Video doorbell motion ranges vary widely, Engadget report finds

The report said maximum distances are not guaranteed. Published ranges from some companies are shorter than Ring's, and performance can fall short of the advertised maximum depending on a camera's sensitivity, mounting location and surroundings. Detection depends on the sensor, camera angle, direction of movement and software settings, not only on what the camera can see.

Eufy says its Video Doorbell can reliably detect horizontal motion up to 15 feet away and vertical motion up to 5 feet away. Arlo lists a maximum motion detection range of 13 feet for its second-generation Video Doorbell and 16 feet for its Essential wired and wire-free models. TELUS says its doorbell's motion sensor works best within 8 feet. At its most sensitive setting, TELUS says the sensor requires continuous movement for seven seconds or more to trigger a clip. Ring does not state a single per-model maximum for every current doorbell on its general motion settings page, the report said.

The type of detection matters as much as distance. Passive infrared sensors, which detect heat, are more sensitive to side-to-side movement than to movement directly toward or away from the camera. Pixel Difference Analysis compares one video frame with the next to identify differences. Wyze's Duo Cam Doorbell uses PIR, while Logitech's Circle View uses PDA, according to the report. SimpliSafe video doorbells combine video analytics with PIR.

Longer range is not always better. The report said users of a device such as a 4K Ring doorbell can adjust Motion Sensitivity and detection range up to the maximum limit, and Ring allows up to three customizable motion zones per device to determine which areas of the camera's field of view should detect motion events. For a front door on a busy road, Ring says moving trees, sunlight, reflections and shadows can cause unwanted alerts, and large vehicles can trigger a motion alert beyond the standard range.

Battery-powered doorbells face a power tradeoff. Google says its battery-powered Nest Doorbell consumes more power when detecting high-traffic areas such as a busy sidewalk; Activity Zones or a different camera angle can reduce unnecessary triggers. Ring recommends mounting its video doorbells 48 inches off the ground.

Ring's subscription terms also affect what users can do with alerts. Ring allows customers to receive and respond to motion alerts for free, but viewing recorded video and using Smart Alerts that distinguish between people, vehicles and packages requires a Ring Protect subscription. The company does not say that paying for a subscription increases the physical motion detection range, according to the report.