I’ve used a couple of doorbell cameras and actually loved my time with the Aqara Sensible Video Doorbell G4. Like many Aqara merchandise, the G4 is filled with options at an inexpensive value and is appropriate with HKSV, Google and Alexa. There’s lots on supply, so let’s get straight to the purpose!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Worth and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is accessible solely by means of Amazon for $120. As I write this, there’s a $22 immediate low cost coupon which you could clip to use to your buy. At present obtainable solely within the US.
The G4 is priced decrease than opponents like Arlo, Ring, or Nest, and would not require a subscription to document video, because the repeater options expandable storage for native recording. This can prevent a couple of {dollars} in comparison with competing merchandise. It is essential to notice that for a couple of further {dollars}, some competing merchandise supply a vertically wider area of view and barely larger video decision.
The G4 is accessible in black or shadow gray.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Specs and Options
The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 is powered by six AA batteries, which will be normal or rechargeable, however will last as long as 4 months relying on how typically the exercise is triggered. The G4 can be related to an AC/DC transformer like among the The most effective video doorbells obtainable.. The video is 1080p with a 162-degree area of view, however in my testing I discovered that I want it had a bigger vertical area of view. I’ve it positioned fairly low on my door, as you will see within the ultra-wide shot of my patio under. At that degree, I can see as much as the pinnacle peak of a 6-foot particular person, however I am unable to see the bottom, so when the packages are positioned on my doorstep, they’re out of sight.
That is additionally due to the best way my porch is about up. It is fairly slim, so in case you have a bigger entrance porch, you can see extra of the particular person as they get nearer to the digital camera. Nonetheless, you most likely will not see a bundle on the bottom if it is positioned too near your door.
The G4 has some nifty privateness and AI options, like on-device facial recognition. With the Aqara House app, you possibly can reply the doorbell with an “uncle,” robotic, or clown voice. One other helpful privateness characteristic is the power to masks areas of the picture that will include delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ residences or homes.
The repeater and doorbell items are single band 2.4 GHz b/g/n solely. Whereas the doorbell will be battery or wired powered, with batteries used as backup, the repeater have to be related to an exterior energy supply by way of a USB-C connection. The repeater additionally helps native storage of as much as 512GB by way of microSD card, permitting you to arrange 24/7 recording with no need an web or cloud connection.
The repeater/doorbell truly has fairly a couple of options. It encompasses a highly effective 95 dB speaker, which is nice for the customized ringtones you possibly can set with it. You should utilize facial recognition to activate these customized tones primarily based on who’s on the door. It can be configured with different automations to behave as an alarm. Say, in case you have different Aqara merchandise like window sensors and somebody breaks into that window.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Construct and Look
The G4 will most likely evoke sturdy feelings in several customers due to its look. Whereas some individuals just like the slim type of the Arlo Video Doorbellthe Aqara G4 is bigger and squarer just like the Ring doorbell. Its LED-illuminated doorbell button and digital camera module are massive and apparent, in no way discreet.
The G4 feels substantial and is IP rated, though the instruction guide recommends inserting it on a porch or different shady space. It’s obtainable in two colours, each solely in darkish tones. If you happen to’re in an house and may’t completely modify the entrance door or change the doorbell, this unit suits into one in all my favourite non permanent brackets, the Doorbell Boa. It is an ideal match on the entrance of the Boa as a result of massive buttons on the entrance of the G4, but it surely works with minimal fuss.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Ease of use
Establishing the Video Doorbell G4 was very simple. There are QR codes to obtain the Aqara House app and hyperlink them to HomeKit. The repeater is the half that connects to your own home router, whereas the precise doorbell connects to it. Due to this fact, you’ll first arrange the repeater by including it to the Aqara House app and following the directions.
I like to recommend setting the whole lot up on Aqara House first after which connecting to Apple House as a result of there are a variety of options price utilizing that are not uncovered to HomeKit. When you arrange options like picture masking or customized ringtones, you can entry and use the G4 by means of Apple’s House app.
One facet that does not get sufficient consideration is how simple it’s to make use of most of those HKSV-compatible cameras along with your Apple Watch. The oldsters in Cupertino, CA deserve their flowers for creating units whose connectivity is fairly strong throughout the {hardware}. I like being out and about and looking out on the House app on my Apple Watch to see who’s on the door. I may even management the speaker quantity and speak straight by means of the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There may be strong competitors within the related doorbell house, however Aqara’s providing stands out for its worth. You get a variety of options for much less cash than with the competitors.
If you happen to want a wider view of the entrance porch, you possibly can have a look at the Nest doorbell digital camera. I’ve used it and the view is superb. Irrespective of how slim the house in entrance of my door is, I can see an entire particular person and packages on the ground. The issue, nonetheless, is that it isn’t appropriate with HomeKit. Belkin’s Wemo model has its compact sensible doorbell digital camera, which is appropriate with HomeKit, though I have not had an opportunity to attempt it out but. It comes with a wider area of view. and value, 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 an excellent doorbell at a good value
- You desire a doorbell digital camera that runs on batteries
- You need a lot of customization choices
You shouldn’t purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You want a wider sight view
- You do not need to take care of a two-piece unit.
Aqara G4 Video Doorbell: Verdict
As I mentioned earlier than, I have not tried Wemo’s providing but, however of those I’ve tried, this one is vying for finest in present! The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 provides you a ton of customizations, some very cool privateness options, and most significantly, strong video efficiency with well timed notifications. If you happen to’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, you may need to go for Aqara and its video doorbell.
Nice options, nice value.
With the correct amount of options and value, Aqara continues to set the usual for sensible residence merchandise which might be dependable and reasonably priced. Simply know that the video facet ratio could also be too slim vertically for some.
