A security peephole (aka a spy hole) is one of the simplest front-door upgrades you can make.
The best choice depends on whether you want a classic wide-angle viewer, a digital door peephole with an interior screen, or a wifi peephole camera that sends alerts to your phone.

Quick Picks (Ranked)

  1. Best Overall: Brinno DUO Front Door Peephole Camera (SHC1000W) – discreet + motion/knock detection
  2. Best for Renters: Remo+ DoorCam 3 – no-drill, hangs over the door
  3. Best Mechanical Wide Angle: Prime-Line Solid Brass Door Viewer (200°) – simple, durable, great visibility
  4. Best Viewer With a Cover: Rockwood 627 Wide Angle Viewer with Cover – privacy built-in

What to Look For


Best Peephole Wireless Camera

1) Brinno DUO Front Door Peephole Camera (SHC1000W) — Best Overall

If you want a true digital door peephole that looks discreet from the outside, Brinno is a strong pick.
It’s designed to be theft-resistant and doesn’t leave a bulky unit visible in the hallway.

  • Best for: homeowners or approved apartment installs
  • Standout features: motion + knock detection, interior screen, “front door” friendly design
  • Watch-outs: confirm your door thickness + peephole hole size compatibility

2) Remo+ DoorCam 3 — Best Wireless Option for Renters (No-Drill)

This is not a peephole replacement — it’s an over-the-door camera that installs in seconds.
If your building doesn’t allow drilling, this is one of the easiest ways to get a wifi peephole camera-style setup.

  • Best for: rentals, dorms, condos, short-term setups
  • Standout features: quick install, live view, alerts
  • Watch-outs: check door clearance and how it fits with weatherstripping

Best Peephole Doorbell Camera

Top Choice: “Peephole-as-doorbell” style devices (Heads-up on Ring)

Some products try to combine a peephole replacement with doorbell-like features (alerts, talk, recordings).
Historically, the Ring Peephole Cam was the most well-known example — but it’s discontinued, so you’ll mostly see it used/refurb.

  • Best for: people who want doorbell-style alerts without installing a traditional doorbell camera
  • Watch-outs: discontinued products can mean limited availability and long-term support uncertainty
  • Alternative approach: consider a dedicated peephole cam (Brinno) or an over-the-door option (Remo+)

Best Peephole Camera for Apartment Door

Best for Most Apartments: Remo+ DoorCam 3 (No-Drill)

For many apartment doors, the main constraint is drilling.
If you can’t modify the door, a no-drill over-the-door camera is typically the safest path.

Best “Digital Viewer” Feel: Smart Door Peephole Camera (Interior Screen)

If your building allows peephole replacements, a digital door peephole with a screen can be easier than squinting through a lens,
especially for kids or anyone who prefers a larger view.

  • Best for: approved apartment installs
  • Watch-outs: verify the peephole hole diameter and door thickness before ordering

Best Peephole Camera With Motion Detection

Best Motion-Aware Peephole Cam: Brinno DUO (SHC1000W)

Motion (and knock) detection matters if you want a camera to act like a front-door monitor, not just a viewer.
Brinno’s DUO line is known for a discreet exterior with smart detection features.


Best Door Viewer With Cover

Best Built-In Cover: Rockwood 627 Wide Angle Door Viewer with Cover

If your priority is privacy (reducing the chance of reverse viewing), a viewer with a cover is a simple win.
This keeps your spy hole closed unless you’re actively using it.

Best Add-On Privacy Cover: Prime-Line Fixed Door Viewer Privacy Cover

If you already have a viewer you like, adding a cover can be cheaper than replacing the whole unit.
It’s also a common upgrade for apartment doors.


Best Wide Angle Door Viewer

Best Simple Wide Angle: Prime-Line Solid Brass Door Viewer (200°)

If you just want a reliable, clear wide-angle view with minimal hassle, a brass 200° viewer is hard to beat.
It’s the classic “works forever” security peephole option.

  • Best for: most front door installs (wood or metal)
  • Watch-outs: confirm the required hole size (common: 1/2" or 9/16")

Conclusion

If you want the best “real” peephole camera setup, start with Brinno. If you’re renting and can’t drill, Remo+ DoorCam 3 is the easiest path. If you just want a clean, durable door peep hole kit upgrade, go with a wide-angle brass viewer and add a cover for privacy. Once you pick your peephole, our pros can help you install it.

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