The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas wrapped up on January 12 after four packed days. The MakeUseOf team was on the ground covering the event—check out our YouTube videos for highlights.
With the buzz settled, let's dive into our key takeaways, focusing on standout smart doorbells. While some areas of CES felt underwhelming, these devices impressed with real-world potential for home security.
Smart doorbells deliver two-way audio, remote video access, and instant smartphone alerts. They're not sci-fi—they're available today. We spoke directly with reps from Blink, Zmodo, Vivint, and Ring to uncover what sets their products apart.
Blink's Video Doorbell was our clear standout at CES 2018. It nails the essentials: HD video, motion detection, instant phone notifications, live streaming, and two-way talk—from anywhere globally.
What elevates it? Unbeatable price and ease of installation. At $99 with an existing Blink Sync Module hub or $129 for a full kit, it includes free cloud storage—no subscription required.
Sync Modules are compact palm-sized units, perfect for discreet placement. If you own Blink cameras, integration is seamless. Powered by two AA batteries lasting up to two years (or hardwired), setup is hassle-free.
Bonus: IFTTT and Amazon Alexa support. Launching soon in multiple colors, this is the best smart doorbell we tested.
Zmodo showcased indoor/outdoor cams, doorbells, and full security systems. Their demo hit snags, but the specs shine.
Flagship Greet Pro offers 1080p video, adjustable 180-degree view, and dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi. Expect motion alerts, real-time notifications, two-way talk, and pre-recorded messages via app.
Priced at $179, it's wired-only. Storage plans: free (36 hours), $4.99/month (7 days), or $9.99/month (30 days).
Vivint demoed their second-gen Doorbell Camera (~$160), with a third-gen slated for Q3 2018. Hardware lags rivals: 720p video, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only, but includes two-way talk and motion detection.
Notifications lead to instant live view. It shines in Vivint ecosystems, integrating with smart locks and garage openers. Playback subscription offers 30-day DVR from four cameras; free users get 30-second clips.
Subscription details? Call for a custom quote.
Ring drew crowds with Shaquille O'Neal, highlighting expansions into lights and full security. Four doorbells span budgets:
Blink topped our list for value, simplicity, and no-subs model. Have experience with these brands? Planning to upgrade your setup? Share in the comments.
