The 7 Best Door Viewers

This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in August of 2019. If you're not comfortable opening the door when home alone, or if you get too many salespeople coming to your door, a peephole, like the ones in hotel rooms, will solve your problems. Our selection of viewers come in the most common finishes to match the hardware on your exterior door. They're surprisingly easy to install, especially if you're upgrading an existing model. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in August of 2019. If you're not comfortable opening the door when home alone, or if you get too many salespeople coming to your door, a peephole, like the ones in hotel rooms, will solve your problems. Our selection of viewers come in the most common finishes to match the hardware on your exterior door. They're surprisingly easy to install, especially if you're upgrading an existing model. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Royal Home & Hardware Large

The Royal Home & Hardware Large (about $27) boasts an all-brass body for durability, and you can choose from five finishes, including polished and satin choices to match your existing hardware. The cover for the hole on the inside rotates into place smoothly.

Comfortable oversized viewing area
Crystal clear lens
Installs quickly with a drill

2. Defender Security U

The Defender Security U (around $11) provides both an old-fashioned knocker and a viewing hole without cluttering up the look of your door. The attractive design is made from rugged die-cast brass that is plated with a satin nickel finish.

Standard size may fit existing holes
Lends a vintage air to your home
Front plate can be engraved

3. Tripple 3 Vee Cyclops

For your security, the Tripple 3 Vee Cyclops (appx. $20) offers the widest possible viewing area by using a fisheye lens. You'll be able to see if the person standing in front of the peephole is alone by getting a full perspective of your front porch.

Fits doors up to 2 inches thick
Weather-resistant finish
Image will be a little distorted

4. Door Scope 2000

For those who find it difficult to see through a tiny hole, the Door Scope 2000 (appx. $57) is over two inches wide and projects the image through a prism that can be seen by just about anyone from up to seven feet away. It's an excellent choice for the vision impaired or infirm.

Also comes in black or gold
Requires an extra-large opening
Image you see is reversed

5. Focus Vision Narrow

If you have a door with decorative recessed panels on both sides, you'll find it probably won't accommodate a standard viewer. The Focus Vision Narrow (around $12) can be installed snugly on doors with a depth of 15 to 22 millimeters, which is just under an inch.

Built-in privacy cover
Great for thin office doors
Also available in oil-rubbed bronze

6. Digit Harbor LCD

You can have a large, digital image of who is at the door without paying monthly fees or having to install any cameras or apps. The Digit Harbor LCD's (appx. $49) camera fits in an existing peephole and delivers a three-inch image to the monitor inside, no squinting required.

Also functions as a doorbell
Snaps a photo when bell is rung
Not for constant security monitoring

7. National Hardware V805

The National Hardware V805 is one of the most basic options available, though it is still made with high quality brass and a glass lens. If you already have an opening or own the proper drill bit, this is a home project you can complete for less than $10.

Easy to adjust to your door's depth
Doesn't have a cover
Inside part looks unfinished

Last updated by Tina Morna Freitas

Tina Morna Freitas is a writer who lives in Chicago with her family and three cats. She has a B.A. in anthropology with a minor in English, and has built a freelance career over the years in writing and digital marketing. Her passions for cooking, decorating and home improvement contribute to her extensive knowledge of all things kitchen and home goods. In addition, her 20 years as a parent inform her expertise in the endless stream of toys and equipment that inevitably takes over the homes of most parents. She also enjoys gardening, making and sipping margaritas, and aspires to be a crazy cat lady once all the children are grown.

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