Which video doorbells work with a whole-home system?
It depends on what is at your door now, how much construction you want at the entry, and what wiring can reach it. Our default is a wired UniFi® unit powered over Cat 6 (PoE) on the same UniFi Protect system as your cameras: the UniFi G6 Entry or the UniFi Intercom, chosen by the residence and the size of the opening at the door.
How do we choose between the UniFi Intercom and the G6 Entry?
- Where the existing doorbell opening is large, we install the UniFi Intercom, the same unit we mount on a gooseneck at a driveway gate, with a flush, recessed or surface mount kit. It rings like a doorbell, can call specific family members' phones and gains AI features with a UniFi AI Port.
- Otherwise we install the UniFi G6 Entry, with a 5MP main camera, a separate 8MP package camera and on-camera AI detection. Where you want a sharper 12MP main camera and a 3-inch touch display, we use the G6 Pro Entry. Both record to UniFi Protect and can ring several chimes in the house.
- Before choosing, we check whether cable can be pulled from inside to the door, so the option you get needs the least construction.
When someone presses the button or motion is detected, the UniFi Protect app on your phone or tablet shows the visitor, lets you talk to them and, with a smart lock, open the door from anywhere. By default, alerts go only to the household accounts you choose, not to our technicians. The doorbell sits on the isolated camera network with your other security cameras.
Do video doorbells need a subscription?
Not with the systems we design. Doorbell video can record locally on the home's camera system, such as UniFi Protect, so there are no monthly camera fees. Consumer doorbells like Ring and Nest often need a paid plan to save video. Professional alarm monitoring is a separate, optional service.
Can a video doorbell open a door or gate?
Yes. Paired with smart locks and gate or garage controls, a video doorbell lets you see who is there, speak with them and then unlock the door or open the gate from your phone. It works at the front door and at a driveway gate, and every visit is captured by the recorded camera system.
A driveway gate is usually far from the house, so we run fiber optic cable out to it with a small PoE switch and battery backup at the gate, rather than a long copper run. At the gate, our go-to units are the UniFi Intercom and the UniFi G6 Entry on a gooseneck post, ringing the same phones as the front door. See fiber optic installation for gates and outbuildings.
We install UniFi doorbells and intercoms because they share one recorder, one app and one network with your cameras. If you are weighing consumer doorbells, our blog compares Nest, Ring and DoorBird video doorbells.
Photo: FOGO Content
What does a video doorbell installation involve?
We confirm a Cat 6 cable can reach the door, choose the UniFi model that fits the opening, and add it to your UniFi Protect console with chimes paired underneath. Then we connect any smart locks, gate or garage controls and set alerts for the phones you name. Recording stays local on your own system.
Smarter Homes, 5524 Bee Caves Rd Unit J8, West Lake Hills, TX 78746. Texas DPS Private Security license B28437501. Regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program.
UniFi and UniFi Protect are trademarks or registered trademarks of Ubiquiti Inc. in the United States and other countries.