About WOW! 

WOW! (also known as Wide Open West) offers cable, fiber and DSL internet, phone and television services for customers in nine states providing services to over 7 million people. You can find WOW! internet in metropolitan areas like Montgomery, AL, Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, and 16+ other markets. There are WOW! Internet package choices with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) to fit your streaming, gaming and browsing needs.

WOW! Internet: what you need to know

Check out this quick-reference guide for the most important things you’ll want to know about WOW! internet prices, speeds and availability. 

*As of 03/12/2020 

WOW! internet packages

Internet 100

WOW!’s Internet 100 offers speeds up to 100 Mbps which is ideal for singles, small families or households of one to two people. With this plan, you can use a few devices at once, such as a computer and some cell phones, and you can enjoy light streaming and casual web browsing. You’ll get a discount if you sign up for AutoPay, and installation is free if you order the service online. 

Internet 200

Internet 200 offers speeds up to 200 Mbps. This option is a good fit for small- or medium-sized households of two to three people where several devices may be connected at the same time. It’s good for multiple high-definition streams and some casual online gaming.

You’ll also save money each month you’re enrolled in AutoPay. Installation costs are waived if you order your new service online.

Internet 500

Internet 500 goes up to 500 Mbps which works if you have a medium or large household of three to four people who like 4K streaming and live online gaming. It’s also a good option if you have a smart home with internet-enabled devices.

As with other WOW! packages, you can get a discount when you sign up for AutoPay and free installation for ordering online.

Internet 1000

This is WOW’s premier gigabit package, with speed up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps). Internet 1000 is intended for large households of five or more people or homes where there will be lots of HD streaming, online gaming, video conferencing and other extensive internet use.

Order online for free installation and sign up for AutoPay to and save money. With this package, you also get free whole-home WiFi. 

WOW! features

• Free installation: Installation fees are waived on all packages if you sign up for service online.
• No data caps: Browse, download and stream to your heart’s content thanks to unlimited data, available on all plans.
• 30-day money-back guarantee: You can try out WOW!’s internet service for 30 days to see if it works for your needs.
• AutoPay discount: Save $5 each month when you enroll in automatic payments.
• Free email addresses: All internet packages come with up to five free email addresses. 

WOW! availability

Some ISPs, including WOW! internet, are only available in certain areas of the country. If you’re relocating or looking to switch providers, check the provider’s availability to be sure they service your area. WOW! is available in these states: 

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Michigan
• Ohio
• South Carolina
• Tennessee

Pros & Cons of WOW!

 Advantages of WOW!  

• Installation costs are waived if you order your service online
• Save $5 every month if you enroll in automatic payments
• No data caps, no matter which internet package you choose
• Paperless billing will save you $2 per month
• Promotional rates require a two-year contract, but if you pay full price for service, you won’t be locked into any contracts

Disadvantages of WOW!

• Service is limited to only nine states
• WOW!’s fastest packages, Internet 500 and Internet 1000, are not available in all areas
• Promotional pricing for new users comes with a two-year contract

Setting up WOW!

Whether you’re moving into a new home or simply switching providers, you also need to factor in how the service will be installed. WOW! offers free installation on all its internet packages if you order your service online. To get WOW! internet service, you’ll need a modem which you can rent with built-in WiFi from the company for $10 per month, or supply your own compatible unit at no cost. If you’d like to purchase your own to save on the monthly rental cost, review WOW!’s compatibility requirements. Purchasing a modem can cost as little as $46.99 and will pay for itself in less than half a year. WOW! does not offer self-setup, so either way, a technician will need to come to your home to set up service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is WOW! Internet?
Prices start at $59.99 per month for the Internet 100 plan. The company’s fastest package, Internet 1000, costs $99.99 per month.

Is WOW! internet available where I live? 

WOW! internet service is available across 19 markets in nine states. You can see if service is available for your specific address by clicking any button that says “customize order” or “check availability.”

What does WOW! stand for?
WOW! is an acronym for the company’s full name, Wide Open West.

Does WOW! offer any discounts?
WOW! offers a $5 per month discount when you enroll in automatic payments. You can also get promotional monthly prices when you sign up for a two-year contract. 

Does WOW! have contracts?
They only lock you into a two-year contract when you’re a new subscriber signing up with promotional pricing. If you opt to forgo promotional pricing and pay full price, you won’t be locked into a contract.

Does WOW! offer bundles?
Yes, you can opt for bundles that include TV, phone and internet.

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Furnace Buying Guide

Furnaces play an essential role in keeping your home warm when the weather outside turns cold. But in order to save money on repairs and energy bills, it’s important to replace your furnace at the right time. Today’s furnaces are highly energy-efficient, reliable and quiet. But one size does not fit all. 

This guide will walk you through furnace types, sizes, costs, efficiency, installation complexity and customer reviews – in short, each of the factors you need to consider when buying a new furnace.

What is a furnace?

A furnace is a device used to heat indoor spaces. It works on the principle of forced-air heating. Modern furnaces typically include a burner, heat exchanger, blower and thermostat that work together to keep your house comfortable.

The furnace heats air and disperses it within your home through air vents. Once rooms are filled with warm air, any cold air in the room is drawn back into the furnace through the return ducts. This heating cycle continues until the desired temperature is reached, which you can adjust with a thermostat.

How to buy the best furnace

Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a furnace for your home.

Types of furnaces

There are four major types of furnaces: gas, oil, electric and propane. While the working principle for all furnace types is the same, the type you choose will depend on budget, energy-efficiency requirements and available energy sources.

Gas Furnace: This type of furnace uses natural gas as fuel to heat the air. Natural gas furnaces are highly energy-efficient, with Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings ranging from 89 to 98 percent. Natural gas is readily available across the United States, which is why this type of furnace is common in most American homes.

Oil Furnace: An oil furnace uses heating oil or diesel fuel and is slightly less efficient compared to a gas furnace. Oil-furnace AFUE ratings usually vary between 80 and 90 percent. This furnace type is most commonly found in the northeastern part of the country. In comparison to gas furnaces, oil furnaces are generally cheaper.

Electric Furnace: Electric furnaces heat the air with electricity. Compared to oil and gas, electric furnaces are technically 100% efficient since they convert electrical energy to heat energy. Electricity generation itself requires burning fuel, however, so electricity is costly compared to other fuels, which ultimately means higher monthly utility bills. On the plus side, electric furnaces themselves are cheaper than oil and gas furnaces.

Propane Furnace: If access to natural gas and oil is limited in your area, consider a furnace that runs on propane fuel. Propane furnaces are common in many rural areas where other fuels aren’t as readily available. The cost of a propane furnace is generally higher compared to a gas furnace. While these furnaces offer high efficiencies of up to 98%, the overall fuel costs will likely be higher in comparison to natural gas.

Choose the right size

To ensure optimum comfort and energy savings, it’s critical to determine the right furnace size for your home. Furnaces come with different heating capacities (measured in British Thermal Unit or BTU) for heating different sized spaces. In addition to the size of your home, details like window efficiency, air leakages, number of occupants and insulation should also be taken into account.

Considering all these factors, an HVAC professional will perform the Manual J load calculation to figure out the correct furnace size for your home. This calculation is done by determining how much heat is lost through your home’s windows, walls and insulation during cool months and how much heat is gained during hot months. This is then used to determine the size of the furnace you need. A too-large or too-small furnace will not heat your home efficiently. An incorrectly sized furnace might continuously run to warm the space or stop heating the air too soon, ultimately costing you more money in the long run.

Compare furnace costs

The cost for a new furnace depends on the size, type and brand. It also includes installation fees, which will vary according to the type of furnace and the size of your home.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, a natural gas furnace costs between $2,300 and $3,500. The installation may cost another $1,500. But the exact installation cost will depend on the amount of ductwork necessary and where you need the furnace installed.

For the same size home, an oil furnace ranges between $500 and $2,500 for the unit, plus $1,500 to $2,000 for installation. While an electric furnace cost ranges anywhere between $500 and $2,000 and $1,500 to $2,000 for installation. Propane furnaces generally range from $800 to $2,000, and $2,000 to $3,000 for installing the unit.

Note that these prices are for reference purposes only. Because the actual cost of buying and installing a furnace is so specific to individual households, it is best to consult an HVAC professional in your area to get an accurate quote and ensure you select the ideal furnace size.

Installation

You might be tempted to save money by handling the furnace installation yourself, but installing a furnace is not an easy job. It’s a complex process that can take a few hours or even days. Furnace installation requires proper experience and equipment. It can include removing your old heating system, replacing existing ductwork, sealing the ducts for proper ventilation and programming the thermostat. For full warranty protection, most furnace manufacturers require professional installation. A faulty installation can result in major problems, from inefficient performance and higher energy consumption to fire risk. 

While it’s best to leave furnace installation in the hands of a qualified professional, you can always do some pre-work to expedite the process. Cleaning the pathway to the furnace and clearing the space where the compressor will go make it easier for the technician to work.

Furnace brands

These are the top furnace brands and some of their most popular models.

Bryant

987M Evolution Gas Furnace

• Heating Capacity: 60,000 – 120,000 BTU
• Efficiency Rating: 98.3% AFUE
• Starting Price: $4,750 (Installed)

986T Evolution Gas Furnace

• Heating Capacity: 40,000 – 120,000 BTU
• Efficiency Rating: 96.7% AFUE
• Starting Price: $4,750 (Installed)

Carrier

59MN7 Infinity 98 Series Gas Furnace

• Heating Capacity: 60,000 – 120,000 BTU
• Efficiency Rating: 98.5% AFUE
• Starting Price: $4,500 (Installed)

OVL Performance 80 Series Oil Furnace

• Heating Capacity: 77,000 – 154,000 BTU
• Efficiency Rating: 86.6% AFUE
• Starting Price: $3,895 (Installed)

Lennox

SLP98V Gas Furnace

• Heating Capacity: 66,000 – 132,000 BTU
• Efficiency Rating: 98.7% AFUE
• Starting Price: $3,790 (Installed)

SLO185V Oil Furnace

• Heating Capacity: 105,000 – 154,000 BTU
• Efficiency Rating: 87% AFUE
• Starting Price: $4,990 (Installed)

Rheem

Prestige R98V Series Gas Furnace

• Heating Capacity: 60,000 – 115,000 BTU
• Efficiency Rating: 98.7% AFUE
• Starting Price: $3,400 (Installed)

Prestige R97V Series Gas Furnace

• Heating Capacity: 60,000 – 115,000 BTU
• Efficiency Rating: 97% AFUE
• Starting Price: $3,400 (Installed)

Trane

XC95M Gas Furnace

• Heating Capacity: 36,000 – 60,000 BTU
• Efficiency Rating: 97.3% AFUE
• Starting Price: $3,750 (Installed)

XV80 Oil Furnace

• Heating Capacity: 87,000 BTU
• Efficiency Rating: 85% AFUE
•  Starting Price: $3,970 (Installed)

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Even with the right unit and proper installation, there’s always the chance that your furnace will malfunction. While some problems are caused by normal wear and tear, most can be traced to inconsistent maintenance. Furnace issues can wreak havoc in your living space, especially during the colder months when you really need to heat your interior. It’s helpful to know how to troubleshoot common issues so you can decide what to take care of yourself and what to let a professional handle.

Below is an overview of common repair and maintenance problems, how to troubleshoot them and key maintenance tips: 

General furnace maintenance tips

To avoid inconveniences and costly repairs, make sure to regularly maintain your furnace. Do these things to keep it running efficiently:

Change the filter every three months

Changing the filter is one of the simplest but most important maintenance tasks you can perform. The filter protects the blower fan from dust that compromises your indoor air quality. Cleaning and changing the filter every three months will improve indoor air quality and help prolong the life of the furnace.

Check any recommended wire connections and temperature gauges

Connection issues along the line that supplies power to your furnace can compromise the performance of the unit. Loose, faulty or missing wires will cause the thermostat to lose its connection to the unit and interrupt service. Part of maintaining your furnace involves checking the recommended connections as well as temperature and pressure gauges. Take time to inspect these parts for dust and damage, making sure that they are tight and secure.

Turn on unit once every season it is not in use

It’s tough to pick up on any problems if the furnace is off. Power it up at least once each season and monitor the thermostat to ensure it’s working properly. Turning on the unit allows you to detect common problems such as accumulated dust on the filters, burning smells, leaking carbon monoxide and other warning signs. This will allow you to address problems before they become worse.

Schedule yearly maintenance with an HVAC professional

You should have an HVAC professional to inspect your heating system and carry out maintenance work every year. Professional furnace maintenance will involve cleaning the outdoor unit, fan blades, coil and blower. The expert will also check for cracks, wear and tear and signs of future problems. The motor parts will be lubricated and the furnace tuned-up to ensure enhanced comfort and efficiency. 

Regular maintenance goes a long way toward ensuring that all parts are functioning well. It also allows timely repair or replacement of damaged components. Regularly scheduled maintenance both improves the furnace’s efficiency and extends its life. 

Clean the vents and ductwork

Make sure that no objects are blocking the vents to ensure that air will flow freely and circulate in your home. Cleaning the vents and ductwork will keep the system working properly and prevent it from getting damaged.

Common furnace problems

Furnace is not producing heat

There are many reasons why this can happen. The good news is that you can address many of these factors on your own without the need to call for professional help. Start by opening the heat registers and then move on to checking the thermostat settings. Next, check the furnace power, reset the furnace or check the service door cover. You can also inspect the filter to make sure it is clear of dirt and check the standing pilot light to make sure it is lit.

Furnace is not producing enough heat

If you notice a decline in heat output, first make sure the air filter is clean and in good condition. Next, inspect other components of the furnace for any build-up of dirt, dust and debris, an inexpensive fix that can help boost performance. Also, check the vents and ducts for obstruction. Finally, make sure the thermostat is working and positioned properly. Try moving it away from direct sunlight since this may affect temperature readings on the thermostat and cause it to misread the temperature in your home. If this happens, your thermostat will shut off the furnace too early and leave your house feeling cold. You may also need to check your insulation to make sure that warm air does not escape from your space through various openings. 

Odd noises from the furnace or ducts

Squeaking, rumbling, grinding, pinging and rattling noises are all signs of a mechanical issue, clogged burner or airflow reduction. Loud rattling noises could mean that the blower motor needs to be lubricated while squealing could point to a loose or damaged blower belt. A loose blower can result in loud clanking or scraping while dirty burners will produce a loud bang. Lastly, grinding sounds may be a sign that motor bearings need to be repaired.

Since it can be difficult to establish the cause of the odd sounds without experience, get a technician to inspect the unit and fix the issues.

Furnace runs continuously

One of the main reasons a furnace will run constantly is because something is dirty or clogged. Before trying to fix any problem, take time to make sure that the thermostat settings are not at “continuous fan”. If the air filter is good to go, check the furnace blower for clogging and clean it. If this does not work, have a look at the furnace blower motor and lubricate it. If you still cannot figure out why your furnace keeps running, contact an experienced technician.

Furnace is not blowing air

If the furnace is not blowing air, there are several steps you will need to take. First, make sure that the blower is free of debris and confirm your thermostat is set to the correct temperature. Before cleaning the air filter, check the furnace circuit breakers to ensure there is a power supply. 

As always, if you cannot fix a furnace issue on your own, call in an HVAC professional. A competent pro can accurately diagnose the malfunction and recommend tips on how to keep your furnace in peak condition.

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In the early 2000s, fiber-optic internet was not unheard of—Verizon had first deployed its Fios service in 2004⁠—but fiber-optic cable lines were expensive to lay and the service was stalling. For the most part, the high-end market was served by cable and the low-end by DSL. 

Enter Google Fiber. In 2009, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was tasked with providing broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps to at least 100 million Americans by 2020. Tech giant Google stepped up to the challenge. Google Fiber rolled out in test markets across the country starting in 2010 and by 2016, 30% of urban dwellers could access gigabit internet service—more than 100 times faster than the average speed in 2010.

The service stopped expanding in 2016, then returned with much more modest expansion plans in 2017. It is unknown whether they will eventually expand again, but Google Fiber locations that already have service are still well supported today. If available in your area, Google Fiber’s cost is highly competitive with other providers and the service is a highly reliable option for internet, streaming TV and phone. 

Where is Google Fiber available?

Google Fiber availability is currently limited to just 18 cities as of early 2020. The Google Fiber map shows a decided preference for urban areas, which makes sense as it was originally installed in “test cities.” If you live in a Google Fiber city, enter your address on its website to find out if your home is covered.

Google Fiber products

Google Fiber offers two services: gigabit internet (1,000 Mbps or 1 Gbps) and home phone service. Because Google Fiber’s speed is so fast, you also can take advantage of high-bandwidth technologies like HD streaming, online gaming and heavy internet use, though you’ll need to pair your service with the applicable TV and streaming services.

Gigabit internet

Fiber-optic internet, such as Google Fiber, offers speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps for both downloads and uploads which distinguishes it from other types of gigabit internet where upload speeds tend to be far slower, in the range of 35 Mbps. Google Fiber gigabit internet costs $70/mo. as of March 2020. Features include free installation, no contracts and no data caps. 

Streaming TV

Until recently, Google Fiber also offered its own branded TV services. With the increased popularity of streaming TV, however, the company announced on February 4, 2020, that it would no longer offer traditional television services to new customers. Instead, Google recommends YouTube TV or fuboTV.

YouTube TV has more than 70 channels, including up to six accounts and three simultaneous streams. Sports channels and premium channels are available as add-ons for additional fees. Features include no contracts, unlimited cloud DVR storage for up to nine months and local network coverage.

fuboTV has several packages and a variety of premium and sports channel add-ons available for additional fees. Features include cloud DVR storage (amount varies by package), streaming on two or more devices simultaneously and no contracts.

Phone

If you need a home phone, Google Fiber can provide it for just $10/mo. with a Google Fiber internet account. Google Fiber phone works just like a traditional home phone but with extra features like voicemail-to-text transcription and forwarding to your mobile phone.

* Prices as of March 2020

How Google Fiber is improving internet access

Gigabit Internet for Public Housing

Google Fiber is working to bring its high-speed services to all public housing communities in its cities at zero cost for residents and housing authorities. The program launched in 2016 at West Bluff in Kansas City and includes partnerships that allow residents to purchase devices at a discount and learn valuable computer skills.

Community Connections

Since debuting the program in Austin in 2013, Google Fiber has been working to provide free gigabit internet for community organizations in its connected cities. The goal is to give members of the local communities a place to access high-speed internet as needed.

Digital Inclusion Fellowship

The Digital Inclusion Fellowship is designed to pair digital experts with local organizations in Google Fiber cities to help build programs to get more citizens online. Examples include a mobile computing lab and a program to teach parents how to get involved with their children’s schools online.

Community Leaders Program

In partnership with local universities in Google Fiber cities, this initiative is designed to empower college students to help drive solutions that improve connectivity. The focus is on underserved populations, nonprofits and small businesses.

How Google Fiber is providing education to communities

Google Fiber is also committed to improving tech education in the communities it serves. Programs include:

Create Your World

An interactive learning experience for kids, Create Your World explores the connection between coding and topics such as animation and music. Learning to code is part of the experience.

App Camp

In partnership with local universities in Google Fiber cities, this program provides free summer app development camps for high school students. Participants use smartphones on loan from Sprint to develop Android apps.

In the Fiber Space

In the Fiber Space makes Google Fiber space available to community organizations. Priority is given to groups who want to showcase ideas and offer programming related to STEM, community engagement or bridging the digital divide.

StartFEST Utah

StartFEST is a grassroots, five-day festival for startups and local entrepreneurs. It includes a competition for a cash prize.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Google Fiber? 
Google Fiber’s price starts at $70/mo as of March 2020.

How fast is Google Fiber? 
As of early 2020, Google Fiber speed is 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) for both downloads and uploads. This distinguishes it from other types of gigabit internet in that its upload speeds are equal to download speeds.

Where is Google Fiber available? 
Google Fiber is currently available in 18 cities across the United States. Check the Google Fiber map to see if it’s offered in your city.

How does Google Fiber work? 
Google Fiber uses fiber-optic cable lines to deliver high-speed internet to its customers. Because fiber-optic cables use light to transmit signals, they allow for much faster data transfer than other internet options.

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Best video doorbell: Reviews and comparison

Do you have concerns about what’s happening at your doorstep when you’re not home or while you’re sleeping? Video doorbell cameras can provide some peace of mind. We’re rounding up information on the five best video doorbells for your home, including details on what to consider when shopping for and comparing video doorbells.

What makes the best video doorbell?

It’s important to choose the right doorbell camera based on how you like to use smart home technology and for your own home security needs and budget. Here are some of the features we considered  when comparing video doorbell options:

• Price: Average prices range between $149.99 and $199.99.
• Customer reviews: Look for reviews covering the product’s ease of installation, quality, night vision, motion detection, etc.
• Customer support: Ensure customer support is available through live chat, phone and/or email.
• Advanced features: The best doorbell cameras have advanced features, including infrared night vision, mobile alerts and two-way audio.
• Warranties/guarantees: Many doorbell cameras feature a limited one-year warranty, but some extend as long as three years.

Our selections for the best video doorbell

Arlo Video Doorbell

Arlo is considered one of the top internet-connected camera brands due to its assortment of products, including indoor/outdoor cameras, indoor-only cameras, mobile cameras and baby cameras. The Arlo company also carries a broad range of accessories, including magnetic wall mounts and security lights.

The Arlo video doorbell captures video better than traditional doorbell cameras with high-dynamic-range video (HDR video) and a 180° viewing angle. Not only will you receive notifications when it detects motion, but each time someone presses your doorbell, you’ll receive a phone call or mobile alert.

Price: $149.99

Average reviews: Arlo’s doorbell camera receives an average of four stars from consumers regarding its motion detection, night vision, ease of installation and technical support. Some consumers have concerns about Arlo’s customer service, wiring requirements and its lack of functionality across multiple platforms.

Features:

• Max Video Resolution: 1536 x 1536
• Night vision with high powered Infrared LEDs
• Single motion sensor
• Full Duplex two-way audio
• SIP audio/video call
• Outdoor UV and weather-resistant
• Single microphone array

Warranties/guarantees: One-year warranty

August Doorbell Cam Pro

August aims to ensure their customers are more secure through the control and visibility of their front door. The August Doorbell Cam Pro allows homeowners to answer their door no matter their location. Because it continuously monitors doorsteps, it captures every moment leading up to motion alerts. When subscribing to the free subscription for Basic Video Recording, homeowners can replay videos the doorbell camera captures within the last 24 hours.

Price: $199.99

Average reviews: The August Doorbell Cam Pro has mixed reviews, with an average three-star rating. It does receive several five-star ratings from consumers regarding the doorbell camera’s quality and value. Some consumer concerns include the length of time before playback video is available, motion-sensing delays and volume inconsistencies.

Features:

• Easy installation
• Use your phone to let guests in
• Full-color HD night vision
• Continuous monitoring
• Free 24-hour recording with a live HD video feed
• Requires an Android (5.0 or higher) or iOS (9.0 or higher) smartphone

Warranties/guarantees: One-year warranty

Ring Video Doorbell 2

Ring doorbells were some of the earliest to come to market back in 2013 and the company is now owned by Amazon, meaning they will interact well with other Amazon smart home devices. Ring’s goal is to help reduce the amount of crime neighborhoods experience and increase peace of mind in your homeThe Ring Video Doorbell 2 allows you to monitor your home from any location with instant mobile alerts and is compatible with Android, iOS, MAC and Windows 10.

Price: $169.99

Average reviews: The Ring Video Doorbell 2 receives just over four stars from consumers for its material quality, motion detection, picture quality, night vision, WiFi signal and sound quality. Consumers have concerns with the lag time between the doorbell ringing and then establishing a video connection.

Features:

• Receive mobile alerts instantly
• 160-degree horizontal, 90-degree vertical HD wide-angle views with adjustable motion sensors
• Built-in speakers and microphone with two-way audio with noise cancellation
• Infrared night vision
• Live view on-demand audio and video
• Battery-powered or hardwired

Warranties/guarantees: One-year warranty

Nest Hello Video Doorbell

Nest launched its first product, the Learning Thermostat, in 2011. In 2014, Google purchased Nest and, also during that year, Nest purchased a start-up security camera company by the name of Dropcam. In 2017, Nest developed their first video doorbell, the Nest Hello Video Doorbell.

With 24-hour streaming and a three-hour look-back on recording history, the Nest Hello doorbell camera shows everything that’s happening on your doorstep. When subscribing to the Nest Aware service, you can keep an eye on your packages with its package recognition and instant alerts.

Price: $199.00

Average reviews: Consumers rate the Nest Hello doorbell video camera with nearly five stars. Their reviews include this doorbell video camera’s ease of installation, video quality, camera features, set up and app features.

Features:

• 8x digital zoom and a 1/3-inch color sensor
• Captures up to 30 frames per second in HDR
• 160-degree diagonal view
• Built-in microphone and speaker with noise and echo cancellation
• Ambient light sensor
• Infrared night vision

Warranties/guarantees: Two-year limited warranty

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell

SimpliSafe launched in 2006 as one of the first producers of professional-grade home-monitoring systems. In 2019, the company expanded to the U.K. to offer them the same products and level of support. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell provides video streaming with dual-sensor triggering while ignoring unnecessary motion such as cars passing. 

Price: $169.00

Average reviews: The SimpliSafe video doorbell receives a wide variety of reviews, including five-star ratings for its ease of installation, motion detection, picture quality, night vision and technical support. Some consumers, however, have concerns about connectivity issues and customer service inconsistencies.

Features:

• Two-way audio
• Motion alerts
• Pan and Zoom
• HDR imaging
• Infrared night vision
• 162-degree field of view

Warranties/guarantees: Three-year warranty

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