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How to Buy a Smart Video Doorbell with Chime

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Smart Video Doorbell with Chime

How to pick the right smart video doorbell, dodge unnecessary subscriptions, and pay it off interest-free over 15 months.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $13.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $200 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Smart video doorbells are built to keep package thieves honest and let you see who is outside without getting off the couch. A decent setup should easily last you four to five years, so do not overpay for minor yearly spec bumps. Most brands refresh their hardware every fall, which means last year's model usually does the exact same core job at a steep discount.

Expect to spend around $200 for a quality doorbell bundled with an indoor chime unit. If you plan your purchase right and split up the payments without interest, it barely dents your monthly cash flow.

A 0% intro rate is a firm deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance when the 15-month window ends, standard interest kicks in on whatever is left, so set your monthly payments to finish the job ahead of time.

The steps

  1. 01

    Decide on wiring versus battery

    Check if you have existing doorbell wires with working power. Wired units never need recharging and respond faster when someone walks up. Battery versions work anywhere and suit renters, but you will need to take them down to recharge a couple of times a year.

  2. 02

    Check the ongoing subscription cost

    The sticker price is only part of what you pay. Some brands lock basic video recording behind a monthly cloud fee, while others store clips locally on a base station with zero fees. Factor that recurring cost into your choice before buying hardware.

  3. 03

    Wait for security promotional weeks

    Never pay full retail price for home security gear in the middle of a random month. Doorbell kits regularly see steep discounts during dedicated spring smart-home sales and autumn holiday events. That is when bundled chimes are often thrown in without raising the price.

  4. 04

    Spread the cost at 0% APR

    Put the $200 purchase on the Discover it® Cash Back to get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Set up an autopay of $13.33 every month across the 15-month window. That clears the balance before standard interest ever enters the picture.

  5. 05

    Test your Wi-Fi at the front door

    Before drilling holes, stand outside your closed front door and run a speed test on your phone. Weak Wi-Fi causes choppy video and delayed chime alerts. If the signal is poor, budget for a cheap Wi-Fi extender before you mount the unit permanently.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

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

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Do I really need a separate chime unit?

Yes, unless you plan to carry your phone in your pocket everywhere inside your house. A chime plugs into any wall outlet and lets everyone in the home hear the bell, even if the internet drops.

Can I install a smart doorbell myself?

Most people can finish the install in under thirty minutes with a basic screwdriver. If you are replacing an existing wired unit, just turn off the breaker first so you do not short the transformer.

What happens to my doorbell footage if the internet drops?

Most cloud-based doorbells stop saving clips until the connection returns. If you want continuous recording through an outage, choose a model that saves video locally to a microSD card or a hub.

Is the 15-month intro window guaranteed?

No, your approval and exact credit terms depend on your financial profile. You also have to make the required minimum payments on time each month to keep that promotional rate active.