SwitchBot Smart Video Doorbell Review: The Best Video Doorbell

SwitchBot is back with a new device to make your home smarter: the Smart Video Doorbell. As its name indicates, It is a doorbell with an integrated camera that includes an indoor screen from which you can see and attend to whoever knocks at your door.

Being a smart doorbell, it has all the functions you would expect: motion detection, real-time alerts, two-way communication and integrates perfectly with other home automation systems.

We’ve already put one to the test to see if it lives up to its reputation and if it is, in fact, the definitive solution to monitor the entrance to your house. Do you want to know what we discovered? Let’s analyze it in detail.

SwitchBot Smart Video Doorbell: a doorbell with a 2K camera, 4.3″ screen and many smart features

The SwitchBot Smart Video Doorbell offers a Complete surveillance with 2K camera and color night vision. Its 165° angle captures every detail and has a two-way intercom to talk from anywhere. With long battery life, motion alerts and no monthly fees, it is the all-in-one option for your security. We’ll leave you with its spec sheet and then talk in depth about what it has to offer.

SwitchBot Smart Video Doorbell technical sheet

A smarter doorbell than it looks

The SwitchBot Smart Video Doorbell is made up of two main elements: the camera doorbell and its indoor display or monitor. Both stand out for a robust construction in high quality plastic and generous thicknessthat conveys a feeling of solidity. The doorbell, with its IP65 certification, is perfectly Sealed against dust and withstands even the heaviest rainso it is suitable for outdoors.

In terms of design, the bell has a silver appearance and considerable dimensions (13 cm high x 6.5 cm wide). It is elegant, but it certainly attracts attention. This can be interpreted as a plus point, as it deters potential criminals and clearly shows visitors where to knock, or as a minus if you prefer something more discreet. The call button is well located and marked at the bottom.

In the upper area it integrates a camera that records in 2K and a night vision system that combines 940 nm infrared with two powerful white LEDs. I especially want to highlight this point: night vision is excellent and allows you to identify whoever is at your door with complete clarity and color, without depending on external light sources, something that traditional video intercoms do not always offer.

One of its greatest successes is the flexibility of installation. You can connect it to the existing wiring of an old doorbell or place it anywhere without work, thanks to its integrated 5000 mAh battery. Although it includes 3M adhesives for easy attachment, I recommend using the included screws for a more secure hold. In addition, the kit includes two interchangeable bases: one flat and one with a 15° inclination, which you can mount to the left or right of the door, along with templates to guide the installation.

The camera’s 165° field of view is more than enough to cover the entire entrance, although 79.5° vertical angle can be just right for viewing small packages right at the foot of the doorespecially if the doorbell is placed at the standard height. Still, the overall coverage is very good and the image quality, both day and night, is more than acceptable (but don’t expect much).

The camera also incorporates PIR detection to identify people, animals and vehicles, a light sensor that automatically activates night modeand speaker and microphone for two-way communication. She is very complete and intelligent!

Regarding the battery, On the bottom edge it has a USB-C port protected by a rubber capexclusive for cargo (without cybersecurity risks). According to the manufacturer, it takes about 6 hours to fully charge and can last up to 570 days under favorable conditions. In my tests, consumption has been very low, so the estimate seems realistic. Personally, I prefer the wired connection to avoid periodic charging, but I value the convenience of the wireless option for no-work installations.

To conclude this section, it is important to note that The doorbell connects to the screen and your mobile via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz WiFibeing 100% wireless. Of course, it must be located less than 10 meters from the interior screen, which acts as both a viewer and a communication hub.

Ah! And as for extras, the doorbell has a Integrated NFC tag to unlock the SwitchBot Lock just by bringing your phone closer. Additionally, SwitchBot sells a optional solar panel to keep your battery charged automatically with the sun’s energy.

The interior screen contributes a lot and is suitable for the whole family

The interior screen is undoubtedly the perfect complement that elevates the video intercom experience, making it suitable for all members of the family. SwitchBot includes this monitor to ensure you never miss a call, avoiding potential viewing delays. You can place it on any surface thanks to its integrated support or fix it to the wall with the included screws. Unlike the doorbell, it always works connected to the power, without depending on batteries.

Its main function is to show you in real time what the doorbell camera captures, but it goes much further: It has a 100 dB alarm that ensures that you will hear the doorbell in any corner of the house, with a clear and forceful sound.

On the front, the screen has four black buttons at the bottom (from left to right) for: live view, recording playback, lock and quick responses. Besides, Includes two larger white buttons with phone icons to start and end real-time video calls with two-way audio. Intuitive and very easy to control! An important detail: although you see the camera video, the person at the door cannot see you; The video transmission is one-way, only the audio is two-way.

It should be noted that the screen is not touch; All interaction is done through these physical buttons. On the other hand, I would like to highlight its size 4.3 inches; It is sufficiently wide, bright and with good viewing angles. It can be seen clearly without having to get too close.

As additional features, shows time and weather conditions by default (this data disappears after a configurable time between 1 and 5 minutes). In the upper right corner, icons indicate the status of the doorbell, the micro SD card, the WiFi connection and the battery level of the outdoor doorbell.

Regarding storage, The monitor accepts a micro SD card to save recordings locally (a 4 GB card is included). For those who prefer a cloud alternative, SwitchBot also offers this optional service, completing a versatile storage ecosystem adapted to different needs.

The SwitchBot app sends you real-time alerts about what’s happening in your home

The SwitchBot app not only complements the Smart Video Doorbell, but transforms it into a much smarter and customizable security system. In addition to allowing you to see and answer the doorbell from the comfort of your mobile, one of its most useful functions is the Complete call log, where you can review every event recorded by the doorbell with its corresponding video and audio.

Within the functions it offers, you will find a level of customization that impresses: you can activate an audible alarm, control doorbell lights, adjust motion detection sensitivityset up night vision and even play predefined quick responses.

It has a section that allows you to access all the recordings and screenshots stored, either on the micro SD card or in the cloud, with the possibility of downloading them directly to your smartphone. Additionally, it includes a practical tamper alarm that alerts if anyone attempts to move or interfere with the doorbell. As usual with SwitchBot, the number of settings available is extraordinary, offering flexibility that satisfies everyone from basic to the most demanding users.

To round out the experience, The app allows integration with Alexa and Google Assistantmaking real-time video transmission possible using voice commands. It’s also compatible with Matter, SmartThings, and Home Assistant, so it can be integrated into virtually any smart home.

Is the SwitchBot Smart Video Doorbell worth it?

The SwitchBot Smart Video Doorbell has an official price of €159.99 and right now on Amazon it is reduced to only €129.99. At first it may seem a little high compared to other options, but when you realize that It comes with everything included (the doorbell with that cool camera and, above all, the monitor for inside the house)The perspective changes completely.

Having that screen is really essential for everyday life: Children, grandparents or anyone at home can see who is calling and speak on the monitor without having to pick up a cell phone or understand apps. That alone justifies the investment, because it turns the doorbell into something useful for everyone, not just for the most technological one in the family.

And the thing doesn’t end there. The app is super complete and notifies you immediately of everything, but its greatest advantage is that it “plays as a team” with other home systems. The fact that it works with Home Assistant and Matter means you’re not married to one brand foreverbut you can integrate it into your smart home as it is today and as it will be in the future.

So, if you are looking for a door watch that’s family-friendly and future-readyThe SwitchBot Smart Video Doorbell is a safe bet and makes a lot of sense. Like any smart doorbell, it is not perfect, but it is undoubtedly the most complete and useful of all those available on the market.