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 affordable worth and is appropriate with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s quite a bit on provide, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Value and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is on the market solely by means of Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m scripting this there’s an immediate $22 low cost coupon you possibly can clip to use to your buy. It’s presently obtainable solely within the U.S.
The G4 is priced under 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 necessary to notice that for just a few additional {dollars}, some competing merchandise provide a vertically wider subject of view, and barely larger video decision.
The G4 is on the market 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 might be customary or rechargeable, however will last as long as 4 months relying on how usually exercise is triggered. The G4 will also be wired to an AC/DC transformer like a number of the finest video doorbells obtainable. The video is 1080p with a 162-degree subject of view, however in my testing, I discovered that I’d prefer it to have a higher vertical subject 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 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 as a result of approach my entrance porch is about up. It’s fairly slim, so if in case you have a bigger entrance porch, you’ll get extra of the particular person in view as they method the digital camera. You received’t doubtless 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 helpful privateness function is the power to masks areas of the picture which will include delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ flats or houses.
The repeater and doorbell items are each single-band 2.4GHz b/g/n solely. Whereas the doorbell might be powered by batteries or wired, with batteries used as a backup, the repeater have to be related to an exterior energy provide through USB-C connection. The repeater additionally helps native storage as much as 512GB through microSD card, which can permit you to arrange 24/7 recording while not 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 possibly can arrange with it. You need to use facial recognition to set off these customized tones primarily based on who’s on the door. It will also be arrange with different automation to behave as an alarm. Say, if in case 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 doubtless evoke sturdy feelings from completely different customers for its seems. 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 digital camera 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 obtainable in two colours, each darkish tones solely. When you’re in an house and might’t completely alter your entrance door, or swap out the doorbell, this unit suits into certainly 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, however it works with minimal trouble.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Ease of use
Establishing 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 house 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 all the things up in Aqara House first, after which connecting to Apple House as a result of there are a variety of options value 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 by means of 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 along with your Apple Watch. The parents in Cupertino, CA, deserve their flowers for creating gadgets whose connectedness is fairly strong throughout {hardware}. I really like being out and about and searching on the House 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 related doorbell area, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get a variety of options for much less cash than you’d with opponents.
When 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 great. As tight because the area is in entrance of my door, I can see a whole 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 subject of view and price ticket, nearly double the associated fee.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Must you purchase it?
You can purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You need an excellent doorbell at a good worth
- You desire a battery-operated doorbell cam
- You need a variety of customization choices
You should not purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You want a wider subject 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 provides you a wealth of customizations, some very cool privateness options, and most significantly, strong video efficiency with well timed notifications. When you’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, you could wish to go all in on Aqara, and it’s video doorbell.
Nice options, nice worth
With the correct quantity of options to cost, Aqara continues to set the usual for sensible residence merchandise that are dependable and wallet-friendly. Simply know that the video facet ratio could also be too slim vertically for some.