It seems like everyone has transitioned from an old fashioned doorbell to a doorbell camera.

These doorbells became popular in the mid-2010's, and by 2020, Amazon had sold over 400,000 in just December alone. According to SafeHome.org, about 15-20 million households in the U.S. have doorbell cameras in 2025. And the market is only growing, not just in the U.S., but around the world.

Whether you want some extra home security, want to keep track of family arriving home, or want to be able to answer your door when you're not even home, these doorbells can be extremely beneficial for all of these and more.

But this technology also comes with some drawbacks.

Doorbell Camera Downsides

With any pros list, there's a cons list to follow. Here are some of the doorbell camera downsides you might not know about.

Law Enforcement Access

Doorbell cameras can be helpful to law enforcement when it comes to catching criminals, but they also can access footage without your explicit consent. Companies like Ring have partnered with hundreds of police departments across the U.S., allowing them to view footage from users' doorbells stored in the cloud.

And it isn't just Ring that allows this. Other manufacturers like Google, D-Link, SimpliSafe, and TP-Link also share video footage with law enforcement without requiring a warrant or asking for approval.

Third-Party Companies Access

It's not just law enforcement that can access your footage, it's also third-parties companies. The footage stored in the cloud is only as secure as the company keeps it, and there have been instances where people have felt the weight of this reality.

Amazon faced a $30 million lawsuit after it was revealed that third-party contractors were able to download Ring doorbell videos without permission from the user.

The Risk of Hackers

Like with any tech device, doorbell cameras come with the risk of being hacked. While camera companies typically release updates to fix known vulnerabilities, there's also the risk of the unknown.

In fact, in May 2025, a Ring user posted in the community forum about how multiple authorized devices had been on their account all on May 28. Many users agreed, saying they experienced the same thing, saying they "feel icky" about it. While Ring has yet to respond, some TikTok users have been all over it.

It could have just been a software update, but just in case, you can go into your Ring "Control Center", click "Authorized Client Devices", and remove any authorized devices they may look suspicious or unknown.

Hackers can not only access your footage, but the microphone and speaker. And it doesn't stop there. Hackers can potentially gain access to your entire home network, including your WiFi and other internet-connected devices. They can then monitor your online activity, such as tracking online banking sessions or online purchases.

Do They Really Prevent Crime?

Doorbell cameras are often marketed as crime-fighting tools, but research has shown that their effectiveness may not be as good as advertised.

A study analyzed data from Los Angeles neighborhoods where RIng cameras were installed. The results revealed that the decrease in crime rates claimed by the company weren't nearly as high. Crime actually increased in one neighborhood the year after the cameras were installed. Whether this was just a coincidence, it proves that doorbell cameras might not offer the security they claim.

They Might Make You Anxious

Receiving notifications from your doorbell camera while you're not home might make some feel at ease, however it can also lead to some anxiety. Every time the camera detects motion, whether it's a person or a squirrel, you might find yourself checking your phone constantly.

In fact, constant alerts can keep you in a state of heightened alertness, making you feel like something is wrong even when it's just a neighbor walking by on the street.

Doorbell Cameras: Worth it or Not?

Doorbell cameras come with pros and cons, so it's up to you whether taking the risk is worth it. The good news is you can take preventative measures to keep your home, data, and privacy secure.

You can review your camera's privacy settings and make sure you're comfortable with how the footage is stored and shared.

Make sure you also use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect yourself from hackers.

And if you're concerned about law enforcement access, be sure to read the fine print of your camera's terms and conditions, or consider opting out of sharing your footage.

Lastly, set boundaries for notifications, like adjusting sensitivity settings, so you're not constantly checking your phone.