An investigation by Consumer Reports, or CR, last week found a dozen doorbell cameras sold by Walmart, Amazon and Temu that had security issues allowing hackers to access them.
In its findings, CR claimed the faulty security cameras mainly fell under two brands, Eken and Tuck, all of which were manufactured by Eken Group — based in China — and operated through a mobile app named Aiwit. Hackers could access the devices through the app and view footage.
According to The Washington Post, the remaining affected brands include:
- Andoe.
- Fishbot.
- Gemee.
- Luckwolf.
- Rakeblue.
Eken and Tuck’s products are primarily sold online, with both brands at one point getting crowned with Amazon’s “Overall Pick” title, per CBS News.
So what does CR recommend as safe video camera doorbells — that are also listed on Amazon? Here are some options they tested and approve of.
1. Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4
Price: $119.99.
Aqara’s doorbell camera received high scores from CR for:
- Data security.
- Response time (how fast it loads live video feed while sending alerts).
- Smart features.
- Video quality.
Regarding smart features, the Amazon listing states that the doorbell has facial recognition and voice changing software, to “let you know who is at the door” and to disguise yourself to protect your privacy.
Storage options: CR reports that Aqara has a free 7-day cloud storage option, but you can also use a 512GB — or less — microSD card to store footage.
- Plans: Through an Apple iCloud+ membership, you can get up to 10 days worth of storage for $1 a month on one camera, $3 a month on up to five cameras and $10 a month for unlimited cameras.
2. Eufy Video Doorbell (Wired) S330
Price: $129.98 (limited time).
Eufy’s doorbell camera featured high scores from CR in:
- Data security.
- Response time.
- Video quality.
Per the Amazon listing, it features two cameras — one pointed to visitors, and the other pointed for packages — and holds a high dynamic range, or HDR, for clearer video previews.
Storage options: CR reports the device stores up to eight gigabytes, or about 90 days of video clips, in its built-in memory.
- Plans: You can get cloud storage of up to 30 days for $3 a month with one camera or $10 a month with up to 10 cameras.
3. Logitech Circle View Doorbell
Price: $177.00.
Logitech’s doorbell camera featured high scores from CR in:
- Data security.
- Response time.
- Video quality.
While it can only be used with iPhones, according to its Amazon listing, it uses secure end-to-end encryption software and uses color night vision to illuminate six feet of total darkness.
Storage options: CR reports that there are no free storage options.
- Plans: Just like Aqara’s doorbell, an Apple iCloud+ membership gets you up to 10 days worth of storage for $1 a month on one camera, $3 a month one up to five cameras and $10 a month for unlimited cameras.
4. Lorex LNWDB1 1080P WiFi Video Doorbell
Price: $94.99.
Lorex’s doorbell camera featured high scores from CR in:
- Data security.
- Response time.
- Video quality.
The cheapest option on this list, this device features voice control through Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa, monitoring zones and geofencing — using your phone’s location to send you alerts while away from home, per the Amazon listing.
Storage options: CR reports that the package comes with a 16GB microSD card, but you can use up to a 64GB microSD card instead.
- Plans: There are no premium plans or options available.
5. SimpliSafe Doorbell Pro SS3
Price: $169.99.
SimpliSafe’s doorbell camera featured high scores from CR in:
- Data privacy.
- Data security.
- Video quality.
The Amazon listing for this doorbell claims to have a “faster police response” and still works over rain or snow. It was the highest-rated model in the CR tests.
Storage options: CR reports there are no free storage options.
- Plans: For 30 days of storage, it costs $10 a month for five cameras or less, and $30 per month for up to 10 cameras.