▶ Watch my full Switchbot Video Doorbell review on YouTube
Switchbot have finally released their video doorbell and this device is pretty unique because it comes with a separate indoor screen, allowing you to easily see who’s outside without the need for a phone. Switchbot sent me this unit to review, but this is not a sponsored review.
I’ve tested the Switchbot Video Doorbell extensively — first at home to explore all the features and setup process, and then installed it at my Mum’s house. That’s because I think this device is the perfect video doorbell for someone older or less tech-savvy. If you already use a Switchbot Smart Lock, it’s also a great companion product.
Switchbot Video Doorbell Price
The Switchbot Video Doorbell costs around £160, but there are bundle deals with Switchbot locks and regular voucher codes that bring the price down. You can also add a solar panel for an extra £45, meaning you’ll never have to recharge it — something I think is well worth it. While this makes it one of the more expensive video doorbells on the market, the inclusion of the separate display makes the pricing fair.
Switchbot Video Doorbell Design
The doorbell itself has a silver body with a light-up button, speaker, microphone, camera, and two LED lights that activate in low-light conditions when motion is detected. The base includes a USB-C charging port, and you can also hardwire it for mains power.
The indoor monitor can be wall-mounted or freestanding. Its front display shows the time, weather, lock status (if paired with a Switchbot Lock), Wi-Fi signal, and doorbell battery level. Below the screen are four buttons, plus two large buttons for answering and hanging up calls. The design prioritises function over form, which is exactly the right choice for this kind of device.
Switchbot Video Doorbell Specs
- IP65 waterproof rating
- 2K ultra-wide camera with colour night vision
- 165° field of view (not tall enough to capture the doorstep fully)
- 5000mAh rechargeable battery (claimed 570-day life)
- Optional mains power or solar panel support
- Motion alerts (delivered even when offline)
- Supports Alexa and Home Assistant (no Apple HomeKit yet)
- Matter listed, but cameras are not yet supported by Matter
- Local storage with 4GB included (expandable to 512GB)
- Optional cloud storage available
- Anti-theft mode with tamper alerts
- NFC support for unlocking a paired Switchbot Smart Lock
- Indoor chime volume up to 100dB
It’s a feature-packed video doorbell, so let’s move on to installation.
Installation and Setup
Installation is straightforward with included screws, sticky pads, and an optional angle bracket. The solar panel includes a long lead and mounting bracket. I recommend pairing the Switchbot Video Doorbell with the Switchbot app before mounting, so you can adjust positioning.
Setup is handled in the Switchbot app by adding the device to your Wi-Fi and assigning it to a room. You can configure chime volume, night vision, whether the display stays on or sleeps, and bind it to a Switchbot Lock. NFC cards can be copied from the lock to the doorbell, which is a brilliant feature.
The app also lets you fine-tune motion detection (human, pet, or vehicle recognition with AI), adjust sensitivity, schedules, recording length, and detection zones.
Everyday Use
As a doorbell, it performs very well. Visitors pressing the button appear almost instantly on the indoor display, and you can answer and talk to them using the built-in microphone and speaker. Notifications arrive quickly in the app, and the live feed loads rapidly even when away from home.
At night, the LED lights illuminate visitors in colour, and the local storage means no subscription is required to access past recordings. You can scroll through events on the display or app, though saving clips in the app is less intuitive — you have to record them manually during playback.
The app and indoor display include handy quick-replies, an alarm feature, and spotlight controls. For elderly relatives or those less comfortable with smartphones, the dedicated indoor monitor makes this one of the easiest-to-use video doorbells available.
Downsides
- No Apple HomeKit support yet
- Motion detection can be oversensitive, sometimes triggered by moving bushes
- Auto-replies distort slightly at maximum speaker volume
Final Verdict
The Switchbot Video Doorbell may not be the first device with a wireless monitor, but it’s arguably the best implementation. For elderly or less tech-savvy users, it’s an outstanding option thanks to the easy-to-use display and quick response times.
While it’s pricier than some alternatives like Ring, it avoids the ongoing subscription trap thanks to local storage and includes a dedicated monitor in the box. For £160, plus the optional £45 solar panel, I think it offers excellent value. Discount codes are frequently available too, so you’ll rarely need to pay full price.
In short: if you want a reliable, easy-to-use, and subscription-free smart doorbell — especially for an older family member — the Switchbot Video Doorbell is one of the best choices out there.
