8 Best Doorbell Chimes of 2025

If elegant craftsmanship and acoustic charm are what you seek in a doorbell chime, the Craftmade CTPW-W delivers with timeless sophistication. This mechanical tube chime produces rich, resonant tones—two notes for the front door and one for a secondary entry—offering a classic auditory experience that digital models can’t replicate. Its pewter tubes and white finish blend seamlessly into traditional or vintage-inspired interiors, making it a standout piece rather than a hidden component. For homeowners tired of sterile electronic beeps, this chime offers a warm, musical greeting that elevates the everyday moment of a visitor’s arrival.

In real-world use, the chime performs reliably in homes with compatible 16-volt transformers and proper 18-gauge wiring, producing a clear, 8.38-inch-tall acoustic resonance that carries well through medium-sized homes. However, its indoor-only UL rating means it must be installed inside, limiting placement options if your wiring setup is less than ideal. While the sound is pleasing and authentic, it lacks volume customization or wireless flexibility—this is a purist’s chime, best suited for those who value acoustic authenticity over smart features. It’s not the loudest option, so larger homes may need supplementary alerts.

Compared to modern wireless chimes like the SECRUI M520+F55 or Ring Chime, the Craftmade unit doesn’t offer app control, multiple melodies, or remote range—but that’s not its purpose. It shines in aesthetic integration and analog charm, making it ideal for heritage homes, front foyers, or anyone restoring a period-accurate interior. It’s the antithesis of disposable tech, built to last with metal construction and simple mechanics. While it can’t compete with smart chimes in functionality, it surpasses them in design elegance and acoustic character, offering a refined alternative where form and tradition matter most.

The SECRUI M520+F55 wireless doorbell is a budget-savvy powerhouse that punches far above its price point with 1000-foot range, 58 chimes, and full weatherproofing. It’s engineered for hassle-free adoption, requiring no wiring—just plug in the receiver and mount the button with tape or screws. The FM signal transmission ensures stable connectivity through walls and floors, while the colorful LED ring adds a visual cue, ideal for noisy environments or hearing-impaired users. For renters or DIYers avoiding electrical work, this chime eliminates installation anxiety without sacrificing reliability.

In real-world testing, the SECRUI excels in medium to large homes, delivering consistent alerts across multiple floors and even in backyard areas. The 58 melody options and 5 volume levels let you personalize alerts to avoid auditory fatigue—no more cringing at the same shrill ring all day. The IP44-rated button withstands rain and snow, though it’s not as rugged as higher-rated models like the IP66 unit. One limitation: the LED flash can’t be disabled independently, which may be distracting in dark rooms at night. Still, for its size and cost, the signal penetration and battery life (CR2032, up to 3 years) are impressive.

When stacked against the Ring Chime or AVANTEK D-3B, the SECRUI doesn’t match the former’s smart integration or the latter’s 1300-foot range, but it balances features and affordability better than almost any other model. It’s a no-fuss, plug-and-play solution perfect for apartments, small homes, or secondary entrances. While it lacks app control or expandability, it delivers where it counts: reliable, customizable alerts without complexity. For those seeking a smart-like experience without the subscription or setup, this doorbell offers unmatched value in simplicity and function.

The Ring Chime (3rd Gen) redefines what a smart doorbell accessory should be—louder, smarter, and effortlessly integrated into the Ring ecosystem. With an upgraded speaker delivering clearer, more resonant alerts, it ensures you never miss a visitor, even in noisy or distant parts of the home. Its plug-and-play design means zero wiring, and Bluetooth setup via the Ring app takes under two minutes, making it ideal for tech newcomers. For anyone with Ring cameras or video doorbells, this chime adds a critical layer of audible awareness, turning silent phone notifications into whole-home alerts.

In daily use, the chime shines with real-time audio alerts that sync perfectly with motion detection or doorbell presses, broadcasting across 1,500 sq. ft. of living space with ease. The sleek, curved white body blends into modern décor, and the customizable sound profiles—including tone, volume, and snooze functions—give users full control without clutter. However, it’s Wi-Fi dependent, so homes with spotty 2.4GHz coverage may experience lag. While it doesn’t include a nightlight or extender (unlike the Chime Pro), its audio clarity and seamless app integration make it a top-tier choice for Ring owners.

Compared to the Ring Chime Pro, this model foregoes Wi-Fi boosting and nightlight features but delivers the same core audio performance at nearly half the cost. It’s the ideal middle ground between basic chimes and high-end smart hubs—perfect for urban apartments, small homes, or anyone wanting to extend Ring alerts beyond their phone. While it can’t match the raw range of wireless models like the AVANTEK D-3B, it excels in ecosystem synergy, offering a polished, reliable experience that’s hard to beat for Ring users. It’s not just a chime—it’s a smart home upgrade in disguise.

When extreme durability and maximum coverage are non-negotiable, the IP66 Wireless Doorbell steps up as a rugged, high-decibel workhorse built for large homes, classrooms, and commercial spaces. With a 115dB maximum volume and 7 adjustable levels, it ensures alerts are heard even in noisy environments, while the silent LED flash mode prevents disturbing sleeping children or napping babies. Its IP66-rated waterproof and dustproof button laughs at blizzards, monsoons, and desert heat, making it one of the most weatherproof options available—a true all-season sentinel.

In real-world testing, the 1000-foot wireless range holds strong through multiple walls and floors, performing reliably in two-story homes and detached garages. The 66 chime options, including playful tunes like Happy Birthday and Jingle Bells, add personality and help differentiate alerts in multi-unit buildings. The pre-paired system requires zero setup—just plug in and go—and supports multiple receivers for whole-property coverage. However, the receiver’s bulky design doesn’t blend into décor, and the LED flash is always active in mute mode, which can be distracting at night.

Against competitors, this chime outperforms the SECRUI M520+F55 in volume and weather resistance, and beats the Ring Chime in standalone range and independence from Wi-Fi. It’s tailor-made for large homes, nurseries, or classrooms where loud, reliable alerts are essential. While it lacks smart connectivity or app control, it prioritizes function over flash, delivering industrial-grade performance at a consumer price. Compared to the AVANTEK D-3B, it offers more melodies and better waterproofing, though slightly less range. For noise resilience, durability, and coverage, this is the go-to chime for serious alert needs.

The Ring Chime Pro isn’t just a chime—it’s a three-in-one powerhouse that combines Wi-Fi extending, nightlight functionality, and enhanced Ring alerts into a single sleek device. Its ability to boost Wi-Fi signals up to 2000 sq. ft makes it a game-changer for homes with dead zones, especially where Ring cameras or doorbells struggle with connectivity. Paired with its louder, clearer audio alerts, it ensures you hear every motion detection or doorbell press, even in basements or back bedrooms. For Ring ecosystem users, this is the ultimate force multiplier—fixing two common pain points (range and alerts) in one elegant plug-in unit.

In practical use, the dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5.0GHz) ensures robust signal extension, stabilizing feeds from Ring devices that previously dropped out. The built-in nightlight automatically activates in low light, adding safety without extra hardware. Alerts are fully customizable via the Ring app, with adjustable tones, volume, and snooze options. However, the audio isn’t significantly louder than the standard Ring Chime, and the device must be placed strategically to maximize Wi-Fi coverage—often near the center of the home. It also lacks Ethernet, limiting wired backhaul options.

Compared to the standard Ring Chime, the Pro adds Wi-Fi extending and nightlight features for just $25 more, making it a high-value upgrade for larger homes or weak-network areas. While it doesn’t match the raw range of the AVANTEK D-3B or the volume of the IP66 model, it excels in ecosystem integration and dual-purpose utility. It’s ideal for suburban homes, multi-level layouts, or anyone relying heavily on Ring devices. For those already invested in Ring, the Chime Pro isn’t just convenient—it’s essential infrastructure, combining performance, range, and smart functionality in a way no standalone chime can.

For those who demand maximum wireless range without compromise, the AVANTEK D-3B stands tall with an industry-leading 1300-foot signal reach—the farthest in this lineup. Paired with two plug-in receivers, it ensures coverage across sprawling ranches, multi-building properties, or deep-interior apartments. The CD-quality stereo speaker delivers crisp, full-bodied melodies from 52 options, and the 115dB max volume cuts through lawn mowers, vacuums, or loud TVs. With IP55 weather resistance and -4°F to 140°F operating range, the button laughs at snowstorms and scorching summers, making it a true all-terrain alert system.

In real-world use, the 400-meter range proved reliable even through dense walls and across hills, outperforming even the Ring and SECRUI models. The memory function retains your preferred melody and volume after power outages—a small but crucial detail for uninterrupted service. The LED flash provides visual alerts, helpful in noisy environments, and the lithium battery lasts up to 3 years. However, the receiver design is utilitarian, not stylish, and while it supports additional receivers, pairing can be finicky with third-party units.

Against the IP66 model, the AVANTEK wins in raw range and audio fidelity, though the IP66 has more chimes and better waterproofing (IP66 vs IP55). Compared to the Ring Chime, it’s completely Wi-Fi independent, making it ideal for off-grid cabins or homes with poor internet. It’s the go-to for rural estates, large yards, or anyone who’s ever missed a visitor due to weak signals. While it lacks smart features, it dominates in reliability, range, and volume, offering a no-compromise wireless experience that’s hard to beat. For sheer reach and durability, it’s the king of distance.

The Heath Zenith Wired Mechanical Chime is a no-frills, rock-solid performer that brings back the classic ding-dong with mechanical reliability and timeless simplicity. With two selectable tunes—Ding-Dong or Ding—and a clear 85dB chime, it provides audible alerts for standard-sized homes without digital gimmicks. Its plastic housing is lightweight yet durable, and the vertical or horizontal mounting offers installation flexibility behind doors or in hallways. For homeowners upgrading from a failing chime or installing in a new build, this model delivers dependable, maintenance-free operation for years.

In practice, the chime produces a bright, resonant sound that travels well through single-story homes, though it may struggle in larger layouts without additional units. It requires a 16VAC transformer and wired button (not included), which adds to setup complexity but ensures continuous power—no battery changes. The mechanical striker system is proven and long-lasting, with minimal failure points. However, it offers no volume adjustment or melody variety, and the plastic build feels less premium than metal alternatives like the Craftmade.

Compared to the Newhouse Hardware kit, this chime lacks a transformer and button, making it less beginner-friendly despite a lower price. Against electronic models like the Ring Chime, it trades smart features for bulletproof reliability. It’s best suited for traditional homes, DIYers with existing wiring, or anyone who loves the nostalgic ding-dong sound. While it doesn’t compete in features or volume with wireless models, it excels in longevity and simplicity, offering a clean, classic solution where modern tech isn’t needed.

The Newhouse Hardware Starter Kit is the perfect all-in-one solution for first-time installers or homeowners building from scratch. It includes everything needed: a two-note chime, 16V/10VA transformer, and a lighted push button, eliminating the guesswork of compatibility. The front-door-only two-note melody is bright and clear, and the lighted button ensures guests can find it at night—a small but crucial convenience. With simple wiring and surface-mount installation, it’s accessible even for novice DIYers, making it ideal for new constructions, garages, or rental properties.

In real-world use, the system performs reliably in standard single-family homes, delivering consistent alerts without interference. The 7-3/16” chime box fits neatly in hallways, and the lighted button uses an LED that lasts years. However, the transformer isn’t compatible with most video doorbells, limiting future upgrades—if you plan to switch to Ring or similar, you’ll need a 30VA unit. Also, the system is limited to one door, with no expansion options.

Compared to the Heath Zenith chime, this kit is far more beginner-friendly by including all components. Against wireless models, it offers continuous power and zero battery maintenance, though it lacks range and flexibility. It’s optimized for simplicity and completeness, perfect for new installations or basic setups where smart features aren’t a priority. While it can’t match the range of the AVANTEK or the smarts of Ring, it delivers essential functionality with zero hassle. For budget-conscious, first-time installers, it’s the smartest wired starting point.