I’ve used just a few doorbell cameras and completely loved my time with Aqara’s Sensible Video Doorbell G4. Like many Aqara merchandise, the G4 is chock stuffed with options at an inexpensive value and is suitable with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s rather a lot on supply, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Value and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is out there solely by means of Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m penning this there’s an immediate $22 low cost coupon you’ll be able to clip to use to your buy. It’s presently accessible solely within the U.S.
The G4 is priced beneath opponents like Arlo, Ring, or Nest, and doesn’t require a subscription for video recording, because the repeater options expandable storage for native recording. So that you’ll save just a few {dollars} in comparison with competing merchandise. It’s essential to notice that for just a few additional {dollars}, some competing merchandise supply a vertically wider discipline of view, and barely greater video decision.
The G4 is out there in both black, or shadow grey.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Specs and options
Aqara’s Video Doorbell G4 is powered by six AA batteries, which will be customary or rechargeable, however will last as long as 4 months relying on how usually exercise is triggered. The G4 can be wired to an AC/DC transformer like among the best video doorbells available. The video is 1080p with a 162-degree discipline of view, however in my testing, I discovered that I’d prefer it to have a larger vertical discipline of view. I’ve it positioned fairly low on my door, as you will see within the ultra-wide shot of my patio beneath. At that degree, I can see as tall as a 6’ individual’s head, however I can’t see the bottom, so when packages are positioned at my door, they’re out of view.
That is additionally as a result of method my entrance porch is ready up. It’s fairly slender, so you probably have a bigger entrance porch, you’ll get extra of the individual in view as they strategy the digicam. You received’t probably see a package deal on the bottom if it’s positioned too near your door although.
The G4 has some nifty AI and privateness options, like on-device facial recognition. Utilizing the Aqara Dwelling app, you’ll be able to reply the doorbell utilizing an “Uncle”, robotic, or clown voice. One other helpful privateness characteristic is the flexibility to masks areas of the picture which will comprise delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ residences or houses.
The repeater and doorbell models are each single-band 2.4GHz b/g/n solely. Whereas the doorbell will be powered by batteries or wired, with batteries used as a backup, the repeater have to be linked to an exterior energy provide through USB-C connection. The repeater additionally helps native storage as much as 512GB through microSD card, which can let you arrange 24/7 recording without having an web connection or the cloud.
The repeater/chime is definitely fairly full-featured. It includes a loud 95dB speaker, which is nice for the customized ringtones you’ll be able to arrange with it. You need to use facial recognition to set off these customized tones primarily based on who’s on the door. It can be arrange with different automation to behave as an alarm. Say, you probably have different Aqara merchandise just like the window sensors and somebody breaks into that window.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4:Construct and appears
The G4 will probably evoke sturdy feelings from totally different customers for its seems to be. Whereas some people just like the svelte styling of the Arlo video doorbell, the Aqara G4 is bigger and boxier just like the Ring doorbell. Its doorbell button which lights up through LEDs, and its digicam module are giant and apparent, nothing discreet about it.
The G4 feels substantial and is IP-rated, although the instruction guide recommends inserting it on a porch or different shaded space. It’s accessible in two colours, each darkish tones solely. For those who’re in an residence and may’t completely alter your entrance door, or swap out the doorbell, this unit matches into considered one of my favourite momentary mounts, the Doorbell Boa. It’s a good match by means of the face of the Boa as a result of giant buttons on the face of the G4, nevertheless it works with minimal trouble.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Ease of use
Organising the Video Doorbell G4 was a breeze. There are QR codes for downloading the Aqara Dwelling app and for binding to HomeKit. The repeater is the half that connects to your private home router, whereas the precise doorbell unit connects to it. So, you’ll arrange the repeater first by including it to the Aqara Dwelling app, and following the prompts.
I like to recommend setting every part up in Aqara Dwelling first, after which connecting to Apple Dwelling as a result of there are plenty of options price utilizing that aren’t uncovered to HomeKit. When you configure options like picture masking or customized ringtones, you’ll be able to entry and use the G4 by means of Apple’s Dwelling app.
One side that doesn’t get sufficient consideration is how simple it’s to make use of most of those HKSV-supported cameras together with your Apple Watch. The parents in Cupertino, CA, deserve their flowers for creating units whose connectedness is fairly strong throughout {hardware}. I like being out and about and looking out on the Dwelling app on my Apple Watch to see who’s on the door. I may even management speaker quantity and speak straight by means of the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There’s some strong competitors within the linked doorbell area, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get plenty of options for much less cash than you’ll with opponents.
For those who want a wider entrance porch view, you’ll be able to take a look at the Nest doorbell cam. I’ve used it, and the view is great. As tight because the area is in entrance of my door, I can see a complete individual and packages on the bottom. The catch, although, is that it doesn’t help HomeKit. Belkin’s Wemo model has its compact Sensible Doorbell Digicam, which does help HomeKit, although I’ve not but had the prospect to check it out. It comes with a bigger discipline of view and price ticket, virtually double the fee.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Do you have to purchase it?
You should purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You need a terrific doorbell at a good value
- You desire a battery-operated doorbell cam
- You need plenty of customization choices
You should not purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You want a wider discipline of view
- You don’t wish to cope with a two-piece unit
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Verdict
Like I mentioned earlier, I haven’t examined the Wemo providing but, however of these I’ve examined, that is within the working for the very best of present! The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 offers you a wealth of customizations, some very cool privateness options, and most significantly, strong video efficiency with well timed notifications. For those who’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, chances are you’ll wish to go all in on Aqara, and it’s video doorbell.
Nice options, nice value
With the correct quantity of options to cost, Aqara continues to set the usual for sensible house merchandise that are dependable and wallet-friendly. Simply know that the video side ratio could also be too slender vertically for some.
