Skip to main content

The Knok is a budget-friendly smart video doorbell that nails the basics

The Momentum Knok WiFi video doorbell connects your smartphone to a live video feed of your front door. Knok features a high-definition camera, built-in security siren, two-way audio, and Google Assistant integration capabilities all for $130. Image used with permission by copyright holder

Momentum has entered the smart doorbell arena with its new Knok Wi-Fi video doorbell. The Knok is available now from several major retailers, including Walmart, Home Depot, and Amazon for a suggested price of $129. Momentum created Knok with the intention of providing an affordable, budget-friendly alternative to some of the more expensive smart doorbell options on the market.

Knok users receive 24 hours of video playback for free, although customers can purchase premium plans that enable multiple cameras and longer video playback. Plans start at $5 per month for seven-day video playback, $10 per month for 30-day video playback, and $20 per month for 60-day video playback. Customers can also use a micro-SD card for local video storage.

In addition to an on-demand livestream of your home, the Knok enables two-way audio and integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant. Google Assistant allows Knok to stream to any Google-enabled device, turn the siren on and off, and turn privacy mode on or off. The siren is a 110-decibel security feature designed to draw attention to your home and potentially ward off intruders.

The Knok has a 130-degree wide-angle view and streams at 1080p. When the camera picks up motion, it will send a push notification to your smartphone and begin recording. It uses infrared filters that provide clear views even in the dead of night. If you find yourself beleaguered by false alarms, you can set up custom motion zones.

On the aesthetic front, the Knok includes two interchangeable colored cases so you can find the right color to fit your home’s design. The Knok doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking features, but it nails the basic features of smart doorbells at a price point that’s within reach for most consumers. According to Jason Liszewski, Momentum’s vice president of sales, “34% of the time burglars are more likely to use the front door as their primary point of entry rather than a first-floor window or back door. We created Knok as a budget-friendly smart home solution to combat these startling statistics.”

If you’ve been in the market for a smart doorbell — and with the holiday season on the way, many people are searching for a way to combat porch pirates — then the Knok might be worth a look.

Editors' Recommendations

Patrick Hearn
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
How to install a Ring Video Doorbell at your home or office
A Ring Video Doorbell 4 mounted near a home's front door.

One of the main reasons Ring Video Doorbells are so popular is their simple installation process. Installing the wired models requires a bit of DIY know-how, but getting its battery-powered models up and running doesn't require much more than a screwdriver and your smartphone. In fact, there's a good chance you can have your Ring Video Doorbell out of its box and onto your porch in less than 30 minutes.

The installation steps vary from product to product, though most walk you through the process via the accompanying mobile app. But if you're curious about the process, here's a look at how to install a Ring Video Doorbell. This guide largely relates to the Ring Video Doorbell 2, though you'll find that most products in the Ring catalog follow a similar procedure.
Prep
There are three things you need to get out of the way before installing your new doorbell.

Read more
Echo Hub vs. Echo Show 15: Which is the best smart home gadget?
Amazon Fire TV on Echo Show 15.

The Echo Hub might look like a smart display, but it actually falls into a category of smart home products known as smart control panels. Unlike smart displays, which are jack-of-all-trades entertainment hubs, control panels are designed to give you enhanced control over the rest of your smart home. That's an important distinction, and it's one of the main differences between the Echo Hub and Echo Show 15.

But is the Echo Hub or Echo Show 15 better for your smart home? Here's everything you need to know before making a purchase.
Pricing and design

Read more
Echo Hub vs. Echo Show 8: Which is the best option for your smart home?
An Echo Hub mounted on the wall near a living room.

The Echo Hub and Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) are two of the newest products to join the Amazon catalog. Both are designed with large touchscreens and make it easy to access the Alexa voice assistant, connected smart gadgets, and your favorite apps. But while the two share a few similarities, there are big differences between the Echo Hub and Echo Show 8.

Here's a closer look at the Echo Hub and Echo Show 8 to help you decide which is best for your smart home.
Pricing and design

Read more