I’ve used just a few doorbell cameras and completely loved my time with Aqara’s Good Video Doorbell G4. Like many Aqara merchandise, the G4 is chock filled with options at an inexpensive value and is suitable with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s rather a lot on provide, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Value and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is offered solely via Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m scripting this there may be an instantaneous $22 low cost coupon you possibly can clip to use to your buy. It’s presently out there solely within the U.S.
The G4 is priced beneath rivals 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 further {dollars}, some competing merchandise provide a vertically wider area of view, and barely greater video decision.
The G4 is offered 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 commonplace or rechargeable, however will last as long as 4 months relying on how typically exercise is triggered. The G4 may also be wired to an AC/DC transformer like among the greatest video doorbells out there. The video is 1080p with a 162-degree area of view, however in my testing, I discovered that I’d prefer it to have a larger 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 beneath. At that stage, I can see as tall as a 6’ particular person’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 because of the means my entrance porch is ready up. It’s fairly slim, so when you have a bigger entrance porch, you’ll get extra of the particular person in view as they strategy the digital camera. You gained’t possible see a bundle 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 House app, you possibly can reply the doorbell utilizing an “Uncle”, robotic, or clown voice. One other useful privateness characteristic is the power to masks areas of the picture that will comprise delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ residences or properties.
The repeater and doorbell items 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 related to an exterior energy provide by way of USB-C connection. The repeater additionally helps native storage as much as 512GB by way of microSD card, which can will let you arrange 24/7 recording without having an web connection or the cloud.
The repeater/chime is definitely fairly full-featured. It incorporates a loud 95dB speaker, which is nice for the customized ringtones you possibly can arrange with it. You should use facial recognition to set off these customized tones primarily based on who’s on the door. It may also be arrange with different automation to behave as an alarm. Say, when you 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 possible evoke robust feelings from totally different customers for its appears. Whereas some of us 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 by way of LEDs, and its digital camera module are giant and apparent, nothing discreet about it.
The G4 feels substantial and is IP-rated, although the instruction guide recommends putting it on a porch or different shaded space. It’s out there in two colours, each darkish tones solely. In case you’re in an residence and may’t completely alter your entrance door, or swap out the doorbell, this unit suits into certainly one of my favourite non permanent mounts, the Doorbell Boa. It’s a good match via the face of the Boa because of the 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 House app and for binding to HomeKit. The repeater is the half that connects to your own home router, whereas the precise doorbell unit connects to it. So, you’ll arrange the repeater first by including it to the Aqara House app, and following the prompts.
I like to recommend setting every thing up in Aqara House first, after which connecting to Apple House as a result of there are a whole lot of options price utilizing that aren’t uncovered to HomeKit. When you configure options like picture masking or customized ringtones, you possibly can entry and use the G4 via Apple’s House app.
One facet 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 gadgets whose connectedness is fairly stable throughout {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 speaker quantity and speak immediately via the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There may be some stable competitors within the related doorbell area, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get a whole lot of options for much less cash than you’d with rivals.
In case you want a wider entrance porch view, you possibly can take a look at the Nest doorbell cam. I’ve used it, and the view is superb. As tight because the area is in entrance of my door, I can see a complete particular person and packages on the bottom. The catch, although, is that it doesn’t assist HomeKit. Belkin’s Wemo model has its compact Good Doorbell Digital camera, which does assist HomeKit, although I’ve not but had the prospect to try it out. It comes with a bigger area of view and price ticket, nearly double the price.
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 battery-operated doorbell cam
- You need a whole lot of customization choices
You should not purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You want a wider area of view
- You don’t need to take care of a two-piece unit
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Verdict
Like I stated earlier, I haven’t examined the Wemo providing but, however of these I’ve examined, that is within the operating for one of the best of present! The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 provides you a wealth of customizations, some very cool privateness options, and most significantly, stable video efficiency with well timed notifications. In case you’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, you could need 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 good house merchandise that are dependable and wallet-friendly. Simply know that the video facet ratio could also be too slim vertically for some.
