The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera is a wired, weatherproof smart doorbell that boasts an expansive 175° vertical field of view, remarkable low-light performance, and Smart Focus technology for precise tracking. With advanced radar verification, it minimizes false alerts, ensuring that you are only notified when it matters.
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Table of Contents
Introduction – ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera
As a homeowner who values security and convenience, I recently had the opportunity to explore the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera. This comprehensive review will take you through my firsthand experience with this fantastic piece of smart home technology, from its design and performance to its unique features and capabilities.
Quick Summary: The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera is a wired, weatherproof smart doorbell that boasts an expansive 175° vertical field of view, remarkable low-light performance, and Smart Focus technology for precise tracking. With advanced radar verification, it minimizes false alerts, ensuring that you are only notified when it matters. It offers 24/7 monitoring, and rich notifications, and integrates seamlessly with popular smart home platforms like Alexa and Apple HomeKit.
Let’s dive into the details, and I’ll share my thoughts as we go along.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that struck me about the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera was its impeccable design and build quality. This device is not just functional; it’s also aesthetically pleasing. The sleek, modern design seamlessly blends with the exterior of my home. It feels robust and solid, which is essential for outdoor equipment. You can tell that ecobee has put considerable effort into ensuring that this device is not only technologically advanced but also visually appealing.
Impressive Field of View
The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera offers a remarkable 175° vertical field of view. This expansive field of vision sets it apart from other smart doorbells that often miss packages left on the ground. Thanks to this feature, I can see deliveries right up against my door. This is a huge convenience, especially in today’s era of online shopping, and it ensures that I never miss a delivery.
Low Light Performance
One of the standout features of this smart doorbell is its exceptional low-light performance. The powerful sensors make effective use of ambient light, allowing the camera to display colour detail for an extended period into the evening. This means I get a clearer picture even as the sun goes down. What’s even more impressive is its capability to capture high-quality images in complete darkness, providing peace of mind throughout the night.
Smart Focus and Cinematic HD Video
The Smart Focus feature is a game-changer. It recognizes when a person enters the frame and automatically pans and zooms to keep them in view without compromising the 1080p video quality. This ensures that intruders or guests are always in the centre of the frame, giving you a complete view of what’s happening at your door. The cinematic HD video quality with HDR ensures that you don’t miss any important details.
Smart Detection and Privacy
The Smart Detection feature is powered by advanced radar verification and computer vision. This results in more accurate detection, minimizing false alerts. The system is designed to notify you only when it truly matters, such as when people or packages are detected. However, it’s worth noting that package detection is a feature that requires an ecobee Smart Security subscription.
Ecobee is also committed to privacy. They’ve implemented two-factor authentication to keep your private information secure. Importantly, the Smart Doorbell Camera processes your video feed on-device, sending less footage to the cloud. This not only enhances privacy but also leads to faster alerts.
Weatherproof Design and Durability
The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, making it suitable for various climates. It’s IP65 waterproof and dustproof, and it can operate in temperatures ranging from -25°C/-13°F to 45°C/113°F. This weatherproof design ensures that the device keeps working reliably, regardless of the conditions it faces. The durability is impressive, and it’s clear that ecobee has invested in making this a long-lasting product.
Connectivity and Software Updates
I was pleased to find that the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera offers reliable 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity. This means you never miss a thing, which is crucial for a device focused on home security. Moreover, the promise of automatic software updates is a big plus. It ensures that the doorbell will continue to improve and offer the latest features even years down the line.
Warranty and Customer Support
The 3-year warranty that comes with this smart doorbell provides a sense of security and trust in the product’s quality. Knowing that the manufacturer stands by their product for such a long period is reassuring. Additionally, ecobee offers helpful support through their dedicated customer support team, which is available seven days a week. This level of support is reassuring, especially for those who may need assistance during installation.
Integrations and Convenience
One of the major advantages of the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera is its seamless integration with popular smart home systems like Alexa and Apple HomeKit. This expands its functionality and makes it a central part of your smart home ecosystem. I appreciate being able to answer the door from anywhere using two-way talk, which adds an extra layer of security.
Rich Notifications and Free Trial
The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera offers rich notifications, including video clips, to keep you informed about what’s happening at your front door. These notifications pop up instantly on your device, allowing you to decide if you need to take action. Moreover, ecobee provides a generous two-month free trial of their Smart Security subscription, which includes 30-day video storage, package detection, and even richer notifications. This free trial enhances your peace of mind.
Personal Deterrent: The Subscription Model
Now, I must admit, there’s one aspect of the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera that’s personally less appealing to me. Some of the advanced features, like package detection, are tied to the ecobee Smart Security subscription. While I understand the need for subscription models in the industry, it can be a deterrent for some users who prefer a one-time purchase without recurring costs. It’s a small caveat in an otherwise impressive offering.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Expansive Field of View: The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera boasts an impressive 175° vertical field of view, ensuring that you never miss deliveries or important visitors.
- Low Light Performance: Powerful sensors make excellent use of ambient light, allowing for clear and detailed images well into the evening and even in complete darkness.
- Smart Focus: The Smart Focus technology ensures that individuals are always at the centre of the frame, maintaining 1080p video quality without compromise.
- Cinematic HD Video: The doorbell delivers Full HD resolution with HDR, ensuring crystal-clear images for detailed surveillance.
- Smart Detection: Advanced radar verification and computer vision minimize false alerts, providing accurate notifications for people and packages, and enhancing overall security.
- Weatherproof Design: The device is built to withstand extreme temperatures, with IP65 waterproofing and dust protection, ensuring reliable operation in various climates.
- Durability: The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera is designed and tested to last, providing peace of mind and long-term security for up to ten years.
- Connectivity and Software Updates: Reliable 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity and automatic software updates guarantee that the device continues to improve over time.
- Warranty and Customer Support: An industry-leading 3-year warranty offers assurance, and the dedicated customer support team is available seven days a week to assist.
- Seamless Integrations: The device seamlessly integrates with popular smart home systems like Alexa and Apple HomeKit, enhancing convenience and security.
- Rich Notifications and Free Trial: The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera offers rich notifications, including video clips, and provides a generous two-month free trial of their Smart Security subscription, enhancing peace of mind.
Cons:
- The Subscription Model: Some advanced features, such as package detection, require an ecobee Smart Security subscription. This may deter users who prefer one-time purchases without ongoing costs.
- Must be a wired installation: Currently no battery alternative is available
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera is a remarkable addition to any home, offering a robust set of features that prioritize security, convenience, and privacy. Its impressive field of view, low light performance, and smart detection capabilities make it a standout choice for those looking to enhance their home security. The easy installation, 24/7 monitoring, and extensive integrations further solidify its position as a top-tier smart doorbell.
With a generous two-month free trial, ecobee Smart Security subscription, and a worry-free 3-year warranty, ecobee has demonstrated its commitment to providing a superior product and customer experience. This is a smart doorbell that offers not just peace of mind, but also a sense of control and convenience over your home’s security.
The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera is an excellent investment for anyone seeking a reliable, feature-rich, and privacy-conscious solution for their home security needs. From its impeccable design to its advanced technology, it truly sets a new standard for smart doorbells.
Please note that while the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera has numerous advantages, the subscription model may deter some potential buyers. It’s important to weigh the value of the features against the ongoing costs to determine if they align with your needs and budget.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera compatible with my home?
- A1: To use this doorbell, you’ll need an existing wired doorbell hookup, 16 to 24 Volts AC Power, and a high-speed internet connection. You can check compatibility using ecobee’s compatibility checker or reach out to their support for confirmation.
Q2: Do I need a subscription for all the features?
- A2: While many features are available without a subscription, some advanced features like package detection and rich notifications require an ecobee Smart Security subscription.
Q3: Is professional monitoring included with the doorbell purchase?
- A3: Professional monitoring through RapidSOS is not included with the purchase of the doorbell. It requires an ecobee Smart Security subscription.
Looking for a great Smart Doorbell with no subscriptions? Check here!
