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Quick answer: if you live somewhere with a real winter, buy a wired video doorbell. Every major doorbell we looked at is rated to work down to about −20°C, but battery models can’t recharge once it drops below freezing. In an Ontario winter, that can mean months of a draining battery.
Why cold weather is hard on video doorbells
Most battery doorbells use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and those don’t charge below 0°C. The manufacturers say so themselves:
- Ring says its devices are designed to stop charging below freezing, and recommends bringing the battery inside to charge.
- eufy says its devices drain quickly around 3°C, won’t recharge at 0°C, and the battery may stop working below −20°C.
- Google has said its battery Nest cameras and doorbells have trouble charging below 0°C, and that doorbell wiring only provides a trickle charge, not enough to stop the drain.
A wired doorbell runs straight off your home’s doorbell transformer, so there’s no battery to drain or recharge. That’s why wired is our default pick for Canadian homes.
Comparison at a glance
| Doorbell | Power | Rated to | Video storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired) | Wired, 16–24 VAC, 30 VA or more | −20°C | Built-in 4 GB, no monthly fee |
| Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen) | Wired, 12–24 VAC, 8 VA transformer or more | −20°C | Longer history needs a Nest Aware subscription |
| Ring Video Doorbell Wired | Wired, 10–24 VAC | −20.5°C | Saving recordings needs a Ring subscription |
| Blink Video Doorbell | 2 AA lithium batteries (not rechargeable), optional wiring | −20°C | Needs a Blink subscription or Sync Module with USB storage |
| eufy Video Doorbell S330 (Battery) | Rechargeable battery, wiring only extends it | −20°C | On the HomeBase, no monthly fee |
Our picks
Best overall for winter: eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired)
It’s wired, rated to −20°C, records 2K video, and stores clips on the doorbell itself, so there’s no monthly fee. It needs existing doorbell wiring with a 16–24 VAC transformer of at least 30 VA. Older homes sometimes have a weaker transformer (see the install tips below).
See the eufy 2K Wired Doorbell
Best for Google homes: Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen)
If you already use a Google Nest Hub or Google Home, this is the easiest fit. It’s wired, rated to −20°C, and works with a wide range of transformers (12–24 VAC). The catch: to keep a longer history of recorded video, you’ll need a Nest Aware subscription.
See the Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen)
Best if you can’t run wires: Blink Video Doorbell
Blink runs on two non-rechargeable AA lithium batteries, so the “won’t charge in the cold” problem doesn’t apply; you just swap the batteries. It can also connect to existing doorbell wiring. Batteries still wear down faster in deep cold, so keep a spare pair handy.
See the Blink Video Doorbell bundle
Also worth knowing: eufy Video Doorbell S330 (Battery)
A strong doorbell with two cameras (one pointed down at packages) and no monthly fee, but it needs a eufy HomeBase and runs on a rechargeable battery. Connecting it to doorbell wires only extends battery life. It’s a better fit for milder winters, or if you don’t mind bringing it inside to charge.
Winter install tips
- Check your transformer before you buy. Each wired doorbell lists the voltage and power (VA) it needs. If yours is too weak, the doorbell can reboot or cut out. A 24V 40VA doorbell transformer covers most models, but have an electrician install it if you’re not comfortable with wiring.
- Install on a mild day. Adhesive and screws set better, and your fingers will thank you.
- Keep it out of direct wind and snow if you can. A covered porch or an angled mounting wedge helps the lens stay clear.
- Battery model? Keep a second battery charged indoors so you can swap instead of waiting.
FAQ
Will a battery doorbell work at −25°C?
Most are only rated to about −20°C. Below that, the battery may stop working until it warms up.
Does wiring a battery doorbell solve the cold problem?
Not fully. Google and eufy both say wiring a battery model only extends the battery; it doesn’t power the doorbell directly.
Which doorbells have no monthly fee?
The eufy models store video locally with no subscription. Ring, Nest and Blink need a subscription (or, for Blink, a Sync Module with USB storage) to save recordings.
