Living in an apartment building comes with its own set of conveniences, but security and managing visitors can sometimes be a puzzle. Whether you’re expecting a package, screening visitors, or just want an extra layer of peace of mind, a video doorbell is a game-changer. But what’s the best video doorbell for apartment building living? It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, as your needs might differ based on your building’s rules, your unit’s setup, and whether you need a single-unit solution or a multi-household system.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a list of top contenders, covering various scenarios from individual wireless options to comprehensive wired intercom systems. Let’s dive in and find the perfect fit for your urban dwelling!
1. AMOCAM Apartment Video Intercom System (4 Household)
If you’re looking for a robust, dedicated solution for an apartment building with multiple units, the AMOCAM 4 Household Video Intercom System is designed precisely for that. This isn’t just a doorbell; it’s a complete wired intercom setup that brings an old-school apartment buzzer into the 21st century. It allows residents in four different units to see, hear, and speak to visitors at the main entrance, ensuring controlled access and enhanced security for everyone. It’s especially useful for smaller apartment blocks or townhouses where a shared system is desired.
Key Features:
* 1 outdoor camera and 4 indoor monitor video intercom system, supporting 4 households.
* 7-inch acrylic LCD touch key screen for each indoor unit.
* Functions include door answering, monitoring, and unlock capability.
* Dual-way intercom with mute function.
* 16 different doorbell chimes; adjustable volume, brightness, and contrast.
* 700TVL CMOS IR night vision high resolution outdoor camera.
* Wired connection for stability and reliability.
* Suitable for apartments, villas, hotels, offices, and public buildings.
* Supports up to 12 monitors in total.
Pros:
* Comprehensive multi-household intercom system.
* Wired connection ensures stable, reliable performance.
* High-resolution night vision camera.
* Touch screen monitors are user-friendly.
* Offers strong security for shared building entrances.
Cons:
* Requires professional wired installation, which can be complex.
* Not a standalone doorbell for individual apartment doors.
* May require landlord approval due to wiring.
User Impressions:
Users praise this system for its clear video and audio quality, highlighting its reliability as a wired solution for multi-tenant buildings. Many appreciate the secure and convenient access control it provides. However, they emphasize the need for proper installation, often recommending professional help for optimal setup.
2. Ring Battery Doorbell (Head-to-Toe Video)
For individual apartment dwellers who need a flexible, wireless solution without complicated wiring, the Ring Battery Doorbell is a fantastic choice. This popular option is easy to install, battery-powered, and offers excellent visibility with its “Head-to-Toe” video, letting you see packages right at your doorstep. It’s perfect if you can’t or don’t want to drill holes, making it a truly rental-friendly option that’s often considered the best video doorbell for apartment building residents living in single units.
Key Features:
* Head-to-Toe Video for wider vertical coverage (66% more).
* Built-in rechargeable battery with USB-C charging.
* Easy, snap-in installation.
* Live View and Two-Way Talk functionality.
* Real-time motion detection alerts.
* Smart Alerts for person and package detection (subscription required).
* Connects with Alexa for voice commands and notifications.
Pros:
* Completely wireless and battery-operated – ideal for renters.
* Wide field of view (Head-to-Toe) captures more.
* Simple installation without permanent modifications.
* Reputable brand with extensive smart home integration.
* Excellent for individual unit monitoring and package security.
Cons:
* Subscription required for advanced features like video recording and smart alerts.
* Battery needs recharging periodically (though USB-C makes it easy).
* May still require a mounting bracket if drilling is absolutely forbidden.
User Impressions:
Customers love the convenience and ease of installation of the Ring Battery Doorbell. The “Head-to-Toe” view is a big hit, especially for tracking package deliveries. While some note the subscription cost, most find the security and peace of mind it offers well worth it, particularly for apartment living.
3. AMOCAM 3 Units Apartment Video Intercom System
Similar to its 4-household counterpart, the AMOCAM 3 Units system provides a dedicated, wired intercom solution tailored for smaller multi-tenant dwellings. It allows up to three households to share a single outdoor camera and intercom, giving each unit the ability to see and speak with visitors and unlock the door remotely. This system is a step up from basic audio-only intercoms, providing the visual verification crucial for modern apartment security and access control.
Key Features:
* 1 outdoor camera and 3 indoor monitor video intercom doorbell system.
* Supports 3 households with dual-way communication.
* Comes with 5 ID keyfobs for convenient door unlocking.
* 700TVL CMOS IR night vision high resolution outdoor camera.
* Durable full aluminum front panel for vandalism protection, plus waterproofing.
* 7-inch LCD screen with door answering, monitoring, and unlock functions.
* 16 different doorbell chimes; adjustable volume, brightness, and contrast.
* Wired connection for stability; easy to install for a wired system.
* Can be used in apartments, villas, hotels, offices, and public buildings; supports up to 12 monitors.
Pros:
* Integrated solution for multi-tenant apartment buildings.
* Reliable wired connection for consistent performance.
* Durable, weather-resistant outdoor unit.
* Multiple ways to unlock the door (monitor, keyfobs).
* Good for shared entrance security and visitor management.
Cons:
* Requires wired installation, which might be a barrier for some.
* Not suitable for individual apartment door monitoring.
* Initial setup can be more involved than wireless options.
User Impressions:
Reviewers commend the AMOCAM 3-unit system for its solid build quality and clear video feed, especially the night vision. The convenience of ID keyfobs for unlocking is a frequently praised feature. Users highlight its effectiveness in small apartment buildings, providing a robust and secure way to manage front door access.
4. KIMILAR Anti-Theft Video Doorbell Mount
Okay, so this isn’t a doorbell itself, but it’s an absolute lifesaver and a must-have accessory when considering the best video doorbell for apartment building living, especially if you’re leaning towards popular wireless models like Ring or Blink. The KIMILAR Anti-Theft Video Doorbell Mount allows you to securely install your battery-powered doorbell without drilling into your door frame or wall. This makes it incredibly rental-friendly and provides a crucial layer of anti-theft protection, perfect for shared hallways or common areas where your doorbell might be exposed.
Key Features:
* Anti-theft design to secure your wireless doorbell.
* Compatible with various Ring Video Doorbells (1-4 Gen, Battery Doorbell) and Blink Video Doorbell.
* No-drill installation – attaches to most doors between 0.6 and 2.3 inches thick.
* Suitable for doors that open inward, left or right.
* Adjustable distance from the doorbell to the door.
* Easy to install with included instructions and parts.
Pros:
* Enables use of popular wireless doorbells without drilling.
* Excellent solution for renters and apartment dwellers.
* Provides robust anti-theft protection.
* Simple and quick installation.
* Universal compatibility with many battery-operated doorbells.
Cons:
* Does not work with security doors.
* Only for doors that open inward.
* It’s an accessory, so you still need to purchase a doorbell separately.
User Impressions:
This mount receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from apartment residents. Users rave about its “no-drill” feature, calling it a “game-changer” for their rental properties. The anti-theft aspect provides significant peace of mind, and many find it surprisingly sturdy and easy to set up.
5. Wired Apartment Video Intercom System (2 Units)
Another strong contender in the multi-unit wired category, this 2-Unit Wired Apartment Video Intercom System is perfect for a duplex, a unit with a separate in-law suite, or a small building with two households. What sets this system apart is its integration with the Smart Tuya APP, allowing for remote monitoring and unlocking from your smartphone, even when you’re not home. This blends the reliability of a wired system with the convenience of smart home features, making it a strong choice for the best video doorbell for apartment building scenarios requiring shared access and modern control.
Key Features:
* 1 outdoor camera and 2 indoor screens for two occupants in one building.
* 7-inch TFT touch screen monitors with ultra-slim design.
* Smart Tuya APP Wireless WiFi support for remote monitoring and unlocking.
* Multiple unlocking methods: ID card, APP, and screen monitor.
* Automatic video recording when motion detection is triggered (32G SD card included).
* 1080P HD IR night vision with 140º wide angle camera.
* Built-in speaker and microphone for two-way talk.
* Wired connection stability for home security.
* Suitable for flats, villas, hotels, offices, and public buildings; supports up to 12 monitoring devices.
Pros:
* Combines wired reliability with smart app control (Tuya APP).
* Multiple unlocking options (ID card, app, monitor).
* Automatic video recording with included SD card.
* High-definition video and wide-angle night vision.
* Ideal for dual-household apartment setups.
Cons:
* Requires wired installation between doorphone and monitors.
* May be overkill for a single apartment unit.
* App setup can sometimes be tricky for less tech-savvy users.
User Impressions:
Customers highlight the convenience of the Tuya app integration, noting that being able to answer and unlock remotely is a huge benefit. The video quality, especially the 1080P HD and night vision, receives high praise. Users also appreciate the automatic recording feature, providing an added layer of security.
FAQs: Finding the Best Video Doorbell for Your Apartment
Q1: Can I install a video doorbell in an apartment building?
A: It depends! If you’re renting, always check your lease agreement and, more importantly, get approval from your landlord or building management before installing anything that requires drilling or permanent modifications. For battery-powered doorbells, no-drill mounts (like the KIMILAR one reviewed above) are excellent solutions that often don’t require permission. For wired systems, you’ll almost certainly need explicit approval.
Q2: What’s the difference between a wired and wireless video doorbell for apartments?
A:
* Wired doorbells: Connect directly to your building’s existing doorbell wiring or a new wired setup. They offer continuous power, highly reliable connections, and are often part of multi-unit intercom systems. Installation is more complex and usually requires landlord approval.
* Wireless doorbells: Typically battery-powered and connect via Wi-Fi. They’re much easier to install (especially with no-drill mounts), making them ideal for renters or those who can’t modify their property. However, batteries need recharging, and Wi-Fi signal strength is crucial.
Q3: Are video doorbells useful for package delivery in apartments?
A: Absolutely! Many video doorbells, especially those with “Head-to-Toe” video or wide-angle lenses, allow you to see packages left at your door. Some even offer smart alerts specifically for package detection (often with a subscription). This can significantly reduce the risk of package theft in apartment hallways.
Q4: Do I need a subscription for my video doorbell to work?
A: For many popular smart video doorbells (like Ring), a subscription is often required to access premium features such as video recording, cloud storage of footage, person/package detection alerts, and rich notifications. Without a subscription, you typically still get live view and two-way talk, but won’t be able to review past events. Multi-unit intercom systems like AMOCAM usually don’t require separate subscriptions.
Q5: What if my apartment building already has an intercom system?
A: If your building has an existing intercom, you have a few options:
1. Supplement it: Install a separate wireless video doorbell at your individual apartment door for an extra layer of security.
2. Upgrade the whole system: If your building management is open to it, a modern multi-unit video intercom system (like the AMOCAM or 2-Unit Wired Intercom) could replace or significantly upgrade the existing setup for the entire building.
3. Check for compatibility: Some advanced individual video doorbells might integrate with certain existing building access systems, but this is less common.
Q6: How do I protect my video doorbell from theft in a shared hallway?
A: For wireless doorbells, using an anti-theft mount (like the KIMILAR one reviewed) is highly recommended. These enclosures secure your doorbell and prevent easy removal. For wired systems that are part of the building’s infrastructure, they are generally more robustly installed and thus less susceptible to casual theft.
Q7: Can a video doorbell improve tenant safety in an apartment building?
A: Yes, significantly. Video doorbells allow residents to visually verify who is at their door or the building’s main entrance before opening, deterring unwanted visitors or suspicious activity. Features like two-way talk enable communication without opening the door, and motion detection can alert residents to activity in common areas outside their unit.