Bellman & Symfon Visit portable receiver 1033 and Doorbell transmitter 1023

£105

This allows you to extend the range of your existing doorbell to anywhere in your home by detecting its sound. It also works with other transmitters in the Bellman Visit range, such as the telephone transmitter.

The portable receiver was the largest and heaviest of those on test and its tall, slim shape made it easy to knock over (although it can also be fixed to a wall). The large ‘thumb wheel’ volume control is easy to use and this product had the loudest chime on test.

The built-in red flashing light is only bright enough to attract attention if you are looking in the direction of the unit, but a powerful vibrating pad can be connected for overnight use. A range of up to 30m is claimed, which is only about a third of the distance that some of the other wireless doorbells claim, so the receiver might not work in some parts of your home.

Battery or mains powered using an optional plug-in adapter.

Expensive, but works with your existing doorbell and can be expanded to include the other alerts. Loudest chime on test but users didn’t like the size or shape of the receiver.

Byron wire free portable door chime kit with vibration alert

£20

This doesn't have a flashing light but instead has a vibration alert – the only one on test. It has a clip so you can attach it to your clothing or you could use it under a pillow, the vibration level would be strong enough to wake most people. The  vibration can be switched off, leaving only the chiming sound.

You can choose between eight different chime melodies and it has two volume settings. The 'high' setting should be loud enough if you have mild to moderate hearing loss.

Battery powered.

Works well, but bulky and awkward to wear.

Libra wire free push and chime with light D346E

£39

A stylish door chime, with flashing light and choice of five chimes. Its sturdy design means it can sit on a table without being easily knocked over and a plastic bracket is supplied for fixing to a wall. Other features include high or low chime sound and low battery indicator. The chime is battery powered but it can also work from the mains via an optional adapter.

Popular with our user panel who thought it was a good shape and couldn't easily be knocked over. Second loudest chime sound on test.

Lifemax Home Care Alert

£30

This is a combined doorbell and personal alerter. The receiver produces a flashing light and audible chime when the button is pressed on the wall-mounted transmitter. There is also a personal alert transmitter that can be worn around the neck or placed nearby. We think this is especially useful if you’re looking after someone who’s convalescing. The receiver unit is portable but can also fix to a wall.

The red flashing light is fairly bright, but if you're facing away it probably won't attract your attention. There are eight chime sounds and two volume settings, the highest should be loud enough if you have mild to moderate hearing loss. The manufacturer claims a range of up to 100m for the door push transmitter, but a much lower range of 30m for the panic button.

Battery powered.

Long chime sounds and good volume, popular with our user panel.

Dessa Genesis plug-In wireless chime kit

£32

It has a powerful Xenon strobe, so you should notice it flashing even if it's under a table. A small volume control, located behind a removable panel, is factory set to maximum. On this setting the chime should be loud enough for someone with a mild to moderate hearing loss. A small button on the side allows you to choose from a selection of different chime sounds. The 200m range quoted by the manufacturer is particularly impressive and should be enough for most situations.

Mains powered.

The user panel's favourite. It has a good range of chime sounds and the flashing light stays on long enough to be noticed.

Lindam Sight and Sound plug-in door chime LD65B/R

£34

It has a bright, built-in flashing light but the short duration of both visual alert and chime sound may mean the caller has to press the bell a number of times before attracting attention. There are two chime settings: one changes the volume level and the other changes the length of the chime. The high setting should be loud enough for someone with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Mains powered.

Our users found that one or two flashes wasn't enough to attract their attention – otherwise a good product.