4 Best Apple HomeKit Enabled Video Doorbells You Can Buy Now

Home automation, which was once considered a sci-fi concept, is finally finding a home in the real world.

According to a poll conducted by Voiceboat.ai, more than one in every four Americans owns a smart home gadget.

Unexpectedly, the average American home also possesses at least two Apple gadgets, according to statistics.

It is possible to operate all of your smart gadgets using Siri on your iPhone or iPad, thanks to Apple’s HomeKit smart home ecosystem, which is part of the iOS operating system.

Smart video doorbells are a vital smart technology that has recently acquired some traction in the marketplace.

Because we are always receiving goods and food deliveries from strangers, it’s a good idea to have an intercom-style doorbell that also serves as an intercom.

Before finalizing my selections, I looked at various aspects, including ease of installation, video quality, night vision, motion detection, and battery life, among others.

The Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell is the best video doorbell for Apple HomeKit users if you’re in a hurry and need a quick recommendation. It is the best video doorbell for Apple HomeKit users because of its ability to detect motion and save video locally and its extensive integration with Apple HomeKit.

Overall, the product is the best.

Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell (Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell)

A compact design for the Yobi B3 Robin Proline.

Image Quality in Low-Light Conditions

8GB microSD card, expandable to 32GB, with a resolution of 2 Megapixels and 1080p video at 1080p and 5 Megapixels at 720p.

iCloud Motion Detection iCloud Motion Detection

Audio communication in both directions

Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell: Best Overall HomeKit Doorbell

The Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell is the latest addition to Netatmo’s line of smart devices, and it is available now.

It is intended to replace your smartphone camera with a 2-megapixel camera, 5X digital zoom, and a field of view of 160 degrees.

As a result of its HomeKit Integration, you will receive an alert when someone rings the Doorbell.

You can also interact with your guest by watching live videos and conversing with them.

Because of the built-in infrared night vision capabilities, the system can capture 1080p films with HDR support, even at night.

When it comes to person detection, it is accurate and works locally on the Doorbell, which means it may continue to function even if your internet connection is intermittent.

It will send you an alert if someone comes into view of the Doorbell but does not press the button.

The device supports recording security footage onto an 8GB micro-SD card preinstalled in the device. The film may then be transferred to Dropbox or an FTP server, depending on users’ preferences.

Although this is a useful feature, most smart doorbells do not have it since they expect the end-user to pay a monthly or annual subscription fee in exchange for using cloud storage technology.

It can operate in the harsh cold during the winter and scorching heat during the summer, ranging from -10 degrees Celsius to +40 degrees Celsius. It can also withstand rain because of the HZO thin film nano-coating on its surface.

You’ll need a working WiFi network operating at 2.4GHz frequency and internet connectivity for this to function.

For enhanced security, the gadget is equipped with various protection protocols such as IPSec and TLS.

The Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell is compatible with Android 5.0 or above devices and iOS 10 or higher.

Users of PCs and Macs will have to rely on a web application produced by the corporation to use the product.

Pros:

• Local Storage.
• HDR recording.
• IR night vision.
• No Subscription.

Cons:

• Can’t mute the chime.
• Has to be hardwired.

Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell

The Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell is the best video doorbell compatible with Apple’s HomeKit platform. It works nicely with HomeKit and sends you notifications when suspicious behavior. It also allows you to store video footage locally on an SD card and can survive severe temperatures and mild to moderate precipitation. It also includes security protocols such as IPSec and TLS, which provide an additional layer of protection. For those of you who are using the Apple HomeKit platform, this is THE VIDEO DOORBELL to purchase.

Yobi B3: Best HomeKit Doorbell for Live Footage

The Yobi B3 Smart Doorbell is a smart doorbell from the business iBaby Labs powered by an infrared camera with a 180-degree field of vision that can record clear video at any time of the day or night.

It detects motion by using dual PIR sensors, which is the same technology that the business uses in their baby monitors.

This method has the advantage of being less sensitive to motion from cars in the driveway, which is a common problem with image-based person detection.

Now, let’s get down to business with the HomeKit integration part of the story. The Yobi B3 has been specifically built to interact with Apple’s HomeKit platform.

Scanning the QR Code is all it takes to get it up and running, and there are no more steps to complete on its companion app for it to function.

When I tested the live view option, I was astounded by how quickly the live video material was loaded into the screen.

The majority of video doorbells I’ve tried take anywhere from 3 to 5 seconds to offer you a glimpse of what’s going on in the world around you.

The Yobi B3, on the other hand, can provide you with live footage very instantly. The company has also mentioned the possibility of a HomeKit Secure Video Implementation shortly, which would be available shortly.

The system’s most significant flaw, in my opinion, is that it does not allow for the recording or storage of video footage anyplace.

The product is intended to be used as a doorbell, not as a security camera, in its most basic configuration. It also has a long battery life, which is a plus.

Even though the item is claimed to be water and weatherproof, there are no certifications such as an IP rating or an HZO coating.

When linked to WiFi on the 2.4 GHz band, the product can be used with Apple HomeKit features.

The Doorbell also allows working while away from home, although this requires using a Homepod, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub to function properly.

The Doorbell requires iOS and tvOS 10.3 or higher to function properly, and it comes with a one-year warranty and a 30-day return policy with no shipping charges.

Pros:

• Dual PIR Sensor.
• Designed for HomeKit.
• 180-degree field of view.

Cons:

• No Video Recording.

Yobi B3 Smart Doorbell

According to the manufacturer, the Yobi B3 Smart Doorbell is intended to be used as a video doorbell rather than as a security camera. It is compatible with HomeKit, and there is no lag while using the live view feature, which is a nice touch. As a result of its 180-degree field of view and ability to shoot superb night footage, it has earned a spot on this list.

Robin Proline Compact: Best HomeKit Secure Video Doorbell

It is only available to a specific customer category served by the Robin Proline Compact Doorbell.

That is for folks who want a video doorbell that is not at all dependant on WiFi and does not require it.

Robin Telecoms is a developer and manufacturer of SIP-based intercoms based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) situated in the Netherlands.

The Proline Compact is a new smart doorbell added to the Proline family of smart doorbells.

The Proline’s tiny version is available at a reasonable price and designed specifically for Apple HomeKit technology.

A legitimate iCloud account with a current subscription will store all surveillance files. This is in keeping with the product’s design and focus on the Apple experience and ecosystem.

The Doorbell is also equipped with motion detection, which will alert the user via the Home app, including iOS.

Wired Ethernet is the type of network connection that will be used. This reduces the reliance on the wireless medium and, in some cases, may even provide a security advantage.

This is because any sort of data access would necessitate a physical presence at the network installation.

Using Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology, the ethernet connection also powers the device.

The high cost of this device can only be justified by the advancement in technology and its advantages.

The Doorbell also includes a built-in relay that can be used as a chime switch, allowing the user to connect any chime of their choice to the device.

According to the manufacturer, the device is equipped with a 5 megapixel IP camera sensor with a 130-degree field of vision.

Compared to its Wi-Fi-based equivalents, it can only record at 720p, which is a significant reduction in image quality.

The gadget has an IP53 rating for dust and water protection, indicating that it should be durable over its expected lifetime.

Nano-coating is also used to protect the camera lens glass from ultraviolet rays. The device’s construction is excellent, with 3mm thick metal and a brushed finish providing a high level of durability.

The optical glass on the front of the camera has been toughened to provide long-term durability against environmental influences.

The switch also serves as a nameplate for the user’s name, which can be etched according to the user’s specifications on the switch. In addition, the nameplate is illuminated by an LED backlight.

The Doorbell comes with a 48-month warranty that includes any shipping fees. It requires iOS 13.2 or later, tvOS 13.2 or and iPadOS 13.2.

However, while the device is a unique product targeted at a certain customer, you should consider that it does not have HD recording or night vision before making a purchase.

Pros:

• Premium build.
• Not reliant on WiFi.
• Tailored for HomeKit.

Cons:

• Not cheap.
• No full HD video recording.
• No night vision.

Robin Proline Compact Doorbell

If you want a video doorbell that is not dependent on WiFi, the Robin Proline Compact Doorbell is the best HomeKit-enabled video doorbell on the market. Because it is connected by Ethernet, you will never have to worry about disconnecting from WiFi while using it.

Logitech Circle View Video Doorbell

The Logitech Circle View Video Doorbell sprang out of nowhere since Logitech released it without much fanfare. However, its capabilities have captured the attention of many people invested in the HomeKit ecosystem, and the company plans to release more products in the future.

The Logitech Circle View Doorbell has a Full HD camera with a resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels and 1200 x 1600 pixels.

It also comes with an LED strip that, at its maximum brightness, can illuminate an open area up to 6ft away.

It also has color night vision, which allows it to detect any intruders who may appear during the night.

With HDR capability and a 160° field of vision, you’ll be able to see your guest in any light condition, including direct sunlight, shade, or rain. Additionally, the huge field of view ensures that you’ll be able to see your visitor no matter how short or tall they are.

The smartphone has a beautiful front glass design, with a button on the lower part of the device for easy access to the menu.

Even though the button is small, you won’t have to worry about misplacing it because the entire bottom half of the device is a touch-sensitive region that triggers the buzzer.

This product has an IP65 rating, which indicates that it is protected from various weather conditions while used in the shade.

The Logitech Circle View Doorbell was created exclusively with the Apple HomeKit platform in mind, which ensures that the setup process is as seamless as possible.

Although the connectivity with HomeKit and HomeKit Secure Video is a noteworthy feature, it can keep up to 10 days’ worth of footage on your iCloud account that deserves special mention.

It also allows you to create custom motion detection zones and categorize the motion by cause into categories such as a person, animal, vehicle, and so on. It also allows you to configure unique motion detection zones.

When someone knocks on the door, and the buzzer goes off, you receive a notification on your iPhone that someone is there.

The Doorbell will be accompanied by the ringing of all Homepods and HomePod Minis in the house linked to the same network and to the same Home Hub.

If an Apple TV is connected to the Home Hub, a live stream is displayed on the Apple TV screen. Because it comes with two-way audio, you may also utilize the video doorbell as an intercom system.

When it comes to video doorbells in this price range, it’s difficult to match this one if you’re using the HomeKit platform. Other alternatives in this price range typically lack HomeKit Secure Video or have a lower-quality camera sensor, making this one a better value.

You also have the option of having it professionally installed for a small additional fee.

Pros:

• Very clean, minimalist design Aesthetic.
• Easy to Set Up.
• A touch-Sensitive button that detects touches anywhere on the bottom half of the Doorbell.
• Integrates well with HomeKit.
• Works with HomeKit Secure Video.

Cons:

• No local storage.
• Only available on the Apple Store and Logitech’s website.

Why is Apple’s HomeKit Integration for Video Doorbells Important?

Understanding the privacy implications of placing a smart doorbell camera in your house is essential to appreciating the benefits afforded by Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video.

Even though these gadgets are not intended to spy on the user, and the visuals are not intended to be viewed by anyone other than the user, these devices are technically listening to you or viewing you all of the time, depending on the situation.

Encryption from beginning to end is required for your HomeKit security system to be entirely safe and secure while running on a cloud-based platform.

Essentially, this means that the footage should be encrypted before uploading it. Anyone who is technically capable of accessing the data will find the files to be completely ineffective because he will be unable to decrypt them and gain access to private footage.

In the past, Amazon-owned Ring was forced to terminate employees who were caught viewing customer film captured by their doorbell systems and kept in the company’s cloud.

Alternatively, if you want to purchase a Ring doorbell, we offer a workaround for the Ring-HomeKit integration.

On the other hand, Apple is extremely pleased with the fact that its users’ data is relatively protected and encrypted.

When the FBI asked Apple to break into and unlock the iPhones of two gunmen who raided a naval base in Florida, the company flatly declined, citing legal and ethical considerations.

According to the company’s statement, even Apple employees are barred from obtaining the encryption keys used by these systems.

Furthermore, to acquire access to these data, a backdoor into the software would be required, which would be in clear violation of corporate policy.

It is safe, secure, and encrypted to store data on the iCloud. Furthermore, Apple’s track record regarding security is nothing short of stellar.

The integration of home security with iCloud allows you to rest assured that the data and footage captured by your video doorbell are in the best possible hands.

Integration of HomeKit with smart devices such as doorbells is unquestionably helpful.

They can also be used as a security camera for your protection because they have the added benefit of receiving visual input from the intercom system.

Some of them have built-in night vision, making them a complete set of doorbells with CCTV and floodlight cam capabilities.

Aside from that, these doorbells can be quite useful when the user is not there yet an item is being delivered to their residence.

Alternatively, it can serve as an informer, letting you know that your child has arrived safely at home while you are at work.

Can I use Siri With These Video Doorbells?

The convenience of engaging with smart devices through a voice assistant results in a very pleasant user experience.

It is an area where it is feasible to include more and more flexible activities into the system with newer software upgrades.

With Apple Homekit, the possibilities are virtually unlimited, especially with the incorporation of Apple’s speech assistant, Siri, into the mix.

With the Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell, all you have to do is ask Siri to “Show me my doorbell,” and you’ll be presented with a live stream of your Doorbell.

By asking Siri to launch scenes with video doorbells added to them, you can access the scenes that feature video doorbells.

Will your video doorbell work with Apple TV?

Your video doorbell will most likely be compatible with Apple TV. You can access your video stream by adding your Doorbell to Favorite Cameras in the Home app, launching Control Center on your Apple TV, and selecting the Home app icon from the Control Center screen.

Suppose you have a HomeKit Secure Video doorbell. In that case, live video will automatically stream in a small window on the bottom right of your Apple TV whenever the Doorbell is pressed, regardless of what you’re watching on your Apple TV. Suppose you don’t have a HomeKit Secure Video doorbell. In that case, live video will automatically stream in a small window on the bottom right of your Apple TV whenever the Doorbell is pressed.

Can HomePod Work as a Doorbell Chime?

Doorbell Chimes are certainly something that your HomePod can do. When your Video Doorbell is activated, the HomePod will sound to alert you that someone has pressed the button, exactly like any other doorbell chime would. Additionally, it provides a visually appealing graphic effect on the screen above the keyboard.

It is really versatile, and you can tailor it to your preferences by navigating to the Settings for your Doorbell on the Home App, pressing on “Notifications,” and then selecting “Chime on HomePod” from the drop-down menu.

You may now choose which HomePod (or HomePods) you wish to get notifications when someone comes to the door.

Another advantage of having Facial Recognition enabled is that the HomePod will actually announce the name of your visit if it is someone from your contacts list.

Please keep in mind that all of these capabilities are only available on iOS 14.3 and higher, so make sure your Home Hub is up to date as well.

How to Choose the Best Apple HomeKit Doorbell?

Design

The physical characteristics of the item must complement the overall appearance of the home.

It should not stand out like a sore to the eye but should rather fit in and add to the general charm of the property as a whole.

Video Quality

The camera for any smart doorbell should have a respectable megapixel count and field-of-view (FoV). It should compete with HomeKit Security Cameras in terms of quality.

This device should be capable of recording in high definition quality at a minimum. Determine whether the gadget should be powered by batteries or by a wire, based on the availability of a power supply.

Build quality

Look for devices with an IP rating that indicates they are resistant to water and dust (such as IP 53/63).

If it is not IP rated, it should be protected by some type of nano-coating, such as P2i or HZO.

If you reside in an area that experiences extreme weather, investing in a doorbell that can endure such conditions will be a wise decision.

In such a case, any type of metal construction will unquestionably prove advantageous.

Ease of installation

Any video doorbell camera installation will necessitate some level of handiwork, but the amount of work required will vary depending on the particular video doorbell.

Drilling, drawing cables, and even working with live electricity are tasks that fall into this category.

Examine the various forms of documents that have been provided in advance and ensure that you have the necessary tools. Make use of the required safety precautions and equipment.

Night Vision

Getting a gadget with infrared night vision capabilities is recommended if you do not have a light near the Doorbell to take a picture in the middle of the night.

This will also aid in its ability to function as an all-around security camera due to its nature. The majority of video doorbells today are equipped with night vision.

Mode of Internet

When selecting a device, it is important to consider the sort of network you have in place, whether WiFi or an Ethernet connection.

This will determine whether the item should be connected via wires or wirelessly via the internet.

Mode of storage

Certain devices, such as doorbells, have local storage mechanisms that are accessible over the network.

Additionally, the local files should be encrypted if the device is stolen to prevent other parties from gaining access to personal footage saved on the device.

Try to purchase gadgets that have cloud storage capabilities. If the gadget is taken, the film should be protected in this manner.

The use of cloud storage may necessitate a monthly or annual subscription fee. Depending on if it is an Apple Homekit-compatible gadget, it may be keeping the film in iCloud, which is considered one of the most secure cloud storage platforms on the market.

End-to-end encryption should be used for any type of cloud storage to provide an extra layer of protection.

Motion Detection

When a visitor or intruder enters, their presence should be detected automatically. Because most doorbells use image-based recognition, movements such as car movements in the driveway can cause false positives to be triggered by the device.

It is preferable to use a device with PIR sensors, a type of proximity sensor, to achieve accurate motion detection.

App Experience and Ecosystem

If you possess multiple devices, such as cellphones, you need to make sure that the device and the program that supports it are compatible with each other.

Check out the App Store or Play Store reviews to learn more about the Doorbell’s app experience.

Suppose it’s an Apple Homekit-compatible product, likely. In that case, it won’t require third-party software, as it will function with the Home app that comes preinstalled on the iOS operating system by default.

Chime

Certain doorbells will have a built-in relay to act as a chime switch so that users can use any chimes of their preference. This could be mechanical, digital, or even a plug-in chime.

2-Way Audio

To communicate with the person who is answering the door, the device must be equipped with a two-way communication system.

Even the most affordable doorbell cameras on the market come with two-way audio capabilities.

This will come in handy if you need to speak with the mailman to request that your delivery be delivered in a covert location.

Warranty and Support

The fact that doorbells are exposed to hostile surroundings increases the likelihood of being damaged over time.

Always double-check the warranty period and the scope of coverage provided by the warranty. In the event of a warranty claim, it is possible that the company will not reimburse the cost of the return shipping.

If the warranty includes delivery duty, make sure you read the fine print. In addition, the organization should have an adequate consumer complaint channel so that any difficulties may be addressed with the appropriate assistance.

Value for Money

Each product will have its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Make a price-to-value comparison and determine whether or not the features that are being supplied to you are worth the money you are spending on these products.

The purchase of smart gadgets is never a waste of money; nonetheless, the device chosen should provide significant value over the device’s lifetime.

The most frequently expressed worries about smart doorbells relate to their installation processes and the impact of being exposed to the elements daily throughout the year.

Although technology has progressed in recent years, devices are now demonstrating more effectiveness and greater durability during their operation.

Final Thoughts

Doorbells have eluded HomeKit’s inclusion for an inordinate amount of time. At long last, we have a selection of doorbells that have announced support for Apple’s HomeKit platform.

Yobi’s B3 video doorbell is the best video doorbell compatible with Apple HomeKit, and it’s also the most affordable.

If you’re searching for a high-quality doorbell that isn’t dependant on WiFi, the Robin Proline Compact is a great choice.

If you live in an area with a particularly harsh climate, the sturdy Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell is the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions