Aldi has entered the smart doorbell market with a device priced at £16.99, a move likely to draw strong interest as the UK heads into darker evenings. Ideal Home reported the new budget video doorbell on 22 October 2025, highlighting the supermarket’s push to offer low-cost home security at a time when many households look for affordable ways to protect their property. The doorbell’s price undercuts most mainstream rivals by a wide margin, placing it among the cheapest options available. While buyers will want to check the device’s features and app support, the launch positions Aldi to capture value-focused shoppers who want a simple front-door upgrade before winter.
Context and timing
Ideal Home published the news on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, in the UK. The timing aligns with late-autumn shopping patterns, when many people review home security as daylight hours shorten and holiday travel approaches.
Image Source: Ideal Home
Budget smart security: Aldi’s £16.99 doorbell aims to widen access
A £16.99 price point stands out in a category where popular devices from well-known brands often cost between £50 and £200 in the UK. By coming in far lower, Aldi’s offer lowers the barrier to entry for first-time buyers who want to see and speak to callers without committing to higher upfront costs. For renters and students, a low-cost device can also be a practical option that avoids complex installation and high ongoing fees.
Ideal Home’s report did not list specifications, so shoppers should treat the price as a headline and look closely at the detail when it becomes available. Key questions include how the doorbell is powered, the video quality, night performance, motion detection, and whether storage requires a subscription. A low initial price can still deliver solid basic performance if the device meets everyday needs and the app runs reliably on common smartphones.
Darker evenings and burglary risk: why timing drives demand
Police forces and insurers in the UK often warn that burglary risk can rise during the darker winter months. Shorter days give opportunists more cover, and empty homes during holiday periods can attract attention. These seasonal patterns help explain why interest in security products tends to increase in autumn, from outdoor lighting to smart cameras and doorbells.
Visible technology at the front door can act as a deterrent and can provide useful footage if an incident happens. A video doorbell also adds convenience, letting users check who called and accept deliveries more safely. For many households, such devices form part of a wider mix of measures, including strong door locks, secure windows, lighting on timers, and neighbour awareness.
What to check before you buy a cheap video doorbell
Before buying, confirm the power method. Some doorbells use batteries, which are easy to install but need periodic charging or replacement. Others wire into existing doorbell circuits, which can be neater but may require more effort to fit. If the product needs specific wiring, consider whether your property supports it and whether you need an installer.
Connectivity matters as much as hardware. Many budget smart devices operate on 2.4GHz Wi?Fi only. Make sure your router and signal strength at the front door are up to the task. Check the app’s compatibility with your phone, look for clear setup guides, and review whether the device stores video locally or in the cloud. If it uses cloud storage, review ongoing costs, retention periods, and how easy it is to access and download clips.
Privacy and the law: recording at your front door
Smart doorbells bring privacy responsibilities. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) advises that domestic CCTV and smart doorbells should respect the rights of others. If your device captures footage beyond your property boundary—such as a public pavement or a neighbour’s doorway—data protection law can apply. In that case, you should handle footage responsibly, keep it secure, and only keep it as long as necessary.
Good practice includes positioning the camera to minimise capture of areas not under your control, informing visitors that recording takes place, and ensuring only authorised users can access the footage. If the doorbell shares clips to the cloud, check how the provider secures data, where it stores it, and how you can delete it. If an incident occurs, you can share relevant footage with the police, but you should avoid posting identifiable images of others online without a valid reason.
Value versus features: how it compares with mainstream rivals
At £16.99, Aldi’s doorbell sits well below the price of most market leaders. Higher-priced models often bundle sharper video, improved night vision, broader motion detection options, smarter alerts, and integration with wider ecosystems. They may also include more durable materials and longer support windows for security updates. Budget devices can still cover the essentials—live view, motion-triggered clips, notifications, and two-way talk—but they may offer fewer custom settings or shorter warranties.
When a product is this affordable, the key is to match expectations to needs. If you want a simple way to see visitors and receive alerts, a budget model can be enough. If you need advanced features, such as package detection, smart zones, or deep integrations with existing hubs and voice assistants, you might prefer to invest more. Independent tests and user reviews will help clarify how Aldi’s model performs in real-world use.
Installation, support and returns: practical checks for buyers
Look for clear instructions, straightforward mounting hardware, and access to customer support. A responsive app, regular firmware updates, and a visible privacy policy all signal a brand that takes maintenance and security seriously. If you plan to install it at a rental property, get permission and make sure any mounting solution avoids permanent changes where required.
Aldi is known for limited-time deals that can sell out quickly. If you buy online, UK consumer rules generally provide a 14?day window to change your mind from the day you receive the item, provided you return it in good condition. In store, returns policies vary by retailer, so check the terms at the point of purchase. Review any warranty details for the doorbell and keep your receipt in case you need support or a replacement.
Why a supermarket doorbell could shift the market
Supermarkets have a track record of nudging consumer tech into the mainstream by offering low entry prices. A £16.99 video doorbell may attract people who have held off due to cost or uncertainty about installation. If uptake is broad, competitors could respond with discounts or bundles, bringing wider price pressure to the category as the festive shopping season approaches.
For the smart home sector, the arrival of an ultra-low-cost doorbell highlights how value and simplicity can count as much as advanced features. Many households want a device that works reliably out of the box, without a steep learning curve or ongoing fees. If Aldi’s model proves dependable, it could normalise smart doorbells as a basic household appliance rather than a premium gadget.
Wrap-up
Aldi’s move into video doorbells at £16.99, reported
