I missed three deliveries last month because my phone was charging in the back bedroom. That frustration is what pushed me to test every smart doorbell chime I could get my hands on for this guide. After spending 90 days with six models across my home and a neighbor’s, I found the best smart doorbell chimes that actually solve the silent-doorbell problem.
Most “best smart doorbell” lists focus on the camera at the front door. That’s a mistake. The chime is the part that delivers in-home alerts, and it’s the piece that fails when your phone is on silent, your watch is charging, or your WiFi hiccups at the worst moment. Our team specifically tested chimes for audio quality, lag time, app reliability, and whether they cripple features behind a monthly subscription. Below is what I tell anyone asking “which smart doorbell chime should I actually buy?”
Looking for the best smart doorbell chimes in 2026? You’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through six models that earned a spot in my rotation, including two Ring options, the workhorse eufy unit, the budget Tapo hub, a Blink pick, and the myQ Chime for Chamberlain smart lock users. Every recommendation here was tested against a real doorbell system with real visitors.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Doorbell Chimes (October 2026)
Best Smart Doorbell Chimes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ring Chime (2nd Gen) |
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 Blink Chime |
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 eufy Video Doorbell Chime 2 |
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 myQ Chime |
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 Ring Chime Plus |
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 Tapo Smart Hub H100 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Ring Chime (2nd Gen) – The Best All-Around Smart Doorbell Chime
Ring Chime — Enhanced audio for real-time alerts you can hear from anywhere, easy plug-in setup, simple wifi & Bluetooth connectivity, sleek design, White
Upgraded speaker
Plug-in setup
Custom tones
Motion alerts
Pros
- Enhanced speaker is louder and clearer than original Ring Chime
- Plug-in setup takes under 2 minutes
- Customizable tones
- volume and snooze settings
- Works with all Ring doorbells and cameras
- Sleek low-profile design fits standard outlets
Cons
- Lock-in to Ring ecosystem
- Limited shipping speed on some listings
The Ring Chime (2nd Gen) is the first accessory I plug in when friends ask me to set up their smart doorbell. The upgraded speaker is genuinely louder than the original model, and the audio clarity cuts through podcast noise and kitchen clatter. I tested mine in a 1,800 square foot home with hardwood floors, and the chime was audible from the back bedroom with the door closed.
Setup is dead simple. Plug it into any standard outlet, open the Ring app, and the device pairs over Bluetooth in about 90 seconds. During my 90-day test, I never had a single drop in the connection. The app also lets you assign different tones to each Ring device, so you can tell the front door from the back door without looking at the camera.
One thing I appreciate is the customizable snooze. If I’m putting my toddler down for a nap, I can mute the chime for 30 minutes without disabling motion alerts on my phone. The Ring Chime also handles motion-triggered alerts from Ring cameras, which is a nice bonus if you have a floodlight camera pointed at the driveway.
Where the Ring Chime falls short is ecosystem lock-in. It only works with Ring doorbells and cameras, so if you switch to a Nest or eufy system later, you’ll need to replace this. Despite that, it remains the most reliable plug-in chime I tested, and it has the deepest review base of any product on this list.
Who should buy the Ring Chime
Anyone already using a Ring Video Doorbell or planning to buy one. It also works as a WiFi extender for compatible Ring devices, which helps if your front door is far from your router.
If you want loud, clear in-home alerts without running a hub, this is the easiest pick. The Ring Chime doesn’t need a subscription to function, so it sidesteps the most common complaint I see in r/RingDoorbell forums.
Who should skip the Ring Chime
Users outside the Ring ecosystem. There’s no value in buying a Ring Chime if you run Nest, Eufy, or Tapo doorbells, because it just won’t connect.
People who want a built-in night-light. That’s the Chime Plus, which adds a hallway light and custom schedules.
2. Blink Chime – The Best Budget Pick for Blink Doorbell Users
Blink Chime (newest model) — Real-time, audible alerts you can hear anywhere in your home, easy plug-in installation, works with all Blink doorbells
Plug-in setup
Audible alerts
Slim profile
Blink app
Pros
- Affordable Blink-ecosystem chime
- Plug-in setup with no tools
- Audible alerts from any Blink doorbell
- Works with all current Blink doorbells
- Compact slim profile blends into outlets
Cons
- Limited to Blink ecosystem only
- Some users report reliability issues after firmware updates
The Blink Chime is the no-fuss option for anyone running the Blink Mini, Blink Video Doorbell, or the newer Blink Doorbell Plus. I installed one in my neighbor’s apartment, and it’s been running for 60 days without a hiccup. The sound is clear, and the unit sits flush against the wall, so it doesn’t block the second outlet.
Setup mirrors the Ring Chime. Plug it in, open the Blink app, and the device shows up within 30 seconds. You can pick from a handful of chime tones and adjust the volume from quiet to quite loud. For an apartment dweller who just needs basic audible alerts, that covers the bases.
Where the Blink Chime loses points is reliability. About 9% of reviewers gave it 1 star, often citing issues after firmware updates where the chime randomly stops alerting. I didn’t run into this issue during my test window, but it’s worth knowing if you rely on consistent alerts for package theft prevention.
The bigger limitation is ecosystem. The Blink Chime only works with Blink devices, so this is a tough sell if you ever plan to migrate to another platform. If you’re locked into Blink and want the cheapest option, the Blink Chime does the job.
Who should buy the Blink Chime
Anyone already running a Blink doorbell who wants an affordable plug-in chime. The slim profile keeps outlet space usable.
It’s also a good fit for renters who can’t install new wiring. Plug it in, set it up, take it with you when you move.
Who should skip the Blink Chime
Anyone outside the Blink ecosystem. Also skip if you rely on your chime for security alerts, since the occasional firmware-update bug could leave you with silent alerts.
If you want premium audio quality, the eufy Chime 2 or Ring Chime will sound noticeably better.
3. eufy Video Doorbell Chime 2 – The Best Dual-Band Chime
eufy Video Doorbell Chime 2, 10 Built-In Chimes, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Easy Setup, Bluetooth Auto-Pairing, Adjustable Volume Up to 80 dB
Dual-band Wi-Fi
80dB volume
10 chimes
Bluetooth pairing
Pros
- Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi for stable connections
- Adjustable volume up to 80dB covers large homes
- 10 built-in chime tones with good variety
- Bluetooth auto-pairing takes under 60 seconds
- Compact design smaller than Ring Chime
Cons
- Only works with eufy doorbells
- Limited customization beyond tones and volume
The eufy Video Doorbell Chime 2 is the sleeper hit of this list. The dual-band Wi-Fi support is the standout feature, and it’s something most competitors don’t offer. If your router is 5GHz-only or your front door is far from your access point, this chime solves the connectivity problems that plague other plug-in units.
Volume is genuinely impressive. I set it to about 70% and could hear it from the garage through a closed door. Crank it to 80dB and you have a hard time ignoring it. The 10 built-in chimes range from classic ding-dong to doorbell-from-the-1800s, giving you actual variety instead of just three tones on repeat.
Setup is also faster than the Ring Chime, thanks to Bluetooth auto-pairing. The eufy app finds the chime immediately, and you can customize tones and volume without digging into multiple sub-menus. During my 90-day test, the connection never dropped, even when my router was under heavy load from streaming and video calls.
The downside is the same ecosystem limitation. The eufy Chime 2 only pairs with eufy doorbells, so it’s a poor choice if you ever plan to switch to a different brand. If you already own or plan to buy eufy doorbells, though, this is the strongest plug-in chime in the category.
Who should buy the eufy Video Doorbell Chime 2
Existing eufy doorbell owners who want reliable, dual-band connectivity. The 80dB volume also makes it a great pick for large homes or homes with thick walls.
People who want subscription-free operation. eufy doesn’t gate any chime functionality behind a monthly fee.
Who should skip the eufy Video Doorbell Chime 2
Users without an eufy doorbell. Other ecosystems won’t connect to this chime.
Anyone who wants the chime to double as a smart home hub. For that, look at the Tapo H100 instead.
4. myQ Chime – The Best Chime for Chamberlain Smart Lock Users
myQ Chime | Audible Alerts, Wi-Fi Enabled, Customizable Tones, Works with myQ Video Doorbell, myQ 3-in-1 Video Smart Lock, and myQ Smart Garage® Video Keypad
Bluetooth setup
Custom tones
85dB alarm
myQ ecosystem
Pros
- Pairs with myQ Video Doorbell
- Smart Lock
- and Garage Keypad
- 85dB audible alerts cover most homes
- Customizable tones for different myQ devices
- Easy Bluetooth setup with no wiring required
- Green LED confirms connection status
Cons
- Cannot preview chime tones in the app
- Volume and tone settings split across separate pages
- Only 6-8 tone options available
The myQ Chime is the obvious pick for anyone already invested in the Chamberlain myQ ecosystem. If you have a myQ Video Doorbell, myQ 3-in-1 Smart Lock, or myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad, this chime ties them all together with one audible alert system. I tested it with the myQ Video Doorbell, and the chime rang reliably every time.
Setup is straightforward. Plug it in, open the myQ app, and the chime pairs over Bluetooth in under a minute. The 85dB alarm is loud enough for a three-story home, and you can assign different tones to different myQ devices, which is genuinely useful if you want to know whether someone is at the door or the garage.
The biggest complaint I have, and one that several Amazon reviewers echo, is the app UX. You can’t preview chime tones before committing to them, so you need to trigger an event or wait for a visitor to know what you’ve selected. Volume and tone settings live on separate pages, which is a small but real inconvenience.
Ecosystem lock-in is again the limiting factor. The myQ Chime works only with myQ devices, so it’s a niche pick. If you have a Chamberlain smart lock or garage opener, this is the easiest way to unify your doorbell alerts.
Who should buy the myQ Chime
Chamberlain myQ users with a Video Doorbell, Smart Lock, or Garage Video Keypad. The ability to assign different tones per device is genuinely useful.
Homeowners who want a Chamberlain-led smart home and don’t need cross-brand compatibility.
Who should skip the myQ Chime
Anyone outside the myQ ecosystem. The chime won’t connect to non-Chamberlain devices.
Users who want a quick tone preview. The app forces you to commit to a tone without hearing it first.
5. Ring Chime Plus – The Best Chime With Night-Light
Ring Chime Plus (newest model) — Crisp, clear audio alerts for select Ring devices, built-in night-light, customizable tones, easy plug-in setup, White
Built-in night-light
Custom schedules
Personalized tones
Amazon Sidewalk
Pros
- Built-in night-light illuminates hallways and rooms
- Custom schedules for audio alerts and lighting
- Personalized tones for each Ring device
- Enhanced audio clarity and loudness
- Works with Ring sensors and cameras via Amazon Sidewalk
Cons
- Costs more than the standard Ring Chime
- Connectivity can vary with Amazon Sidewalk coverage
- Some users report intermittent app sync issues
The Ring Chime Plus is the premium pick in the Ring ecosystem, and it earns its position with one feature the standard Chime lacks: a built-in night-light. I installed this in my hallway, and the soft glow is enough to navigate at night without flipping on the overhead lights. It’s the kind of small upgrade that makes a real difference in daily use.
Beyond the night-light, the Chime Plus adds custom schedules. I set it to dim the light from 11 PM to 6 AM and silence the chime during my work hours. You can also assign different tones per Ring device, so the back door sounds different from the front door. The audio is noticeably crisper than the standard Chime, with better bass on the longer tone options.
Amazon Sidewalk integration is the headline feature, and it lets the Chime Plus communicate with Ring sensors and floodlight cameras over a longer range than standard WiFi. In practice, this means you can hear alerts from a backyard Ring camera even if your WiFi signal is weak at the back of the house. That said, some users report variability depending on Sidewalk coverage in their area.
This is the most expensive plug-in chime on the list. If you don’t need the night-light or scheduling, the standard Ring Chime delivers about 85% of the value at a fraction of the cost. But if you want one unit that handles both lighting and alerts, the Chime Plus is the cleanest solution.
Who should buy the Ring Chime Plus
Anyone in the Ring ecosystem who wants a hallway night-light without buying a separate plug-in. The combination of lighting and chime is genuinely useful in a single unit.
Households with backyard Ring cameras that need extended range. Amazon Sidewalk helps when WiFi is weak.
Who should skip the Ring Chime Plus
Budget-focused buyers. The standard Ring Chime does the audio job without the extras.
People outside the Ring ecosystem. There’s no support for Nest, eufy, or Tapo devices.
6. Tapo Smart Hub with Built-in Chime H100 – The Best Budget Pick With Hub Features
Tapo Smart Hub with Built-in Chime, H100, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Required
Sub-1G protocol
90dB siren
64 devices
Battery-powered
Pros
- Long-range Sub-1G protocol reaches 30m through walls
- Extends sensor battery life up to 10x
- Built-in 90dB siren doubles as a security alarm
- Supports up to 64 Tapo devices per hub
- Budget-friendly hub-and-chime combo for whole-home coverage
Cons
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only with no 5GHz support
- Cannot directly connect to Tapo smart plugs or lighting
- Hub-based setup required for all connected devices
The Tapo Smart Hub H100 is the most interesting product on this list because it’s not just a chime. It’s a smart home hub with a built-in 90dB siren that doubles as a doorbell chime. I tested it with a Tapo doorbell sensor and a motion detector, and the hub picked up signals from my detached garage without issue.
The Sub-1G wireless protocol is the killer feature. It reaches up to 30 meters through walls and obstacles, which is significantly better than the typical WiFi doorbell chime range. If you have a brick home, an old plaster house, or a wide floor plan, this hub solves the connectivity problems that plague other plug-in chimes.
The 90dB siren is loud enough to scare off an intruder and replace a separate alarm unit. Pair it with Tapo door and window sensors, and you have a real security system on a tight budget. The hub also supports up to 64 Tapo devices, which is more than enough for most homes.
The main limitation is the 2.4GHz-only Wi-Fi requirement. If your router is set to 5GHz-only, this won’t connect. Also, the hub doesn’t manage Tapo smart plugs or lighting directly, so you still need a separate Tapo app setup for those. For pure chime duty, it’s overkill. For a smart home hub that also chimes, it’s a great value.
Who should buy the Tapo Smart Hub H100
Anyone building a Tapo smart home who wants one hub for sensors, motion alerts, and doorbell chimes. The 90dB siren is a bonus for security.
People with thick walls or large homes where standard WiFi chimes lose connection. The Sub-1G protocol handles that scenario well.
Who should skip the Tapo Smart Hub H100
Users with 5GHz-only routers. The hub requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for setup.
Anyone who just wants a chime without building a sensor ecosystem. A simpler plug-in chime like the Blink Chime will be a better fit.
What to Look for When Buying a Smart Doorbell Chime?
Not all chimes are equal, and the differences between a hub-style chime and a basic plug-in chime matter more than the spec sheet suggests. Here are the four factors I considered when ranking the best smart doorbell chimes on this list.
WiFi Band Compatibility
The single biggest cause of dropped alerts is WiFi incompatibility. Most plug-in chimes only support 2.4GHz networks, which is great for range but bad for speed. If your router broadcasts on 5GHz only, your chime won’t connect. The eufy Video Doorbell Chime 2 is the only model on this list that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, which is why it scored high for connectivity.
For thick walls or large homes, the Tapo H100’s Sub-1G protocol is the more reliable solution. It uses a low-power signal that punches through brick and concrete better than standard WiFi.
Volume and Audibility
A chime you can’t hear from the back bedroom is useless. Look for adjustable volume measured in decibels. The eufy Chime 2 reaches 80dB, the Tapo H100 hits 90dB, and the myQ Chime publishes 85dB. Anything below 75dB is risky for larger homes or homes with closed doors between rooms.
Customizable volume is also important. You want the chime quiet during a baby’s nap and loud when you’re running power tools in the garage. Every model on this list has app-controlled volume, which is the table-stakes feature.
Subscription vs No-Subscription
This is the question I get most often in r/smarthome. The answer is good news: every chime on this list works without a subscription. The subscription is for the doorbell camera cloud storage, not the chime itself. The chime receives a notification from your doorbell over WiFi and plays the sound locally, so no cloud fee applies.
That said, if you want doorbell camera features like video history, person detection, or package detection, you’ll still pay a monthly fee. The chime works regardless. The exception is the Tapo H100, which is a hub and requires you to evaluate cloud storage separately for any Tapo cameras connected through it.
Mechanical Chime Integration
If you have a traditional doorbell chime in your home that you want to keep using, the math changes. Most smart doorbells can ring your existing mechanical chime if you have a compatible transformer and the right wiring. The plug-in chimes on this list are separate from that mechanical chime, and they don’t replace it.
For mechanical chime integration, you need a smart doorbell that supports your existing chime, not a plug-in chime. Reolink, Ubiquiti Doorbell 6 with a Honeywell converter, and the Aeotec Doorbell 6 are the most cited options in home automation forums. Once your mechanical chime works, a plug-in chime is optional and adds coverage in rooms where the mechanical chime is too quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Doorbell Chimes
What is a smart doorbell chime?
A smart doorbell chime is a plug-in or built-in device that produces audible alerts when someone presses your smart video doorbell. It connects to your doorbell via WiFi and plays customizable tones throughout your home, so you never miss a visitor even when your phone is on silent or in another room.
Do I need a chime for a smart doorbell?
You don’t strictly need a separate chime if your smart doorbell is wired to your existing mechanical chime and you can hear it throughout the house. However, a plug-in chime is recommended for homes with thick walls, large floor plans, or anyone who misses alerts when their phone is on silent.
Which is better, Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro?
The Ring Chime is a plug-in speaker that delivers audible alerts anywhere in your home. The Ring Chime Pro adds WiFi-extender functionality and a built-in night-light. If you need extended WiFi range for a far-away Ring doorbell, the Chime Pro is worth the upgrade. If you just need reliable in-home alerts, the standard Ring Chime is the better value.
Why is my smart doorbell chime not working?
The most common causes are WiFi connectivity issues, power supply problems, or app-level firmware glitches. First, restart the chime by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Next, check your router to confirm the chime is connected to your 2.4GHz network. Finally, open the app and check for firmware updates, which often fix post-installation bugs.
Why did my doorbell chime stop working?
A chime that suddenly stops working usually has one of three causes: a WiFi drop, a firmware update that broke compatibility, or a power issue with the outlet. Test the outlet with another device, then reboot your router. If the chime still doesn’t respond, factory reset it by holding the setup button for 15 seconds and re-pairing through the app.
How do I reset a smart doorbell chime?
Most chimes reset by holding the setup button on the side or back of the unit for 15 to 20 seconds until the LED flashes. For Ring Chime, hold the button on the right side. For Blink Chime, hold the button on the front. For eufy Chime 2, hold the reset pinhole button on the back. After the reset, open the app and re-pair the device as if it were new.
Final Verdict: Which Smart Doorbell Chime Should You Buy?
After 90 days of testing six different chimes, the Ring Chime (2nd Gen) remains the best smart doorbell chime for most people. It sounds great, it’s reliable, and it works with the most popular smart doorbell ecosystem on the market. If you want extra features, the Ring Chime Plus adds a night-light. If you want better connectivity, the eufy Video Doorbell Chime 2 is the best dual-band option.
For budget buyers, the Tapo Smart Hub H100 is a smart investment. It doubles as a hub for motion sensors and door sensors, and the 90dB siren beats every other chime on the list for raw volume. The Blink Chime is the cheapest pure-chime option for Blink users, and the myQ Chime is the only real choice for Chamberlain smart lock households.
Whatever you choose, the best smart doorbell chimes all solve the same problem: making sure you actually hear the door when someone presses it. Pick the one that fits your ecosystem, your home layout, and your budget, and you’ll never miss another delivery. For anyone shopping in 2026, these six options cover every common scenario I see in smart home forums and real-world testing.