Every year, millions of packages vanish from doorsteps across the country. Porch piracy isn't new, but the tools to fight it have gotten smarter. Standard motion detection — the kind that fires a notification every time a leaf blows past — is useless for catching deliveries. What you actually need is package detection: AI-powered alerts that distinguish a cardboard box from a passing car.
We tested the leading smart doorbells head-to-head, evaluating how well each one spots packages on the ground, how quickly it alerts you, and whether the best features are free or locked behind a subscription. Here are the things actually worth buying.
Best Overall: Google Nest Doorbell (2nd Gen, Battery)
The best package detection you don't have to pay extra for. Google's second-gen Nest Doorbell includes free, built-in AI that recognizes packages, people, animals, and vehicles — no subscription required.1 That's rare in this category, where most competitors charge monthly for the same smarts.
The 1:1 aspect ratio gives you a tall, head-to-toe view of your doorstep, which is critical for spotting a package sitting at ground level. At 1080p HDR, the image is sharp enough to read labels in good light. It integrates seamlessly with Google Home and Nest Hub, so you can see who's at the door without pulling out your phone.
The trade-off: It's battery-powered, so you'll recharge every few months (wiring is optional). And if you want 24/7 recording or facial recognition, you'll need a Nest Aware subscription.
Who it's for: Anyone in the Google ecosystem who wants the best free AI detection available.
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Best for Amazon/Ring Users: Ring Video Doorbell 4
The most ecosystem-flexible option with advanced motion zones. Ring's Video Doorbell 4 offers customizable motion zones and advanced pre-roll technology that captures four seconds of video before a trigger event — so you see what the camera missed.2
Package detection is available, but it requires a Ring Protect Plan (subscription). Once enabled, the AI reliably distinguishes deliveries from passersby and sends a "Package Detected" alert. The 1080p HDR video and 150° field of view cover a wide porch area, and the removable battery pack makes recharging painless — swap in a spare and keep recording.
The trade-off: The best AI features are subscription-only. And while the 150° FOV is wide, the 1:1 aspect ratio isn't as tall as the Nest's, so you may need to mount it slightly lower to keep packages in frame.
Who it's for: Households already invested in Amazon Alexa or Ring's ecosystem.
Shop Ring Video Doorbell 4 →
Best High-Res: Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
The sharpest view of your doorstep — and your packages. The second-generation Arlo Video Doorbell delivers 2K resolution with HDR, giving you the clearest image of any doorbell we tested.3 At 2K, you can actually read shipping labels and spot small packages that lower-res cameras might miss.
Its 180° field of view is the widest in this roundup, and the 1:1 aspect ratio means you see the full vertical sweep — from a visitor's face down to a box on the ground. The wired power option ensures continuous recording without battery anxiety.
The trade-off: Package detection requires an Arlo Secure subscription. And installation is slightly more involved than battery-only models.
Who it's for: Buyers who prioritize image clarity and have a wired doorbell setup ready to go.
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Best Budget: Blink Video Doorbell
Essential package monitoring at a fraction of the price. Blink's Video Doorbell is the most affordable entry point for smart doorbell security. It offers 1080p HD video, two-way audio, and motion detection that includes package alerts — all without a monthly subscription if you use a Sync Module 2 and local storage.2
The field of view is narrower at 135°, and the resolution doesn't match the Arlo's 2K, but for the price, it's a capable option that covers the basics: you'll know when a package arrives and when someone's at the door.
The trade-off: No 1:1 aspect ratio, so packages on the ground are harder to see unless you mount it low. The motion alerts can also be slower than premium competitors.
Who it's for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want reliable package alerts without ongoing fees.
Shop Blink Video Doorbell →
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Google Nest Doorbell (2nd Gen) | Ring Video Doorbell 4 | Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) | Blink Video Doorbell |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080p HDR | 1080p HDR | 2K HDR | 1080p HD |
| Field of View | 145° (1:1 aspect) | 150° | 180° (1:1 aspect) | 135° |
| Power Source | Battery (wired optional) | Battery (wired optional) | Wired |
Buying Guide: How to Mount for Package Detection
The single most important factor in catching packages on camera is mounting height. Most people install their doorbell at eye level — about 5 to 5.5 feet. That's fine for seeing faces, but terrible for seeing the ground.
Mount at approximately 4 feet from the ground. This puts packages sitting on the doorstep squarely in the frame while still capturing a visitor's face. If your doorbell has a 1:1 aspect ratio (like the Nest or Arlo), you have more vertical leeway. With a standard 16:9 sensor, mounting low is essential.
Also consider field of view: a wider FOV (150°+) captures more of the porch floor, but can distort edges. For package detection, wider is generally better — you want to see the full drop zone.
The Bottom Line
If you want the best free package detection, get the Google Nest Doorbell (2nd Gen). If you're in the Amazon ecosystem and don't mind a subscription, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is a strong choice. For the sharpest image, spring for the Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen). And if budget is your priority, the Blink Video Doorbell covers the essentials.
Recomate earns a commission from affiliate links on this page. Our picks are based on independent testing and research — we only recommend products we believe deliver real value.
