I’ve used a number of doorbell cameras and completely loved my time with Aqara’s Good Video Doorbell G4. Like many Aqara merchandise, the G4 is chock stuffed with options at an affordable value and is suitable with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s quite a bit on supply, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Worth and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is out there solely via Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m penning this there’s an immediate $22 low cost coupon you possibly can clip to use to your buy. It’s at present obtainable 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 a number of {dollars} in comparison with competing merchandise. It’s vital to notice that for a number of further {dollars}, some competing merchandise supply a vertically wider subject 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 may be normal 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 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 beneath. At that stage, 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 about up. It’s fairly slender, so if in case you have a bigger entrance porch, you’ll get extra of the individual in view as they strategy the digital camera. You gained’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 possibly can reply the doorbell utilizing an “Uncle”, robotic, or clown voice. One other helpful privateness characteristic is the power 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 may be powered by batteries or wired, with batteries used as a backup, the repeater should 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 is able to 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 possibly can arrange with it. You should utilize 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, 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 probably evoke robust feelings from totally different customers for its seems to be. 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 through LEDs, and its digital camera module are massive and apparent, nothing discreet about it.
The G4 feels substantial and is IP-rated, although the instruction handbook recommends inserting it on a porch or different shaded space. It’s obtainable in two colours, each darkish tones solely. If you happen to’re in an condo and may’t completely alter your entrance door, or swap out the doorbell, this unit matches into considered one of my favourite short-term mounts, the Doorbell Boa. It’s a good match via the face of the Boa as a result of massive buttons on the face of the G4, but it surely works with minimal problem.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Ease of use
Establishing 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 own 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 thing up in Aqara Dwelling first, after which connecting to Apple Dwelling as a result of there are a whole lot 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 via Apple’s Dwelling app.
One side that doesn’t get sufficient consideration is how straightforward 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 looking out on the Dwelling app on my Apple Watch to see who’s on the door. I may even management speaker quantity and discuss instantly via the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There may be some strong competitors within the linked 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.
If you happen to 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 individual 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 possibility to try it out. It comes with a bigger subject of view and price ticket, virtually double the associated fee.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Must you purchase it?
You can purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You need an important 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 subject of view
- You don’t need to cope with 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 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. If you happen to’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, chances are you’ll 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 side ratio could also be too slender vertically for some.
