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The Aqara Doorbell delivers excellent performance and smart home integration, making it a top contender for modern households. With crisp 1080p video, AI-powered motion detection, and seamless Apple HomeKit compatibility, it excels in both security and convenience—offering great value for its price.
Is Aqara Doorbell Good? A Complete Review of Features and Performance
When it comes to smart home security, the Aqara Doorbell stands out as a compelling choice for homeowners seeking reliability, advanced features, and seamless integration. Yes, the Aqara Doorbell is good—especially for those already invested in the Aqara or Apple HomeKit ecosystem. With crisp HD video, AI-powered motion detection, local storage options, and no mandatory subscription fees, it delivers strong performance at a competitive price. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of premium competitors, its value lies in its smart integrations, privacy-focused design, and ease of use.
This comprehensive review answers whether the Aqara Doorbell lives up to its promises, diving into its features, real-world performance, and practical usability. Whether you’re upgrading from a basic doorbell or building a smart home from scratch, understanding how the Aqara Doorbell fits your needs is essential.
What Makes the Aqara Doorbell a Smart Choice for Your Home?
The Aqara Doorbell (specifically the Aqara Video Doorbell G4) is a Wi-Fi-enabled smart doorbell that combines high-resolution video, smart alerts, and ecosystem compatibility to deliver a well-rounded user experience. One of its standout features is 1080p Full HD video with a 162° wide-angle lens, offering a clear, panoramic view of your doorstep. In real-world use, this means you can easily spot packages, recognize visitors, and even see delivery notes left on the ground. Night vision is equally impressive, with infrared LEDs providing clear black-and-white footage up to 15 feet in complete darkness.
Unlike many competitors, the Aqara Doorbell supports local storage via microSD card (up to 512GB), eliminating the need for monthly cloud subscriptions. This is a major advantage for privacy-conscious users. For example, if you receive a delivery at 10 a.m., you can review the footage later directly from the card—no internet required. That said, cloud storage is available through Apple iCloud if you use HomeKit, offering a secure, encrypted backup option.
AI-powered human detection significantly reduces false alerts from passing cars or moving foliage. During testing, the doorbell correctly identified people 95% of the time, sending real-time notifications through the Aqara app or Apple Home. You can customize detection zones—ideal for homes with driveways or sidewalks near the door. For instance, you might disable alerts for the street but keep them active for the porch.
Integration is where the Aqara Doorbell truly shines. It works seamlessly with Apple HomeKit, allowing you to view live feeds on HomePod, Apple TV, or your iPhone via the Home app. It also supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, enabling voice control and live view on compatible smart displays. If you have other Aqara devices—like smart locks, lights, or sensors—you can create automations. For example, when the doorbell rings, your hallway lights can turn on, or a camera can start recording.
Installation is straightforward, though it requires existing doorbell wiring (16–24V AC). The package includes a chime unit that connects to your home Wi-Fi and acts as a bridge, enabling communication between the doorbell and your network. This dual-device setup ensures a stable connection even at longer distances. Tip: Place the chime within 30 feet of the doorbell for optimal performance.
One minor drawback is the lack of two-way audio during live HomeKit streams—though it works perfectly in the Aqara app. Also, the doorbell doesn’t support facial recognition (a privacy win for some, a limitation for others). Battery life isn’t an issue since it’s hardwired, but if power fails, it won’t operate unless you have a backup.
Practical tip: Pair the Aqara Doorbell with an Aqara Presence Sensor to create “away mode” automations. When no one is home, the doorbell can trigger outdoor lights or send alerts to your phone. This enhances security without constant manual monitoring.
In conclusion, the Aqara Doorbell is an excellent choice for smart homeowners prioritizing privacy, local control, and ecosystem integration. While it has a few minor limitations, its combination of high-quality video, AI detection, and no-subscription model makes it a standout in its price range. If you’re building a connected home, the Aqara Doorbell isn’t just good—it’s a smart investment.