What’s More Effective? Doorbell Cameras or CCTV

Doorbell with camera installation has been growing in popularity, but are they better than CCTV? At Carolina Smart Home, we often get asked this by our customers. Here’s our expert guide to the pros and cons of doorbell cameras and CCTV installation services.

Why Doorbell Cameras Are Better Than CCTV

Doorbell camera installation lets you speak to people through the doorbell even if you’re not home. Tell a visiting friend when you’ll be back or a delivery person where to place your item.

Video doorbells are easy to install and easy to manage. Most are wireless and battery powered. Just screw them into your wall or door, and they’ll start monitoring your property for you.

You can view the entire entryway of your home as video doorbell cameras have wide-angle lenses. This lets you see people coming to your home in addition to potential security threats or unusual activity near your home.

Another benefit is the ability to integrate doorbell cameras with your smartphone or smart home system. You can receive real-time notifications, view live video feeds, and even access recordings through mobile apps. This accessibility ensures that no matter where you are, you remain connected to your home’s security.

Why Doorbell Cameras are Not Better Than CCTV Cameras

You cannot monitor a wider area of your home or view the property from above with a doorbell camera. Video doorbells offer a limited view.

Doorbell cameras are often vulnerable to tampering, too. They are installed outside and at eye level. This makes them easier to tamper with, cover or steal and destroy than a CCTV camera that could be installed out of reach.

CCTV installation services offer more security features than a doorbell camera. You can pan the area or tilt the lens of your CCTV surveillance system. You can also link it to other parts of your home security. This isn’t possible with a doorbell camera.

Additionally, CCTV systems are more reliable when it comes to continuous surveillance. Unlike doorbell cameras, which may activate only when motion is detected, CCTV cameras can run 24/7 and record footage to a centralized system. This ensures that you have a comprehensive view of your property and that footage is always available in case of security incidents.

Which System Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between a doorbell camera and a CCTV system depends on your security needs and the layout of your property. Doorbell cameras are ideal for homeowners who want easy installation, convenience, and basic monitoring of their entryway. However, if you need to secure a larger area, or if you're looking for features like remote camera movement and tamper-resistant systems, CCTV is the better choice.

Also Read: Video Doorbell vs Security Camera, Which Is Right for You?

Professional Security Systems from Carolina Smart Home

Carolina Smart Home in Columbia, S.C., is an ADT-authorized dealer. We provide expert doorbell camera installation and CCTV installation services. Contact us today to improve the safety and security of your home or business.

We also offer comprehensive smart home solutions that integrate security systems, lighting, and climate control, all manageable from a single app. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s security or create a fully connected smart home environment, our team is here to help.