How do wireless doorbells work?

Wireless doorbells typically come with two components: the push button, which gets mounted outside your door, and a receiver, which acts as a chime. When someone pushes the button, a radio signal transmits to the receiver, which then chimes and/or lights up to let you know someone is at the door. Certain high-tech video doorbells, such as the Ring, transmit this signal to your smartphone instead of a receiver. With these models, you’ll receive a smartphone alert that someone has rung the bell.

How do you install a wireless doorbell?

One of the major benefits of wireless doorbells is that they’re incredibly easy to install. With most products, you can choose to mount the doorbell itself using either double-sided adhesive pads or traditional screws (and screw anchors , if needed). Prep the wall by cleaning it and/or marking where the screws should go, then use the adhesive pad or screws to mount the doorbell according to its instructions. From there, you can plug the receiver into an outlet in your home, mount it to the wall, or place it on a flat surface.

Can you integrate a wireless doorbell into your existing security system?

While basic wireless doorbells are typically stand-alone units, you can often integrate wireless video doorbells with other smart security devices. For instance, you can use Ring doorbells in conjunction with Ring or Amazon smart cameras, lights, or security systems.

The 8 Best Wireless Doorbells of 2023

The 8 Best Wireless Doorbells of 2022 — The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

A wireless doorbell is perfect for novice DIY enthusiasts, apartment dwellers, and homeowners because installation is simple and flexible. “Wireless doorbells are easy to install as they do not require electrical wiring, offering greater freedom for where the homeowner can install the doorbell,” says Kaleigh Bueckert-Orme of Ring.

We researched top options on the market and evaluated them on their battery life, installation, and extra features.

Here are the best wireless doorbells.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Honeywell Series 9 Wireless Doorbell at Amazon

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Best Budget:

SadoTech Model C Wireless Doorbell at Amazon

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Best Smart:

Ring Video Doorbell 3 at Amazon

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Best Camera:

Arlo Essential Wireless Doorbell at Amazon

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Best Longe Range :

X-Sense Wireless Doorbell Kit at Amazon

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Best without Subscription:

Eufy Video Doorbell 2K at Amazon

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Best with Two Doorbells:

GE Wireless Doorbell Kit at Amazon

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Best with Light:

Philips Wireless Doorbell Kit at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.5

Honeywell Series 9 Portable Wireless Doorbell

Walmart

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What We Like

Built-in LED light
Long-lasting battery life
450-foot range
Ability to download additional chimes

What We Don't Like

Slight lag
No app connectivity

The Honeywell Home Series 9 Wireless Doorbell is our top pick because its easy-to-install design offers multiple customization features. The unit includes a portable receiver and a push button with mounting hardware.

The square receiver, which can last for up to five years on four C batteries, has a range of up to 450 feet for flexibility when installing the push button. It has an LED halo light, which you can program with seven color alerts, and adjustable volume and chime settings to suit your preferences. There are eight chime options to choose from, and you can mute the receiver temporarily or permanently if desired. You can even download additional chime sounds to customize its ring. The receiver can also connect to up to six transmitters, allowing you to add more doorbells.

One of our favorite features is the portability of the receiver, so you can always hear the doorbell ring, even from your home office or backyard. The doorbell comes with a receiver wall mount if you’d prefer to have the receiver in a permanent place. Although portability is a great feature, there is a lag between the button and the receiver. Despite this minor technical delay, this doorbell is our top choice because of its long-lasting battery life and easy-to-use features.

Price at time of publish: $52

_{Weight: 1.1 pounds | Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 1.6 ‎inches | Material: Plastic | Installation Method: Screws | Power Source: Battery}

Walmart

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What We Like

Affordable
Comes in 14 colors
Dozens of chime options

What We Don't Like

Chime selection is tedious
Clunky design

The SadoTech Model C Wireless Doorbell is a budget-friendly choice that’s easy to install and offers lots of versatility. The push button runs on a 23A battery (included), and the receiver plugs right into an electrical outlet. The two units have an operating range of over 1,000 feet, and the doorbell comes in several colors to match any decor.

This affordable wireless doorbell includes more than 50 chime options, but the downside is that you have to cycle through them to select the one you want. You can choose from four volume levels and a silent mode, and the doorbell comes with both screws and heavy-duty adhesive to give you multiple installation options.

Price at time of publish: $17

_{Weight: 4 ounces | Dimensions: ‎‎3.2 x 1.5 x 3.5 inches | Material: ABS Plastic | Installation Method: Self-adhesive tape or anchors/screw | Power Source: Battery/plug-in}

Amazon

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What We Like

1080p high-definition video
Two-way audio
Smartphone alerts
Option to hardwire

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Requires subscription to record videos

Smart doorbells are an increasingly popular investment for homeowners, as they allow you to monitor your home even when you’re not physically there. One of the best smart wireless doorbells available today is the Ring Video Doorbell 3, which streams 1080-pixel high-definition video straight to your smartphone and sends alerts whenever something or someone is at your door.

You can use this video doorbell wirelessly with its rechargeable battery pack, or you also have the option to hardwire it into your home. It supports two-way audio, allowing you to speak to whoever is at the door, and you can even connect it to Alexa to hear announcements when the doorbell rings. However, keep in mind that you’ll have to subscribe to a monthly Ring Protect Plan if you want your doorbell to record and save videos. Without it, you can only view live videos through the device.

Price at time of publish: $200

_{Weight: Not listed | Dimensions: ‎5.1 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches | Material: Plastic | Installation Method: Screws/anchors | Power Source: Rechargeable battery pack or hardwired}

Amazon

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What We Like

High-definition video with wide viewing angle
Long battery life
Two-way audio
Night vision up to 25 feet

What We Don't Like

Slight delay
Requires subscription to save videos

If you want to see who’s at your door without opening it, the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is the one for you. This video doorbell has a max video resolution of 1536 x 1536 pixels, and it offers a 1:1 aspect ratio for head-to-toe visibility of visitors and a 180-degree field of view, allowing you to see more of your property. The Arlo Doorbell syncs up to your smartphone for operation, and you can hear and speak to visitors with two-way audio or pre-recorded messages.

The Arlo Video Doorbell has a rechargeable battery pack that can last for up to six months, or it can connect to existing doorbell wiring. This model also includes a built-in siren you can trigger to scare off intruders if needed. If you want to store video recordings, you have to subscribe to Arlo Secure, which is available in single- and multi-camera monthly plans.

Price at time of publish: $150

_{Weight: 0.55 pounds | Dimensions: ‎1.85 x 5.63 x 1.45 inches | Material: Plastic | Installation Method: Screws | Power Source: Rechargeable battery pack or hardwired}

The 9 Best Doorbell Cameras of 2023

Amazon

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What We Like

Inexpensive
2,000+ foot range
Wide variety of chimes
Built-in LED light

What We Don't Like

Not very loud
Comes in only one dark color

If you have a large home or want to be able to hear the doorbell when you’re out in the yard, the X-Sense Wireless Doorbell has an impressive 2,000-foot range. You can get it with either one or two doorbells, which come with both adhesive patches and screws, depending on your mounting preferences. The doorbell itself runs on CR2032 batteries, which can last for up to three years, and the receiver plugs into an outlet.

This doorbell offers a whopping 56 chime sounds, as well as five volume levels. While the volume and sound options are impressive, the chime volume could be a bit too quiet to hear in some parts of your home. However, a blue LED light gives you a visual cue that someone is at the door, and the unit even has a memory function that preserves your settings in the case of a power outage.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Weight: 6.2 ounces | Dimensions: ‎5.35 x 4.15 x 2.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Installation Method: ‎Self-adhesive or screws | Power Source: Battery/plug-in}

The 10 Best Outdoor Security Cameras to Keep an Eye on Your Home

eufy Battery-Powered Wi-Fi Video Doorbell

Amazon

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What We Like

No monthly fee
2K video
Smartphone alerts

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Video has fisheye effect

Many video doorbells require a monthly subscription fee if you want to record video footage, but the Eufy Battery-Powered Video Doorbell is a subscription-free option that offers encrypted local video storage instead. This wireless doorbell records in 2K resolution (2560 x 1920 pixels), and its wide dynamic range capture clear details, even when the subject is backlit.

The wireless doorbell is simple to install, and the unit comes with a “Homebase” that stores video footage and also acts as a chime. You can sync the unit with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and two-way audio and prerecorded messages allow you to interact with visitors.

Price at time of publish: $200

_{Weight: 7.4 ounces | Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.1 x 1.1 inches | Material: Plastic | Installation Method: Screws | Power Source: Rechargeable battery}

11 Home Security Companies We Trust

Amazon

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What We Like

Classic design
Includes two doorbells
Expandable system

What We Don't Like

Not very loud
Batteries life might be short-lived

For homes with multiple doors, the GE Wireless Doorbell Kit comes with two push buttons. You can use each of these buttons with the receiver, which plugs into an outlet. CR2032 batteries power the buttons, which you can place up to 150 feet away from the main unit. However, some users report that the battery life isn't as long-lasting as expected.

This doorbell offers eight different chime options, including a traditional ding dong and several fun melodies. You can also select from four volume settings, and the doorbells arrive already paired with the receiver, making it quick and easy to set up. Plus, you can expand the system with up to four doorbells, if needed.

Price at time of publish: $29

_{Weight: 15.5 ounces | Dimensions: 2.3 x 3.5 x 4.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Installation Method: Adhesive pad or screws | Power Source: Battery/plug-in}

Amazon

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What We Like

Affordable
Built-in LED light
Portable receiver

What We Don't Like

Poor sound quality
Slight delay

If you sometimes miss the chime of your doorbell, the Philips Wireless Doorbell Kit has a built-in LED light on its receiver that illuminates with button presses, giving you a visual cue that someone is at the door. This doorbell kit has a 150-foot range between the push button and receiver, and you can expand the system to include up to four buttons.

Choose from 32 doorbell chimes and four volume levels, the loudest of which is 95 decibels. However, the sound quality might not be as refined or immediate as some alternatives. On the plug side, the receiver is battery-powered for portability and has a flat base that lets you place it on your desk, counter, or table.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Weight: 5.5 ounces | Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.1 x 1.2 inches | Material: Plastic | Installation Method: Not listed | Power Source: Battery}

Keep Your Home Safe With the Best Wireless Security Systems

Final Verdict

For a no-frills wireless doorbell that’s easy to install and operate, you can’t go wrong with the Honeywell Series 9 Portable Wireless Doorbell. This unit has a portable receiver with a range of 450 feet, and it offers eight chime options and impressive battery life. If you’re looking for something more high-tech, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a top-rated smart doorbell that streams high-definition footage straight to your phone and even allows you to talk to whoever is at the door.

Installation

Many people choose wireless doorbells because they can't have a hardwired model in their home. However, some doorbells must be screwed into the wall—not always feasible for renters—while others can be temporarily mounted using double-sided adhesive. If you're a renter, it's best to ensure you can properly install the wireless option you select.

Power Source

“Some doorbells have a built-in battery, while others will have a battery pack that is removable,” explains Kaleigh Bueckert-Orme of Ring. “This means some doorbells will need to be taken off entirely to charge, while others can stay installed.” Further, doorbell receivers are either battery-powered or plug-in, the former of which can easily be moved around your home if needed.

Range

Most wireless doorbells have a range limit between the doorbell itself and the receiver, so consider this figure when selecting the best model for your needs. The standard range of these products is between 150 and 500 feet, but if you have a larger home or want to bring the receiver outdoors, you may want to opt for a longer-range model.

Additional Features

“Consumers should look at which features are most important to them on a wireless doorbell,” says Bueckert-Orme. Common features on wireless doorbells include multiple chime options, volume adjustment, and light-up receivers. On more high-tech models, you can also find features such as high-definition video capture, two-way audio, motion detection, and security sirens.

FAQ

How do wireless doorbells work?

Wireless doorbells typically come with two components: the push button, which gets mounted outside your door, and a receiver, which acts as a chime. When someone pushes the button, a radio signal transmits to the receiver, which then chimes and/or lights up to let you know someone is at the door.
Certain high-tech video doorbells, such as the Ring, transmit this signal to your smartphone instead of a receiver. With these models, you’ll receive a smartphone alert that someone has rung the bell.
How do you install a wireless doorbell?

One of the major benefits of wireless doorbells is that they’re incredibly easy to install. With most products, you can choose to mount the doorbell itself using either double-sided adhesive pads or traditional screws (and screw anchors, if needed).
Prep the wall by cleaning it and/or marking where the screws should go, then use the adhesive pad or screws to mount the doorbell according to its instructions. From there, you can plug the receiver into an outlet in your home, mount it to the wall, or place it on a flat surface.
Can you integrate a wireless doorbell into your existing security system?

While basic wireless doorbells are typically stand-alone units, you can often integrate wireless video doorbells with other smart security devices. For instance, you can use Ring doorbells in conjunction with Ring or Amazon smart cameras, lights, or security systems.

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance home writer who has contributed to The Spruce since 2017. While putting together this list, she considered each product’s range, design, and chime options, as well as how easy the units were to install. She also looked at factors such as battery life and video capabilities to find the best options for every home.

For more information about wireless doorbells, she spoke to Kaleigh Bueckert-Orme of Ring, one of the leaders in the wireless video doorbell space, about the benefits of this technology and how to use it optimally within your home.