Video Intercoms vs Smart Doorbells: What to Choose for Your Melbourne Home
Should you buy a $200 battery doorbell or invest in a wired intercom? The answer depends on your gate, your Wi-Fi, and your patience for monthly fees.
Walk down any street in Melbourne, and you will see them: the glowing blue rings of smart doorbells stuck to doorframes. They are popular, cheap, and easy to install. But are they actually a good security solution?
On the other side, we have the professional Video Intercom—the kind you see on new builds in Brighton or gated homes in Toorak. These systems cost more upfront but promise something smart doorbells often fail to deliver: reliability.
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“A smart doorbell notifies you 10 seconds after the courier has left. An intercom notifies you while he is still pressing the button.”
In this guide, we compare the two technologies to help you decide which one belongs on your front porch.
The Smart Doorbell (Ring, Nest, Eufy)
These are essentially Wi-Fi cameras with a button. They are fantastic for renters or quick DIY fixes, but they come with hidden costs.
The Pros
- Cheap Upfront: You can pick one up at Bunnings for under $300.
- DIY Installation: Stick it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and you’re done.
The Cons
- The “Subscription Tax”: Most brands charge $5-$15 per month just to watch your old videos. Stop paying, and your “smart” doorbell becomes a dumb buzzer.
- Wi-Fi Lag: If your router is at the back of the house, the signal has to travel through brick walls to reach the front gate. This causes delayed notifications and choppy video.
- Battery Fatigue: Taking the doorbell off to charge it every few months gets old, fast.
The Professional Video Intercom (Hikvision, Dahua)
These are hardwired systems consisting of an outdoor station (at the gate/door) and an indoor monitor (screen on the wall), plus a mobile app.
The Pros
- Instant Speed: Because they are wired (PoE), the video is instant. No buffering, no “connecting…” wheel.
- Gate Control: This is the killer feature for Melbourne homes. You can tap a button on the indoor screen (or your phone) to unlock the front gate or open the garage for a delivery. Smart doorbells cannot do this easily.
- No Monthly Fees: You buy it, you own it. Footage is stored locally on an SD card or NVR.
- Always On: The indoor monitor means you can see who is there without hunting for your phone.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Smart Doorbell (DIY) | Video Intercom (Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Wi-Fi (Unstable) | Wired / PoE (Rock Solid) |
| Monthly Fees | Yes ($50-$150/year) | Zero ($0) |
| Gate Unlocking | No (Usually) | Yes (Native) |
| Indoor Screen | Your Phone Only | Dedicated Wall Monitor |
| Best For | Renters / Apartments | Homeowners / Gates |
The Reliability Difference
Smart Doorbell Path
- Button Press
- Wi-Fi Signal (Weak?)
- Cloud Server (USA)
- Phone Notification
- Result: Delay
Intercom Path
- Button Press
- Copper Wire
- Indoor Screen
- Instant Ring
- Result: Instant
The Verdict for Melbourne Homeowners
If you are renting an apartment, get a smart doorbell. It is better than nothing.
But if you own a home—especially one with a front gate—a Professional Video Intercom is the only serious choice. The ability to open the gate for a tradesie from your kitchen wall (or from work) is a game-changer. Plus, the money you save on subscriptions will eventually pay for the installation.
Our Recommendation
We recommend the Hikvision Gen2 or Dahua IP Intercom series. They are sleek, robust, and integrate perfectly with CCTV systems.
Stop renting your security. Own it.
Need a gate intercom? Contact Sipko Security. We install wired intercom systems across Melbourne that just work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install an intercom if my house is double-storey?
Yes, but it requires running cables through the wall cavity. This is our specialty. Wireless intercoms exist, but we always recommend wired for reliability. If wiring is impossible, we have specific long-range wireless solutions that are better than standard Wi-Fi doorbells.
Do intercoms record video?
Yes. Modern IP intercoms act just like a security camera. They record anyone who approaches your door, 24/7, to an SD card or your NVR recorder.
Can I answer the intercom on my phone?
Absolutely. Hikvision and Dahua intercoms ring both the indoor screen AND your smartphone app (Hik-Connect or DMSS) simultaneously, so you never miss a visitor.
Official Government Sources & References
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ACCC – Broadband Performance
Data on Australian internet speeds and reliability, highlighting why Wi-Fi dependent devices can suffer from lag.
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Energy Victoria – Standby Power
Information on the energy efficiency of wired home appliances versus battery-operated devices.
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Victoria Police – Home Security
Recommendations for securing entry points and the value of visible surveillance and access control.
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eSafety Commissioner – Smart Devices
Safety advice regarding smart home devices, cloud storage, and privacy risks associated with internet-connected cameras.
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Consumer Affairs Victoria – Renting Modifications
Rules regarding installing fixtures like wired intercoms in rental properties versus temporary smart doorbells.
