Home automation is finally finding its rightful place within households after being thought-after as far-fetched. Research that has been conducted by Voiceboat.ai revealed that for every four Americans, more than one of these individuals owns some type of smart home device. In addition, the average American household is also in possession of two or more apple devices.
An apple device that’s becoming increasingly more popular is the Homekit smart home ecosystem. This particular device allows you to control these smart devices through Siri, Apple’s very own voice-assistant application that’s available on your iPhone or iPad.
One smart device with a key feature that’s gaining traction within the American consumer market is smart video doorbells. A doorbell video device is usually equipped with an infra-red camera that allows users with night vision and enables users to see whether it’s light or dark. Moreover, these devices are also designed to include two-way audio. This provides users with the ability to communicate with any individuals that are entering the property.
A brilliant reason for making use of a smart device doorbell is that it can be used as an intercom, as well as a security camera. This is a significant feature to include in your home’s security, as it’s prevalent for strangers to come onto properties to deliver food items and packages in the era that we’re currently living in.
This guide has been created to showcase an array of options that can be considered the best doorbell that works with Apple Homekit. Here are some of the options to choose from, along with extra information that is useful to know when selecting the best homekit camera that’s compatible with Apple Homekit:
1. Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Best Overall)
2. Robin Proline Compact Doorbell (Most Features)
3. Toucan Rechargeable Wireless Video Doorbell (Best Value)
4. Remo + RemoBell S WIFI Video Doorbell (Editor’s Choice)
5. Yobi B3 Video Doorbell (No Recordings)
What Is Apple Homekit?
Apple Homekit is a smart device system that enables you to control all of the smart home devices presented in your household. However, this feature is only available if the smart home devices are compatible with Apple Homekit.
With Apple Homekit, you can control the locks, lights, thermostat, along with many more features. This helps create a comfortable environment within the home and can help establish the right ambiance through the touch of a button. You even have the ability to control these smart devices remotely.
Looking for more devices that work with Apple HomeKit? Check out our reviews of the best security cameras that work with HomeKit and the best thermostats that work with HomeKit.
Why Is It Important To Use An Apple Homekit Enabled Doorbell?
One of the key features to the Apple Homekit Secure Video that needs to be clearly understood is the privacy implications that come with the installation of a smart doorbell camera in your home. These devices aren’t designed to be a spy-device, and the visuals provided by the smart doorbell aren’t meant to be viewed by anyone other than the user. However, one of the features provided by the smart doorbell device is that it’s technically listening and viewing the surroundings of your home all the time.
Due to this feature, end-to-end encryption is needed for the system to remain safe and secure. This entails that the footage needs to be encrypted before being uploaded to the storage system. Thus, anyone who does happen to get into the process of these files after the encryption has taken place is going to find it useless, as they can’t decrypt these files to view the private footage.
iCloud storage, the storage system used by Apple, is secure, safe, and encrypted. In addition, Apple’s reputation for keeping user privacy is exceptionally well thought-after. This technology provides the user with the surety that the information being gathered by their Apple Homekit enabled doorbells is protected from anyone else seeing it.
This iCloud storage feature provides an Apple Homekit secure video storage. However, this encryption of video storage isn’t the only advantageous quality of the Apple Homekit video. Another benefit offered by the Homekit video is the double feature of the doorbells being a security system for protection and a convenient visual input for the intercom.
The benefits of using Homekit doorbells are never-ending. However, there are many scenarios where the doorbell homekit provides excellent convenience. One helpful situation would be when a user isn’t home, and a package gets delivered. Another benefit of using the Homekit doorbells is that it can be used as an informer to know when their kids get home from school safely when the user is away at work.
There is a tremendous amount of convenience offered by having a voice-assistant that holds the ability to interact with smart devices. The overall experience provided by this feature is extremely pleasant. This particular area creates an environment where it’s possible to integrate more and more flexibility into action supplied by smart devices, as newer software updates are bein established. The makers at Apple have created the Apple Homekit with endless possibilities, especially with the incorporation of Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, in the design.
What Are The Best Doorbell Products That Support Homekit Integration?
The market is filled with a variety of different doorbells that support integration with the Homekit. Although these products support being used by Apple, these devices can’t be found in the iHome store. Nonetheless, we have provided you with a list of some of the best doorbell products that support this type of integration, along with the links to where these devices can be purchased.
Eufy Video Doorbell 2K
The Eufy Homekit doorbell is equipped with a 2k camera that captures footage with a resolution of 2560 x 1920. This footage is stored in a 4GB eMMC storage. The storage is said to easily last for more than a month. Moreover, the doorbell is also designed with a built-in motion sensor that uses intelligent algorithms.
Users can sleep easily, knowing that their footage is being encrypted and stored with the aid of military-grade encryption technology. Thereby, the device’s footage is unable to be decrypted in the case of the product being stolen. The Eufy Video Doorbell 2K comes in two different options. These are wired or battery-operated. Both of these products have the same features, and the battery-operated option is said to last for more than three months without the batteries needing to be replaced.
These products are equipped with night vision and effective field-of-view. The camera’s control can be conducted through the Eufy Security app. This app can be downloaded through the App Store and Play Store. The product can also be integrated with the Homekit platform. Moreover, these products also support other virtual assistants, like Alexa and Google Assistant. The device is an excellent budget-friendly option with great value for money.
However, the device does need wi fi to function. An added benefit is that the video footage can be viewed from an apple tv when it is integrated with the Homekit. This footage can even be clearly seen at night with the aid of effective night vision technology incorporated in the design.
Robin Proline Compact Doorbell
One of the best features of the Robin Proline Compact Doorbell is that it doesn’t require wifi connectivity to function. The design of the doorbell is equipped to use a wired ethernet connection. This feature helps minimize the dependence of wireless medium that most doorbells are dependent on, which is seen as an advantage to the home’s security.
The cost of this doorbell is on the more expensive side. However, this is due to the inclusion of incredible technology, Power-over-Ethernet technology (PoE). This technology not only gives the device connectivity, but it also is used as a source of power to the device.
This doorbell is also designed with a five megapixel IP camera sensor that provides the user with a 130-degree field-of-view. However, the camera holds the recording capability at 720p, which is a quality downgrade compared to WIFI-based devices. However, the night vision capabilities of the appliance provide the user with clear visuals at night. This night vision is linked with the motion sensors to help detect movement at night.
The product is specifically made for use in Apple-related technologies. All of the surveillance footage that’s recorded on the device is backed up on an iCloud device. Access to this storage is provided with a valid subscription. Moreover, the device is also equipped with motion detection. Any detection is thereby notified to the user through the Home app that’s built-in to the iOS system.
Toucan Rechargeable Wireless Video Doorbell
The Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell is designed with an impressively wide-angle lens of 180 degrees. This feature allows users to see packages that are placed underneath these cameras. Not to mention, the clarity of the footage is crystal clear with the incorporation of 1080p fhb video communication in the design.
This video device is also equipped with a significant weatherproof body and night-vision mode. Motion detection and activation is also a feature that the Toucan Video Doorbell is equipped with. Wifi network is required for the product to function, and it supports integration with Apple.
You also have the option of choosing between six different chime options. You also hold the ability to set seven different pre-recorded messages to your device for guests that you find are present on your property. Security is also made a priority by incorporating a 911 call feature, which gives the user access to help when need be.
Remo + RemoBell S WIFI Video Doorbell
The Remo video device offers similar features to the other devices that are on the market, as well as on this list. However, what makes this video device so incredible is the additional features that are provided, which aid in the incorporating of this device to hubs effortless, straightforward, and extremely beneficial.
One of these benefits is that this product doesn’t require any monthly subscription fees, and ensures that all footage captured from motion activity is stored on free cloud storage for up to three days. If you wish to have a longer time frame, there are more extended period plans to purchase.
The night vision capabilities on this device ensure that the user gains precise surveillance, whether day or night. This night vision is provided alongside high-quality HD and a wide-angle of 180 degrees. These features are implemented without any human interference while the device is streaming. However, although the night vision is included in the design, de-warping options have to be purchased additionally.
This product also allows you to talk, hear, and see any visitors that are present on your property. You are able to use this capability through your tablet or smartphone. You can do this by downloading the Remo+ app on iOS 11 and above, and Android five and above. However, you can also incorporate this with Apple and control it through the Home app.
Yobi B3 Video Doorbell
The Yobi B3 device is designed with the capability to be integrated with Apple technology. This integration makes it possible for this product to be controlled in the Home app. Moreover, the Yobi device has equipped with the ability to offer two different types of notification. The first notification occurs when the doorbell’s button has been pushed. This notification appears on the lock screen of a linked device and provides you with the ability to pull up the camera feature, so you can see who has pressed the button.
This product is also manufactured to include infrared night vision, along with facial backlight compensation. The device offers users infrared lighting. This provides the device with night vision capabilities. Added to this, even the presence of backlit during the day doesn’t affect the quality of the visuals. Communication is also made possible with a microphone device incorporated in the design.
The Yobi B3 device is also the first doorbell to be Apple Homekit enabled. The use of this integration technology offers the user with a method of security that’s more straightforward, effortless, and better when securing your household. Not to mention, this device is incredibly convenient to set up and use on a daily basis.
A Buyer’s Guide To Choosing The Best Apple Homekit Compatible Video Doorbell:
There are a variety of different aspects and features that should be considered when choosing a compatible video device. These are some of the most crucial features that should be considered to find the best video device that’s Apple Homekit compatible:
Design:
It’s essential to consider the overall external design of the device. The overall look of the video doorbell should match the overall appearance of your home. The reason for this is that you don’t want a video doorbell smart device that sticks out and is very noticeable against the exterior of the home. A video doorbell should be chosen that blends in and raises the collective appeal of the home.
Video Quality:
The camera included in the design of a video doorbell smart device should be equipped with a good field-of-view and megapixel count. At the very least, the video device that is used in the design of the doorbell should have the capability to record in HD. You also need to consider whether the smart device should be wired or battery-powered. This decision would be dependent on the availability of power sources nearby to the installation site of the smart doorbell device.
Quality of the Build:
It’s imperative to look for smart doorbell devices that are in possession of an IP rating of approximately IP 53/63. This rating is in regards to the dust and water resistance that the smart device is equipped to handle. Thus, this is a critical feature, especially for devices that are going to be installed in outdoor environments. For this reason, a large emphasis should be placed on gaining a smart device with a suitable IP rating.
Installation Method:
Any video doorbell requires a degree of handy work. However, the type of doorbell determines the installation method. Thus, some doorbells are designed with features that determine the amount of handy work needed for installing the device. Some features included in installing a smart video device may consist of drawing wires, drilling, and in some cases, working with live electricity.
It’s highly recommended to go through the various documentation offered beforehand to make sure you are in possession of the correct tools and that you are up to the degree of handy work that’s required to conduct the particular type of installation needed. It’s also suggested to follow all safety precautions and use the necessary safety equipment when conducting the installation. However, you may feel unconfident in your ability to install the smart doorbell device. In this case, hiring a professional to do it for you would be the best option.
Night Vision:
The new night vision technology that’s being discovered every day helps provide better technologies to help improve this quality of night vision that’s available in video doorbell smart devices. Not having a light near the area where the doorbell is located may result in the user needing a smart device with IR night vision capabilities.
Having these IR night vision features help the smart device capture good quality footage in the dark. In most cases, this night vision feature may help that the smart device is an all-round camera with security features. Most new doorbell products offered today are equipped with night vision features.
Mode of Internet Connectivity:
The type of network connectivity that your home is equipped with plays a role in the kind of smart doorbell device that is ultimately chosen by the homeowner. Whether the network connectivity is Ethernet or WIFI may determine the device’s connectivity features. This network connectivity determines whether the smart doorbell device should have wireless or wired features.
Storage Mode:
Some smart devices may be equipped with local storage mechanisms within the interior of the doorbell that can be easily accessible through the network provided.
Moreover, as previously mentioned, the local files captured by the device should have features that allow encryption to occur before the files are stored. This is to ensure that third parties may not obtain the personal footage captured by the device, in the case of the doorbell being stolen.
It’s highly recommended to purchase doorbell camera smart device products that support cloud storage. Without this, footage may be lost if the doorbell camera smart device is stolen. Cloud storage features like Apple’s iCloud keep the footage captured by doorbells safe and secure with end-to-end encryption.
However, it should be taken into consideration that some cloud storage products that support safe and secure storage may require a yearly or monthly subscription. Any doorbell products that have Apple Homekit compatibility features may store the footage to iCloud. In this case, iCloud is one of the most effective and secure cloud platforms available on the market. News outlets are regularly reporting on the effectiveness of iCloud storage and how new technology features are continuously being featured as a way to support this security.
Motion Detection:
Any doorbell products used should support motion detection features. This is one of the many essential features that the doorbells should be equipped with. These products should automatically detect the presence of an intruder or guest that may be approaching the home.
Most new doorbell products are equipped with image-based detection features. These detection features are used to trigger false positives from movements like cars moving in the driveway or people walking up to the front door of a home. The most accurate motion detection features that these doorbell camera smart devices can be equipped with is are PIR sensors. These PIR sensors are a type of proximity sensor.
App Ecosystem and Experience:
The doorbell products that are purchased, along with its supporting app, should have compatibility features with the other devices that the users own like smartphones. Research should be conducted on reviews available from the news, or sites like the Play Store or App Store’s review section may be a way to help determine the experience that the app provides to its users. Apple Homekit compatible products may be able to go without requiring a third-party app. This is because most of these products that are compatible with Homekit support being used through the Home app that can be accessed through the iOS system.
Chime:
Many doorbells smart device products support a built-in relay as a method of offering a chime switch. Equipping these products this way allows users to any chimes that they would like. These chimes can be generated through a variety of different methods. However, these chimes can’t be supported without methods like digital, mechanical, or a plug-in chime.
Two-Way Audio:
If you would like your doorbell product to support communicating with a person at your door, you need to have doorbell products that are equipped with a two-way communication system. This sounds like a complicated feature for such products to be equipped with. However, the good news is that many budget-friendly options provide this two-way audio feature. This support provided in the design of these products saves you time, as you don’t need to walk to your door to have a conversation with the person at the door. You can easily converse through the two-way audio.
Support and Warranty:
Doorbells are products that are generally exposed to harsh environments. As a result, these products can face a fair amount of damage with time. That’s why it’s vital to look at the essential support offered on these products like the amount of time the warranty is provided for, along with what the warranty covers. In some cases, a warranty claim can result in the company not covering the cost of return shipping. For this reason, you should find out if these products have a warranty that supports conditions like a delivery duty. Another feature that you should look out for is whether the manufacturer has the right customer redressal forum. This can allow any issues with the products to be easily addressed with the necessary help that’s required.
Value for Money:
Each one of these doorbell products is going to have pros and cons. The emphasis placed on each of these pros and cons is going to be different for everyone. That’s why it’s important to compare the price to the value of each product to determine whether the cost is in-line with the value that these products are going to provide for you.
It’s old news that smart devices are a valuable investment in any home. However, the chosen device is equipped with a certain level of support, and the right device for the user can provide incredible value to a property for its entire working life.
The concerns associated with doorbell products that are most common like features like the installation procedures, as well as the effects the products endure from being exposed to the climate daily. Nonetheless, with the advances in technology, improvements to these products are continually being included to provide more durable and practical products to the market.
Conclusion
The invasion of doorbells in Homekit support technology hasn’t been available until recently. Video recording home surveillance being incorporated into Apple Homekit helps provide users with a more convenient and secure method of running a home. Although this integration of doorbell devices and Apple Homekit is still relatively fresh news, it’s evident that this technology is a brilliant addition to any household.
Looking for other smart home devices? Check out some of our other reviews below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple Produce Doorbells?
Apple currently doesn’t produce any doorbells.
Is Apple Homekit free?
The Apple Homekit feature is offered through the Apple Home app. This Apple Home app is free to use. However, the Apple Homekit accessories and products you wish to integrate with your Apple Homekit need to be purchased.
Is A Hub Required To Use Apple Homekit?
A hub isn’t required in order for the Apple Homekit to function. You have the ability to command your devices that are compatible with Homekit using the Home app.
Can Ring doorbell work with Apple Homekit?
The Ring doorbells that are available don’t currently support the integration with Apple Homekit. However, the news has covered a report that Ring is making doorbells products that are going to support Homekit integration in the near future. Nonetheless, the Ring doorbells (copyright 2020) aren’t compatible.
Does Nest Work With Homekit?
Nest Homekit integration isn’t currently compatible. However, nest home kit compatibility is made possible through a hub. Thus, the Nest Hello Homekit Apple Homekit Doorbell camera can be used through a hub.
How Many Devices Is Homekit Able To Support?
Homekit has a limit of 1000 different devices. However, the various bridges and networks that are set up in your home provide a limit on the number of devices that are lower.
What Are The Different Devices That Support Integration with Homekit?
There are a variety of devices that support integration with Homekit. These include security cameras, mesh routers, garage openers, and bridges.
Are Bluetooth or Wi fi Used in Homekit?
The products that support integration with Homekit can be incorporated with the Home app using Bluetooth, wi fi, or a hub.
Can You Use Homekit When Away from Home?
Yes, it is possible to use Homekit when you aren’t at home. You can do this by enabling the two-factor authentication on iCloud. This allows you to control all of your products linked to your Homekit through the Home app that’s located on your Apple device.
How Do I Connect my Ring Doorbell to Homekit?
The only method to currently integrate a Ring doorbell to Homekit is through Homebridge. The incorporation of Homebridge is to act as a bridging technology between products that don’t support Homekit integration and Homekit.
Can Homekit Work Without Wi Fi?
Unfortunately, Homekit does require a constant internet connection. This connection is needed to control the majority of products and accessories that are integrated with the Homekit. Nonetheless, the good news is that there are some products that can work through Bluetooth.
