Aldi is putting pressure on big-name brands by launching a £16.99 video doorbell this Thursday, 23 October, in its middle aisle. It promises live video, two-way talk and night vision, all managed from your phone. At a third of the price of some entry-level rivals, it raises a simple question: how much security do you need, and how much should you pay for it?
What you get for £16.99
The supermarket’s device, sold under the Specialbuys range and labelled as the Reka Video Doorbell, aims to cover the basics at a rock-bottom price. Aldi says it streams real-time video, switches to night vision after dark, and connects over Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth. You can talk to callers through your phone and receive push notifications when someone presses the bell or steps into view.
£16.99 gets you live video, night vision, two-way talk, Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, plus push notifications to your phone.
That feature set aligns with what most households expect from a modern doorbell: see, speak and record. The difference usually shows up in image clarity, motion detection accuracy and app polish. Aldi’s video quality is not claimed to match 1080p models, which is understandable given the price. For many doorways, “good enough” clarity will still confirm who’s there and when parcels arrive.
How it stacks up against Ring and Nest
The best-known competitor is the Ring Doorbell Wired, often found at around £49.99. Ring’s model shoots 1080p video, offers two-way talk, has advanced motion detection and customisable privacy zones, and runs on 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi. Google’s Nest Doorbell (wired) sits higher up the market with deeper smart-home integration and familiar face alerts when subscribed to its service.
| Model | Approx. price | Video resolution | Power | Connectivity | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aldi Reka Video Doorbell | £16.99 | Not stated (lower than 1080p expected) | Unspecified | Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth | Live video, night vision, two-way talk, app notifications |
| Ring Doorbell Wired | £49.99 (typical) | 1080p HD | Wired | 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi | Advanced motion detection, privacy zones, two-way talk |
| Nest Doorbell (wired) | Varies | HD (with smart alerts) | Wired | Wi‑Fi | Works with Nest ecosystem, familiar face alerts with subscription |
Where Aldi wins
Price and simplicity. For many households, the thought of spending under £20 to monitor the doorstep is persuasive. The combination of Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth should help pairing and setup, and push alerts keep you in the loop while you’re at work or away on holiday. Night vision means the camera stays useful on winter evenings.
Where Aldi compromises
Image quality and likely software sophistication. At this price, you shouldn’t expect crisp 1080p footage or granular motion zones that filter out swaying branches or passing traffic. Established rivals also offer extensive ecosystem support, accessories and longer track records for app updates.
For a fraction of the cost of a big-brand unit, Aldi’s model covers the core functions most doorsteps need.
Who should consider it
- Renters who want a low-cost, low-commitment way to monitor deliveries and callers.
- First-time buyers setting up basic smart security on a tight budget.
- Anyone unsure about spending £50–£200 and keen to test how a video doorbell fits their routine.
- Households that value alerts and two-way talk more than pin‑sharp video.
Key questions before you buy
Ask a few practical questions so you know what you’re getting and what you might add later.
- Power: does it run on batteries or need wiring? If wired, can you power it from an existing chime?
- Storage: does the app offer free clips, local storage or a paid cloud plan?
- Network: will it work reliably with your router’s signal at the front door?
- Mounting: can you angle it to avoid false alerts from the pavement?
- Privacy: can you mask neighbours’ property and pavement areas in the app?
Practical setup and privacy tips
Good placement can transform performance. Mount the doorbell around 1.2 metres from the ground so faces fill the frame without chopping off packages at the doorstep. Angle it slightly towards your entryway to prioritise visitors over street movement. Test notifications at different times of day to calibrate sensitivity and reduce false alerts.
Consider how the camera sees beyond your boundary. In the UK, home cameras that capture the street or a neighbour’s property bring responsibilities under data protection rules. Use privacy zones if the app provides them, keep recordings only as long as needed, and respond politely to requests about footage that shows other people.
Will a budget doorbell deter crime?
Visible cameras can discourage opportunists and help trace package thefts. They also document attempted scams at the door and provide a clear record of deliveries. That said, a doorbell is most effective as part of a bundle: decent door locks, good lighting, and habits like not leaving parcels on view. Even a low-cost unit adds presence; the illuminated button and lens signal that visitors are on record.
Availability and timing
Aldi says the £16.99 video doorbell lands on Thursday, 23 October, as a Specialbuys item. Middle aisle technology often sells out quickly, and stock varies by store. If you want one, check your local branch early and confirm returns policy in case you decide to upgrade later.
When paying more makes sense
Spending upwards of £50 typically brings sharper video, smarter alerts and richer ecosystems. The Ring Doorbell Wired, for instance, delivers 1080p clarity and well-honed motion controls at the £49.99 mark. Nest’s wired model slots neatly into Google’s ecosystem and adds sophisticated alerts with a subscription. If you need footage that holds up better at night, or you want finer control over detection zones, a step up in price can pay off.
How to get the best from any video doorbell
- Pair with a simple solar or battery‑powered light to improve night footage.
- Name a trusted contact in the app who can answer alerts when you’re offline.
- Set delivery instructions in the app notes and use two‑way talk to guide couriers.
- Run a monthly test: press the bell, check notification times and review a clip.
Bottom line for budget‑minded buyers
At £16.99, Aldi’s video doorbell offers an entry point to doorstep monitoring that many households can justify instantly. You won’t get top‑tier video quality or the deepest app features, but you will gain visibility, voice contact and timely alerts. For a first step into smart security, that’s often enough to change how you manage visitors and parcels. If you need higher fidelity or tighter motion control, keep the receipt and weigh the jump to a £49.99 Ring or a premium Nest. Either way, a modest camera on your door can deliver more peace of mind than its price suggests.
£16.99 sounds great until the app breaks in 6 months. Who’s maintainng updates and security patches? Also, can you mask neighbours’ windows in the app or is that missing at this price?