when you aren’t at home.
Low light capabilities. The best peephole cameras boast decent performance even in low light conditions. Certain models like Remo+ DoorCam 2 impress us with the infrared capability and the clarity of pictures produced at the hours of darkness.
Yes, you can do it easily if you have one of the newest GoPro models as they support time-lapse mode. Select TimeWarp if you want to shoot when moving, as it will allow you to get high-quality footage. When shooting in poor-light situations, use Night Lapse to capture professional content.
GoPro allows you to capture footage until the battery dies. If your camera has impressive battery capacity, you will be able to record videos longer. Most models allow you to shoot for 2.5 hours.
Your choice will largely depend on your preferences and needs. When selecting an interval, think about the desired duration of your video. If you need to shoot a fast-paced video or move your camera, opt for a shorter interval. For instance, half of a second or one second will be perfect for this situation. In case you need to capture a beautiful sunset or practice your landscape photography skills, you can use a longer interval.
When using GoPro cameras for shooting time-lapse content, you can use preset intervals to achieve your goals. If you opt for shooting stills, the camera will capture a GoPro time-lapse photo that will be stored on your memory card. Your task is to merge them using a trusted time-lapse app, such as Hyperlapse on Instagram. In case you decide to shoot time-lapse videos, your camera will automatically stitch pictures together to create a single video file.