Best Smart Doorbells with Custom Chimes & Ringtones

The top pick for a smart doorbell with the most flexible chime and ringtone options is the Google Nest Doorbell (battery). It lets you choose from a library of digital chimes, set different sounds for people, packages, and animals, and even adjust the volume independently for each event—all without needing a separate chime box. Its combination of easy customization, reliable motion alerts, and clear video makes it the best all-around choice for most homes.

What to Look For

When shopping for a smart doorbell with customizable chimes, focus on these criteria:

Chime library: How many built-in chime options does the app offer? Some brands have 5–10, others 20+. More choices mean you can find a sound that fits your home.
Event-specific sounds: Can you assign different chimes for a press, motion, package delivery, or person detection? This is a big convenience—you know if it’s a visitor or a parcel without checking your phone.
Volume control: Can you adjust the chime volume separately from the video alert volume? Some doorbells let you set a soft chime for daytime and a louder one for night.
Indoor chime compatibility: If you have an existing wired chime, does the doorbell work with it, or do you need a separate plug-in chime? Some models only ring through the app or a specific chime device.
App experience: The customization should be easy to access and apply. A clunky app can make a great doorbell frustrating.
Video quality and field of view: A doorbell is still a security camera. Look for at least 1080p resolution, night vision, and a wide viewing angle (160° or more).
Smart integrations: If you use Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home, check that the doorbell works with your ecosystem, especially for chime announcements on Echo or HomePod devices.

Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)

Strengths: The Nest app offers a generous selection of digital chimes (over 20), and you can set different sounds for doorbell presses, motion, people, and packages. You can also adjust the chime volume independently for each event. It works with Google Home speakers to announce visitors, and the video quality is sharp with excellent night vision.

Trade-offs: The battery version requires a wired connection for continuous recording (otherwise it records only events). It does not support Apple HomeKit. The chime customization is only available through the app—there’s no physical chime box included.

Who it’s for: Best for Google Home users who want deep customization and don’t mind relying on their phone or smart speakers for chimes.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

Strengths: Ring offers a decent set of chime tones (about 8–10) plus the ability to set different sounds for doorbell presses and motion. It works with the Ring Chime (sold separately), which plugs into any outlet and gives you a physical chime with volume control. The Pro 2 has excellent video quality with 3D motion detection and bird’s eye view.

Trade-offs: The chime library is smaller than Nest’s, and you need a Ring Chime device to get a loud indoor chime (the app alone may be too quiet). It requires a wired connection (no battery option). It does not support HomeKit.

Who it’s for: Best for Alexa users who want a physical chime option and are okay with a wired install.

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (Wired or Wireless)

Strengths: Arlo lets you choose from a small set of chime tones (around 5) and also supports custom ringtones if you upload your own audio file (MP3) in the app. That’s a unique feature—you can use your own recorded message or sound. It works with Arlo’s SmartHub or the Arlo Chime (sold separately). Video quality is solid, and it offers a wide field of view.

Trade-offs: The chime library is limited, and the custom upload requires a bit of work. The app can be slow to load live view. It does not support HomeKit.

Who it’s for: Best for tech-savvy users who want to upload their own ringtone and are okay with a smaller selection.

Eufy Security Video Doorbell (S330 or E340)

Strengths: Eufy offers a selection of chime tones (around 6–8) and lets you set different sounds for doorbell and motion. It includes a physical chime module that plugs into an outlet, which is convenient. The video quality is excellent, and it supports HomeKit (on some models). No subscription is required for basic recording (local storage).

Trade-offs: The chime library is smaller than Nest’s, and the app’s customization is a bit less intuitive. The chime module is a separate device that takes up an outlet.

Who it’s for: Best for privacy-conscious users who want local storage and HomeKit support without a subscription.

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro

Strengths: SimpliSafe offers a few chime options (about 4–5) and works with the SimpliSafe base station to produce a loud chime throughout the house. It integrates seamlessly with the SimpliSafe security system, so you can have the doorbell trigger alarms or other sensors. Video quality is good, and it’s easy to install.

Trade-offs: The chime selection is very limited, and you need the SimpliSafe base station (or a separate chime) for a physical sound. It does not support HomeKit or Google Home (only Alexa and the SimpliSafe app).

Who it’s for: Best for existing SimpliSafe security system owners who want integration over chime variety.

How to Choose

Start by deciding your budget. If you want the most chime options and are willing to spend $150–$250, the Nest Doorbell (battery) or Ring Pro 2 are strong contenders. If you’re on a tighter budget, the Eufy S330 or Arlo Essential are often under $150 and still offer decent customization.

Next, consider your home’s wiring. If you have an existing doorbell wire, you can choose a wired model like the Ring Pro 2 or SimpliSafe Pro, which are always powered. If you don’t have wiring, you’ll need a battery model like the Nest (battery) or Arlo Wireless. Battery models need recharging every few months, but they’re easier to install.

Think about your smart home ecosystem. If you’re all-in on Google, Nest is the obvious choice. If you use Alexa, Ring or SimpliSafe work well. For Apple HomeKit, Eufy is your best bet (make sure to pick the HomeKit-compatible model).

Finally, decide how important a physical chime is. Some people want a loud chime that sounds like a traditional doorbell, not just a phone notification. In that case, look for a model that includes or supports a plug-in chime (Ring, Eufy, Arlo). If you’re fine with your phone and smart speakers announcing visitors, the Nest’s app-based chimes are sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upload my own ringtone to any smart doorbell? Only a few models allow custom audio uploads, like the Arlo Essential. Most offer a preset library of chimes. Always check the app’s features before buying.

Do smart doorbells work with my existing mechanical chime? Some wired models (like Ring Pro 2) can use your existing chime, but you may need to install a power kit. Battery models typically do not connect to your existing chime—they rely on the app or a separate plug-in chime.

Can I set different chimes for different people? Yes, but only for event types (person, package, motion), not for specific individuals. The Nest Doorbell lets you assign different sounds to these categories.

Will the chime still work if my internet goes down? No, smart doorbells require an internet connection to trigger chimes through the app or smart speakers. If you want a chime that works offline, choose a model with a physical chime that connects directly to the doorbell (like the Eufy chime module) or a traditional wired doorbell.

Do I need a subscription to customize chimes? No, chime customization is always free in the app. Subscriptions are for video recording and advanced detection features, not chime settings.

Can I turn off the chime entirely? Yes, most apps allow you to mute the chime or set a schedule (e.g., silent at night). You can also adjust volume or turn off motion chimes separately.

Bottom Line

If you want the most flexible chime and ringtone options, the Google Nest Doorbell (battery) is the best choice for its large library, event-specific assignments, and volume control. For those who need a physical chime or prefer Alexa, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with a Ring Chime is a solid alternative. If you’re on a budget or want HomeKit, the Eufy Security Video Doorbell offers good customization and local storage. Whichever you pick, make sure it fits your wiring, ecosystem, and chime preferences—then enjoy a doorbell that sounds exactly how you want it to.

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