Find out which quality videophones to choose! Comparison and detailed buying guide to help you make the right choice.

Comparison of 3 essential videophone models!

#1 A quality wireless videophone, Extel

#2. The best video intercom for your security, Doorbird D101

#3. A low-cost wired videophone, Avidsen

Videophone – what is it?

The videophone is a state-of-the-art communication tool. It is a set of equipment which now finds its place in many modern buildings and housing. In fact, it is a more elaborate version of the intercom .

The videophone is one of the innovative security devices used to control access to a home, apartment or business. It is installed at the entrance door. Its existence makes the task of janitors easier.

Also called video intercom , the device is equipped with a viewing screen. In other words, it can be transformed into a surveillance camera if it has the required functionalities.

The videophone can replace the optical peephole which allowed you to partially observe what is happening on the other side of the door. It is also a better alternative to the classic intercom . It is much more efficient than these devices and offers great comfort of use.

The video intercom is currently available in several models. There is some difference in the performance of the devices. This is why the choice must be made with full knowledge of the facts.

Precisely, this article was designed to present to you the best videophones on sale on the market . It can also serve as a suitable purchasing guide, allowing you to choose an effective tool that meets your real needs.

How does the videophone work?

But what is a videophone for? Above all, it has the same role as the classic doorbell and intercom . It therefore announces the arrival of a visitor following the activation of an audible signal. But it is also effective security equipment that can be used in a home or professional premises. Its main role is to secure the entrance to the building.

Note that this communication system has two elements:

the exterior street station

This is a kind of box that is placed at the exterior door . It is equipped with a button. The visitor simply has to press it to inform the owner of the house of his arrival and to contact him.

The street panel is also equipped with a small camera with a fairly wide viewing angle and a microphone. Thanks to this equipment, the video intercom can capture and record everything that happens outside.

The combined monitor  

He settles inside the house . Equipped with a viewing screen, a microphone and various buttons, it allows the owner to communicate with the visitor and see them in live video.

The user of a videophone can see everything that is happening outside.

Thanks to the videophone, the user has video access to the entrance to their property . He has the possibility of checking if his interlocutor is really who he claims to be. He can also know the number of people who are in front of his door.

In other words, it is a complete and efficient surveillance system . It should be noted that only the user is able to have a view of their visitor. On the other hand, the latter will not be able to see his interlocutor. He just hears her voice.

As for the transmission of information captured by the camera and the microphone, everything depends on the model of video intercom chosen. Either it is carried out by radio waves or by electric current.

Why buy a videophone?

What types of videophones are available on the market? Which one to choose ?

There are three models of videophones . Each of them has its own specificities, advantages and disadvantages.

The wireless videophone

A wireless video intercom is distinguished by its ultra practical side. It is not equipped with a cable, which makes it easier to install. The connection between the street panel and the monitor is therefore made by digital modulation. The equipment uses approximately the same mode of transmission as DTT.

Radio modulation is recognized for its reliability. It turns out that the risk of interference remains low. Also, the average range is quite wide. It can go up to 300m in the open field.

On the other hand, if there are obstacles between the street panel and the monitor, such as walls or other elements, the range could decrease considerably.

In general, the street station must be plugged into a mains socket. If there is no electrical power supply , it will have to be equipped with batteries. Their validity period is generally a few months. So, you should remember to change them often.

The Wired videophone

Unlike the wireless model, the wired video door phone uses cables to ensure the connection between the door station and the box. In general, the two elements are connected by two or 4 wires wrapped in a sheath.

Whether it is a 2-wire or 4-wire videophone, the signal transmission mode remains the same. The advantage of using this device is that the communication is rather stable. The risk of disturbance remains low unless the connection cables are located near 230 V.

Please note, however, that the maximum distance between the street station and the monitor must be respected. Otherwise, the quality of the received signal will be deteriorated. It is generally 100m.

Otherwise, the quality of the received signal will be deteriorated. It is generally 100m.

Otherwise, the quality of the received signal will be deteriorated. It is generally 100m.

The Connected videophone

The connected (video) intercom  is a cutting-edge device. Its particularity is that it is connected to a smartphone. It is therefore a more practical control tool. It allows you to keep an eye on the house while you are away.

The connected videophone is available in two versions. The difference generally lies in the mode of operation. We have to talk about the platinum version alone. It stands out for its ease of installation.

Called wifi videophone , this device is made up of a wireless video intercom . The street panel is connected to the Smartphone via a Wi-Fi network.

There is also the wired version whose board is connected to a box via wires. It is this box which will transmit information to the Smartphone via an Internet connection.

The functionalities possible with a videophone

When choosing a videophone, you must take into account the options it offers, to name only the alarm system, spy mode or even automatic door opening. Obviously, the available features vary depending on the quality of the device.

In general, it is the high-end models that have the most additional options.

Here are the different possible functionalities:

The advantages that the videophone will bring you at home

Having a secure home means living with complete peace of mind. The videophone can be an effective protection solution . It has many advantages.

• Innovative device that responds to cutting-edge technologies.
• Offers an efficient and easy-to-use control system.
• The video intercom also allows you to physically see the visitor through the monitor screen and to chat with them.
• It allows users to better cope with unplanned visits.
• This device is capable of replacing an alarm system, as it launches a warning signal in the event of the presence of visitors.
• This is a prevention tool against burglary and other insecurity problems such as aggression.
• This device allows you to activate the opening and locking of the door or gate automatically and remotely.
• It allows remote monitoring of the home.
• The presence of this equipment optimizes the comfort of the home owner on a daily basis.

Our advice for choosing your videophone carefully before buying it 

The choice of a videophone cannot be improvised. If you want it to be the security device you need, you have to select it carefully. In fact, the principle is to opt for equipment adapted to your home and which meets its requirements in terms of efficiency.

It is therefore necessary to take into account the right criteria, starting with your type of accommodation and the video door entry model that is compatible with it. It is also necessary to take into consideration the various options that make up the device and its quality.

A 1-unit or collective model

Above all, know that the level of security to benefit from depends on the model of videophone installed. In general, the choice is between a videophone adapted to a single dwelling and the collective model. The latter is suitable for apartments located in a building.

For owners of a single-family home, a video intercom suitable for a single dwelling is ideal. All that remains is to choose a model that suits the size of the accommodation.

On the other hand, for occupants of a condominium building, it is better to invest in a collective videophone . That said, it is essential to check if it is equipped with a multiple communication system.

Choosing the videophone model for your installation

The market offers two types of videophones . Their mode of transmission and installation is different. Each of them is dedicated to a specific use.

Videophone with remote opening

This is another criterion to take into account when purchasing. A videophone that allows you to control the opening and closing of the entrance door or gate remotely is the ideal choice. It can improve your daily comfort and your safety.

However, if you decide to invest in a video door entry system of this type, you will need to equip it with an electric strike or an electric lock . It is thanks to this equipment that the door or gate can be operated remotely.

The size of the viewing screen

Screen size is another important criterion. It needs to be wide enough so that you can see what's going on outside. The displayed image will be sharper. In addition, you will be able to distinguish people ringing the doorbell and see each of them at a glance.

Most videophones available on the market have a diagonal screen of 18 cm or 9-10 cm.

For better user comfort, it is more appropriate to opt for a video intercom with a 17 cm screen . This is the ideal size to obtain a superior quality image.

Choosing a suitable, quality videophone

The quality of the device should not be neglected. You must invest in a waterproof videophone with optimal longevity to avoid frequent purchases. Its reliability must also be checked to prevent technical problems during use.

The ideal is to favor models sold with a fairly broad guarantee. So, if something goes wrong, you'll get a free repair, exchange, or maybe even a refund. The duration of the warranty varies depending on the manufacturer. But in general, it is two years.

You must pay particular attention to the quality of the door station of your videophone. Since it is intended to remain outside, it is constantly exposed to bad weather, high heat and frost. It must then be very resistant. An aluminum street panel is ideal . It stands out in terms of solidity.

Additional equipment for your videophone 

To increase the performance and comfort of your video intercom, the addition of some additional equipment is required.