Best Peephole Camera for Apartments and Rentals

Security is one of the most important things that everyone is concerned about especially at home. One way to enhance home security is by adding a camera on your peephole. Good thing is that there now an innovation which would naturally fit apartment doors. Those who have invented this technology has ensured that this device would fit existing peepholes. They are easy to install. In fact, in most cases, you would not need to drill your door. This is very convenient especially you are renting a place. Unfortunately, there are not much in the market. Though this is the case, there are still a few that are worth check out.
In coming up with a list of the best peephole camera for apartment and rentals, we have compared specs, features and also user experience. Out of all the products that we have checked out, we love the EZVIZ CP Doorbell Camera. Not only it is a camera, it is also recording video. It comes with a certified weather rating and it could also detect if someone is at your door.
What to Look for in A Peephole Camera
Just like any other products, peephole cameras are not created equally. They have different features, functions and performance. This why it is important to know what are the important factors that you would need to consider when you are choosing one for your home.
What size is your peephole?
Peepholes and peephole cameras have different diameters. Hence, if you do not want to do some drilling, it is very important that you pay attention to the size of your peephole. You will also have to consider your door’s thickness. If your door is too thick or too think your peephole camera might not correctly fit your door’s peephole.
Video recording or still photos?
A door peephole camera comes with a built-in screen which is placed inside of your front door for better viewing. Unfortunately, not all door peephole cameras have video recording feature. Some of them only have record stills and does not have the ability to record anything.
If you are just looking for a peephole camera for the purpose of looking for a better way to see who is outside, then record stills are perfectly fine for you. However, if you wish for an overall home security, then you will need video recording with motion sensor to trigger.
One of the benefits of having a peephole camera that does not record videos, is you have a better battery life. This means, you would not need to charge as often as you need to do with peephole camera that records videos.
Peephole or Doorbell?
Peephole camera can look like a regular peephole and for larger houses, they could accommodate a doorbell as well. For sure, it is nice to have a doorbell. However, this could make your camera more obvious. Hence, when choosing a peephole camera, you should consider this. Would you like to add a doorbell to it but your camera would be obvious?
About the Ring Peephole Camera
When it comes to peephole cam, Ring would definitely win this category. Ring peephole camera is previously known as the Door View Cam. It is a simple digital door viewer which is as popular as Ring Video Doorbell. It is a reliable and trustworthy brand that offer smart security products which come with the best features, design and high quality.
Unfortunately, Ring has discontinued producing Peephole Cam just this 2021.
FAQs
What is a peephole camera?
A peephole camera is a digital camera which fits peepholes of front doors. It ensures improved visibility and it uses wide angle camera, possible night vision and it is often paired with a smartphone app or indoor display screen.
Do you need a peephole to use a peephole camera?
A peephole camera, is a camera which is designed to fit into your front door peephole. Hence, you would need a peephole to use a peephole camera.
Can I use a peephole camera in a rental?
Yes, there are peephole camera models that do not require for you to drill your door. It could be installed easily.
Do peephole camera run on batteries?
Yes, all peephole cameras are battery powered. They are installed on the inside part of the peephole camera. Wireless peephole cameras could last between 1 to 6 months. There are some models that has USB power cable permanently attached.
Best Peephole Camera for Apartment and Rentals
EZVIZ CP4 Peephole Doorbell
Features
- 1080p HD night vision camera
- 4.3″ screen
- Peephole size: 16.5mm
- IR motion sensor w/person detection
- Local video storage
- 166- degree field of view
- Integrated doorbell with two-way audio
- Optional Cloud storage
- IP54 weather rating
The EZVIZ is considered as the best peephole camera. It has been produced by a reliable and well-established brand. They are offering a wide range of smart home products including peephole cameras.
The CP4 comes with impressive features including video doorbell, IR motion detection, night vision HD camera, person detection and first party smart phone app. It is also rated with actual weather resistance rating as well.
Its camera has a wide view which eliminates blindspots not only at its sides but also below. The sensor has a field of 110 degrees. Its memory card supports higher class cards from 256GB of storage. It has a security camera cloud service as well.
Potential Concerns
Unfortunately, this model is not available in the US. However, it is available in Amazon Canada. It only supports 2.4 GHz WiFi.
Pros:
- HD video recording to card or cloud
- Decent sized touch screen
- Person detection
- IP54 weather resistance rating
Cons:
- Larger peephole diameter
- Most expensive option
- Memory card is not included
JeaTone Peephole Camera
Features
- 1080p HD night vision camera
- 14mm peephole size
- 4.3″ screen
- IR motion sensor
- 120-degree field of view
- Local video storage MicroSD up to 64GB
- 32GB card included
- Integrated doorbell with two way audio
This model comes with a conventional video doorbell with motion activated 1080p HD video camera and 120 degree field of view. It has the ability to capture events on the internal memory card when triggered by motion sensor. Moreover, this camera has a motion detection which sensitivity is adjustable. It has an app as well that supports multiple users. Recorded videos could be viewed later on the screen. You could also save your video on your phone through the phone app.
This peephole camera uses Smart Life app. It provides motion and doorbell notifications on your phone. It is powered by an internal lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Lastly, it comes with large screen and its camera is of good quality.
Potential Concerns
Battery life is short. Build quality is not that great. There have been reports of poor performance and camera issues. Lastly, there are also reports of WiFi connection issues.
Pros
- HD video recording
- Decent sized screen
- Memory card included
Cons
- Low screen resolution
- 30 day battery life
- Expensive
Brannon SHC500
Features
- 480p camera
- Peephole size 12mm
- 90 degree field view
- 2.7″ screen
- 6-month battery life
- Standard AA batteries
- Local video storage MicroSD up to 32GB
This model is a lower model peephole camera. Though that is the case, you could be assured that it is reliable. It is manufactured by a company who has been around for a long time. They offer a wide range of outdoor camera products including the SHC500.
This peephole camera captures still photos when motion is detected. Unfortunately, it does not have any smart phone not smart home support. Though that is the case, it is easy to install. Its camera looks like a normal peephole as its installation is discrete and it hides the presence of camera.
Through this model, you could view it live. All you have to do is press the button to check the digital visitor log. It could capture up to 5 still photos whenever an event is detected. The log is stored on the device and it could be sent via email. Your photos are stored on internal MicroSD card. It runs on four AAA batteries.
Potential Concerns
It has a limited 90-degree field of view. Motion detection is also sketchy and it only takes still photos. Battery life has been an issue as well.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Normal looking peephole
- Good support
Cons
- Takes still photos only
- Small screen size
- Memory card not included
digitsea Video Door Viewer
Features
- Peephole size 15mm
- 480p night vision camera
- 3″ screen
- 6-month battery life
- Micro SD card included
- 1200mAh internal battery
- 120-degree field of view
- Doorbell included
If you are on a budget, then we highly recommend the digitsea Video Door Viewer. It comes with high rating. It is easy to install and its digital door viewer comes with high definition night vision camera. It has 120-degree field of view. When it is pressed, it captures images which would then be saved to its internal memory card. It could store up to 75 photos. It uses internal lithium-ion battery which requires to be recharged through the micro USB cable.
Potential Concerns
The peephole camera is basic. There is no support available. Takes still photos only and there is no app access.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Doorbell included
- Night vision camera
Cons
- No app access
- Low resolution camera
- Takes still photos only
Sonew Home Vision Door Eye
Features
- 1080p camera
- 3.5″ screen
- Peephole size 14mm
- 6 month battery life
- Standard AAA batteries
- 120 degree field of view
- Anti pry design
This model has a high customer rating. It offers large, clear and easy to use display. It is triggered manually through pressing the button next to screen. It runs on regular AAA batteries which could last up to three months. This model is considered as a simple digital version of regular peephole. Lastly, it is easy to install as well all you need is a screwdriver and you are good to go.
Potential Concerns
The device feels flimsy and you would need to be extra careful when you are attaching the screen to its mounting plate. The hardware is sold under off-brand names. Its LED are not infra-red.
Pros
- Normal looking peephole
- HD camera
- Long battery life
Cons
- No recording of any kind
- No night vision
- No app access
Tuya Door Eye Hole
Features
- Peephole size 20mm
- 1080p camera
- WiFi, no hub
- Local storage
- ONVIF RTSP recording
- Remote access via app
- 180 degree field of view
This one is a great alternative for DIY oriented. It is for those who would want to run their own video recording for security cameras. It could be used with smartphones instead of a screen. It is easy to install and it could record to a local memory card. It could also stream to a Network Video Recorder. This could also be integrated to your other security cameras.
Potential Concerns
This model needs to be plugged in and the back of its camera comes with a micro USB port. It has external WiFi antenna which would hang down from it back which would not look good. You would also need a 21 to 28mm hole diameter.
Pros
- Good camera
- ONVIF NVR support
- Remote access
Cons
- Needs power cable
- Must use app to view
- No night vision
Remo+ DoorCam 2
Features
- 1080p camera
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT
- Two-way talk via app
- Free 3-day cloud storage
- 160 field of view
- Infra-red motion sensors
- Standard D Cell batteries included
This model could be hung over the front door. It is powered by three D cell batteries. It provides a good view of the whole area which makes it perfect option. It could be used for keeping an eye for packages. Installing it is super easy and it has a good video quality with 1080p night vision HD video camera with 160 degree field of view. All videos are stored in the Remo’s cloud storage service. It also supports Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT. Lastly, it has an IPX4 weather resistant rating.
Pros
- HD night vision camera
- Smart home integration
- Wide field of view
Cons
- Expensive
- Poor support
- No local storage
No Drill Doorbell Mounts
This is another option if you are looking for smart features. It is a wide variety of no-drill mounts which is available for major brand video doorbells.
You could also check out the following:
- Eufy 1080p Doorbell No-Drill Clamp
- Blink Video Doorbell No-Drill Clamp
- Generic Anti-Theft No Drill Clamp
- Arlo Essential Doorbell No-Drill Mount
- Google Nest Doorbell No Drill Mount
- Blink Video Doorbell No-Drill Mount
Considerations Before Buying
Video quality and viewing angle
The higher the resolution of your peephole camera the better your results. Though you might not need full HD video, cheaper options are available. Another consideration that you would need to consider is its viewing angle. 170 degree field of view will give you the best coverage.
Outdoor Design
If you are concerned about security, you might want to check discrete models which would ensure it would hide the camera of your peephole and would seem like a normal peephole.
Two-Way Talk
This feature allows you to talk to the person outside from the inside. You could also check if there is an app which you could use to see who is outside the door and talk to the person.
Motion Alerts
There are peephole cameras that come with motion detection features and would capture still photos and videos as soon as it detects motion. It is very handy and convenient.
Video storage location
They are usually just door viewer and do not store video. Storing peephole camera videos could solve the issue of privacy. Cloud storage is also an option if you are okay in paying for subscription fee.