Front Door Cameras: How to Choose, Top picks 2024

Statistics show that 34% of burglars enter through the front door, making it the most common entry point for thieves. This makes a front door camera an indispensable part of your home security system.

With a front door camera, you’ll receive alerts whenever someone arrives, see who it is, communicate with them via your phone, and most importantly, safeguard your home against break-ins.

Choosing the right front door camera can be challenging, given the numerous options available. For instance:

• WiFi Front Door Cameras: Easy to install and set up.
• Motion Detector Front Door Cameras: Send alerts when motion is detected.
• Visitor Monitoring Cameras: Allow you to see who’s at your front door at any given time.

However, a quality front door camera does more than just these basics. It can cover a wider area, monitoring your front entryway and porch to give you comprehensive security.

Interested in finding the best front door camera without being tied down by subscriptions and monthly fees? Keep reading, and I’ll guide you to the ideal option that meets all your requirements.

Before we dive into different types of door IP cameras, remember that a good front door camera should integrate all the essential features you need, so you don’t have to compromise.

Check out our recommended front door cameras for both apartments and homes to ensure maximum security.

HD Motion Activated Front Door Camera

A front door camera is one of the most effective ways to significantly enhance your home security.

Even the mere presence of a front door camera can act as a deterrent to vandals, which is why some people opt for fake front door cameras. However, a 4K UHD motion-activated front door security camera provides much more protection. It can record clear footage of burglars’ faces and activities, send instant alerts to your phone, and provide crucial evidence for investigations.

Additionally, a camera equipped with a speaker allows you to verbally warn intruders, even when you are miles away.

Pro Tips:

1. Choose an HD main door camera with 1080p or higher resolution for clear facial recognition and license plate numbers.
2. Generally, motion-activated entrance door security cameras run on batteries and activate only when motion is detected, rather than recording continuously.

Front Door Camera with App

Front door cameras can also be incredibly useful for households with children.

Do you sometimes leave your kids at home alone? Imagine a stranger comes to your door—your child might not recognize them and could make the wrong decision. A smartphone-connected front door camera can solve this issue.

With the camera linked to your smartphone or iPad, your children can see live footage of the visitor before answering the door. As a parent, you can also check the footage to ensure your kids are home safely from school and monitor who visits, even when you are away.

Extra Tip: Opt for a front door security camera with companion software (like the ZOSI camera and ZOSI client) to fully utilize all features without any compatibility issues.

Front Door Camera Intercom with Monitor

Managing package deliveries and other services becomes easy with a front door CCTV camera.

There are times when the doorbell rings incessantly, and you just want to relax. Opening the door to a persistent salesperson can be a hassle. A front door camera with a monitor and two-way audio intercom can come to your rescue, allowing you to communicate with visitors directly through your phone.

With a home front door camera, you’ll also be able to see if the mailman is walking across your garden or using the front path, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are.

WiFi Front Door Camera

Worried about installing a front door security camera due to rental agreements? A completely wireless front door camera can be the perfect solution.

Wireless WiFi front door cameras, powered by batteries or solar panels, eliminate the need for wiring, avoiding any drilling or modification hassles. This makes them ideal for rental properties.

Note: Typical wireless entry door cameras still require a power cable. To avoid conflicts with your landlord, a completely wire-free option is best.

PoE Front Door Security Camera

Tired of waiting for professional installation? Consider a DIY approach with a PoE front door security camera.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) front door cameras are plug-and-play, making them simple to install even for beginners. They offer the advantage of long-distance signal transmission up to 240 feet without degradation, using a single cable for both power and data.

For instance, the ZOSI IPC-296 allows you to create a custom security solution easily. Alternatively, battery-powered front door cameras provide a cable-free option.

Best Front Door Security Cameras 2024

When it comes to securing your front door, having a reliable camera can make all the difference. Here are three top picks for 2024, each with unique features to suit different needs.

Battery Operated Front Door Camera: ZOSI C291

For those seeking a wireless solution, the ZOSI C291 is an excellent choice. This 4MP wireless battery-powered camera offers a 360° view and comes with a solar panel for extended battery life.

• Long Battery Life: Equipped with a 7800mAh rechargeable battery, the camera provides 2-3 months of standby time on a single charge.
• Customize PIR Alert: The camera operates in a motion-triggered mode, recording only when motion is detected, which helps extend battery life.
• 360° HD Resolution: With horizontal rotation of 355° and vertical rotation of 90°, this camera covers a full 360° field of view, minimizing blind spots.
• Flexible Mounting: You can install it on the ceiling or wall, depending on your preference and space requirements.
• Enhanced Night Vision: Advanced IR night vision covers up to 30 feet, offering both black-and-white and color night vision modes.

Front Door PTZ Camera: ZOSI C298

If you’re looking for a camera with advanced tracking capabilities, the ZOSI C298 with dual lens and 8X hybrid zoom is a standout option.

• Auto Tracking & 8X Zoom: The camera’s dual telephoto and 360° wide-angle PT lens enable auto tracking and 8X hybrid zoom, providing both an ultra-wide overview and clear close-ups on your phone.
• In-Camera Edge AI: Enhanced AI processing offers smart event analysis including person/loitering, vehicle, virtual fence, and occupancy detection without a monthly fee.
• Full-color Night Vision: With three night vision modes – Black & White, Full-color, and Smart Night Vision – and a range of up to 30 meters, this camera ensures security in the dark.
• Two-Way Audio & Customizable Alerts: Built-in mic and speaker allow for real-time communication, and you can define crucial monitoring zones and personalize voice alarms.
• Stable WiFi Connection: The dual-lens camera operates on 2.4 GHz WiFi frequencies, ensuring a stable and fast connection.

For a more traditional wired solution with robust features, the ZOSI C225 is an excellent pick. This 4K 8-channel camera system supports up to 8 cameras and includes a 2TB hard drive.

• 4K Ultra HD: The 8MP (3840*2160) PoE camera delivers nearly four times the clarity of 1080p, allowing you to see clear details even when digitally zooming in.
• Person/Vehicle Detection: The camera can differentiate between people, vehicles, and other objects, sending alerts when a suspicious person or car is loitering.
• PoE Plug and Play: Transmitting videos and getting power through a single network cable simplifies installation, eliminating the need for extra power adapters.
• 24/7 Video Surveillance: The 2TB HDD provides reliable 24/7 continuous recording and motion-triggered recording, offering free local storage without subscription fees.
• Live View & Smart Playback: You can check live footage anytime, anywhere, and quickly filter recorded videos by person/vehicle events.

Front Door Camera for Peephole & Front Doorbell Camera

When researching front door cameras, you’ll encounter a variety of options such as front doorbell cameras that function like peepholes, and front door cameras disguised as outdoor lights.

These front door peephole cameras enable you to see and communicate with whoever is at your door, and they can notify you via your phone when someone approaches.

If you’re considering a front doorbell camera, pay close attention to the installation requirements. For instance, some, like the Ring video front door spy hole camera, require existing doorbell wiring.

Additionally, be aware that some doorbell security cameras come with ongoing monthly subscription fees for storing recordings in the cloud. Make sure to research thoroughly to find the best peephole front door camera and plan that suits your needs.

If your condo lacks wiring for an electronic wireless front doorbell camera or if you’re searching for a more budget-friendly option without the need for cloud subscriptions, consider professional front door security cameras. These can offer the same functionality with straightforward installation.

FAQs

Before purchasing a front door smart camera, you might have a few questions. Here are some frequently asked questions about front door entry cameras with quick answers to guide you:

1. Front Door Camera Placement 

Where’s the best position for a front door camera to ensure clear footage while preventing tampering?

It’s generally recommended to place the camera above the door or window frame, angled downward to cover the area a few feet in front of the entrance. A height of about 9 feet above the ground is ideal, as it prevents tampering by individuals up to 6 feet tall. A front door window camera can also be a good choice. For more information on optimal camera placement, continue reading this post.

2. Front Door Camera Installation

Installation procedures for residential front door security cameras can vary. Some require pre-wiring, while others involve simple steps. Here’s how to install the portable ZOSI C306 front door camera in minutes:

1. Screw the security mount into the wall.
2. Attach the camera to the security mount above the front door.
3. Adjust the camera direction and tighten the knob to secure it.

This ZOSI C306 is an excellent choice for easy installation since there’s no complicated wiring for power or connections to a recorder; it saves footage on its onboard SD card. For wired front door mini cameras, check out this post for detailed instructions.

3. Front Door Camera Viewing Field

Front door cameras for apartments, both hidden and exposed, typically come with fixed lenses covering an 80° to 130° field of view. For example, the ZOSI C306 offers a 130° diagonal field of view.

Curious about the effectiveness? Check out footage from the ZOSI C306. Note that most front door dome cameras also use fixed lenses with similar viewing angles. If you need an even wider range, a fisheye lens can offer that but be aware of potential image distortion.

4. Connecting Front Door Camera to TV

Connecting your home front door camera to a TV allows for easy monitoring on a big screen. We’ve previously discussed the simplest methods for doing this, so be sure to check out that post for guidance.

Another option is to use a camera compatible with Alexa, such as the IPC-296. This setup lets you stream live footage to your TV via voice commands after enabling the smart home feature.

5. Want a Hidden Front Door Camera?

A hidden front door camera offers discreet surveillance, keeping visitors comfortable while capturing evidence unnoticed. You don’t have to sacrifice video quality or advanced features. Peephole mini cameras are a great option for covert monitoring.

For DIY enthusiasts, you can create a hidden front door camera with some simple tricks.