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How to Buy a Smart Video Doorbell

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Smart Video Doorbell

Upgrade your home security with a local storage hub while spreading out the cost over 18 months without paying interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $220 before anything else
Across the 0% window $12.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $220 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A solid video doorbell with a local hub keeps your footage private and avoids ongoing cloud subscription fees. Aim for a model that has been out for at least six months so you aren't paying the premium for a brand-new release that might still have software bugs.

When autumn sales hit, older hardware often gets bundled with extra mounts or power kits. Buying a kit that includes everything you need means you won't have to go back to the store for parts, making your investment last several years instead of just one.

That 18-month window is a deadline, not free money. If you have a balance left when it ends, the bank will charge you interest on what you still owe at their standard rate.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check your existing wiring

    Look at your current doorbell setup to see if you have the right voltage. If your wiring is old, you might need a transformer upgrade. Don't skip this or you will be stuck with a dead device.

  2. 02

    Wait for the autumn sales

    Retailers usually drop prices on smart home tech during major sales events in the fall. Watch the $220 price point for a bundle that includes the hub and an extra battery or mount.

  3. 03

    Use your financing window

    If you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay about $12.22 per month to cover the $220 cost over that 18-month window.

  4. 04

    Test the local storage

    Set up your hub as soon as the package arrives. Check that it records events correctly without needing a connection to the internet or a paid cloud account.

  5. 05

    Automate your payments

    Set up an automatic payment for $13 each month. This ensures you clear the full balance before the intro window expires.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Why local storage instead of cloud?

Local storage keeps your videos on a hard drive in your house. You avoid monthly fees and your footage stays private if the internet goes down.

Do I need a professional to install it?

Most doorbells are designed for DIY installation. If you are comfortable with basic tools and a screwdriver, you can usually have it running in an hour.

What happens if the model is discontinued?

Most hubs continue to work fine even if the company stops selling that specific model. Just make sure the app support stays active for updates.

Can I pay it off faster?

You can pay as much as you want whenever you want. There is no penalty for paying off the balance early, which is usually the smartest move.