If you’re hunting for a video doorbell, the first thing on your mind is probably the price tag. You’ll see everything from under £50 to over £300, and it can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get solid protection. In this guide we’ll break down what makes a smart doorbell cheap or pricey, show you realistic price ranges for the most popular models, and give you simple tricks to stretch every pound.
Most of the cost difference comes down to three things: video quality, subscription services, and smart‑home integration. A doorbell that records in 1080p with night vision will usually cost more than a 720p unit because the sensor and lens are higher‑end. Some brands lock advanced features—like motion zones, facial recognition, or cloud storage—behind a monthly fee. If you’re happy storing clips on a local SD card, you can skip that subscription cost entirely. Finally, look at how the doorbell talks to other devices. A model that works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit will be pricier, but it also means you can control it with voice or set up automations without extra hardware.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll find in the UK market today:
To keep costs down, shop during sales events like Black Friday or look for bundle deals that include a chime, extra batteries, or a free year of cloud storage. Also, check if the manufacturer offers a refurbished unit—these are often factory‑tested and come with a warranty for half the price of a brand‑new model.
Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. A doorbell that constantly glitches or fails to record at night ends up costing you more in time and frustration. Focus on the features you actually need: if you rarely get deliveries at night, night vision might be a nice‑to‑have rather than a must‑have. Likewise, if you already have a smart speaker, pick a doorbell that plays alerts through it to avoid buying a separate chime.
Bottom line: plan your budget around the three cost drivers, compare real‑world prices, and take advantage of sales or refurbished units. You can get a reliable, feature‑rich smart doorbell for under £150 without sacrificing security. Happy shopping!
Wondering how much you'll pay for a Ring subscription in the UK? This article breaks down the actual monthly and yearly costs, explains what's included, and helps you decide if it's worth it for your smart doorbell setup. You'll learn about the differences between Basic and Plus plans, tips to get more value, and some surprising features you might not know about. Find out how to make the most of your Ring doorbell and what happens if you skip the subscription. This guide gives you the straightforward info you need before spending a penny.