Combining a compact display unit with the video doorbell offers a straightforward enhancement for an increasingly standard smart home gadget.
A common challenge with video doorbells arises when your smartphone isn't immediately accessible to view visitors at the door. For instance, if the chime sounds while you're in another room and your device is out of reach, you might either hurry to retrieve it for a glimpse or simply open the door without checking.
To address this, SwitchBot pairs its doorbell with a separate, battery-operated screen that provides an additional method to observe arrivals. This setup proves cost-effective whether you're integrated into the SwitchBot system or new to it.
The package contains two main elements: the doorbell unit and the accompanying display. Each will be examined in detail below.
Installation of the SwitchBot Smart Video Doorbell takes mere moments using the provided adhesive, and connecting it via the SwitchBot application is remarkably efficient.
The device sports a basic appearance in silver, somewhat like an outdated mobile phone, with dimensions of 4.96 by 3.70 by 1.50 inches (126 by 94 by 38 mm) in height, width, and depth. It holds an IP65 certification, indicating full resistance to dust and the ability to endure water streams from various angles, excluding high-pressure cleaning.
SwitchBot supplies all necessary accessories for mounting the Smart Video Doorbell, such as adjustable angle mounts.
Equipped with a 2K lens offering up to 2304 by 1296 pixel resolution and a 165-degree viewing angle, the doorbell captures footage in a 16:9 format designed to show full-body images of people at the entrance. It includes an integrated motion detector and a pair of modest LED lights at the top that can be triggered manually. The lower section features a microphone and a button that lights up upon detecting movement. Mounting hardware, including flat and slanted options, comes included.
Power comes from a built-in 5,000mAh battery, which the manufacturer claims can endure up to 19 months between charges. Recharging options include a 5V/2A adapter via USB-C at the base, continuous low-level charging from a conventional 24V doorbell power source, or an optional $50 solar accessory tailored to maintain the battery level. One drawback is the lack of a charging status light; a basic LED would help users who occasionally detach the unit for recharging.
Described by SwitchBot as an advanced display, the monitor has a 4.3-inch panel at 480 by 272 pixel clarity. It includes several buttons for handling incoming video calls by accepting or ending them, initiating a live feed, or reviewing stored footage. These controls serve alternative purposes during active streams.
The Smart Video Doorbell from SwitchBot doesn't stand out for stylish design in smart home setups.
By default, the screen remains off until the doorbell is activated, then it switches to a real-time outdoor view. An always-active mode is available, but it only displays the current time in 24-hour style and the date, with no customization options. The unit draws power from a standard two-pin outlet.
Recorded footage can be saved either through SwitchBot's online storage or via a microSD card inserted into the display slot, supporting capacities up to 512GB. A 4GB card is provided initially.
Users have access to five pre-set voice replies, like instructing someone to place a delivery at the entrance and leave a note if needed, ideal for those preferring to avoid direct interaction. These can be triggered from the app or the screen.
Navigating the SwitchBot app is straightforward, though it lacks tools for navigating backward or forward in timelines during clip reviews.
Both the display and doorbell support wall attachment using supplied fasteners or sticky pads, while the screen also has a built-in stand for desk use. They need to stay within 100 meters in unobstructed space for connectivity; obstacles will shorten this distance, and SwitchBot suggests an effective limit of 5 to 10 meters. Communication occurs over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, linking the devices and internet access through your network.
Mounting methods depend on the surface and approach, but screw-based setups require only two per item. Adhesive alternatives allow for nearly instant placement.
App configuration is swift, bypassing the need for a separate SwitchBot Hub for wireless integration. The doorbell incorporates its own connectivity module, enabling compatibility with SwitchBot smart locks for remote operation through the doorbell's controls, but it doesn't extend to other SwitchBot products. Once powered, the app detects it as a fresh addition, and a handful of steps link it to your home Wi-Fi.
The SwitchBot Video Doorbell performs reliably overall. As someone nears, the call button softly glows. Activating it sounds a prominent chime by default, alerts the display, sends a mobile notification, and if linked to Alexa—the sole external platform—compatible speakers will alert you to the activation.
Notably, pressing the button doesn't automatically launch the video on the display; you must select the playback option, which then loads the feed after a brief delay.
The bundled display's modest resolution is apparent right away, with acceptable colors but a pixelated look that's sufficient just for hasty identifications rather than detailed viewing.
Doorbell activations and detected movements initiate recording sessions up to 60 seconds long, saved primarily to the display's microSD card. These are accessible in the app for three months, organized daily with sequential thumbnails. During tests, some thumbnails didn't appear, and fresh recordings occasionally wouldn't play unless the app was restarted. The software uses AI to identify and label human activity, though results varied in accuracy.
Subscribing to cloud storage adds features like identification of animals and cars, along with boundless online archiving for 30 days of clips. The service runs $4 monthly or $35 annually per device, with reduced rates for multiples. Purchases include a complimentary one-month trial.
The camera's minimal warping in footage proved unexpectedly positive.
The built-in motion detector proved highly reactive, constantly alerting at maximum setting around the clock, even misclassifying passing insects as people. Reducing the level significantly cut down on erroneous alerts.
Daytime footage appears sharp on mobile devices, and the broad perspective avoids excessive bending. Infrared mode for low light works adequately within roughly 15 feet, but the promoted color night vision option yields nearly pitch-black results, rendering it ineffective.
A peculiar limitation in reviewing: the app offers no options to skip ahead, go back, or pause videos. To examine footage closely, downloading to your device for external playback is necessary, a process that's quite simple.
Priced at $150 normally and occasionally discounted to $120 on Amazon, this unit undercuts many rivals, especially since none include a separate viewer.
Lacking deep dependence on the SwitchBot network, it suits various smart home environments; however, if the display isn't appealing, simpler doorbells offer better value at a lower cost.
This evaluation forms part of TechHive's comprehensive analysis of leading video doorbell options.
Christopher Null, an acclaimed tech writer with over 25 years covering consumer and enterprise innovations, previously led PC Computing as Executive Editor and launched Mobile magazine, the pioneering print outlet for mobile technology. For TechHive, he reviews diverse smart home items and contributes regularly to Wired, This Old House, and AAA's Via Magazine.