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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Peephole Cameras

See who's at the door without them knowing you're looking. We compared peephole cameras from basic viewers to smart-connected—finding what shows you everything while keeping you safely invisible.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Door View Cam

Ring

Door View Cam

4.4 (8,765 reviews)

Transforms your peephole into a smart camera. See who's knocking from anywhere via your phone.

Resolution

1080p

View

155° wide

Power

Rechargeable battery

Audio

Two-way

Pros

  • Replaces existing peephole
  • Two-way talk
  • Motion detection

Cons

  • Ring subscription for history
  • Battery needs monthly charging
  • Thick door limitations

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Door View Cam
Door View Cam Best
Ring
4.4
$150 View
SHC1000 PeepHole Camera
SHC1000 PeepHole Camera Value
Brinno
4.3
$130 View
Digital Door Viewer
Digital Door Viewer
OWSOO
4.1
$40 View
Video Doorbell E340
Video Doorbell E340
eufy
4.5
$180 View
WiFi Peephole Camera
WiFi Peephole Camera
Amcrest
4.2
$100 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Door View Cam

Ring

Door View Cam

4.4 (8,765 reviews)

Transforms your peephole into a smart camera. See who's knocking from anywhere via your phone.

Resolution

1080p

View

155° wide

Power

Rechargeable battery

Audio

Two-way

Pros

  • Replaces existing peephole
  • Two-way talk
  • Motion detection

Cons

  • Ring subscription for history
  • Battery needs monthly charging
  • Thick door limitations
Best Value
SHC1000 PeepHole Camera

Brinno

SHC1000 PeepHole Camera

4.3 (5,678 reviews)

Perfect if you don't want WiFi connectivity—records locally without cloud fees or privacy concerns.

Resolution

720p

Storage

SD card

Battery

12 months

Trigger

Motion + knock

Pros

  • No WiFi needed
  • Records to SD card
  • Motion-activated

Cons

  • No remote viewing
  • Must retrieve SD to view
  • Lower resolution
Budget Pick
Digital Door Viewer

OWSOO

Digital Door Viewer

4.1 (12,345 reviews)

Entry-level digital peephole—big screen makes seeing visitors easy, especially for elderly users.

Screen

4.3" LCD

Angle

120°

Power

4 AA batteries

Features

Photo capture

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Large LCD screen
  • Photo capture

Cons

  • No remote viewing
  • Basic quality
  • Batteries drain quickly
Premium Pick
Video Doorbell E340

eufy

Video Doorbell E340

4.5 (15,678 reviews)

If you can install a doorbell camera instead of peephole replacement, eufy offers subscription-free excellence.

Resolution

2K

Cameras

Front + down-facing

Storage

Local

AI

On-device

Pros

  • No subscription needed
  • Local storage
  • Dual cameras

Cons

  • Not peephole replacement
  • Requires wiring or battery
  • Larger size
WiFi Peephole Camera

Amcrest

WiFi Peephole Camera

4.2 (3,456 reviews)

Mid-range option with smartphone connectivity without Ring's subscription pressure.

Resolution

1080p

View

160°

Power

Rechargeable

Storage

Cloud + SD

Pros

  • WiFi enabled
  • App viewing
  • Motion alerts

Cons

  • Setup can be tricky
  • Limited cloud storage
  • Battery life varies

Buying Guide: How to Choose Peephole Cameras

Peephole Cameras: Know Who's Knocking

Traditional peepholes require walking to the door and putting your eye up to it—visible from outside. Modern cameras let you see visitors secretly, from anywhere.

Types of Peephole Cameras

WiFi-connected:
  • View from anywhere via app
    - Motion alerts to phone
    - Cloud or local recording
    - Requires internet + subscription often

    Local recording:
    - Records to SD card
    - No monthly fees
    - Must retrieve footage manually
    - Better privacy

    Digital viewers:
    - LCD screen on inside of door
    - No phone needed
    - Basic photo/video
    - Great for elderly users

    ### Installation Considerations
    - Door thickness: Most fit 1.4-2.1" doors
    - Existing peephole hole: Many use standard peephole diameter
    - Power: Battery vs. wired
    - Rental-friendly: Peephole replacements usually allowed

    ### Privacy vs. Convenience
    Ring and others offer great features but:
    - Footage may be on company servers
    - Subscription required for video history
    - Privacy policies vary

    Local-only options (Brinno) keep footage under your control.
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Peephole Cameras

    Can I install this in an apartment?

    Usually yes—peephole cameras that replace existing peepholes don't modify the door permanently. Check your lease, but most landlords allow them since they don't damage the door.

    Do I need WiFi?

    Not necessarily. Local-recording options like Brinno work without internet, storing footage on SD cards. You lose remote viewing but gain privacy and avoid subscriptions.

    How long does the battery last?

    Varies widely—Ring needs monthly charging with heavy use, while Brinno claims 12 months. Motion frequency is the biggest factor. Wired options avoid battery concerns entirely.

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