Tips from China: Affordable Video Doorbells for Your Home Security

Your girlfriend rings, you’re at work, but thanks to a phone notification, you open the gate for her. A courier delivers a package, you see him on the kitchen display and unlock it via the app. In today’s Tips from China, we’ll show you smart video doorbells that can do all this and cost less than a family lunch at a restaurant.

Video Doorbell with Solar Cover

If you already have a smart doorbell at home but are concerned about its lifespan in our conditions, here’s a solution. The Waterproof Solar Cover for 909 Kč is not a standalone doorbell, but a protective cover with a solar panel. It works simply – you stick it above your existing doorbell, and you’re all set.

Customers particularly praise the ease of installation and effective protection. “It protects my expensive doorbell from rain and is so easy to install. You just stick it on and that’s it,” writes a satisfied user. Another adds: “I am amazed by its durability. Not only does it protect my doorbell from water, but it also helps slow down aging. It’s been up for months and still looks and works great.”

If you don’t have a doorbell, you can get it in a set for less than a thousand Czech crowns. You’ll receive waterproof protection and a bonus in the form of solar charging. One customer aptly summarizes it: “It provides great value for money. Protecting my expensive device saves me from potential repair or replacement costs.”

Price: 909 Kč

Wireless Video Doorbell with 4.3″ Display for 719 Kč

For 719 Kč, you enter the world of true video doorbells. This model offers a 4.3-inch IPS display and a 2.4GHz wireless connection between the doorbell and the monitor – no cables are needed between them. This is a crucial difference compared to more expensive models, which paradoxically require a wired connection.

The system supports SD cards up to 256 GB for recording storage, has two-way communication, and infrared night vision. Battery life is very good thanks to the energy-efficient 2.4GHz transmission – the monitor lasts several days with normal use. “It’s worth it for the price,” summarizes one customer.

In the package, besides the doorbell and monitor, you’ll also find a charging cable, a mounting kit, and even two stickers for installation without drilling. You’ll need to recharge the monitor via USB occasionally, but that’s a small price to pay for truly wireless operation. The camera’s viewing angle is 70 degrees, which is more than sufficient for typical door use.

Price: 719 Kč

AMOCAM Video Doorbell with WiFi and Tuya App for 1,919 Kč

Here we’re talking about a better solution. The AMOCAM video doorbell for 1,919 Kč offers a 7-inch touchscreen display with 1024×680 pixel resolution, a 1080p camera with a 120° viewing angle, and most importantly – connection to the Tuya Smart app for control from your phone anywhere.

But beware of one crucial detail that confuses many buyers: WiFi only works between the monitor and your phone. You need to run a cable between the outdoor camera and the indoor monitor. “The product arrived in Zaporizhzhia in two weeks, it exactly matches the description, clearly reacts to movement, and the doorbell camera shows well in the dark,” praises a Ukrainian customer.

The system supports motion detection, automatic recording, and includes a 32GB SD card in the package. You can connect an electric lock and unlock the door remotely via the app. Night vision works thanks to 6 IR LEDs. “Great! I recommend this product, it exactly matches the description and works very well,” confirms another review.

Price: 1,919 Kč

Premium Video Doorbell with IC Cards for 1,740 Kč

The peak of today’s offer is a video intercom system for 1,740 Kč, which, in addition to all the features of the previous model, also adds an IC card reader. This is a great solution for families – children or older household members who don’t use smartphones can get a card and simply unlock by tapping it.

The camera has an even wider viewing angle of 140 degrees, and the system supports expansion up to 2 outdoor doorbells and 4 indoor monitors. This way, you can cover the main entrance, gate, and back entrance, and have monitors on different floors of the house. The monitors function as an intercom among themselves – you can call from the kitchen to the bedroom.

Users appreciate the reliability and build quality. “Works perfectly, if you already have a door with 4 wires, installation is not complicated. Opening with devices is perfect,” writes a satisfied owner. Another review confirms: “Incredible value for money.”

Price: 1,740 Kč

What to Watch Out For When Choosing

The biggest disappointment is experienced by those who think that a “WiFi video doorbell” means a completely wireless system. In reality, for most models, it only means WiFi connection of the monitor to the router for control via phone. You still need a cable between the camera and the monitor – usually a 4-wire or CAT5/6.

Truly wireless are only the cheapest systems with 2.4GHz transmission, but these, in turn, do not have internet connectivity. It’s a classic compromise – either complete mobility without smart features, or cabling with the possibility of control from anywhere.

All tested models support electric lock connection. Just purchase an electromagnetic lock for a few hundred Czech crowns, and you have a complete entry system. The Tuya Smart app is free, without monthly fees, and works reliably. Data is stored locally on an SD card, so you are not dependent on the cloud.

Do you have a smart video doorbell at home? Or do you still rely on a classic button?