Do Video Doorbells Make Homes Safer? The Answer Is Complicated

Video doorbells have become common in neighborhoods across the country, promising homeowners more control over their safety. Brands like Ring, Nest, and others offer live video feeds, motion alerts, and cloud storage to track activity at the front door—even when you’re not home. But do these sleek devices actually stop crime?

The short answer: not exactly. While they help solve cases and give people peace of mind, research shows they don’t do much to prevent crime in the first place.

A 2023 Scientific American report reviewed studies on video surveillance and crime rates. It found limited evidence that devices like video doorbells prevent burglaries or package theft. Although some criminals may turn away when they see a camera, others are undeterred, especially if they can wear a mask or simply shift their target to a side or back entrance that is not under surveillance.

The BBC reached a similar conclusion in a 2023 investigation. They reported that determined thieves often know how to avoid or disable these cameras. The footage, while useful, rarely stops the crime in progress.

Still, what video doorbells do well is help after a crime has taken place. They capture footage that can be critical to police investigations. In the December 13, 2025, shooting near Brown University, doorbell camera footage helped authorities piece together the movements of suspect Claudio Neves Valente before and after the attack. Two students were killed, and nine others were injured. The videos, recorded by nearby residents, helped build a timeline of Valente’s actions, eventually connecting him to earlier murders in Massachusetts. He was later found dead.

In another case in Savannah, Georgia, the FBI asked residents near Forsyth Park to check their doorbell cameras after a chemical attack left a woman severely burned. Authorities hoped these home devices might have picked up something missed by public cameras.

Amazon’s Ring, the most well-known video doorbell brand, has even partnered with police departments in hundreds of U.S. cities. These partnerships allow law enforcement to request video footage from Ring users more quickly, speeding up investigations. While helpful, this growing connection between private tech and public policing has also raised privacy questions. Some civil liberties groups worry about the lack of transparency and the ease with which footage can be shared.

Experts agree that while video doorbells can play a role in home security, they shouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for more traditional measures. Solid locks, alarm systems, good lighting, and neighborhood awareness are still essential.

In the end, a video doorbell might not stop a criminal from approaching your front door, but it could help catch them afterward.