The Best Door Viewers for Apartments and Houses
Safety and security are top priorities for homeowners and apartment dwellers alike. One of the simplest yet most effective tools to enhance your home security is a door viewer, commonly known as a peephole.
Door viewers allow you to see who is outside your door before opening it, providing peace of mind and preventing unwanted intrusions. With so many options on the market, choosing the best viewer for your apartment or house can be overwhelming. This article breaks down the top viewers available, their features, and what to consider before making a purchase.
What Is a Door Viewer?
A door viewer is a small optical device installed in a door that allows residents to see the outside without opening the door. Traditional door viewers use a fisheye lens to provide a wide-angle view, enabling you to identify visitors from a safe distance. Modern viewers may include digital cameras, video screens, or even smart technology integration.
Why Do You Need a Viewer?
Enhanced Security: Identify visitors without opening the door.
Increased Convenience: Check who’s there before answering, avoiding unnecessary interruptions.
Child Safety: Allows children or elderly family members to see visitors safely.
Deterrence: Visible door viewers can discourage potential intruders.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Viewer
Viewing Angle: The wider the angle, the better you can see outside. Most viewers offer angles between 160° and 200°.
Installation Size: Measure the thickness of your door to ensure compatibility. Standard peepholes fit doors 35mm to 70mm thick, but there are options for thicker doors.
Type: Choose between traditional optical peepholes or digital viewers with screens.
Night Vision: Some digital viewers come with infrared night vision for clear viewing in low light.
Smart Features: Certain models can connect to your smartphone for remote viewing.
Privacy: Look for viewers with covers or shutters to prevent outsiders from looking in.
Material and Durability: High-quality brass or metal viewers last longer and resist tampering.
Top Doors for Apartments and Houses
1. Traditional Wide-Angle Door
Best for: Simple, reliable security with a wide field of view.
Traditional Doors remain popular due to their simplicity and effectiveness. A typical model offers a 180° viewing angle and fits standard door sizes. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and require no batteries.
Pros:
Affordable
No power required
Easy to install and use
Cons:
Limited visibility in low light
No video or digital features
2. Digital Door with LCD Screen
Best for: Enhanced viewing and convenience.
Digital Doors come with a camera installed outside and a small LCD screen on the inside of the door. This allows for a clearer image, larger viewing size, and sometimes video recording.
Pros:
Clear image quality
Can record or snapshot visitors
Some models include night vision
Cons:
Requires batteries or power
Slightly higher cost than traditional viewers
3. Smart Wi-Fi Door
Best for: Remote monitoring and smart home integration.
These advanced Doors connect to your smartphone or home security system via Wi-Fi. You can see who’s at your door in real-time, even when you’re not home, and receive alerts.
Pros:
Remote access via smartphone
Video recording and cloud storage options
Motion detection alerts
Cons:
More expensive
Requires Wi-Fi and smartphone setup
4. Door with Privacy Cover
Best for: Added privacy and security.
A privacy cover prevents people from looking inside through the peephole. This is especially useful for apartment dwellers in busy or densely populated areas.
Pros:
Blocks outside peeking
Simple to use
Adds an extra security layer
Cons:
Manual to open and close
How to Install a Door
Installing a traditional Door is straightforward:
Measure Door Thickness: Confirm your door fits the viewer specifications.
Mark Position: Usually at eye level (about 4.5 to 5.5 feet from the floor).
Drill Hole: Use a drill bit sized according to the viewer’s instructions.
Insert Viewer: Screw the viewer into the hole from both sides.
Test: Look through to ensure the field of view is clear.
For digital or smart viewers, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which may include mounting a camera on the outside, installing a screen inside, and connecting to Wi-Fi.
Maintaining Your Door
Clean the Lens: Regularly wipe the outer lens to maintain a clear view.
Check Batteries: For digital models, replace batteries as needed.
Inspect Mounting: Ensure the viewer remains securely fastened.
Update Firmware: For smart viewers, keep the software updated for best performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Door for your apartment or house depends on your security needs, budget, and preferences. Traditional wide-angle peepholes offer affordable, no-frills protection, while digital and smart viewers provide enhanced features for modern security systems. Regardless of the type, installing a door viewer is a simple step that significantly improves your home safety and peace of mind.
