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)
- Best Overall: Brinno DUO Front Door Peephole Camera (SHC1000W) – discreet + motion/knock detection
- Best for Renters: Remo+ DoorCam 3 – no-drill, hangs over the door
- Best Mechanical Wide Angle: Prime-Line Solid Brass Door Viewer (200°) – simple, durable, great visibility
- Best Viewer With a Cover: Rockwood 627 Wide Angle Viewer with Cover – privacy built-in
What to Look For
- Door rules: apartments / rentals may not allow drilling or may require approval
- Power: battery vs wired vs “no-drill” over-the-door options
- Field of view: 160°–220° is common for a wide-angle spy hole
- Privacy: consider a viewer with a cover to reduce reverse-view “peep” tools
- Installation: many kits are DIY-friendly (a basic door peep hole kit is usually 15–30 minutes)
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.