Situations · Content date 2026-09-17
A package was stolen from my porch: what cameras should I get?
Start with a video doorbell that sees the ground in front of your door, not just faces. Then add one camera that watches the walkway or driveway, so you see the person arrive and leave. The eufy Video Doorbell E340 has a second, downward camera and package detection with no monthly fee ($149.99). Cheaper doorbells work too; check which ones record without a plan.
Doorbells by 3-year cost
| Doorbell | Package detection | Monthly to record | 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyze Video Doorbell v2 | With plan | $0 | $60 |
| TP-Link Tapo D210 Battery Doorbell | Not listed | $0 | $60 |
| Wyze Battery Video Doorbell | With plan | $0 | $66 |
| TP-Link Tapo D225 Battery Doorbell | Not listed | $0 | $100 |
| Reolink Video Doorbell (Battery) | Not listed | $0 | $120 |
| Aqara Smart Doorbell Camera Hub G410 | Not listed | $0 | $145 |
| eufy Video Doorbell E340 | Free | $0 | $150 |
| Reolink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) | Not listed | $0 | $150 |
| SwitchBot Smart Video Doorbell | Not listed | $0 | $150 |
| Ring Battery Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) | With plan | $4.99 | $225 |
| Ring Wired Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) | With plan | $4.99 | $260 |
| Ring Battery Doorbell 2K Plus (2nd Gen) | With plan | $4.99 | $360 |
| Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) | With plan | $9.99 | $440 |
Plans that cover the front door
- Security cameras for the front door and driveway of a house with an attached garage, with no monthly fee: 1 camera and a video doorbell: $125 up front, $0/mo, $125 over 3 years.
- Security cameras for the front door and street parking of a townhouse, with no monthly fee: 1 camera and a video doorbell: $125 up front, $0/mo, $125 over 3 years.
- Security cameras for the front door of a condo or apartment, without drilling: 0 cameras and a video doorbell: $145 up front, $0/mo, $145 over 3 years.
What helps besides the camera
- Mount the doorbell so the doormat is in frame. Test by standing where a courier would put a box.
- Add a light at the door if the step is dark. Night footage of a hood is rarely useful.
- Ask carriers to leave packages out of sight from the street, or use a locker or parcel box.
- Save the clip and report the theft to the carrier and retailer. Many ask for a police report number for a refund.
Related questions
Will a camera stop package theft?
A visible camera and doorbell deter some thieves and help identify others, but they don't stop a determined one. Pair the camera with delivery instructions that keep packages out of sight from the street, or with a parcel box.
Do I need a subscription to get package alerts?
Depends on the brand. On Ring, package alerts come with a paid plan. eufy's E340 detects packages on the device for free. The table below shows which is which in our data.
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