A video doorbell is often the first piece of a home security setup, and the choices come down to power, picture quality and a few extras. This guide walks through each decision using the Lorex doorbells we carry.
The short answer
Pick wired for continuous power and the least maintenance. Pick battery when you cannot run wiring to the door. Pick 4K if you want the widest, most detailed view of the doorstep, and 2K for sharp, clear video at the door.
Our doorbells at a glance
| 4K Wi-Fi Video Doorbell (Wired) | 2K Wi-Fi Video Doorbell (Wired) | 2K Wi-Fi Video Doorbell (Battery) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Wired | Wired | Battery powered, with a wired option for continuous power |
| Video | 4K with a wide head-to-toe (9:16) view | 2K with HDR and Color Night Vision | 2K with HDR and Color Night Vision |
| Detection | People, vehicles, animals and packages | See the product page for detection options | Person detection |
| Talk | Two-way talk and Quick Response messages | Two-way talk and pre-recorded messages | Full-duplex two-way audio with noise cancellation |
| Storage | 32GB included | 32GB included | 32GB microSD card included, upgradeable to 256GB |
Wired or battery?
Wired doorbells draw continuous power, so there is no battery to recharge, and they suit homes that already have doorbell wiring. Battery doorbells are quicker to put up because they do not need wiring, which makes them a good fit for apartments, condos and doors with no existing wire. The Lorex 2K battery doorbell can also be wired for continuous power. Before you buy a wired model, check the power requirements in the listing against your existing doorbell setup.
2K or 4K?
Both give a clear picture. 4K adds more detail and, on the Lorex 4K doorbell, a tall head-to-toe (9:16) view, so you see a visitor from head to toe. If your doorstep is simple, 2K is plenty. If you want to read details at a distance or see the full length of the porch, choose 4K.
Do not forget the chime
Many video doorbells ring on your phone, but a chime lets you hear the ring inside the house. The Lorex Wi-Fi Chimebox connects over your Wi-Fi network and rings when someone presses the doorbell, while still sending the notification to the Lorex Home app. It works with the Lorex 2K and 1080p video doorbells, and some doorbell bundles include it.
Where does the footage go?
Recordings are stored locally on a microSD card in the doorbell, with no recorder needed. Check the listing for the included size, and see our surveillance-grade microSD cards if you want more space.
Doorbells we carry
The first Lorex 4K doorbell, with a wide head-to-toe view, a motion-activated nightlight, two-way talk and detection of people, vehicles, animals and packages.
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2K video with HDR and Color Night Vision in an IP65 weatherproof housing, with a nightlight and pre-recorded messages.
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Battery powered and quick to put up, with an option for continuous wired power, 2K HDR video, Color Night Vision and person detection.
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Hear your Lorex video doorbell ring anywhere in the house. Works with the Lorex 2K and 1080p video doorbells.
View product ➜Frequently asked questions
Do I need a recorder for a video doorbell?
No. These doorbells connect over Wi-Fi, work through the Lorex app and record to a microSD card in the doorbell.
Will the doorbell work with my existing chime?
Each listing describes how the doorbell is powered and what chime options it supports. If you want an indoor chime that connects over Wi-Fi, the Lorex Wi-Fi Chimebox is made for these doorbells.
Can the battery doorbell run on wired power?
Yes. The Lorex 2K battery doorbell is battery powered and can also be wired for continuous power.
Is a doorbell enough on its own?
It covers the front door well. For the rest of the home, add a camera at the back door and driveway. See our guide to how many cameras you need.
See every doorbell
Compare all Lorex video doorbells, chimes and accessories.
Doorbell cameras ➜Doorbell accessories ➜Keep reading
- Wired vs Wi-Fi Security Cameras: Which Is Right for Your Home?
- NVR vs DVR: What Is the Difference and Which Do You Need?
- How Many Security Cameras Does a House Need?
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