7 Best Craftmade Doorbell Chimes of 2026

Loud, proud, and built to be heard—the Craftmade CL4000-BN delivers a powerful chime that cuts through household noise with ease. With a dual-note melody for the front door and a single chime for secondary entries, this builder-grade unit packs a mechanical punch that’s ideal for larger homes or noisy environments. Its brushed satin nickel finish adds a touch of understated elegance, while the robust internal mechanism ensures consistent, crisp sound projection—a godsend for anyone who’s missed a visitor due to a feeble ding.

In real-world testing, the CL4000-BN excels in clarity and volume, easily audible from two floors away in a standard home. Measuring 9.25”H x 7.32”W, it’s compact enough for tight spaces but powerful enough to serve as a primary chime in multi-room setups. The requirement for 18-gauge wiring throughout ensures optimal performance, though DIYers should note that improper gauge can dampen the chime’s full potential. It doesn’t support melody customization, and being a mechanical chime, it lacks digital options—but that’s not its purpose.

Positioned as a workhorse for reliability, it outperforms budget models like the CH2000-W in volume and build quality, though it doesn’t match the ornate appeal of higher-end carved models like the CA3-RC. It’s the go-to for homeowners who prioritize audibility over aesthetics, especially in new construction or renovations where simplicity and strength matter. For those needing a no-nonsense, loud chime that won’t quit, the CL4000-BN offers better sound authority than the CH1901-SS at a more accessible price point.

Step into elegant auditory craftsmanship with the Craftmade CA3-RC, a chime that feels more like a handcrafted heirloom than a doorbell. Its three elaborately carved tubes and hand-painted Renaissance crackle finish deliver a rich, resonant Westminster melody—adjustable between 8-note and 4-note settings—making every arrival feel like an event. Standing at nearly 19 inches tall, this chime commands attention, both visually and sonically, with a warm, musical depth that budget models simply can’t replicate.

In practice, the CA3-RC fills large entryways with concert-like clarity, its tuned tubes producing a chime that lingers just long enough to be noticed, not so long as to annoy. The requirement for a 16-volt transformer is non-negotiable for optimal performance, and the horizontal-only mounting limits placement flexibility. While it handles standard doorbell circuits with grace, its size and weight (7.05 lbs) demand secure wall anchoring—especially on drywall. It’s not ideal for small apartments, but in a spacious foyer or traditional home, it’s acoustic artistry at its finest.

Compared to the CL4000-BN, the CA3-RC trades raw volume for tonal sophistication and visual drama, positioning itself as the premium choice for design-focused homeowners. It’s pricier than the CH1901-SS or CAB-RC, but justifies it with superior sound complexity and craftsmanship. If you want a chime that’s as much a centerpiece as a notification, the CA3-RC delivers a more refined experience than any basic builder model, even if it demands more from your electrical setup.

Don’t let the modest price fool you—the Craftmade CH2000-W is a no-frills, high-value workhorse that gets the job done without fanfare. Its curved white housing offers a clean, minimalist look that blends into any wall, while the dual-note front chime provides clear, functional alerting for most homes. At just under $30, it’s built for builders, landlords, or renters who need a reliable, UL-approved chime without design pretensions. The 2.25-inch depth makes it one of the slimmest models in the lineup, perfect for tight mounting spaces.

Performance-wise, it delivers solid, consistent sound—not as loud as the CL4000-BN, but sufficient for small to medium homes. It requires a 16V/15W transformer, a detail some may overlook during installation, potentially leading to weak chimes if mismatched. While it supports both vertical and horizontal mounting, the plastic-like finish feels less durable than metal counterparts, and the chime lacks the richness of tube-based models. Still, for a basic, functional doorbell, it performs reliably in everyday use, especially in condos or single-level homes.

When stacked against the CH1901-SS or CAB-RC, the CH2000-W wins on budget efficiency, though it sacrifices both visual appeal and sonic depth. It’s the smart pick for cost-conscious upgrades or multi-unit properties where uniformity and affordability matter most. While it can’t match the resonant clarity of the CTPAB-BK or the elegance of the CA3-RC, it outperforms generic no-name chimes in build consistency and sound quality for the price.

Sleek, modern, and built for design-conscious homes, the Craftmade CH1901-SS is a statement piece in minimalist form. Its stainless steel body with a subtle gold wash adds a touch of contemporary luxury, making it ideal for modern foyers where the chime is visible and matters. At 10.25 inches tall, it strikes a balance between presence and subtlety, while the dual-note chime delivers a crisp, clean sound that’s more refined than basic builder models. It’s the kind of chime that complements high-end interiors without shouting for attention.

In real-world use, the CH1901-SS offers consistent, medium-volume performance—perfect for apartments, townhouses, or open-plan living spaces. It supports both vertical and horizontal mounting, adding installation flexibility rare in designer models. However, like others in the lineup, it demands 18-gauge wiring and a 16V transformer to function properly, and skipping these specs dulls its impact. The thin metal housing feels sturdy but not indestructible, and the chime lacks melody variation, sticking to a standard two-note front / one-note secondary setup.

Compared to the vintage-styled CTPAB-BK or the compact CAB-RC, the CH1901-SS stands out for its modern aesthetic and balanced proportions. It’s more design-forward than the CL4000-BN but less ornate than the CA3-RC, hitting a sweet spot for those who want style without extravagance. While it costs more than the CH2000-W, it justifies the jump with premium materials and architectural flair, making it a smarter long-term fit for modern renovations.

The Craftmade CAB-RC proves that small can still be stunning—a miniature masterpiece of carved detail and hand-painted artistry in a compact 6.75-inch frame. Despite its size, it delivers a surprisingly full dual-note chime, making it ideal for powder rooms, hallways, or homes with limited wall space. The Renaissance crackle finish and scrollwork carving give it old-world charm, standing out from flat, utilitarian chimes. It’s the perfect choice for those who want design impact without dominating the wall.

In testing, the CAB-RC holds its own acoustically in small to medium spaces, though it lacks the projection needed for multi-level homes. Its 2.5-inch depth and 3.53 lb weight make it easy to mount securely, and the ability to hang vertically or horizontally adds layout versatility. However, like other Craftmade models, it requires 18-gauge wire and a 16V transformer—cutting corners here results in weak strikes. The delicate finish, while beautiful, may show wear over time in high-traffic areas.

When compared to the larger CA3-RC, the CAB-RC offers similar craftsmanship in a condensed form, making it a smarter pick for tight spaces. It’s more decorative than the CH2000-W and more compact than the CH1901-SS, though it doesn’t match the sonic depth of tube chimes. For renters or condo owners who want a touch of elegance without commitment, it delivers disproportionate style for its size—outshining the CTPAB-BK in artistry despite a simpler sound profile.

With its aged brass tubes and black cover, the Craftmade CTPAB-BK is a vintage-inspired sonic gem that brings old-world charm to modern homes. The resonance chamber design enhances sound depth, producing a warm, rounded chime that feels richer than most flat-back models. At 8.5 inches tall, it’s compact yet commanding, with vertical-only mounting that emphasizes its classic lantern-like silhouette. It’s the ideal pick for farmhouse, colonial, or craftsman-style homes where aesthetic authenticity matters.

In real-world use, the CTPAB-BK delivers clear, melodious tones with noticeable resonance—thanks to its tuned brass tubes—making it more pleasing to the ear than basic striker chimes. However, the vertical-only installation limits placement options, and the patina finish, while stylish, may attract fingerprints or require occasional dusting. It performs best with proper 18-gauge wiring and a 16V transformer, but even under ideal conditions, it’s not the loudest option for large homes. Still, for ambiance and charm, it outperforms the CH1901-SS in tonal warmth.

Pitted against the CAB-RC, the CTPAB-BK trades intricate carving for industrial vintage appeal, offering a different kind of design narrative. It’s not as compact as the CAB-RC nor as powerful as the CL4000-BN, but it strikes a unique balance between retro style and acoustic quality. For those who value character and resonance over raw volume, it’s a standout alternative to sleek modern chimes—delivering a more soulful ring than the sterile tones of basic builder models.