Knowing what to look for when selecting the best door peepholes can be a daunting task. Let’s be honest, they all look similar and at first glance offer similar features. However, looks can be deceiving and there are a few key factors you’ll want to consider before making your purchase. In this article, we’ll show you what to look for in selecting the best door peephole and give you a few top choices to help get you started.
Door Viewer and Peepholes and Buying Guide
Below I will share with you key features that you need to consider when selecting the best door viewer or peephole for your needs.
Size
The size of the peephole when selecting the best door peepholes is important for two reasons. First, you’ll want to make sure that the peephole is large enough that you can actually see through it clearly. Second, you’ll want to make sure that the peephole is small enough that it can’t be easily seen through from the outside. Most peepholes are between two and four inches in diameter.
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When it comes to finding the best peepholes for doors, make sure you select the proper size. Peepholes come in a variety of sizes, but the most common are 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch. The size you choose will depend on the thickness of your door and how much light you want to be able to see through the peephole. You may be able to select large peepholes for doors if you know that you will be installing them in an area with lots of light.
Field of View
The field of view is the area that you can see through the peephole. A wider field of view will allow you to see more of what is going on outside your door. Most peepholes have a field of view of between 180 and 220 degrees. If you want a wider field of view, consider a wide angle peephole door viewer.
Material
The material that the peephole is made out of is also important to consider. Peepholes are typically made out of brass, bronze, or stainless steel. These materials are all durable and will resist corrosion.
Finish
The finish of the peephole is also important to consider. You’ll want to choose a finish that will match the rest of the hardware on your door. Brass and bronze finishes are common, but you can also find peepholes with a brushed nickel or even a copper finish.
Installation
When it comes to installation, you’ll want to make sure that the peephole you select is easy to install. Peepholes typically come with all the necessary hardware for installation. However, some peepholes require that you drill a hole in your door, while others simply screw into place. Choose a peephole that will be easy for you to install.
Clarity
When it comes to clarity, you’ll want to make sure that the security peephole you select provides a clear view. Peepholes are available with different levels of magnification. If you wear glasses, you may want to opt for a peephole with a higher level of magnification.
Price
The price of the peephole is also an important consideration. Peepholes range in price from around $10 to $100. Choose a peephole that fits your budget and needs.
Weatherproof
If you live in an area that is prone to extreme weather conditions, you’ll want to choose a peephole that is weatherproof. Weatherproof peepholes are designed to resist corrosion and stand up to the elements.
Types of Peepholes
There are two different main types of peepholes: analog and digital. An analog peephole for doors will provide you with a basic image of what is going on outside. A digital peephole, on the other hand, will provide you with a more detailed image and include some additional features to consider.
Digital vs Analog
When it comes to choosing front door peepholes, you’ll also want to decide between a digital and an analog model. Analog peepholes are the traditional type of peephole magnifier and typically provide a clear view. However, they offer limited magnification. Digital peepholes, on the other hand, provide both a clear view and magnification. They also typically come with a wider field of view.
In addition, newer digital models allow you to view a live feed of what is going on outside your door. This can be helpful if you want to see who is at your door without opening it.
Additional Features to Consider with Digital Door Viewers
Night Vision
If you want to be able to see who is at your door at night, you’ll want to choose a peephole with night vision. Night vision peepholes use infrared technology to provide a clear view, even in low-light conditions.
Wireless
If you want to be able to view a live feed of what is going on outside your door, you’ll want to choose a wireless peephole. Wireless peepholes come with a camera that transmits a signal to a receiver inside your home. This allows you to view a live feed of what is going on outside your door without having to open it.
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There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a peephole for your door. Make sure you select the proper size, field of view, material, and finish. You’ll also want to make sure that the peephole you select is easy to install and provides a clear view. Consider your budget and needs when choosing a peephole for your door.
What is the Difference between a Peephole and Door Viewers?
For further security, you can use door viewers that give you a glimpse of what’s going on behind the door. Through-the-door optical devices sometimes are known as peepholes. Traditional peepholes have a number of drawbacks, including a narrow viewing angle and a flimsy material. To combat these drawbacks, a door viewer can be used but it will add to the expense.
Best Peepholes and Door Viewers
Now that you know what to look for in a peephole, let’s take a look at a few of the best front door peepholes and door viewers on the market.
Ring Peephole Cam – Best Door Viewer
Updated for 2022. Our previous top pick was the Ring Peephole Cam but with the latest innovations, our top pick is now the Ring Video Doorbell. I switched to the newest version and it has everything you could possibly want in a digital door viewer. It’s easy to install, has a wide field of view, and comes with night vision. It also has two-way audio so you can talk to whoever is at your door. And if you want to see a live feed of what’s going on outside your door, the Ring Video Doorbell has you covered.
It pairs perfectly with Alexa so you can view a live feed of what’s going on outside your door using your voice. The Ring app also lets you see who is at your door, even if you’re not home. You can also use the app to speak to whoever is at your door, even if you’re not home.
The Ring Video Doorbell is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a door viewer with all the bells and whistles.
Of course all the functionality and features come with a price. The Ring Video Doorbell will cost you some cash but if you want the best door viewer on the market, it’s worth the price.
Brinno Front Door Peephole Security Camera – Best Budget Digital Peephole
If you’re looking for a digital peephole but don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Brinno Front Door Peephole Security Camera is a great choice. It’s one of the most affordable door viewers on the market and it doesn’t sacrifice quality.
It’s easy to install and comes with a 2.7″ LCD screen. The screen is large enough to clearly see the visitor’s image. It also has a wide field of view so you can see who is at your door without having to open it. The Brinno Front Door Peephole Security Camera is the perfect choice for anyone on a budget.
It does not include rechargeable batteries but instead is powered by 4 x AA. This was a bit concerning as I imagined I would go through batteries quickly. However, I’ve been using it for a few months now and the batteries are still going strong.
All in all, the Brinno Front Door Peephole Security Camera is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable door viewer. Not up to the quality of the Ring, but comes in at half the price.
Forliggio Peephole Front Door Viewer – Best One Way Peephole
If you’re looking for a one-way peephole, the Forliggio Peephole Front Door Viewer is a great choice. It’s easy to install and provides a clear view of who is at your door. It comes in a nice chrome finish over solid brass. It fit in the existing door peephole without needing to add a new hole for the install. It will fit any door with a 1-3/8 inches to 2-3/8 inches thick hole.
Clarity is great and the field of vision is wide at 200 degrees. When considering peepholes with prices this low, I cannot think of a better choice.
The Forliggio Peephole Front Door Viewer is a great choice for anyone looking for a one-way peephole. It’s easy to install, provides a clear view, and is very affordable.
Door Scope DOO-DS2000-ALS Door Viewer – Best Traditional Door Viewer
If you are looking for a traditional door viewer with a huge field of vision, you cannot go wrong with the Door Scope DOO-DS2000-ALS. It provides a 168-degree field of view which is one of the largest in the market. This will allow you to easily see 7 feet from the comfort of your home.
A few drawback include there is no one way viewing. This means that the person outside can see inside. In addition, it is not a small install. When installing this for my neighbor, we needed to use a 2-3/8″ hole saw to fit it into the door. Needless to say, make sure you are going to like it before installing.
Prime-Line Peephole – Best Budget Door Viewer Peephole
If you are looking for a traditional peephole but don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Prime-Line Peephole is a great choice. It is made of brass and offers a 60-degree field of view. It is also easy to install and comes with all the necessary hardware. It says it will work with both wood and metal doors. I did an install on a wood door and did not have any issues
A few drawbacks include the small field of view and the fact that it is not one way viewing. This means that the person outside can see inside.
All in all, the Prime-Line Peephole is a great choice for anyone looking for a traditional peephole on a budget. It’s easy to install and provides a clear view.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best door viewers and peephole, there are a few things you need to consider. The type of peephole, the field of view, ease of installation, and price. With so many choices on the market, we hope this article has helped you narrow down the search and find the perfect door peephole for your needs.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about front door peepholes and door viewers.
Q: How do I install a peephole in my door?
A: Peepholes typically come with all the necessary hardware for installation. However, some peepholes require that you drill a hole in your door, while others simply screw into place. Choose a peephole that will be easy for you to install.
Q: What is the best material for a peephole?
A: Peepholes are typically made out of brass, bronze, or stainless steel. These materials are durable and will resist corrosion.
Q: How much does a peephole cost?
A: Peepholes range in price from around $10 to $100. Choose a peephole that fits your budget and needs.
Q: What are other terms used for peepholes?
A: We have seen them referred to as everything from door viewers to called a spy hole for front door.
Q: What are the benefits of using a peephole?
A: Peepholes and a front door viewer provide you with a way to see who is at your door without opening it. This can be helpful for both safety and security purposes.
Q: Are there any drawbacks to using a peephole?
A: The main drawback to using a peephole is that it can be difficult to see who is at your door if they are standing too close to it. Peepholes also typically have a limited field of view. This is why many choose door viewers or a digital peephole instead.
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a peephole for your door. Make sure you select the proper
size, field of view, material, and finish. You’ll also want to make sure that the peephole you select is easy to install and provides a clear view.
Should a front door have a peephole?
Peepholes can sometimes be underestimated and deemed essential parts of house protection. They provide an extra layer of safety, so it is best if your front door has a peephole. Burglars will sometimes target homes that have no peepholes as they know the residents can not see them coming, which makes it easier for them to break in. If you are looking into getting a peephole installed, make sure to do your research on the different types so you can find the best one for your needs.
Can you install a peephole in an existing door?
Yes, you can install a peephole in an existing door. For an overview of how to install a peephole in an existing door, see the instructions below.
You will first need to determine the thickness of your door so you can purchase the proper size drill bit. Next, mark the center of the door at the height you would like the peephole to be installed. Use a level to draw a horizontal line across the door where you marked the center. This will be your starting point.
Now, drill a hole at your starting point using the appropriate size drill bit. If your door is made of wood, you will need to insert a thin piece of metal or wood into the drilled hole so the peephole will fit snugly in place. For doors made of metal or other materials, you may need to use a different method to secure the peephole.
Finally, insert the peephole into the hole and secure it in place. Make sure that the peephole is level and at the correct height before tightening all screws or bolts. Test the peephole to ensure it is working properly.