You are out the back hanging washing and miss the courier again. The parcel goes back to the depot, or worse, it sits on the step all afternoon. A new doorbell sounds like the fix, but the choices range from a $25 plug-in chime to a $400 PoE video doorbell.
Australians search "wireless doorbell" and "video doorbell" about 1,600 times a month each, and plenty of buyers are not sure which they actually need. This guide compares them side by side.
TL;DR:
A basic wireless doorbell is a battery button plus a plug-in chime: cheap, simple, no camera. A video doorbell adds a camera, app alerts and two-way talk so you can answer from anywhere. Battery video doorbells are easiest to install but need recharging. Wired video doorbells (low-voltage or PoE) are more reliable and record continuously. For security, choose a wired or PoE video doorbell that records locally with no subscription.
The three main options
|
Option |
What you get |
Power |
Typical price |
Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wireless doorbell (chime kit) |
Button + chime, no camera |
Battery button, plug-in chime |
$20 to $80 |
Hearing the door from the back yard |
|
Battery video doorbell |
Camera, app alerts, talk |
Rechargeable battery |
$150 to $350 |
Renters, quick installs |
|
Wired / PoE video doorbell |
Camera, 24/7 recording, talk |
Low-voltage AC/DC or PoE |
$200 to $450 |
Owners wanting reliability and evidence |
How wireless doorbells and chimes work
A basic wireless doorbell sends a radio signal from the button to a chime plugged into a power point. Range is typically 100 to 300 metres in open air, much less through brick. You can add extra chimes for the garage or granny flat.
Video doorbells handle chimes three ways:
-
Existing mechanical chime: wired doorbells can ring your old hallway chime.
-
Plug-in wireless chime: many brands sell a matching chime that plugs into a power point.
-
Phone and smart speaker alerts: notifications on your phone, tablet or speaker.
Installer tip: if you have an old wired chime, keep it. A video doorbell that rings the existing chime means everyone in the house hears it, even with their phone on silent.
Powering a video doorbell in Australia
|
Power type |
Install |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Battery |
DIY, screw to the wall |
No wiring, easy |
Recharging every 1 to 6 months, sleeps between events |
|
Existing doorbell wiring (low-voltage AC) |
DIY if transformer exists |
Always on, rings old chime |
Older homes may lack a suitable transformer |
|
Plug-in adaptor (12V DC) |
DIY with a cable run |
Simple if a power point is nearby |
Visible cable unless hidden |
|
PoE (network cable) |
Installer or confident DIY |
Power + data on one cable, most reliable |
Needs a cable run to a switch or NVR |
Installing or replacing a doorbell transformer that connects to 240V mains is licensed electrical work. Low-voltage wiring on the doorbell side is not.
Battery vs wired video doorbells
Battery doorbells sleep until motion wakes them, so they can miss the first second or two of an event. In hot Australian summers, lithium batteries in direct sun also drain faster and age sooner. Wired and PoE doorbells stay on constantly, start recording instantly and can record 24/7 to an NVR.
If your doorbell faces west or north with no verandah, consider a wired model or add a small shade hood.
Wi-Fi vs PoE for doorbells
Most video doorbells connect over Wi-Fi, and front doors are often at the far end of the house from the modem. Weak signal means delayed alerts and laggy two-way talk. A PoE doorbell avoids that, and it can join your existing CCTV system so all footage sits on one recorder. Hikvision and Dahua both make doorbells that work with their NVRs and apps.
Features worth paying for
-
Head-to-toe view: a tall field of view (around 3:4 or 1:1) shows parcels on the ground.
-
Person and parcel detection: fewer alerts from cars and passing pets.
-
Local storage: SD card or NVR recording with no subscription.
-
Wide dynamic range: handles bright Australian sun behind a visitor.
-
Pre-roll recording: captures a few seconds before motion triggers (wired models).
Video doorbell or intercom?
For apartments, gated homes and properties with a front gate far from the door, a video intercom system with indoor monitors and gate release may suit better than a doorbell. Our intercom systems guide compares the options, or browse intercom systems.
Frequently asked questions
Is a wireless doorbell the same as a video doorbell?
No. A basic wireless doorbell is just a button and chime. A video doorbell adds a camera, phone alerts and two-way talk. Both can be wireless in the sense of no chime wiring.
Do video doorbells work with existing chimes?
Wired video doorbells usually do, using your existing low-voltage doorbell wiring. Battery models often need a plug-in wireless chime instead.
How long do battery video doorbell batteries last?
Typically one to six months, depending on traffic, settings and temperature. Busy front doors and hot weather drain them faster.
Do I need an electrician to install a video doorbell?
Not for battery, plug-in or PoE models. You need one if a new mains-connected transformer must be installed.
Can I get a video doorbell without a subscription?
Yes. Look for models that record to an SD card or your NVR. Hikvision, Dahua and EZVIZ doorbells support local recording.
Choose the doorbell that fits your home
Just need to hear the door from the back yard? A wireless chime kit does the job. Want to see who is there, answer from work and keep evidence of parcel thieves? Choose a wired or PoE video doorbell with local recording.
Browse our doorbell cameras or read our best doorbell camera in Australia guide for model recommendations.
