SkyBell Doorbell Camera Review

We compared SkyBell to other video doorbells and talked to the manufacturer to clarify how to buy it.

SkyBell isn't a bad Wi-Fi doorbell camera by any means, but it hasn't been updated in several years. Even though SkyBell still offers crisp, clear video footage, you can find some extra features (like activity zones) in more affordable cameras. If you don’t need the latest and greatest tech, you’ll be happy with SkyBell’s quality and wide field of view.

The main hiccup? Purchasing it from the wrong site could render your SkyBell useless without a monitoring subscription. Where you buy SkyBell also dictates which app you use to control the camera. We’ve researched all the options and spoke with SkyBell Technologies, Inc. to clear up the confusion.

Pros	Cons
Industry-leading 180° view Withstands extreme temperatures Quiet mode	Hardwire installation Some mounting limitations Confusing purchase info

Compare SkyBell cameras

Doorbell	Price	Image resolution	Camera size	Field of view	Zoom	Motion sensor range	Learn more
SkyBell HD™ Wi-Fi Video Doorbell	$174.39 + subscription	1080p/720p	2.8" x 2.8" x 0.9"	180°	5x	15 ft.	View Packages
SkyBell Trim Plus	$199	1080p	4.8" x 1.44" x 1.13”	180° horizontal, 120° vertical	5x	15 ft.	View Packages

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

SkyBell video quality

Customers consistently praise SkyBell’s video quality:

• Clear 1080p full HD image
• Possible to see visitors and street activity up to 15 feet away
• Built-in LED lights offer a crisp, color video feed in dimly lit areas
• Digital 5x zoom preserves image quality, day or night
• 180° field of view with little to no fish-eye distortion

In practical terms, the SkyBell video doorbell does its job and does it well. Instead of alerting you to the fact that “someone” is on your property, it lets you see who that person is.

In the event you need to send photos or recordings to the police, SkyBell’s HD camera is also more likely to capture details that low-quality competitors might miss, like distinctive tattoos, scars, or hairstyles. 

SkyBell two-way audio quality

SkyBell offers two-way audio, a standard feature on Wi-Fi doorbell cameras. You can speak through the camera by tapping and holding the Talk button on the app.

Audio from the SkyBell itself transmits automatically when you view the live feed, so you’ll hear everything going on outside. That means you might also hear your own responses echoing through the doorbell speaker, which can be distracting.

Aside from that, audio transmits clearly through SkyBell. You can adjust the speaker volume through the app if someone talks too loudly or softly.

Doorbell chime customizations

When this smart doorbell button is pressed, SkyBell chimes inside and outside your home. Each chime has separate volume control. That way, you can lower the indoor volume if someone’s trying to sleep, or increase the outdoor volume if you plan to do yard work.

SkyBell motion sensor

The SkyBell doorbell camera automatically starts recording a video when it senses motion. This lets you passively monitor the camera rather than pouncing on every phone alert to check the live feed.

Durability of SkyBell doorbell camera

If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you need a doorbell camera that won’t conk out in such conditions. SkyBell delivers on that front: it continues to work in temperatures as low as -40° F and as high as 140° F.

SkyBell also has an IPX4 weather rating, which means it can withstand “water splashes,” but won’t necessarily survive being blasted by a fire hose or make it through a hurricane unscathed. We’re pretty sure that the integrity of your doorbell camera will be the least of your concerns in the event of a hurricane or house fire, though, so this weather rating seems fair.

Confusing purchase options

Before you hop on Amazon and purchase the most affordable SkyBell model you find, take note: some SkyBell dealers require a subscription. Without a subscription, you won’t be able to activate the doorbell and view it through an app.

If SkyBell is the only piece of home security equipment you have, a monitoring subscription may be too expensive. Fortunately, it can be purchased as a standalone product if you know where to go.

It took us far too long to decipher the different purchase options, and we can only assume that consumers are equally confused by the conflicting information available on the web. We give the brand a solid thumbs-down for setting unclear expectations.

If you do want the SkyBell doorbell camera, here are your purchasing options:

• SkyBell: Use the free SkyBell app on the App Store or Google Play store. This requires no monitoring plan.
• Honeywell (via Amazon): Use the free SkyBell app. This requires no monitoring plan.
• Amazon.com: Sign up for an Alarm.com interactive residential services plan starting at $12.95 per month.
• Frontpoint: Pay a $49.99 per month monitoring fee.
• Brinks: pay a $39 per month monitoring fee.

Only Alarm.com currently offers the round SkyBell HD camera. All other providers exclusively sell the SkyBell Trim Plus.

Keep in mind that your experience with this doorbell camera depends on how well the provider’s app works. For example, if the app is slow, the push notifications might arrive 30 seconds after the doorbell rings. Pay attention to app reviews and warranties before choosing a SkyBell dealer.

Poor customer service

SkyBell’s customer service number is +1-888-423-9194. However, their site also lists two incorrect numbers, which is confusing and frustrating. The correct number took us to an automated menu and failed to connect us to a representative within 15 minutes.

We didn’t leave a message for a callback but received one anyway about 90 minutes later. The SkyBell representative was friendly and helpful in answering our questions about purchasing a SkyBell.

But most people don’t want to wait nearly two hours for assistance. If you have an issue with your SkyBell HD or SkyBell Trim and purchased it from a dealer, we recommend contacting the dealer for assistance.

SkyBell doorbell cameras vs. competitors

Product	Best for	Purchase price	Power supply	Field of view	Video quality	Learn more	Read Review
SkyBell Trim Plus	Best for integrated security	$199	Wired	180°	1080p	View Packages	-
Ring 2 Video Doorbell	Best overall	$99.99	Wired or battery	155°	1080p	View Packages	Read review
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell	Best for emergencies	$149.99	Wired	180°	1536p	View Packages	Read review
Eufy Video Doorbell	Best for local storage	$199.99	Wired or battery	160°	2000p	View Packages	Read review
Nest Hello	Best for extra features	$229.99	Wired	160°	1600p x 1200p	View Packages	Read review

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Bestwirelesscam.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.