Wi-Fi HaLow vs Traditional Wi-Fi: What it Means for Your Security Doorbell

Many security doorbells today rely on traditional 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, offering limited transmission range—typically around 100-150 feet. This can be a challenge, especially in larger homes or areas with thick walls. However, newer smart security doorbells, like the anyfree Hello Doorbell, leverage Wi-Fi HaLow technology, which significantly extends the range and improves signal strength. With Wi-Fi HaLow, these doorbells can cover distances over 1 kilometer, providing better performance and reliability, making them a superior choice for modern home security. In this blog, we’ll compare Wi-Fi HaLow to traditional Wi-Fi and explore its advantages for security doorbells.

Traditional Wifi Security Doorbells

Security Doorbells With Wifi Halow Technology

Introducing the Wfi-Halow Technology

Wi-Fi HaLow (also known as IEEE 802.11ah) is an advanced wireless communication technology designed to address the growing demands of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including smart home products like security doorbells. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz bands), Wi-Fi HaLow operates on the sub-1 GHz frequency, providing significant advantages for devices that require long-range connectivity and low power consumption.

How to Choose the Right Security Doorbell for Your Home, Traditional Wi-Fi vs. Wi-Fi HaLow?

Choosing the right security doorbell for your home involves evaluating several factors, such as the size of your home, Wi-Fi coverage, the number of smart devices in your home, and your specific security needs. With a wide variety of smart doorbells available on the market today, selecting between traditional Wi-Fi doorbells (using 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequencies) and more advanced Wi-Fi HaLow doorbells can make a significant difference in terms of performance, connectivity, and future-proofing your home security system. Below are key factors to consider when deciding which type of doorbell is best suited for your needs. 

1. Home Size and Layout

One of the most important factors to consider is the size of your home and how far the doorbell is from your router. If you live in a smaller home, apartment, or a townhouse with relatively short distances between your router and doorbell, a traditional Wi-Fi doorbell can often be the ideal choice. The 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands used by these doorbells offer sufficient coverage for smaller spaces, and these doorbells are easy to install and set up using your existing Wi-Fi network. They also tend to be more affordable compared to their Wi-Fi HaLow counterparts.

However, for larger homes, especially those with multiple floors or outbuildings such as a detached garage or workshop, traditional Wi-Fi may struggle to maintain a stable connection over long distances or through obstacles like walls and floors. In this case, Wi-Fi HaLow technology offers a significant advantage. Wi-Fi HaLow operates at a lower frequency (sub-1 GHz), providing a longer transmission range and better penetration through obstacles. This makes it ideal for homes where Wi-Fi signals might be weak or unable to reach distant areas of your property. If you have a multi-level home or a large yard, a Wi-Fi HaLow-enabled doorbell like the anyfree Hello Doorbell ensures that you get consistent, reliable connectivity, even in remote areas like driveways or back entrances.

2. Wi-Fi Coverage and Interference

Another important factor is the quality of your Wi-Fi network. In some homes, especially those with a weak Wi-Fi signal in certain areas, a traditional Wi-Fi doorbell may struggle with maintaining a strong connection. This can result in delays, poor-quality video streams, or missed notifications. Wi-Fi HaLow, on the other hand, is specifically designed to handle longer-range connections and is more resistant to interference from other devices. Traditional Wi-Fi networks (especially the 2.4GHz band) are prone to congestion and interference from common household devices such as microwaves, baby monitors, and Bluetooth gadgets.

Wi-Fi HaLow operates on a much lower frequency (sub-1 GHz), which makes it less susceptible to interference from these common devices. It is also more energy-efficient, which can be especially beneficial if you have a battery-powered doorbell. Wi-Fi HaLow allows for longer battery life without sacrificing performance, meaning you won’t have to constantly recharge or replace batteries as often as with traditional Wi-Fi doorbells. If your home experiences significant interference or if you have many connected devices competing for bandwidth, opting for a Wi-Fi HaLow doorbell is likely the better choice.

3. Video Streaming and Security Features

If your primary concern is the quality of video streaming or the performance of video calls, Wi-Fi HaLow offers advantages over traditional Wi-Fi, particularly in environments where you need a strong, stable connection over a longer distance. Traditional Wi-Fi doorbells on the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands are often limited in range and may experience interference that can degrade video quality or cause delays in live video feeds. With Wi-Fi HaLow’s extended range and high data throughput, it is capable of handling HD or even 4K video streaming with less lag, providing clearer, more reliable video calls and recordings.

If you need to ensure clear, uninterrupted video for monitoring visitors or package deliveries, Wi-Fi HaLow is a better choice. This technology ensures that your doorbell can transmit high-quality video even when it's located far from the router or when there are obstructions in between.

4. Battery Life

For those interested in battery-powered smart doorbells, Wi-Fi HaLow is an excellent choice. Because it is optimized for low power consumption, a doorbell using Wi-Fi HaLow can run for months on a single charge. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who prefer the flexibility of a wireless doorbell without needing to constantly recharge the device. Traditional Wi-Fi doorbells, while functional, often have shorter battery life, especially in remote or large homes where the device needs to work harder to maintain a connection.

In conclusion, the choice between Wi-Fi HaLow and traditional Wi-Fi for your security doorbell ultimately depends on your specific needs and the characteristics of your home or property. Traditional Wi-Fi doorbells (using 2.4GHz or 5GHz networks) are ideal for smaller homes or areas with good Wi-Fi coverage, offering easy installation and a more budget-friendly option. However, if you have a larger home, remote installations, or poor Wi-Fi signal in certain areas, Wi-Fi HaLow technology offers significant advantages. Its extended range, lower power consumption, and better resistance to interference make it the perfect choice for ensuring reliable, high-quality performance in challenging environments.

The anyfree Hello Doorbell, which uses Wi-Fi HaLow, exemplifies these benefits, offering longer battery life, better video streaming quality, and greater coverage for a more seamless and efficient smart home experience. Whether you prioritize better coverage, or longer battery life, Wi-Fi HaLow provides the advanced features that traditional Wi-Fi cannot match. By understanding the differences between these two technologies, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your home’s unique requirements, ensuring the best security solution for your needs.