Most video doorbell apps go silent after a few months, and then nobody hears the door. The indoor chime is what fixes that, and choosing the right one decides whether your existing mechanical chime keeps working or gets thrown out. This guide covers the best doorbell chimes for video doorbells across every setup type, from first-party Wi-Fi add-ons to plain wired replacement chimes.
Start with the rule that decides everything: a hardwired video doorbell needs a transformer rated 8-24 VAC, 50-60Hz, 40VA maximum, while a plug-in Wi-Fi chime needs only a wall outlet and the matching brand app. Match the chime to your doorbell brand and power type before you look at sound, volume, or style. I have gone through every model below against that rule, and the compatibility story is messier than most roundups admit.
If you want the short answer, the Ring Chime is the one I would put in the most homes, and the Newhouse CHM1 is the smarter buy if you are keeping a mechanical setup. If you are renting with no wiring at all, skip straight to the plug-in brands and check that your doorbell model is on the list before you order anything.
Last updated for 2026.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Doorbell Chimes for Video Doorbells in 2026
The Ring Chime takes the top spot because it covers the two alerts that matter, doorbell presses and motion, and it carries the highest rating in this group with 4484 reviews behind it. The Newhouse CHM1 wins on value: it is the most reviewed mechanical chime we looked at, with 11050 reviews, and it costs a fraction of any smart unit. The Blink Chime is the one to buy if you run Blink cameras and want the simplest possible in-home alert.
All 12 Picks at a Glance in October
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Ring Chime |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Blink Chime |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Arlo Chime 2 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 eufy Add-On Chime |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Ring Chime Plus |
|
Check Latest Price |
 eufy Chime 2 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 myQ Chime |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Newhouse CHM1 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Newhouse CHM2 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Broan-NuTone LA11WH |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Newhouse CKIT8 Chime Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Saillong Wired Chime |
|
Check Latest Price |
Every unit in that table falls into one of two families. The first seven are brand-official Wi-Fi add-ons that connect to an existing ecosystem and plug into an outlet. The last five are wired mechanical chimes that need a transformer and bell wire, and they are the only option if you want to keep the sound your house already makes.
The Three Compatibility Rules That Decide Everything
Rule one is brand lock. A Ring Chime talks to Ring devices, a Blink Chime talks to Blink devices, and the same holds for Arlo, eufy, and myQ. There is no cross-brand pairing in any of these products, so if you run a Google Nest or Ubiquiti Protect doorbell, none of the first seven picks on this page will work for you. Ring Chimes do not respond to a Google Nest press, which is the single most common cross-brand question we see.
Rule two is power type. If your video doorbell is hardwired, your existing chime is wired to a transformer in or near your electrical panel, and the governing spec is 8-24 VAC, 50-60Hz, 40VA maximum. If your doorbell is battery-powered or your home has no doorbell wiring at all, a plug-in Wi-Fi chime is the only realistic path, because a mechanical chime has nothing to receive a signal from.
Rule three is the exception nobody advertises. Blink’s Wired Doorbell 2K+ does not support in-home mechanical chimes, so an existing Blink installation that used to ring a wall unit can go quiet after an upgrade. Owners on r/blinkcameras also report the reverse problem, where an old transformer sits at 6V while the doorbell needs 16-24V, and the chime simply never sounds.
Mechanical versus digital versus smart
A mechanical chime is a real ding-dong device with a plunger and tone bars, driven by AC current through your bell wire. It needs no power outlet of its own and no app, and it keeps working when your internet is down. A digital chime generates its sound electronically, sounds more consistent, and usually gives you a single button for one door. A smart chime is a Wi-Fi device that plugs into an outlet and announces events from your video doorbell through the brand’s app, which is also its single point of failure.
The honest trade: mechanical units are the only ones that survive an internet outage, and smart units are the only ones that can announce a person at the door without anyone pressing anything.
How to Check Your Transformer Before You Buy
Find the transformer first. It is usually a small metal or plastic box clipped to a junction box near your electrical panel, or screwed to a basement stud near where the doorbell wires run. Open the cover and look for a stamped voltage and VA rating, usually something like 16V and 10VA or 16V and 30VA. If it reads 6V, your existing chime was built for a much older setup and will not drive a modern hardwired video doorbell, and replacing the transformer is part of the job rather than an optional extra.
Next, count the chime wires. Two wires means a single door and a single sound. Four wires usually means front and rear terminals plus a transformer pair, which is what lets a two-note chime give you a different sound per door. If the wire count does not match your chime’s terminal count, buy the chime that matches your wires rather than the other way around.
Finally, check the video doorbell manual before you touch anything. Manufacturers publish the exact chime compatibility list, and the Newhouse CKIT8 kit itself advises confirming with your doorbell maker first. That one habit prevents most of the returns described in owner reviews on this page.
1. Ring Chime – Best Overall Plug-In Chime for Ring Doorbells
Ring Chime — Enhanced audio for real-time alerts you can hear from anywhere, easy plug-in setup, simple wifi & Bluetooth connectivity, sleek design, White
Plug-in Wi-Fi add-on
Customizable tones, volume and snooze
Upgraded speaker
Pros
- Loud upgraded speaker with clearer alerts than earlier Chime generations
- Plugs straight into a standard wall outlet
- Covers both doorbell presses and motion events
- Customizable tones volume and snooze settings
- Slim curved-edge design
Cons
- No built-in night-light
- Will not pair with non-Ring doorbells
- Needs a Ring device on the same account nearby
This is the unit I would put in the most houses, and the reason is coverage rather than volume. It alerts on a doorbell press and on motion events, so someone walking up the path is announced the same way a person at the door is. The upgraded speaker is a real improvement over earlier Chime generations, and owners consistently call out how much clearer it sounds.
Setup took me under a minute in testing: plug it in, open the Ring app, add the device. There is no wiring, no hub, and no extra box to mount. Tone, volume, and snooze are all adjustable from the app, and the curved-edge body is small enough to disappear on a kitchen counter or a hallway shelf.
Owner photos show the same thing the reviews do, a small white puck that takes up almost no space next to a wall outlet. With 4484 reviews at 4.6 stars and 82% of buyers giving five stars, this is the most proven add-on chime in the category. Nothing about it is a compromise except the ecosystem lock.
The honest limitation is that it only makes noise. There is no night-light, so in a dark hallway you get sound with no light, which is exactly what the Ring Chime Plus adds. It also needs a Ring device on the same account within range, and it will not answer a Google Nest or Blink press no matter how close the two devices are.
Who should buy the Ring Chime
Buy it if you already run any Ring doorbell or camera and you want one reliable indoor alert point without touching wiring. It is the easiest swap in this roundup, and the loudness improvement is noticeable in a two-floor house. If your phones are already on silent for most of the day, this is the fix.
Who should skip the Ring Chime
Skip it if you run Blink, Arlo, eufy, or myQ, because pairing simply will not happen. Skip it if you want a hallway light as well as a sound, or if your household needs to hear alerts from a very large home where one outlet placement is not enough. It also does nothing for a hardwired mechanical chime setup, since it never touches your bell wire.
2. Blink Chime – Simplest In-Home Alert for Blink Systems
Blink Chime (newest model) — Real-time, audible alerts you can hear anywhere in your home, easy plug-in installation, works with all Blink doorbells
Plug-in Wi-Fi add-on
Works with all Blink doorbells
Press and motion alerts
Pros
- Covers both doorbell presses and motion detection
- Works with every Blink doorbell model
- Plug-in setup using only the Blink app and a standard outlet
- Compact curved-edge body
Cons
- Setup still needs the Blink app and account pairing
- Fewer tone options than competing chimes
- Only useful inside the Blink ecosystem
The Blink Chime does the same job as the Ring Chime inside the Blink ecosystem, and it is the cleanest way to add one audible alert point across a whole Blink setup. It announces both a press and a motion event, which is the behaviour most people assume only Ring offers. Setup uses the Blink app and a standard outlet, with no hub and no wiring.
Across 977 reviews at 4.4 stars, the recurring theme is that it works exactly as described without fuss. Owners like the compact curved-edge body, which looks close to the other mainstream plug-in chimes and takes up no shelf space. Reviews centre on straightforward setup and reliable alerts when a phone is out of earshot.
Where it falls short is customization and reach. There are fewer tone options than on competing smart chimes, so if you want a distinct sound per camera you will not get it here. It is also strictly a Blink device, and Blink-specific settings still live inside the app rather than on the unit.
One more thing to know before you plan your install: Blink’s Wired Doorbell 2K+ does not drive in-home mechanical chimes, so a plug-in unit like this one is often the only indoor alert you will get from a newer Blink doorbell. That makes it more important to get the placement right the first time.
Who should buy the Blink Chime
Buy it if your video doorbell is Blink and you want a single reliable sound in one or two rooms. It is a good fit for homes that already have Blink cameras in every room but no indoor audio anywhere. Owners running Blink without any interior cameras get the most value from it.
Who should skip the Blink Chime
Skip it if tone selection matters to you, or if you want a unit that can also announce something other than a Blink event. It will not work as a second alert point for a non-Blink doorbell. If your home is large enough that one chime cannot be heard everywhere, plan on buying two or three.
3. Arlo Chime 2 – Audible Alerts With a Built-In Siren
Arlo Chime 2, Built-in Siren, Audible Alerts, Customizable Melodies, Wi-Fi Connected, Compatible with: Wired/Wireless Doorbell Camera, Security Cameras,Smart Home Devices(Does not Work: Pro, Ultra)
Wi-Fi plug-in
80+ dB built-in smart siren
Customizable melodies and silent mode
Pros
- Built-in 80+ dB siren that can auto-trigger or fire from the app
- Wide Arlo device support
- Customizable melodies with volume and silent mode
- Connects to Wi-Fi with no base station
Cons
- Not compatible with Arlo Pro or Ultra models
- Wi-Fi only so alerts stop if the network drops
- App-dependent control adds setup steps
The Arlo Chime 2 is the only unit here with a real siren rather than a doorbell tone. That 80+ dB smart alarm can trigger on a motion event or be fired manually from the app, which turns it into a standalone indoor alarm and not just a doorbell. It measures 1.22 by 1.76 by 3.6 inches and weighs 3.2 ounces, so it is one of the smallest units in the roundup.
It connects straight to Wi-Fi with no base station, and it supports melodies, volume adjustment, and a silent mode you can schedule. Compatibility is broad across Arlo doorbells and cameras including essential, pan-and-tilt, and outdoor models. That breadth is the reason it has 1511 reviews at 4.2 stars.
Read the exclusions carefully, because they generate a lot of one-star reviews. It does not work with Arlo Pro or Arlo Ultra camera lines, and some listings imply broader support than the manufacturer confirms. In-home notifications also need a live Wi-Fi connection, so it cannot back up alerts during an outage the way a mechanical chime can.
Only 65% of buyers give this chime five stars, the weakest top-rating share among the brand-official units here, and the one-star share reflects the compatibility returns. Check your exact Arlo model before ordering rather than assuming the whole lineup is covered.
Who should buy the Arlo Chime 2
Buy it if you run Arlo doorbells or cameras and you want more than a chime tone, particularly if you want an indoor siren you can trigger from your phone. It suits a garage or workshop where a louder alarm is more useful than a pleasant ding. Buyers with several Arlo cameras get the most from the wide device support.
Who should skip the Arlo Chime 2
Skip it if you own Pro or Ultra models, since those are excluded. Skip it if you need indoor alerts to survive an internet outage. It is also a poor fit for anyone without an Arlo account, and the app-based control adds a layer of setup that a plain mechanical chime does not have.
4. eufy Add-On Chime for E340, C30 and C31 – Best When You Want Local Video Storage Too
eufy Security Video Doorbell Add-On Chime, Indoor Chime, Requires eufy Security Video Doorbell E340/C30/C31, No-Delay Ring, Adjustable Volume, 8 Fun Ringtones, only works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Requires E340 C30 or C31 doorbell
8 ringtones with volume control
Accepts 128 GB microSD card
Pros
- Loud near-instant alert that carries to other rooms
- Eight selectable ringtones with adjustable volume
- Also stores local doorbell footage on a 128 GB microSD card
- Compact plug-in body
Cons
- Only rings for a doorbell press and stays silent on motion
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only which troubles mesh routers
- Setup and pairing reported as confusing by many owners
This is the pick for anyone with an eufy E340, C30, or C31 who wants the doorbell unit to do double duty. Alongside the chime role it accepts a microSD card up to 128 GB for local doorbell footage, which is a genuine advantage if you dislike depending entirely on cloud storage. The card is not included.
The alert itself is loud and close to immediate, with eight ringtones and adjustable volume. At 3.74 by 1.97 by 1.77 inches and 6 ounces it takes up almost nothing behind a sofa or on a kitchen counter. The rating is 4.1 across 852 reviews, and owners who get past setup tend to be happy with the result.
The catch is compatibility precision. It requires a specific eufy doorbell model rather than the whole range, so confirm yours is E340, C30, or C31 first. It also rings only for a doorbell press, meaning motion alerts stay silent, which is a real difference from how Ring and Blink chimes behave.
Networking is the other friction point. It is 2.4 GHz only, so many mesh and dual-band routers require temporarily splitting the network during setup. The QR code sits on the underside while the sync button is on top, which owners report forces a re-scan, and some iPhone users struggle with the temporary Wi-Fi step.
Who should buy the eufy add-on chime
Buy it if you have one of the three supported eufy doorbells and you want local video storage without a separate hub. It is a strong pick for anyone who wants alerts independent of the phone being in the room. Households that want storage and sound from a single plug-in box get the most out of it.
Who should skip the eufy add-on chime
Skip it if you rely on motion-based sound, or if your router is a mesh unit you cannot split without trouble. It also requires an exact doorbell model, so owners of other eufy models should look at the newer dual-band chime instead. Expect to spend time on setup if the QR code and sync button arrangement frustrates you.
5. Ring Chime Plus – Best When You Want Sound and a Hallway Light
Ring Chime Plus (newest model) — Crisp, clear audio alerts for select Ring devices, built-in night-light, customizable tones, easy plug-in setup, White
Plug-in Wi-Fi add-on
Built-in night-light
Per-device tones and schedules
Pros
- Built-in night-light adds a low-level hallway or room light
- Assign a different tone per Ring device to identify the trigger
- Schedulable audio alerts and night-light hours
- Enhanced audio for crisp and louder sound
Cons
- Costs more than the base Ring Chime
- Sidewalk sensor support varies by location
- Compatibility limited to select Ring devices
- Needs an outlet so placement is constrained
The step up from the base Ring Chime is the built-in night-light, and for a hallway or entryway that is a bigger deal than it sounds. A dim light that comes on with the alert gives you a visual cue as well as an audible one, and both the audio alerts and the light hours can be scheduled to match a daily routine.
You can also assign a distinct tone per Ring device, so you know which camera or doorbell triggered the sound without looking at your phone. Owners value that alongside the improved clarity and loudness. At 4.4 stars across 339 reviews, satisfaction is high among people who bought it for exactly those two reasons.
The reservations are predictable. It costs substantially more than the standard Ring Chime for added lighting, and compatibility is limited to select Ring devices. Sensor integration depends on Amazon Sidewalk coverage, which varies by location, so a feature advertised in the app may not activate where you live.
Like every plug-in unit, it needs an outlet, which constrains where alerts can be heard. In a large house you may need one in more than one room, and that adds up faster than a single mechanical chime covering the whole home.
Who should buy the Ring Chime Plus
Buy it if you run Ring devices in several rooms and want to know which one triggered an alert without checking your phone. The night-light makes it a good fit for a dark hallway or a front entry. It also suits anyone who wants a second Ring alert point with more output than the base Chime.
Who should skip the Ring Chime Plus
Skip it if you only need sound, because the base Ring Chime covers that for less and is our top pick. Skip it if you rely on Ring sensor alerts in an area without Sidewalk coverage. It is also the wrong choice outside the Ring ecosystem, and the extra cost is hard to justify if the night-light goes unused.
6. eufy Video Doorbell Chime 2 – Best for Dual-Band Wi-Fi Homes
eufy Video Doorbell Chime 2, 10 Built-In Chimes, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Easy Setup, Bluetooth Auto-Pairing, Adjustable Volume Up to 80 dB
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual-band
10 built-in chime tones
Volume up to 80 dB
Pros
- Dual-band support avoids the mesh pairing problems of earlier eufy chimes
- Bluetooth auto-pairing connects in about 30 seconds
- Volume adjustable up to 80 dB for large homes
- Ten distinct tones rather than variations of one sound
Cons
- Some eufy doorbell models still fail to pair and need returning
- A one to three second notification delay reported by some owners
- Customization limited to tone and volume
This is the eufy chime to buy if your router is modern and the older unit gave you trouble. It supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which removes the network-splitting step that mesh users complain about, and Bluetooth auto-pairing gets it connected in roughly 30 seconds in most setups. The listing states it works with most eufy video doorbells rather than three specific models.
Volume reaches 80 dB, which owners say carries to the far side of a two-storey house, and there are ten distinct tones rather than small variations of one sound. It measures 6.65 by 2.76 by 1.67 inches and weighs 4.6 ounces, and it runs cool. Rating is 4.4 across 245 reviews, with 73% five-star.
It is not flawless. A minority of owners report that specific eufy doorbell models fail to pair and end up being returned, and some describe a one to three second delay before the alert fires. That lag is short but noticeable if you are standing at the door waiting for a sound.
Customization stops at tone choice and volume, so there is no per-device tone or scheduling comparable to the Ring Chime Plus. Placement also depends on having a free outlet in the room where you want to hear it.
Who should buy the eufy Chime 2
Buy it if you run eufy doorbells on a dual-band or mesh router and want setup to be simple. The 80 dB ceiling and ten tones suit a two-storey home where one chime has to be heard over a lot of floor space. People who bounced off the first-generation eufy chime’s network step tend to be happy with this one.
Who should skip the eufy Chime 2
Skip it if you need a specific older eufy doorbell model and are not sure this one pairs with it, since failures still occur. Skip it if a two-second alert delay would bother you. If your priority is local video storage rather than sound, the other eufy add-on chime is the better fit.
7. myQ Chime – Loud Output for Chamberlain and myQ Devices
myQ Chime | Audible Alerts, Wi-Fi Enabled, Customizable Tones, Works with myQ Video Doorbell, myQ 3-in-1 Video Smart Lock, and myQ Smart Garage® Video Keypad
85 dB audible output
Pairs with myQ doorbell lock and keypad
Selectable chime tones
Pros
- 85 dB output carries to another floor
- Pairs with three different myQ device types
- Bluetooth setup with no wiring or tools
- Several tone options to choose from
Cons
- Triggers only on a press and not on motion
- Limited to the myQ and Chamberlain ecosystem
- Smaller review base than the Ring Blink and Newhouse options
The myQ Chime is unusual because it does not just serve the front door. It pairs with the myQ Video Doorbell, the myQ 3-in-1 Video Smart Lock, and the myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad, so one indoor unit can announce a front-door guest and a garage keypad code. At 85 dB it is rated loud enough to carry to another floor.
Setup uses Bluetooth and needs no wiring or tools. There are several selectable tones, and owners point out that it works just as well as a garage-side alert. The rating is 4.4 from 167 reviews with 75% five-star, which is a strong showing on a smaller review base.
The limitation is scope. It only triggers on a doorbell or call-button press, so motion events stay silent, and it is locked to the myQ and Chamberlain ecosystem. If you are not already running myQ gear, this is not a general-purpose indoor chime.
With 167 reviews it carries the smallest review base in the roundup, so treat the owner feedback as encouraging rather than decisive. For anyone with myQ hardware, though, the garage-plus-front-door coverage is something no other unit here offers.
Who should buy the myQ Chime
Buy it if you own a myQ Video Doorbell, a 3-in-1 Video Smart Lock, or the Smart Garage Video Keypad. It is a good fit for a home where you want one indoor unit to announce both the front door and the garage. Buyers who want alerts that carry between floors appreciate the 85 dB output.
Who should skip the myQ Chime
Skip it if you need motion-triggered sound, since it only responds to a press. Skip it if your smart home equipment is not myQ, as there is no cross-brand pairing. Anyone who wants a proven track record can find one in the Ring, Blink, and Newhouse units instead.
8. Newhouse CHM1 – Budget Pick Two-Note Mechanical Chime
Newhouse Hardware White 2-Note Wired Mechanical Door Bell Chime CHM1
Wired two-note mechanical chime
85 dB front and rear tones
Needs a 16V transformer
Pros
- Largest review base in this roundup with 11050 reviews
- Simple ding-dong mechanism that is easy to wire and repair
- Distinct two-note front-door and one-note rear-door tones at 85 dB
- Reported by owners as usable with Google Nest and Ubiquiti Protect G4 on a suitable transformer
Cons
- Transformer
- push button and bell wire are not included
- Screw holes may not match the chime being replaced
- Some units develop a humming noise after extended use
This is the chime I would keep in a house that already has a working mechanical setup. Owners report pairing it with video doorbells including Google Nest and Ubiquiti Protect G4 when a suitable transformer is used, which makes it one of the few units here that can serve a non-first-party ecosystem. It runs from a 16V/10VA or 16V/30VA transformer, and the two front and rear tones are distinct.
The numbers behind it are the strongest in the roundup. 11050 reviews at 4.4 stars, 71% five-star, and a category rank of number 2 in Door Bells Chimes. At 7.2 by 4 by 2 inches and 14.1 ounces it is a compact white cover that suits both modern and traditional decor, and it is compatible with Newhouse CKIT1, CKIT1X, CKIT6, CKIT7, and CKIT8 kits.
Nothing in the box except the chime and its mounting screws. The transformer, push button, and bell wire are all sold separately, so budget for the full electrical parts list rather than assuming a swap-in replacement. A one-year limited warranty is included, and the chime cover does open to reveal the screws for easier mounting.
Long-term wear shows in a few ways. Some units develop a constant hum after extended use, and on the single-plunger design the second note is weaker than the first. Screw holes may not line up with the chime you are replacing, which is the most common reason a straightforward swap turns into a small drilling job.
Who should buy the Newhouse CHM1
Buy it if you have hardwired bell wire, a 16V transformer, and a video doorbell that can drive a mechanical chime. It is the cheapest reliable way to keep authentic ding-dong sound with a modern doorbell, and the enormous review base means you will find answers to almost any install question. Two-door homes get clear tone separation between front and rear.
Who should skip the Newhouse CHM1
Skip it if your transformer is an older low-voltage unit such as 6V, because the chime will not sound properly. Skip it if your doorbell has dropped mechanical-chime support, which is the case with Blink’s Wired Doorbell 2K+. Renters with no bell wire should not buy a wired chime at all.
9. Newhouse CHM2 – Best Two-Note Chime for Front and Rear Doors
Newhouse Hardware CHM2 Door Chime, White
Wired front and rear door chime
Vented cover for projection
16V transformer required
Pros
- Two-note ding-dong for the front plus a separate dong for a rear door
- Vented cover carries sound better through the home
- Works from a standard 16V transformer
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- Transformer and push button are not included
- Wired only with no app or motion alerting
- Some owners describe the output as moderate rather than loud
The CHM2 is the larger sibling of the CHM1 and the better choice for a two-door house. It gives a two-note ding-dong at the front door and a separate single dong for a rear or side door, and the vented cover is designed to carry sound through the home better than a sealed box. That audible difference is what most owners mention first.
It has 4058 reviews at 4.4 stars with 71% five-star, a category rank of number 124 in Doorbells, and a three-year limited warranty. The cover measures 9 by 5 inches with a 7-1/8 by 4-5/8 inch base, and it uses a 16V/10VA or 16V/15VA transformer such as the Newhouse 16TR or 3TRAN, which are not included.
It is wired only, so there is no app, no smart features, and no motion-based alerting of any kind. It rings because current flows through your bell wire when the button is pressed, which is exactly why it keeps working when your internet does not.
On volume, some owners describe the output as moderate rather than very loud, so in a large open-plan home you may hear it in one zone and miss it in another. The white modern finish is unobtrusive, and the sound quality is consistent rather than variable from unit to unit.
Who should buy the Newhouse CHM2
Buy it if you have two door buttons on the same transformer and want to know which one was pressed from the sound alone. It suits a home with a front door and a side or rear entry, or one replacing an older vented chime box. The longer warranty also makes it a calmer choice for a whole-home install.
Who should skip the Newhouse CHM2
Skip it if you need app control, motion alerts, or any kind of smart-home integration. Skip it if you only have two wires and one door, since the CHM1 covers that at a lower cost. As with any wired chime, an old low-voltage transformer will not drive it properly.
10. Broan-NuTone LA11WH – Best for Replacing an Older NuTone or Broan Chime
Broan-NuTone LA11WH Door Chime, White Textured
Wired two-note and one-note chime
Replaces LB12WW and RC105
16V transformer needed
Pros
- Directly replaces NuTone LB12WW and Broan RC105 units
- Two-note front and one-note back-door chime in one unit
- Continuous wired power with no batteries to replace
- Works on a standard 16V transformer
Cons
- Transformer sold separately
- Highest-priced mechanical chime here with no smart features
- Older design listing with 63% five-star ratings
If your home already has a NuTone LB12WW or a Broan RC105, this is the direct replacement and you avoid a whole retrofit. It carries the same two-note front-door and one-note back-door arrangement, wires to a 16V transformer such as the C905, and runs on continuous AC so there are no batteries to die. That continuity is the reason it keeps working during an outage.
It is also the most traditional-looking unit in the roundup, with a white textured finish at 2.39 by 8.27 by 5.49 inches and 1.1 pounds. It has 1985 reviews at 4.2 stars. Owners of older chime boxes rate the drop-in fit and the classic appearance highly, and many pair it with a video doorbell on a standard 16V transformer.
It is the most expensive mechanical chime in this roundup while offering no smart features whatsoever, and the transformer is sold separately. The 63% five-star share is the second-weakest among the mechanical units here, which tracks with a design listing that dates to 2008 and a smaller pool of modern owners.
It is wired only, so there is no app control and no motion-triggered alerts. If you are starting from scratch rather than replacing an old box, a Newhouse model gives you a similar two-note arrangement for considerably less.
Who should buy the Broan-NuTone LA11WH
Buy it if you are replacing an LB12WW or RC105 and want a traditional look that matches the rest of an older home. It suits anyone who wants continuous wired sound that does not depend on internet service. Owners with two doors who want front and rear tones in a single body get the full benefit.
Who should skip the Broan-NuTone LA11WH
Skip it if you are building a new chime setup from scratch, because you are paying more for a purely mechanical unit with no added function. Skip it if you want app-based control or any smart-home alerting. Homeowners wanting the lowest cost path to a mechanical chime should look at the Newhouse models instead.
11. Newhouse CKIT8 Chime Kit – Best Complete Kit for Fresh Wiring
Newhouse Hardware Hardwired Chime Kit with 16-Volt/30VA Transformer and Surface-Mount White Button
Chime plus 16V 30VA transformer and button
UL-rated Class 2 transformer
Two-note hardwired chime
Pros
- Chime
- 16V 30VA transformer and lighted button in one box
- 30VA transformer gives headroom when a video doorbell shares the circuit
- UL-rated Class 2 transformer rated 120 Vac 60 Hz input
- Front-door two-note sound from a hardwired chime
Cons
- Manufacturer advises confirming compatibility with your video doorbell first
- Requires basic wiring and a wall-mounted transformer location
- No smart or wireless features at all
Most of the frustration in this category comes from assembling a chime, a transformer, and a button from three suppliers and hoping the ratings match. This kit removes that. It contains the hardwired chime, a 16V/30VA transformer, and a white surface-mount lighted push button, which is exactly the combination a video doorbell needs when it shares the circuit.
The transformer is the important part. A 30VA rating is the headroom that keeps a video doorbell from sapping power and leaving the chime silent, and the unit is a UL-rated Class 2 transformer with 120 Vac, 60 Hz input. The chime measures 7-3/16 inches wide by 4 inches high, and the button measures 7/8 by 5/8 by 2-3/4 inches.
The manufacturer’s own advice is to check with your video doorbell maker before buying, and it is worth following. Some doorbells have dropped mechanical-chime support entirely, and no transformer fixes that. It also needs real wiring work and a place to mount the transformer, so this is not an apartment or rental solution.
It has 312 reviews at 4.4 stars with 70% five-star, and buyers treat it as the complete answer to powering a video doorbell while keeping an in-home mechanical chime. There are no smart or wireless features, which is the point.
Who should buy the Newhouse CKIT8 Chime Kit
Buy it if you are wiring a front door from scratch, replacing a dead transformer, or upgrading an old low-voltage setup that cannot power a video doorbell. It is the cleanest way to get a matched chime, transformer, and button in a single order. Anyone who wants mechanical sound that survives an internet outage belongs here.
Who should skip the Newhouse CKIT8 Chime Kit
Skip it if you rent, have no bell wire, or have no place to mount a transformer, because the whole point is a hardwired circuit. Skip it if your video doorbell no longer supports mechanical chimes. People who want sound without touching wiring should buy a plug-in Wi-Fi unit instead.
12. Saillong Wired Chime – Best for Clearly Labelled Wiring Terminals
Wired Doorbell Chime, 16V 10VA Front and Rear Door Chime, Classic Style
Wired front and rear door chime
Labelled TRANS FRONT and REAR ports
Requires 16V 10VA
Pros
- Separate ding-dong and dong tones for front and rear doors
- Three clearly labelled TRANS FRONT and REAR terminals
- Published measurements let you check clearance before ordering
- Works on the same 16V transformer used with many video doorbells
Cons
- Strictly requires a 16V 10VA transformer and is not included
- Only produces a single sound if just one door is connected
- Weakest five-star share among the mechanical chimes here
The reason this unit stands out is the labelling. It has three clearly marked ports for TRANS, FRONT, and REAR, which removes most of the guesswork when you are wiring a chime for the first time. The internal chime core measures 7 by 3.8 by 1.7 inches inside a 7.2 by 4.0 by 2.0 inch cover, and those measurements are published so you can check clearance before ordering.
It gives a ding-dong for the front button and a separate dong for the rear or side door, and it runs on the same 16V transformer used with many wired video doorbells. The neutral white styling suits both modern and traditional homes. The rating is 4.1 across 379 reviews with 60% five-star.
The transformer requirement is strict. It needs a 16V/10VA unit specifically, and other ratings may cause the chime to fail or be damaged, so do not improvise with whatever transformer is already in the wall. The transformer itself is not included, though mounting screws are stored inside the cover.
It also has the lowest five-star share of the mechanical chimes here at 60%, with a noticeable 7% two-star band, which tracks with tone consistency between units. If only one door is connected, you get a single sound and the second channel goes unused.
Who should buy the Saillong Wired Chime
Buy it if you are wiring a two-door setup yourself and want terminals that tell you what they are. It suits a homeowner replacing a chime where clearance behind the cover is tight, since the dimensions are published. The classic styling works in homes that are not going for a modern look.
Who should skip the Saillong Wired Chime
Skip it if your transformer is not exactly 16V/10VA, because the unit is explicit about failing or being damaged otherwise. Skip it if you only have one door, since you will not use the rear channel. Buyers who want the largest review base and the strongest track record may prefer a Newhouse model.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Doorbell Chime for Video Doorbells
Match the doorbell brand first
Brand matching is not a preference, it is a hard requirement for every smart chime on this page. A Ring Chime answers Ring devices, the Blink Chime answers Blink devices, the myQ Chime answers myQ hardware, and the eufy units require eufy doorbells. If you run Google Nest or Ubiquiti Protect, your options are a wired mechanical chime driven by your transformer or an Alexa or Google Home speaker announcing the press, and the first-party route does not exist.
This lock-in is exactly why the mechanical chimes still matter. The Newhouse CHM1 is reported by owners as working with Google Nest and Ubiquiti Protect G4 on a suitable transformer, which makes it the only unit here that crosses an ecosystem boundary.
Wired, plug-in, or both
Wired mechanical chimes need bell wire, a transformer, and basic electrical work, and they sound because current flows. They never go silent during an internet outage, they have no monthly cost, and they cannot tell you anything beyond a press. Plug-in smart chimes need an outlet and an app, and they can announce motion, identify which device triggered the event, and add a siren or a night-light, but they stop working when the network drops.
Renters and apartment dwellers fall neatly into the second group, because there is nothing to wire. Owners who want both behaviours often run a mechanical chime for the front door and a smart chime in the room where they cook or work.
How loud, and how you will hear it
Check published output before you buy. The myQ Chime is rated at 85 dB, the Newhouse CHM1 also rings at 85 dB, the eufy Chime 2 adjusts up to 80 dB, and the Arlo Chime 2 carries an 80+ dB siren. Electronic chimes also give you more placement control than a mechanical unit, because you can put one in every room that needs an alert.
What matters more than the number is the room you spend time in. A chime heard only from the kitchen misses a doorbell rung at the other end of the house, which is the most common complaint in reviews across every brand here.
Subscription-free indoor alerts
This deserves its own check because it is a top purchase blocker. A chime unit that connects to an existing doorbell and announces events in the house does not require a paid video plan for the sound to work, so if you do not want a monthly fee for recorded video, an add-on chime gives you audible alerts without changing that decision. If you want to go further, our guide to video doorbells without subscription fees covers the doorbells themselves.
Be clear with yourself about what you are avoiding. A chime removes the need to watch an app, but it does not remove the decision about whether you pay for cloud video storage. Our picks on subscription-free video doorbells handle the second half of that question.
What universal really means on a third-party extender
Third-party wireless extender chimes are sold as universal, and the word covers the radio link, not the doorbell. They ring when something transmits on their frequency, and that transmitter is the part locked to a brand. Anyone in the r/HomeKit community trying to pair a HomeKit doorbell with a non-first-party chime runs into the same wall as everyone else.
Blink is the clearest case. Blink’s own support guidance states that third-party wireless chimes are not compatible with Blink video doorbells, so a product advertised for Blink from another brand is not delivering what the listing implies. Check the doorbell manufacturer’s compatibility list rather than the extender’s marketing.
Sound, style, and the mechanical option
If you are keeping a mechanical setup, style is the last thing to decide but not the least important. The Newhouse CHM1 is a compact white cover at 7.2 by 4 by 2 inches, the CHM2 is larger at 9 by 5 inches with a vented cover that projects better, and the Broan-NuTone LA11WH gives you a traditional textured finish that matches older homes.
For a broader look at chime options beyond video doorbells, our doorbell chime roundup covers the general category. If you are still choosing the doorbell itself, start with doorbell camera systems and come back to the chime once the brand is fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What doorbell chime is compatible with Google Nest?
Google Nest has no first-party add-on chime, so a Nest video doorbell cannot be paired with a Ring Chime or any other brand’s Wi-Fi chime. Your realistic options are an Alexa or Google Home speaker announcing the press, or a wired mechanical chime such as the Newhouse CHM1 driven by a standard 16V transformer, which owners report using with Google Nest doorbells.
Which doorbell chimes are compatible with Blink video doorbells?
The Blink Chime is the brand-official indoor unit and works with all Blink doorbells for both press and motion alerts. Blink’s own support guidance states that third-party wireless chimes are not compatible with Blink video doorbells, and the Blink Wired Doorbell 2K+ does not support in-home mechanical chimes at all.
Can a Ring doorbell work with a mechanical chime?
Yes, on the hardwired Ring models that drive an in-home chime kit, as long as your transformer meets the 8-24 VAC, 50-60Hz, 40VA maximum spec and your mechanical unit is on the published compatibility list. Battery-powered Ring models and newer models that have dropped mechanical-chime support will not ring an existing wall unit.
Can I use a Ring Chime with a Google Nest doorbell?
No. The Ring Chime pairs only with Ring devices on the same Ring account, and there is no cross-brand pairing between smart chimes and video doorbells from different manufacturers. For a Nest doorbell, use an Alexa or Google Home speaker for audio alerts or move to a wired mechanical chime on a 16V transformer.
What’s the difference between a mechanical chime and a digital chime?
A mechanical chime uses a plunger and metal tone bars struck by AC current, so it rings when the button is pressed and keeps working without power beyond the transformer. A digital chime generates its sound electronically, sounds more consistent, and is usually wired for a single door. Both are wired devices, unlike a smart chime that connects over Wi-Fi.
What is the best sounding doorbell chime?
Sound is personal, but published output gives you a starting point: the myQ Chime and Newhouse CHM1 are rated at 85 dB, the eufy Chime 2 adjusts up to 80 dB, and the Arlo Chime 2 carries an 80+ dB siren. Among mechanical units, the vented Newhouse CHM2 cover is described by owners as carrying sound through the home better than a sealed box.
Is it better to buy the base Ring Chime or Chime Pro?
The base Ring Chime covers most homes: it announces both doorbell presses and motion events and it has the highest rating and largest proven record among the plug-in units reviewed here. Chime Pro and Chime Plus add a night-light and per-device tones, which matter if you want to know which device triggered an alert or want a light in a dark hallway. Buy the extra only if you will use it.
Why are people getting rid of Ring doorbells?
The recurring complaint is recurring cost and ecosystem lock-in rather than hardware failure. Ring doorbells are tied to a paid plan for video history, and Ring add-on chimes will not answer another brand’s doorbell, so switching ecosystem means replacing indoor hardware too. Buyers who want a one-time cost and an open doorbell choice often move to a wired mechanical chime, which works with many hardwired video doorbells regardless of brand.
Conclusion: Pick the Chime That Matches Your Wiring
For most people reading a roundup like this, the Ring Chime is the right answer because it announces both presses and motion, needs nothing but an outlet, and has the strongest proven record of any plug-in unit we looked at. If you want a hallway light with it, step up to the Ring Chime Plus. If you run Blink, Arlo, eufy, or myQ, take the official unit for that brand rather than a universal-sounding third-party box.
If your doorbell is hardwired and you want to keep mechanical sound, the Newhouse CHM1 is the strongest pick with the largest review base in the group, the CHM2 handles two doors, and the Newhouse CKIT8 kit solves the transformer problem in one order. Check your voltage first, because an old 6V transformer is the single most common reason a mechanical chime goes silent next to a video doorbell. Use the subscription-free doorbell guide if avoiding a monthly fee is part of the plan, and browse the full doorbell chime roundup for options beyond video doorbells. Whatever you choose, verify the compatibility list for your exact doorbell model before the box arrives.
