After using the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell for around a month, this review takes a detailed look at its design, features, setup process, and real-world performance to help you decide if it is the right smart doorbell for your home.

Design and Build Quality

The Aqara G400 Video Doorbell features a modern and minimal design with a black finish, rounded edges and a prominent illuminated doorbell button on the front. The lens sits above the button alongside the Aqara logo, giving the doorbell a clean and contemporary appearance that blends well with most homes.

The device includes a mounting bracket that can either be screwed into place or attached using adhesive pads. Aqara also includes an angled bracket if you need to adjust the viewing angle when installing the doorbell.

On the rear of the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell there is a removable block that reveals a MicroSD card slot as well as space for an ethernet cable. Two rear blocks are included in the box, allowing you to configure the doorbell differently depending on whether you are using ethernet or traditional doorbell wiring.

Unlike some previous Aqara video doorbells where the MicroSD card was installed in the indoor chime, the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell places the card slot directly inside the doorbell itself. This likely improves performance when uploading footage to cloud services, particularly when using ethernet connectivity.

The back of the device also contains QR codes used for pairing, so it is worth taking a photo of these before mounting the doorbell.

Indoor Chime

The Aqara G400 Video Doorbell also includes an indoor chime unit. This connects via USB-C power and features a rounded black design that matches the aesthetic of the doorbell itself.

The indoor chime handles alerts when someone presses the doorbell and can also be used for two-way communication and quick reply messages.

Overall, both components feel well designed and slightly smaller than Aqara’s previous wireless video doorbell models.

Video Quality and Field of View

One of the standout features of the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell is its vertical video format. It records in a 3:4 aspect ratio rather than the traditional horizontal view used by many doorbells.

This vertical orientation means that when installed at the correct height, the camera can capture a clear view of packages placed on your doorstep as well as visitors standing at the door.

The camera offers:

• 2K video recording in the Aqara app
• 165 degree wide field of view
• Infrared night vision
• Object detection using AI

When used with Apple HomeKit Secure Video, the footage is currently limited to 1080p resolution. This limitation comes from Apple’s HomeKit platform rather than the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell itself.

Smart Home Compatibility

The Aqara G400 Video Doorbell works with multiple smart home ecosystems including:

• Apple HomeKit Secure Video
• Amazon Alexa
• Google Home
• Samsung SmartThings
• Home Assistant via RTSP

Apple Home integration is particularly strong. The Aqara G400 Video Doorbell supports HomeKit Secure Video which enables encrypted cloud recording and advanced features like face recognition.

Face recognition can identify people using the photos stored in your iCloud Photos library. Notifications can even tell you exactly who is at the door if the system recognises them.

Another useful feature is the ability to use Apple HomePods as additional doorbell chimes, ensuring you never miss a visitor.

Connectivity and Power Options

The Aqara G400 Video Doorbell can be powered in two different ways.

• Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
• Traditional doorbell wiring with dual-band Wi-Fi

When using Wi-Fi, the doorbell supports Wi-Fi 6 with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.

This flexibility makes the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell suitable for a wide range of installation scenarios. Ethernet connectivity is particularly useful for users who want the most stable connection possible.

Storage Options

The Aqara G400 Video Doorbell offers multiple storage options, which makes it possible to avoid ongoing subscription costs.

• MicroSD card storage (up to 512GB)
• Apple HomeKit Secure Video cloud storage
• Network Attached Storage (NAS)

NAS support allows continuous 24-hour recording with loop recording if you want to maintain a local archive of footage.

Aqara also offers a cloud subscription service that unlocks additional AI features and extended cloud storage. However, many users will find that the built-in storage options combined with Apple HomeKit Secure Video are sufficient.

AI Detection and Notifications

The Aqara G400 Video Doorbell uses a combination of local and cloud AI detection to identify different types of activity.

Detection categories include:

• People
• Animals
• Packages
• Vehicles
• Faces

You can customise notification settings and sensitivity levels to control exactly what triggers alerts.

Apple Home also allows you to choose which types of activity generate notifications. Many users may prefer managing alerts through Apple Home due to its powerful face recognition and notification system.

Virtual Fence and Motion Zones

The Aqara G400 Video Doorbell also includes a useful feature called a virtual fence. This allows you to draw a detection zone within the camera’s view.

This is particularly helpful if your doorbell camera captures part of the street or pavement, as you can focus detection on the area immediately around your door.

RTSP and Home Assistant Support

For advanced smart home users, the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell supports RTSP streaming. This allows the video feed to be integrated into platforms such as Home Assistant.

RTSP access makes the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell far more flexible than many competing smart doorbells which lock users into proprietary ecosystems.

Reliability and Daily Use

After several weeks of use, the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell has proven to be reliable with no connection dropouts.

Live video loads quickly in both the Aqara app and Apple Home. Notifications appear promptly and include snapshot previews when someone rings the doorbell.

Two-way audio works clearly enough for communicating with visitors or delivery drivers, and the illuminated button helps make the doorbell easier to see at night.

The vertical camera design also provides a particularly useful view of packages placed on the ground near the door.

Potential Downsides

While the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell offers many strengths, there are a few limitations worth noting.

• The mounting bracket does not offer adjustable angles beyond the included wedge.
• Some advanced AI features require an Aqara cloud subscription.
• The device currently does not support Matter.

Matter camera support is still relatively new, so this may become more relevant as the standard evolves.

Final Verdict

The Aqara G400 Video Doorbell is an impressive smart doorbell that combines high-quality video, strong Apple Home integration and flexible connectivity options.

Its vertical video format, Power-over-Ethernet support, RTSP streaming and local storage options make it one of the most versatile smart doorbells available today.

For Apple users in particular, the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell stands out as one of the best HomeKit Secure Video doorbells currently available.

If you want a reliable smart doorbell with excellent smart home compatibility and the ability to avoid subscription fees, the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell is definitely worth considering.

Buy the Aqara G400 Video Doorbell

The post Aqara G400 Video Doorbell Review: A Powerful HomeKit Doorbell with PoE and 2K Video appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

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.

The post Switchbot Video Doorbell Review appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

Welcome to Mark’s Tech Blogs! In this post, I’m reviewing the brand new Aqara G410 Video Doorbell, a HomeKit-compatible smart doorbell that builds on the popular G4. Aqara kindly provided this device for review, but this post is not sponsored and all thoughts are my own.

The Aqara G410 Video Doorbell is an incremental update with plenty of new and improved features. Pricing is expected to be between £100 and £150. While that’s more expensive than some alternatives like Ring, you won’t ever need a subscription with this device if you don’t want one.

Design

The design of the Aqara G410 Video Doorbell remains largely unchanged from the G4 — a slim, black body with a large push button that lights up and a wide, round camera lens. The right side features a cover for removing the doorbell from its stand, while the back allows for both hard-wired and battery-powered installation. Personally, I recommend hard-wiring it for consistent power, especially in busy areas, as the battery life may be shorter with frequent use.

The design is practical and user-friendly — visitors rarely miss the large button. The only exception, as always, might be some couriers in a hurry!

Specs & Features

There are two major upgrades in the Aqara G410 Video Doorbell compared to its predecessor:

• 2K Video Resolution: The new doorbell supports 2K video for clearer footage. Note: in Apple HomeKit, video is still limited to 1080p until Apple updates its support.
• Matter over Thread: The doorbell now uses Matter over Thread and can act as a border router. This means you don’t need an extra hub — just the doorbell and the included chime hub. It works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and IFTTT.

The Aqara G410 Video Doorbell features upgraded mmWave sensors for better presence detection and AI for face recognition. In Apple Home, it can also identify animals, vehicles, and packages. The chime is loud at 95dB and includes a MicroSD card slot supporting up to 512GB for local video storage. HomeKit Secure Video keeps footage encrypted in your iCloud account. For those who want continuous cloud recording through the Aqara app, optional subscriptions are available but not required.

Battery Life & Weatherproofing

The Aqara G410 Video Doorbell runs on six AA batteries and can last around five months with about ten wake-ups daily. For busier areas, I strongly recommend wiring it. It’s rated IPX3 for outdoor use — Aqara recommends installing it under a porch. I’ve used the G4 version without a porch for over a year without issues, but Aqara does sell an affordable weatherproof case if you want extra protection.

The doorbell operates reliably in temperatures from -18°C to 50°C.

Setup

Setting up the Aqara G410 Video Doorbell is straightforward. In the box, you’ll find an angled mounting bracket, flat bracket, screws, sticky pads, a small screwdriver, a USB-C to USB-A cable for the chime, and batteries.

Start by pairing the doorbell in the Aqara app and then add it to Apple Home if you use HomeKit. Mounting is simple — if you’re upgrading from the G4, the mounting bracket is the same. After that, adjust your settings and notifications as needed.

Performance

In daily use, the Aqara G410 Video Doorbell performs well. Notifications in Apple Home arrive quickly, often with a helpful thumbnail on your phone or watch. The improved camera delivers better video, especially at night, and the upgraded motion sensor is more accurate.

You can set motion zones, choose to detect people, animals, parcels, and vehicles, and enable facial recognition. Apple Home’s face recognition links with your photos for easy setup, while the Aqara app lets you manually add faces. Another handy feature is lingerer detection, which alerts you if someone stay

The tamper alert helps protect against theft attempts. When someone rings the doorbell, the chime is loud and all your Apple HomePods can also chime. Notifications reach you wherever you are, and two-way audio works well for talking to visitors. The doorbell can also sync video to a NAS drive for local storage if needed.

Downsides

There are two small drawbacks. First, battery life may be shorter in high-traffic areas, so wiring is recommended for best results. Second, due to its IP rating, using the weatherproof cover is advisable if the doorbell is exposed to rain without a porch. The cover is inexpensive and adds extra peace of mind.

Verdict

Overall, the Aqara G410 Video Doorbell is an excellent choice for Apple HomeKit users. It delivers clear video day and night, reliable motion detection, accurate face recognition, and seamless smart home integration. Having used the G4 for over a year, I can confidently say the G410 is a worthy upgrade — though if you already own the G4, upgrading may not be essential.

Thanks for reading this Aqara G410 Video Doorbell review here on Mark’s Tech Blogs!

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