You’ve heard of package thieves, burglars, and looky-loos, but did you know they can be a problem even in your best neighborhoods? That’s why we recommend the SkyBell doorbell camera for our expert advice on home security equipment. We’ve been testing these things long enough to know what works well (and avoids wasting money!).
Itching to get your hands on the latest home security system? You’ve come across a great choice with SkyBell, but you need some help figuring out which one is right for you. After all of our testing and research into doorbell cameras earlier this year, we can say that there are several important factors when shopping for these devices:
-What type do they offer (monitors only or recordings plus live streaming)? -Do I want alerts sent straight to my phone via text message/Snapchat if something happens while online watches over my kids at night time.
You’ll like what we found during our research and testing of SkyBell, so let’s have a look! The video doorbell company is known for its high-quality products. It has two options: hard-wired devices or wireless ones (for those with limited range). Their customer service team was also very helpful when I had questions about installation on my property; they could connect me by a phone call which helped even more than if someone came out right away from the warehouse where these things are made (they’re working machines)!
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SkyBell Video Doorbell Review 2022
Skybell Doorbell Camera
As you can see, these products are nearly identical except for design. These two devices both have motion-activated video doorbells and access control options, as well as different color schemes to match each homeowner’s unique tastes!
Don’t worry- that was just a lighting round for features; we’ll unpack those in just one moment. But first, let me introduce our new SkyBell HD vs. Trimline Plus comparison – they’re practically twins thanks to their similarly priced prices ($249). And guess what? This brand offers limited items because its high-end models share similar capabilities: 1080p live streaming camera feeds combined w/a a siren alarm system.
One of the best parts about SkyBell is that there are no hidden monthly subscription costs, activation fees, or other hassles. You’ll only have one payment for $199, and then you can watch out on visitors from your perch in peace! In addition to this minimal investment into security products, it offers free shipping as well, which many companies offer these days- standard industry practice, though, so don’t worry too much if yours doesn’t match up exactly with theirs.
Our Experience Using SkyBell
The SkyBell website is a little frustrating. You may have to dig for their products or sign-up like we did because there are no monthly subscription fees which means you don’t get charged every month as required with other services and apps!
The steal guarantee offered by SkyBell is one we haven’t seen before and makes them a favorite among those looking for doorbell cameras. Other companies are now following suit as well!
Did you know that video doorbells are usually offered with a 14-day or 30-day money-back guarantee? It allows people time to try out the product and service before committing long term.
Installing SkyBell
One of our biggest gripes with SkyBell is that you need to have an electrician install it. This can be tricky if not done correctly, but luckily, some other companies out there make doorbell cams, and they don’t require any installation experience!
Installing the SkyBell doorbell was a snap. All you have to do is screw in your mounting plate, connect old wiring and download an app! It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish if installing this device isn’t too complicated for you – but I recommend getting started now because some steps require attention before they can continue with installation; otherwise, things might get messy later on down the line when trying to reconnect everything again after having moved around/installed new appliances, etc.
Everyday Use
Managed all of our control through the SkyBell app, which we found to be well designed and easy to use. Within this app, there was video recording history; instant activity alerts for when someone rings your front doorbell or moves nearby (you can talk with them from pretty much anywhere); a live stream viewable by anyone who has access that will let visitors know you’re home before they arrive at all! It also reminded us how pleased we were using Ring’s Door Bell Hardware – check out their top pick if this is something up your alley too!
SkyBell’s video streaming feature is touch-and-go at times with a bit of lag. But, we think that their color night vision and motion detection worked just fine for us! Overall the device was simple to use, which made it easy enough, so as long as you have internet access, all will be well in your home security perimeter.
We tested out Sky bell’s doorbell cam exclusively because I had heard great things about them beforehand but found myself disappointed when testing this particular model due.
Customer Service
You may be wondering how SkyBell rates in comparison to other home security companies. Well, it’s not owned by Amazon or Google but rather a small company with “supposedly committed” customer satisfaction ratings–bad news for some customers who experienced problems while others had positive experiences talking to reps on the phone (and even getting solutions).
Read our other Video doorbell articles: 1) Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell Review 2) Energizer Smart Video Doorbell Review.
SkyBell Features and Tech
If you can’t get enough of the latest bells and whistles, Skybell has your back. The company’s top-of-the-line models have everything from pan/tilt night vision cameras with audio alerts to motion detection zones so that when someone approaches your front doorstep, they’ll know it just in case there are presents under their tree!
We were blown away by the SkyBell Connect feature, which allowed us to connect our devices with other platforms. We also think that it will be helpful for new parents or yippy-yappy dog owners! Here are some features of this amazing product:
1)The ability connects all sorts of smart home automation systems in one place; 2)Quiet Mode mode helps you sleep better at night if your neighbors can’t hear them barking outside their door again (we know how tough parenting is!). 3). A feature called “trial days” lets customers try out their service before committing themselves – great candidates don’t always recognize potential until they’ve tried something already.
High-Quality HD Camera
The 1080p HD video quality is nice, but keep in mind that SkyBell also has 5x zoom and color night vision. It means you can see what your pet looks like from any angle, even if they’re hiring! Plus, with this system, there’s no need to worry about motion detection because it does not take pictures on its own- instead, when something moves within range of the camera, all other sends are disabled, so only one gets sent directly through without being filtered or altered in any way.
Image Capture
The skybell video doorbell image capture is a great way to keep an eye on whoever might be at your doorstep. With the ability for both still pictures and videos, it will last longer than it had taken only one.
Activity History
Review your entryway activity right inside the SkyBell app. We think you’ll find this log to be an easy and quick way of seeing what’s going on at home after a long day, especially if it can help make sure no alerts go unanswered!
Smartphone Controls
The SkyBell App lets you control your video doorbell from anywhere in the world, giving instant notifications of arrivals or departures. You can also chat with visitors and send bad guys packing using this app’s two-way talk feature! The live-stream footage shows what’s happening at all times, while recorded videos will show whenever something interesting happens on camera – perfect for keeping an eye on things while away (or not).
Smart Home Integration
The SkyBell Connect lets you use smart home automation from Amazon Echo, Nest Home, and more. You can have your lights come on when someone presses the doorbell or set up other cool automation like turning off Wi-Fi at night so that hackers cannot access it while people are sleeping.
Weatherproof
Both of SkyBell’s doorbell cameras are built to last. Although they aren’t the most robust devices we’ve tested, these two camera systems should work just fine in extreme conditions from -40 degrees Fahrenheit all way up to 140 degrees heat!
While some home security products might have a short lifespan when it comes down simply due to how much punishment they can take like an outdoor flood or snowstorm; you won’t need to worry about such inconveniences here because not only do both sky bell cams come standard with starter batteries but also incorporate water-resistant housing that will keep them safe even if there was ever something unfortunate happen while on your porch.
Quiet Mode
Don’t wake the baby! The SkyBell has a Quiet Mode that allows you to turn off its chime and instead send an activity notification straight from your front door.
Theft Guarantee
The company claims that if your SkyBell doorbell cam is stolen, they’ll replace it free of charge. This seems like a great offer and should be honored!
Accessories & Add-Ons
SkyBell offers a few add-ons, upgrades, and accessories. But their limited options leave much to be desired; the same goes for doorbell camera selection — we would like more choices! It’s kind of like going into an expensive restaurant with only two chicken dishes on the menu (in SkyBells case) versus nothing else… As they say: variety is spice life)! That said – not all are bad as cheap/easy enough via purchase or rental options.
SkyBell History in a Nutshell
SkyBell has been around for 21 years. And their name, Skybell, sounds old-fashioned and uninspired – but we were curious about it anyways because of its proximity in time to the late 2000s when they used door cam instead (which was just as bad). When researching them more, though? Turns out that even before switching over from “iDoorcam” back when smartphones weren’t everywhere yet; The company had roots all across America, including California, where it’s headquartered!
Bottom Line & Recommendations
SkyBell is on to something with their doorbell camera. There are no contracts or monthly subscription fees, just one purchase for the product plus smart home integrations that we love! We also found it easy to control within the app – but not everything was perfect, as you’ll see below…
a) The feature set isn’t very expansive at this time (more bells & whistles would have been nice). b ) You must use your phone’s Wi-Fi connection instead of 4G/LTE, which can be spotty depending
We didn’t like the fact that we needed to hardwire both SkyBell HD and Trim Plus. It is not something most people are willing or able to do, which led us to think about other doorbell cameras with these features that might be better suited for installation in your home rather than outside of it! We also think there’s room for improvement when customer service matters most: “We’re here” isn’t always enough nowadays – especially if you need help within 1 minute from picking up another phone call while on hold…
SkyBell FAQs
Do I have to pay a monthly fee?
No, SkyBell offers professional monitoring without the usual long-term contracts.
What is the difference between a wired and wireless doorbell camera?
A hardwired installation means that you need to run power from your home’s wiring. A SkyBell will work with either kind of setup, but if there isn’t an outlet nearby for installing it then they recommend running extra cables through all those pesky doors!
What is the resolution of SkyBell?
SkyBell’s solution offers 1080p HD video resolution, with night vision and 5x zoom. Not bad!
Does SkyBell have home automation features?
Yes, these doorbell cams integrate with third-party smart devices like Amazon’s Alexa and more.
