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The Swann MaxRanger4K solar-powered camera has kept my home feeling safer without forcing me to buy a subscription
10:30 pm | July 6, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Comments: Off

MaxRanger4K Solar: One-minute review

The MaxRanger4K Solar is the ideal smart security camera for homes with large areas to monitor.

Thanks to the hub’s 250m range, and the solar panels that help extend the battery life of the cameras, it’s easy to set up and maintain a security camera view of your home space.

The MaxRanger4K's rugged IP66 design means it should withstand dust and rainstorms, plus it's built-in lights and sirens act as less subtle alerts to any would-be intruders that they’re being caught in 4K.

The less tech savvy will appreciate the simplicity of the app and camera installation process. All the instructions arrive in the box and were so easy to follow that I had my cameras up and recording in no time at all.

Swann MaxRanger4K Solar

It has a camera, lights, speakers, and a sensor (Image credit: Future)

There are some drawbacks, however. While a single MaxRanger4K Solar camera costs $129.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95, add in the cost of the hub, and the cheapest starting price becomes $399.99 / £499.99 / AU$949.95 for a bundle of two cameras.

Nevertheless, on the plus side, there’s no premium subscription option that locks away essential features – only a few added benefits that I've happily managed without. In addition, I’ve found the included 64GB of local storage more than sufficient for most needs, so you won’t miss cloud storage.

Besides cost, something else to be aware of are the camera's sensitivity settings. If set to high and positioned to watch over a "high traffic" area, you might find the cameras run out of charge in a matter of weeks. Some trial and error will be required to find the balance of settings that cater to your security needs while allowing your cameras to chug along without frequent charging.

Overall, however, I’ve been mightily impressed by the MaxRanger4 camera system. It’s certainly been more reliable than my cheaper cameras.

MaxRanger4K Solar: Price and Availability

A MaxRanger4K Solar camera costs $129.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95. However, as mentioned, it requires a hub to come, which is only available with bundles of two, three, or four cameras.

Bundles will set you back $399.99 / £499.99 / AU$949.95 , £649.99 / AU$1,329.95, and $599.99 / £799.99 / AU$1,699.95 respectively. At the time of writing, Swann’s US web store doesn’t appear to offer the three-camera bundle.

These prices place the MaxRanger4K in the more premium tier of home security systems. However, savings arrive over time from the fact that you won't be paying out for a premium subscription.

Swann MaxRanger4K Solar

The solar panel is very useful for keeping it charged (Image credit: Future)

There is a Swann Secure+ paid option for benefits that include an extended warranty, priority support, some cloud storage, and alerts to further differentiate between cars, people, pets, and package deliveries.

It sounds useful, however during my testing I didn't ever feel the need to subscribe, and remained a free user the entire time – something I can't say for some other home security tech I've tested. My Blink cameras, for example, can be used without paying for a subscripotion, but it's certainly a lot smoother to use the Blink cameras if you do pay.

  • Value score: 4/5

MaxRanger4K Solar: Design & Performance

Each camera is outfitted with an array of tools to make it a home security champion.

The 4K image sensor, with its wide 105-degree viewing angle, not only allows you to record what’s happening in a large space, but also to go back and make out details should you need to. It records in color night vision, too, allowing you to view footage in greater detail should the need arise.

In addition, the True Detect sensor uses heat and motion to determine the difference between people, vehicles, and other disturbances. Looking through my own recordings, the camera did a very good job of automatically labelling each activation appropriately.

Plus there’s a microphone, too, so you can pick up audio to add further context to your clips. It isn't perfect, but it can pick up bits of conversations if folk are close to the cameras – a few of my clips have been orchestrated by birdsong, which made flicking through them a delight!

Swann MaxRanger4K Solar

Here's my hub tucked away in my home (Image credit: Future)

If the MaxRanger4K Solar does detect something, you can rely on its built-in siren and speaker to scare off any would-be intruders by playing a loud noise or literally shouting at them through your phone. A pair of spotlights bring clarity to your late-night motion detections.

Having said that, I've actually turned these features off through the app (more on that in a moment), as they can prove an annoyance to neighbors.

Lastly, this camera is designed to function through rain and shine. With its IP66 water- and dust-proof rating, it should continue performing even through torrential rain, while its built-in solar panel will keep your MaxRanger4K Solar charged up.

The caveat to that perpetual solar power is obviously how frequently your camera activates, and how often the sun makes an appearance. I have one camera that records just my garden, and another that's pointed onto the street where I park my car. The garden camera triggers far less frequently and hence its battery has lasted quite well.

Meanwhile, the street-view camera triggers more frequently, catching every car that drives past. I had set it up in a darker month and initially hadn't tweaked the default detection settings; it ran out of charge after just a few weeks.

I’ve since recharged it, tuned down its sensitivity settings, and am finding it's lasting much longer – especially now, in the sunnier months.

The back of the Swann MaxRanger4K Solar

You can charge the Swann camera with a USB-C cable too (Image credit: Future)

The final part of your MaxRanger4K Solar system is its hub. This box sits in your home and is the device with which your cameras communicate. It can connect to cameras up to 250m away from it.

It comes with 64GB of storage (which is expandable) for recordings, and it even has a built-in battery, so even if you lose power for a while, it can continue recording for up to five hours.

  • Design score: 5/5
  • Performance score: 4/5

MaxRanger4K Solar: Software

To manage your security camera system you use the Swann Security app on your phone – a one-stop shop from where you can adjust your MaxRanger4K Solar's settings, and any other Swann home security tech you rely on.

Working through the various tabs from left to right, the first three are fairly straightforward. Activities shows you the frequency of alerts throughout the day and over the past week; Playback is for your day-by-day collection of recorded clips; and Live View lets you see the current view from your cameras.,

Then there’s Modes. Here you can manually adjust your recording settings between Home, Night and Away options, which you can customize to suit how you want your camera system to function under different circumstances.

The Swann Security app on an Android phone

(Image credit: Future)

Having the ability to alter when the features such as the siren and lights came on based on the setting would have been welcome, but you can just change which cameras are active and their sensitivity. You can choose one setting at a time or set up schedules that automatically adjust the mode based on the time of day.

Finally, the Devices tab allows you to adjust your camera settings, detection zones (so a camera will only record if it detects something in specific parts of its view), alarm settings (whether the siren and lights turn on or not) and the time zone of the camera, so your recordings can be logged correctly.

You can also manage how your recordings are stored from the app. I’ve set up my camera to automatically delete recordings that are over 30 days old, but you can set a different interval – either one, three, seven, 14, or 90 days – or have it automatically overwrite older clips when your storage fills up.

Overall, the app is super intuitive, and setting everything up through it proved simple using the instructions in the box.

  • Software score: 4/5

Should you buy the Swann MaxRanger4K Solar?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

You really do get what you pay for, and while the MaxRanger4K cameras are pricey, I’ve found they’re better quality and more reliable than cheaper alternatives.

4/5

Design

It’s hard to find fault with the design of these cameras. They boast a suite of protection features, a relatively sturdy design, and a solar panel that helps to extend their battery life.

5/5

Performance

Generally the MaxRanger4K does a good job of capturing fairly high-quality footage. However, it can run out of charge if you leave it at too high a sensitivity. If you live near a busy-ish street or somewhere where there is plenty of activity, you may need to play with the settings.

4/5

Software

The Swann Security app is clean and intuitive. I just wish the Modes options delivered more control over how I want the cameras to function at different times of the day.

4/5

Buy it if…

You need surveillance for a larger space
With a 250m range, the MaxRanger4K Solar is well suited for homes that have generous outdoor spaces that you want to keep an eye on.

You want a wireless solution you won’t need to replace all the time
If your home gets enough sunlight, your MaxRanger4K Solar cameras won't need to be charged frequently. With the right settings and frequency of alerts, you might never need to recharge the cameras.

You hate additional fees
Unlike some brands, Swann's premium subscription doesn't feel necessary – I've easily made do without paying anything extra.

Don’t buy it if…

You live somewhere that never sees the sun
Solar panels are awesome, but if you don’t get much sunlight at home then a wired security solution will likely be much more reliable.

Every view includes a busy street
If your camera can see a busy street then you'll likely get a lot of alerts – and it will run out of charge quickly, even if you get plenty of sun. Detection sensitivity and other settings can help reduce the strain, although this means you’ll capture fewer clips – which could impact security.

You want something cheap
Swann’s security system may come without extra fees, but it isn’t super-cheap up front. It's a great performer, but if you’re after an affordable option, this isn’t it.

Also consider

Blink Outdoor 4
If you're after a more entry-level outdoor security camera then this could be the best pick for you. It's not the most robust or crisp option on the market, however.

Read our full Blink Outdoor 4 review

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam
If you're after an indoor camera instead of an outdoor unit, this could be a solid option – although it does lock some tools behind a paywall.

Read our full Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review

How I tested the MaxRanger4K Solar security camera

To understand how effective the MaxRanger4K Solar camera system is, I had it installed on my home for a couple of months – to get a sense of both its recording abilities and if its sun-powered battery held up.

I tested each of the different security settings, although, to avoid annoying the neighbors, I didn’t keep settings such as the alarm or light on regularly. I also made sure to check back over captured footage, but you’ll notice I haven’t included any of the outside world in this review – primarily because I don’t want to dox myself, as I live within sight of a few notable features of my town.

While the box includes everything you need to affix the Swann cameras into place, I rent my home so I had to purchase a couple of fixtures that allow me to set up the cameras to drain pipes, so as not cause any damage. These worked effectively enough – I haven’t had either camera fall during testing.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed June 2025

The Ring Outdoor Camera Plus is tough and versatile, but its advanced security features come at a price
4:19 pm | May 28, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Comments: Off

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: two-minute review

Keeping an eye on your property remotely has become an obsession for many of us. No matter where you are in the world you can see exactly who is in your house and who has come to the front door. You can even use your camera to monitor the miserable weather back home while you are abroad enjoying sunshine.

Now owned by retailing behemoth Amazon, Ring was originally set up by US entrepreneur Jamie Siminoff as ‘Doorbot’ in 2013, but has since gone on to become one of the biggest names in the home security industry. As the name suggests, the Outdoor Cameras (previously known as Stick-Up Cameras) are designed for outdoor use, though there is no reason why you couldn’t use it indoors too – it can be just as easily placed on a table or desk as on the wall outside.

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus on a table indoors

(Image credit: Chris Price)

The Outdoor Camera Plus is certainly a versatile model with several mounting options, including a wall bracket (with wall plugs) as well as a rechargeable battery pack if a power cable isn't feasible (this wasn’t provided). Plastic covers stop water getting into the USB-C power port and the model is ‘weather-resistant’, not waterproof, so shouldn’t be submerged in water!

As with most home security cameras, set up is straightforward. Simply download the Ring app and scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to add the device to the app (several Ring devices can be viewed within the app, including cameras, video doorbells, chimes and alarms). You will then be taken through a set of voice-based instructions for syncing the camera to your home’s Wi-Fi, naming the device and updating its firmware. Usefully this new model features dual-band support so you can add it to either your 2.4GHz or 5GHz network as well as Amazon Alexa compatibility. For added security, two-factor authentication is also now provided.

When it comes to features, the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus doesn’t disappoint. You can set motion detection zones to avoid the camera capturing footage from, say, the swaying of tree branches. And it’s also possible to set up privacy zones that allow you to block out certain areas of the frame, even in ‘live view’. Instead, all you see on the screen is a black rectangle. It’s an unusual feature but one which is quite useful if you have neighbours concerned your camera can view/capture recordings from their property.

Screengrabs of motion detection settings for Ring Outdoor Camera Plus

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Another unusual feature in the menu is Smart Responses. This enables you to send out a warning message to people to tell them they are being recorded. However, it isn’t live on this device – at least yet. Other more conventional features include motion sensitivity for adjusting the amount of footage you capture (useful if you want to preserve battery life) and motion schedules for setting the times of day you want to record movement.

But that’s not all. For those who subscribe to Ring’s monthly subscription plans, other functions are available too. These include ‘smart alerts’ which filter different types of motion into categories – ie parcel, person and vehicles. Providing you pay for the £15.99 per month Ring Premium service, there’s also an AI-driven smart video search tool that can identify certain objects in your device's recorded motion events.

Screengrabs of motion detection settings for Ring Outdoor Camera Plus

(Image credit: Chris Price)

For example, just enter ‘dog’ into the search bar you can see all the times your dog has been captured by the camera while ‘red top’ will bring up footage of anyone wearing a red top in the recorded events. Particularly useful is that you can log into your Ring account on the web so you can view footage of all your cameras while working on your laptop, something which isn’t possible with more basic models.

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: price and availability

  • Prices start at $69 / £69 / AU$179
  • Additional solar panel costs extra
  • Launched March 2025

Ring security cameras certainly aren't expensive to buy compared to some of the best home security cameras. At the time of writing, you can pick up the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus for £69 / $69 / $179 (considerably cheaper than the launch price). However, just like printer companies make their money from selling expensive printer cartridges, home security companies make theirs from selling costly subscriptions.

And really you don’t get too much more expensive than Ring’s monthly subscriptions. Whereas some companies, such as Blink, charge under $5 / £5 / AU$10 a month for a subscription, with Ring you are looking at double that – and that’s just the entry level subscription. If you want all the bells and whistles, such as the Smart Video Search outlined earlier, it will set you back a hefty $19.99 / £15.99 per month (and this top-tier subscription isn't even available in Australia).

In my opinion that’s simply far too much money, unless you are using the Ring for professional purposes such as monitoring, say, high street shops (in which case there are more advanced video surveillance systems available). Far better if you need to keep the recordings is to choose a security camera which provides the option of recording footage locally on a USB stick or MicroSD card.

  • Value score: 3/5

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: subscription options

Ring Home Basic:

$4.99 / £4.99 / AU$4.95 per month

$49.99 / £49.99 / AU$49.95 per year

Subscription for a single device. Includes up to 180 days of video event history, person and package alerts, video preview alerts, and 10% off Ring.com purchases.

Ring Home Standard:

$9.99 / £7.99 / AU$14.95 per month

$99.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95 per year

Includes everything in Basic, plus all devices at one location, doorbell calls, extended live view, alarm cellular backup, and daily event summary.

Ring Premium:

$19.99 / £15.99 per month

$199.99 / £159.99 per year

Not currently available in Australia. Includes everything in Standard, plus 24/7 recording, continuous live view, and smart video search.

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: design

  • Upgraded from Ring Stick Up Camera
  • Versatile mounting
  • Flexible power options

With the Outdoor Camera Plus, Ring has made a few improvements over its predecessor, the third generation Ring Stick Up Camera (now called the Outdoor Camera). Most notable is its improved design, particularly the versatile mounting options. The Ring Outdoor Cam Plus can be mounted on a desktop/table, on a wall or roof eave using the screws and wall plugs provided. It can be mounted on the ceiling with an additional accessory (not provided as standard) and easily angled for optimum use.

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus battery hatch open

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Power is provided via the USB-C connector in the middle of the camera (a power cable wasn’t provided with our sample). Alternatively, you can take the Lithium-Ion battery out by swivelling the base to the unlock icon and removing it (ensuring you remove the card covering the charging points). You can then charge it via the orange Micro-USB cable provided until it’s ready for installation. Spare batteries are also available to buy online at Amazon of course.

Rear of Ring Outdoor Camera Plus showing charging cable

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Available in black or white, the Outdoor Cam Plus features a lens on the front which provides a 160-degree diagonal, 140-degree horizontal, and 80-degree vertical field of view. Underneath is a speaker while above there’s a small microphone for two-way conversations with visitors. When movement is recorded a solid blue light is displayed at the top of the unit while during set up this flashes blue.

  • Design score: 4/5

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: performance

  • 2K image quality
  • Stable video connection
  • Overly sensitive camera

Ring claims the Outdoor Camera Plus offers ‘brilliant 2K video quality’ but in all honesty there’s not a massive leap in quality between this model and its predecessor, the Ring Stick Up Camera. Whereas the previous model offered 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, this one boasts 2,560 x 1,440 (2K). In other words, an increase of 360 horizontal pixels and 640 vertical pixels – enough to see the difference when you zoom in to an image, but probably not otherwise.

Footage from Ring Outdoor Camera Plus on iPhone screen

(Image credit: Chris Price)

That said, I didn’t have any complaints about picture quality at all. Images are sharp even at night thanks to the ‘low-light sight’ feature (although colour is limited in low light) and the field of vision is also quite wide: 140-degree horizontal compared to 115 degrees on the Ring Stick Up Camera.

Another benefit is having dual-band Wi-Fi support (2.4GHz and 5GHz) which ensured images recorded on the camera and viewed in Live View were extremely stable even though the camera was mostly located in the back garden, a significant distance from my broadband router.

Footage from Ring Outdoor Camera Plus on iPhone screen

(Image credit: Chris Price)

One thing worth noting is that the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus isn’t as sensitive as some models which record every bit of motion detected, even moving branches. Instead, you will probably need to turn the motion sensitivity option up a little bit just to capture all the footage you want. This will in turn use up more battery power so it’s worth considering either using the mains or a solar panel as a power supplement.

After nearly two weeks our sample model was already down to 50% so you will probably have to take the battery pack out for charging once a month – not the worst we’ve ever tested, but not the best either.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus?

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

While the actual camera itself is relatively cheap, the subscription which gives you most of the added functionality is very expensive.

3/5

Design

Available in black or white, the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus looks OK and is both compact and reasonably well designed. Suitable for a number of locations (indoors or outdoors) it can be powered by mains, battery or even solar power.

4/5

Performance

Offering 2K video quality, the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus provides stable, good quality, images in record mode and live view. However, battery life isn’t the best and the motion sensor isn’t particularly sensitive.

4/5

Overall

A decent home security camera, but the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus loses points for its expensive subscription packages and so-so battery life. Performance isn’t that much better than its predecessor, the Ring Stick Up Cam

3.5/5

Buy it if

You need a versatile home security solution

With support for battery, solar and mains power, the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus is particularly flexible. It can also be used indoors and outdoors.

You want the latest features

There’s no shortage of handy features including Amazon Alexa compatibility and different motion and privacy zone settings, as well as smart video search (if you subscribe).

Don't buy it if

You already have the Ring Stick Up Camera

While picture quality and design are slightly better than the Ring Stick Up Cam there aren’t too many other benefits to justify the upgrade

You don’t want to pay for a subscription

Unfortunately Ring charges more than most other home security camera manufacturers for subscriptions, and you'll need one to get the most out of the Outdoor Camera Plus.

How I tested the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus

  • I used the camera both indoors and outdoors
  • I installed it myself
  • The camera was integrated into my home system with other Ring cameras

Like most manufacturers, Ring makes adding new cameras to its app very simple indeed. Because I already had several Ring security cameras and doorbells connected to my existing app, I simply added another using the QR code at the back of the device. However, starting from scratch would have been just as straightforward.

I started off using the device mostly indoors to get the feel of it and then moved it to my garden where I mounted it on top of the shed focused on the back door. There it has remained ever since (about 12 days at the time of writing), capturing people and pets who go out into the garden. Ring provides a 30-day trial for all the advanced features, such as smart video search and person/package/video alerts, but after this runs out you will need to subscribe online at Ring.com (you can’t do this via the app).

First reviewed May 2025

The Ring Outdoor Camera Plus is tough and versatile, but its advanced security features come at a price
4:19 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Comments: Off

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: two-minute review

Keeping an eye on your property remotely has become an obsession for many of us. No matter where you are in the world you can see exactly who is in your house and who has come to the front door. You can even use your camera to monitor the miserable weather back home while you are abroad enjoying sunshine.

Now owned by retailing behemoth Amazon, Ring was originally set up by US entrepreneur Jamie Siminoff as ‘Doorbot’ in 2013, but has since gone on to become one of the biggest names in the home security industry. As the name suggests, the Outdoor Cameras (previously known as Stick-Up Cameras) are designed for outdoor use, though there is no reason why you couldn’t use it indoors too – it can be just as easily placed on a table or desk as on the wall outside.

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus on a table indoors

(Image credit: Chris Price)

The Outdoor Camera Plus is certainly a versatile model with several mounting options, including a wall bracket (with wall plugs) as well as a rechargeable battery pack if a power cable isn't feasible (this wasn’t provided). Plastic covers stop water getting into the USB-C power port and the model is ‘weather-resistant’, not waterproof, so shouldn’t be submerged in water!

As with most home security cameras, set up is straightforward. Simply download the Ring app and scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to add the device to the app (several Ring devices can be viewed within the app, including cameras, video doorbells, chimes and alarms). You will then be taken through a set of voice-based instructions for syncing the camera to your home’s Wi-Fi, naming the device and updating its firmware. Usefully this new model features dual-band support so you can add it to either your 2.4GHz or 5GHz network as well as Amazon Alexa compatibility. For added security, two-factor authentication is also now provided.

When it comes to features, the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus doesn’t disappoint. You can set motion detection zones to avoid the camera capturing footage from, say, the swaying of tree branches. And it’s also possible to set up privacy zones that allow you to block out certain areas of the frame, even in ‘live view’. Instead, all you see on the screen is a black rectangle. It’s an unusual feature but one which is quite useful if you have neighbours concerned your camera can view/capture recordings from their property.

Screengrabs of motion detection settings for Ring Outdoor Camera Plus

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Another unusual feature in the menu is Smart Responses. This enables you to send out a warning message to people to tell them they are being recorded. However, it isn’t live on this device – at least yet. Other more conventional features include motion sensitivity for adjusting the amount of footage you capture (useful if you want to preserve battery life) and motion schedules for setting the times of day you want to record movement.

But that’s not all. For those who subscribe to Ring’s monthly subscription plans, other functions are available too. These include ‘smart alerts’ which filter different types of motion into categories – ie parcel, person and vehicles. Providing you pay for the £15.99 per month Ring Premium service, there’s also an AI-driven smart video search tool that can identify certain objects in your device's recorded motion events.

Screengrabs of motion detection settings for Ring Outdoor Camera Plus

(Image credit: Chris Price)

For example, just enter ‘dog’ into the search bar you can see all the times your dog has been captured by the camera while ‘red top’ will bring up footage of anyone wearing a red top in the recorded events. Particularly useful is that you can log into your Ring account on the web so you can view footage of all your cameras while working on your laptop, something which isn’t possible with more basic models.

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: price and availability

  • Prices start at $69 / £69 / AU$179
  • Additional solar panel costs extra
  • Launched March 2025

Ring security cameras certainly aren't expensive to buy compared to some of the best home security cameras. At the time of writing, you can pick up the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus for £69 / $69 / $179 (considerably cheaper than the launch price). However, just like printer companies make their money from selling expensive printer cartridges, home security companies make theirs from selling costly subscriptions.

And really you don’t get too much more expensive than Ring’s monthly subscriptions. Whereas some companies, such as Blink, charge under $5 / £5 / AU$10 a month for a subscription, with Ring you are looking at double that – and that’s just the entry level subscription. If you want all the bells and whistles, such as the Smart Video Search outlined earlier, it will set you back a hefty $19.99 / £15.99 per month (and this top-tier subscription isn't even available in Australia).

In my opinion that’s simply far too much money, unless you are using the Ring for professional purposes such as monitoring, say, high street shops (in which case there are more advanced video surveillance systems available). Far better if you need to keep the recordings is to choose a security camera which provides the option of recording footage locally on a USB stick or MicroSD card.

  • Value score: 3/5

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: subscription options

Ring Home Basic:

$4.99 / £4.99 / AU$4.95 per month

$49.99 / £49.99 / AU$49.95 per year

Subscription for a single device. Includes up to 180 days of video event history, person and package alerts, video preview alerts, and 10% off Ring.com purchases.

Ring Home Standard:

$9.99 / £7.99 / AU$14.95 per month

$99.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95 per year

Includes everything in Basic, plus all devices at one location, doorbell calls, extended live view, alarm cellular backup, and daily event summary.

Ring Premium:

$19.99 / £15.99 per month

$199.99 / £159.99 per year

Not currently available in Australia. Includes everything in Standard, plus 24/7 recording, continuous live view, and smart video search.

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: design

  • Upgraded from Ring Stick Up Camera
  • Versatile mounting
  • Flexible power options

With the Outdoor Camera Plus, Ring has made a few improvements over its predecessor, the third generation Ring Stick Up Camera (now called the Outdoor Camera). Most notable is its improved design, particularly the versatile mounting options. The Ring Outdoor Cam Plus can be mounted on a desktop/table, on a wall or roof eave using the screws and wall plugs provided. It can be mounted on the ceiling with an additional accessory (not provided as standard) and easily angled for optimum use.

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus battery hatch open

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Power is provided via the USB-C connector in the middle of the camera (a power cable wasn’t provided with our sample). Alternatively, you can take the Lithium-Ion battery out by swivelling the base to the unlock icon and removing it (ensuring you remove the card covering the charging points). You can then charge it via the orange Micro-USB cable provided until it’s ready for installation. Spare batteries are also available to buy online at Amazon of course.

Rear of Ring Outdoor Camera Plus showing charging cable

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Available in black or white, the Outdoor Cam Plus features a lens on the front which provides a 160-degree diagonal, 140-degree horizontal, and 80-degree vertical field of view. Underneath is a speaker while above there’s a small microphone for two-way conversations with visitors. When movement is recorded a solid blue light is displayed at the top of the unit while during set up this flashes blue.

  • Design score: 4/5

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus: performance

  • 2K image quality
  • Stable video connection
  • Overly sensitive camera

Ring claims the Outdoor Camera Plus offers ‘brilliant 2K video quality’ but in all honesty there’s not a massive leap in quality between this model and its predecessor, the Ring Stick Up Camera. Whereas the previous model offered 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, this one boasts 2,560 x 1,440 (2K). In other words, an increase of 360 horizontal pixels and 640 vertical pixels – enough to see the difference when you zoom in to an image, but probably not otherwise.

Footage from Ring Outdoor Camera Plus on iPhone screen

(Image credit: Chris Price)

That said, I didn’t have any complaints about picture quality at all. Images are sharp even at night thanks to the ‘low-light sight’ feature (although colour is limited in low light) and the field of vision is also quite wide: 140-degree horizontal compared to 115 degrees on the Ring Stick Up Camera.

Another benefit is having dual-band Wi-Fi support (2.4GHz and 5GHz) which ensured images recorded on the camera and viewed in Live View were extremely stable even though the camera was mostly located in the back garden, a significant distance from my broadband router.

Footage from Ring Outdoor Camera Plus on iPhone screen

(Image credit: Chris Price)

One thing worth noting is that the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus isn’t as sensitive as some models which record every bit of motion detected, even moving branches. Instead, you will probably need to turn the motion sensitivity option up a little bit just to capture all the footage you want. This will in turn use up more battery power so it’s worth considering either using the mains or a solar panel as a power supplement.

After nearly two weeks our sample model was already down to 50% so you will probably have to take the battery pack out for charging once a month – not the worst we’ve ever tested, but not the best either.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus?

Ring Outdoor Camera Plus score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

While the actual camera itself is relatively cheap, the subscription which gives you most of the added functionality is very expensive.

3/5

Design

Available in black or white, the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus looks OK and is both compact and reasonably well designed. Suitable for a number of locations (indoors or outdoors) it can be powered by mains, battery or even solar power.

4/5

Performance

Offering 2K video quality, the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus provides stable, good quality, images in record mode and live view. However, battery life isn’t the best and the motion sensor isn’t particularly sensitive.

4/5

Overall

A decent home security camera, but the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus loses points for its expensive subscription packages and so-so battery life. Performance isn’t that much better than its predecessor, the Ring Stick Up Cam

3.5/5

Buy it if

You need a versatile home security solution

With support for battery, solar and mains power, the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus is particularly flexible. It can also be used indoors and outdoors.

You want the latest features

There’s no shortage of handy features including Amazon Alexa compatibility and different motion and privacy zone settings, as well as smart video search (if you subscribe).

Don't buy it if

You already have the Ring Stick Up Camera

While picture quality and design are slightly better than the Ring Stick Up Cam there aren’t too many other benefits to justify the upgrade

You don’t want to pay for a subscription

Unfortunately Ring charges more than most other home security camera manufacturers for subscriptions, and you'll need one to get the most out of the Outdoor Camera Plus.

How I tested the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus

  • I used the camera both indoors and outdoors
  • I installed it myself
  • The camera was integrated into my home system with other Ring cameras

Like most manufacturers, Ring makes adding new cameras to its app very simple indeed. Because I already had several Ring security cameras and doorbells connected to my existing app, I simply added another using the QR code at the back of the device. However, starting from scratch would have been just as straightforward.

I started off using the device mostly indoors to get the feel of it and then moved it to my garden where I mounted it on top of the shed focused on the back door. There it has remained ever since (about 12 days at the time of writing), capturing people and pets who go out into the garden. Ring provides a 30-day trial for all the advanced features, such as smart video search and person/package/video alerts, but after this runs out you will need to subscribe online at Ring.com (you can’t do this via the app).

First reviewed May 2025

I loved the aspect ratio of the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell but not so much the battery
7:00 pm | March 1, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: two-minute review

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is a very good video doorbell that’s held back a little by a limited battery life and one accessory omission. If you live alone and are willing to charge up the battery on a weekly basis or set it up in a wired configuration, its 9:16 aspect ratio, microSD reader (not to mention included 32GB SD card), and a host of features makes it among the best video doorbells for you to consider.

The battery life is not what one would want in a device that should take the place of the best home security cameras for your front door. It’s also a little disconcerting that the doorbell chime is a separate purchase. The only way to get notifications outside of your phone then is through Alexa or Google Assistant, so there are at least options.

At the very least, the 4K resolution extends to a 9:16 ratio so you can get a full view of whomever or whatever is at your front door. It also has color night vision as well as a night light and two-way talk. As mentioned, it has some voice assistant support as well.

The setup and installation is pretty straightforward as well. All in all, the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is a solid option, especially if you’re willing to wire it up. I would also suggest spending the extra cash for the doorbell chime, unless you already have an Alexa or Google smart home setup.

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell has a single camera with an impressive aspect ratio. Many other doorbells use two cameras to cover the same area (Image credit: James Holland)

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: specs

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: price and availability

  • List price: $199.99 (about £160 / AU$320)
  • Available in the US

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell has a price tag of $199.99 (about £160 / AU$320), which isn't bad, especially considering that something like the Phillips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is a bit pricier at $229.99 (about £180 / AU$350). Unfortunately it's only available in the US, so if you’re in the UK or Australia, you’re limited to the 2K Video doorbell at a $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$327 price point.

The Lorex model offers a 9:16 aspect ratio, while the Phillips uses a dual-camera design for a somewhat similar full body view. Both allow you to do wired and wireless power. However, the Lorex comes with a 32GB SD card compared to the 8GB built-in storage. Of course, the Phillips model does come with a Wi-Fi chime box, whereas the one for Lorex (which is, luckily compatible with quite a few of the brand’s video doorbells) requires a separate purchase of $49.99/ £59.99 / AU$69.00.

If we look at other 4K video doorbells, the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell’s price tag seems to be about what one should expect. The SwannBuddy 4K goes for $199 / £169 / AU$299, however, it does offer a bit more value, as it not only also comes with a microSD reader and 32GB SD card so you don’t have to spring for a subscription, but it also comes with a doorbell chime included. The Lorex is a little easier to install, partially thanks to the use of plastic mounting brackets instead of metal. The Lorex is also more flexible since it comes with a couple angled brackets so that you can get a clear view of whoever is in front of the door.

  • Value score: 4/5

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: design

  • Has microSD reader for onboard storage
  • Comes with two different angled brackets
  • Straightforward installation

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is available in black and white (the one reviewed here is black) and looks about the same and is a similar size to most other video doorbells you’ll come across. It is a little bit smaller than the Phillips Series 7000 I reviewed as it stands a little over five inches tall compared to the Phillips’ over six inches of height. Functionally, it doesn’t make much of a difference.

The front of the doorbell is composed of the camera on top, the logo etched across the middle, and the actual button lined by an LED indicator that lights up when pressed (or when the doorbell is triggered by someone or something passing in front of it).

Image 1 of 2

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell

The package includes a mounting bracket and two angled plates (Image credit: James Holland)
Image 2 of 2

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell

Installation is pretty straightforward (Image credit: James Holland)

The microSD card reader and a micro-USB port for charging sit on the side behind a silicon cover that’s actually a bit tough to pop out (and will be covered by the mounting bracket when installed on a door). While it takes some work to get out (unless you have long nails), it does help keep the integrity of this doorbell’s IP65 rating, meaning that you don’t have to worry about a heavy rain shorting the doorbell.

If you want to wire this doorbell up instead of going the wireless route, which you might want to once you read my thoughts on the battery life, the ports are on the back of the unit. And as is to be expected, the necessary wires are included in a little bag that also includes a pin used to remove the doorbell from the bracket.

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell

The doorbell has a micro USB port and a microSD card reader, both of which are shielded from the elements (Image credit: James Holland)

Also included are three different mounting brackets. Or should I say, one flat bracket that must be used and then two additional ones that are angled to the side or downward to adjust the viewing angle of the doorbell if you don’t want it to just look straight ahead.

Since I’ve mentioned the brackets, I should mention that installation is pretty easy. Just charge up the doorbell, screw in the mounting bracket(s), connect the doorbell to the app (the usual follow-the-directions-on-the-screen situation), pop in the doorbell into the bracket, and you’re good to go.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: performance

  • Sharp 4K resolution with full-body 9:16 aspect ratio
  • Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Battery life isn't great

The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell offers an 8MP camera with 4K resolution (2160 × 3840p) in a unique 9:16 ratio. I appreciate the full body angle so that I can get a clear view of the front door. Someone would have to stand really close to the camera to hide something out of view. And since it has that higher resolution, everything comes through clearly.

Image 1 of 2

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell

Video is clear and crisp during the daytime, with impressive viewing angles (Image credit: James Holland)
Image 2 of 2

Night vision footage from Lorex 4K Video Doorbell

Footage recorded at night is crisp as well (Image credit: James Holland)

It’s just as clear at night, if a bit more monochromatic. This is intentional as you can change a setting to see whatever’s at your door in color, though it’s not quite as crisp.

There’s a little bit of a lag but seems to be just a second or so – certainly not long enough to hamper a conversation. Speaking of, the microphone is adequate though it picks up more environmental noise than I would like. At least, there’s responsive two-way audio.

Image 1 of 2

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell

(Image credit: James Holland)
Image 2 of 2

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell

(Image credit: James Holland)

Since the doorbell chime is sold separately, it’s up to me (or whomever has the app on their phone) to keep an eye for notifications. While I miss the physical chime, I was able to connect the doorbell to Alexa to serve in that capacity (this video doorbell also supports Google Assistant). There’s also the option to share the doorbell with other users so other people in the household are also notified when there’s someone at the door.

Since the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is capable of wired and wireless power, I highly suggest you go the wired route. While it doesn’t take too long to charge up, it took about a week to go from a 100% charge to 20%. That means I have to charge it almost every week to keep using it.

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell

There's no separate charm to notify you when someone is at the door, but connecting the doorbell to Alexa will let you receive alerts through a smart speaker (Image credit: James Holland)

Now, I will mention that we have dogs that need to be let out several times a day and multiple people in the home where this doorbell is being tested, so the Lorex is regularly triggered. Still, a weekly charge-up is not something anyone would expect for a video doorbell.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell?

Buy it if

You want to see everything in front of your door

Thanks to that 9:16 aspect ratio, not to mention the 4K resolution, you can get a full view of whatever’s at your front door and not just a headshot.

You don’t want to spring for a subscription

With some video doorbells, you need to pay for a subscription to get a decent amount of storage. You don’t need that here since it has a microSD card reader and includes a 32GB card.

You want voice assistant support

This doorbell works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing easy integration into your smart home (if you use one of those two ecosystems).

Don't buy it if

You want a long lasting wireless doorbell

Whatever the reason, the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell needs to get recharged almost weekly. This is not the doorbell for you, if you want something that’s set-it-and-forget-it.

You’re limited on funds

Not only is it a bit pricey for a video doorbell (though mostly on par with other 4K video doorbells), it doesn’t come with a doorbell chime, which is sold separately.

Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: also consider

Phillips 7000 Series Video Doorbell

Not only is it easy to install and use, the video quality is crisp and the onboard storage is enough to forgo a subscription. It is on the pricey side, has a bit of a delay, and sometimes has audio issues. On the bright side, it can be used both wired and wirelessly.

Read our full Phillips 7000 Series Video Doorbell review

SwannBuddy 4K

The SwannBuddy 4K is about the same price as the Lorex, also offers superb video quality, and even allows you to communicate through pre-recorded voice messages. It comes with an included SD card and even a doorbell chime, but doesn’t have angled or plastic mounting brackets, which could be an issue for placement or antique door frames.

Read our full SwannBuddy 4K review

How I tested the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell

To test the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell, I used it for a couple weeks to not only answer the door, but to monitor all activity coming in and out (mostly my brother-in-law letting the dogs out to pee). I also played around with and tested the various settings in the app to see how they work, including the voice assistant and night vision settings.

Tested February 2025

Blink Outdoor 4 review: affordable, beginner-friendly home security that gets the job done
8:19 am | December 12, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Blink Outdoor 4: one-minute review

The Blink Outdoor 4 is an outdoor-intended camera that offers weather resistance and a simple, easily fixed square design that's perfect for placing up in the corner of a roof or sitting on a windowsill. Its best feature is a phenomenal two-year battery life, powered by two easily replaceable AA batteries – though if you really want, the camera can be powered via a USB-C connection.

Available for $99 / £92.24 / AU$149, this outdoor, battery-powered camera may be attractive just for its low cost. Blink is Amazon’s budget home security brand, and unlike its premium brand Ring, Blink is focused on affordability. Still, the camera works quite well and has a worthwhile range of features. With the included Sync Module 2, offline video capture and storage can be facilitated, provided you have a USB-A device connected (below 256GB).

Aside from this offline solution, you may instead wish to subscribe to one of Blink’s paid memberships, which offer additional features like unlimited 60-day cloud storage and photo capture. However, for most of my time with the Blink Outdoor 4, I used the free subscription with the Sync Module 2, and found it to be a perfectly fine experience.

Setting up the Blink Outdoor 4 was extremely easy. Everything happens through the Blink app for Android and Apple handsets, where you’re prompted to set up an account (you can link to your Amazon account in the app). Pairing your Outdoor 4 with your Sync Module comes next – and as long as they’re both on the same Wi-Fi network, everything works seamlessly. You can place the Sync Module 2 anywhere in your home provided it has power.

After setup, I could check-in on the camera at any time through an always-online live feed. This offers decent (if a bit grainy and motion blurry) 1080p stream, along with two-way audio with sound quality that isn’t terrible, but isn’t the clearest either. Motion-triggered notifications are available with all three subscriptions, but motion event recording, live view recording and person detection are restricted to paid subscriptions.

Motion detection is reliable and you are given the option to turn up the sensitivity in the settings (you can even adjust retrigger time between events). Person detection is serviceable and I generally didn’t have any problems with it, testing it both inside and out.

On the hardware side, the Blink Outdoor 4 is easily mounted on the outside of a home with the included bracket, and its IP65 rating gives it a fair amount of resistance to the elements. A basic mounting kit and power adapter is included in the box, but I’ve happily had the Outdoor 4 sitting on my windowsill over the past couple of months with no mount attached.

Adjusting privacy zones in the app is easy, but selection is limited to an array of rectangular zones on the display (privacy zones will be completely greyed out). The same goes for setting activity zones, though you are given slightly more depth of customization with this setting.

In terms of quality, you may be left unimpressed with the Blink Outdoor 4 if you’re after a replacement for a premium outdoor camera from Ring or Eufy. The 1080p resolution is perfectly fine for a first time home camera, but it’s no premium device. Selecting the ‘best picture quality’ setting will resolve some issues with moving object blur, but you may still find it a bit too grainy. Improving the video quality does reduce battery life. It may be unattractive to you if you already have a robust security system, and it's more intended as a first-time device.

Overall, you’ll be impressed with the Blink Outdoor 4 if you’re after a cheap and reliable battery-powered camera for outdoor or indoor use. It’s not the best security camera on the market but it’s a good entry-level pick for a security-minded homebody. Check out our article on the best home security cameras if you’re shopping for an alternative.

Blink Outdoor 4: price and availability

A hand holding the Blink Outdoor 4 wireless security camera

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
  • List price: $99 / £92.24 / AU$149
  • Availability: US, UK, and Australia
  • Release date: November 2023 (October 2024 in Australia)

The Blink Outdoor 4 is available at quite a low price when compared to other home security cameras, but it’s designed to be an affordable solution. It's been available in the US and UK since November 2023, but only made its way to Australia (along with the Blink brand) in October 2024.

Directly compared to its predecessor, the Outdoor 3, the Outdoor 4 sports a slightly wider field of view (143 degrees versus 110), upgraded night infrared vision, better motion detection, dual-zone motion alerts and person detection. Additional purchases for things such as mounts may be required depending on where you want to place the Outdoor 4 in your home.

Being able to store all footage locally is a huge plus, but note that you’ll need to use the included Sync Module 2 and your own USB-A storage device (up to 256GB). Stored footage can be viewed through the Blink app.

  • Value score: 4 / 5

Blink Outdoor 4 subscription offers

A Blink Outdoor 4 wireless security camera sitting on a shelf

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Blink has two subscription tiers to choose from, both offering unlimited recording cloud storage for up to 60 days. Monthly or yearly billing is available.

  • Blink Basic: $3p/m | £2.50p/m | AU$4.95p/m
  • Blink Plus: $10p/m | £8p/m | AU$15p/m

Blink Basic includes support for one device, motion event recording, live view recording, automatic local storage backups, instant video access, video sharing, person detection and photo capture. Blink Plus includes all Basic features, along with unlimited device inclusion, moments capture, notification snoozing and 10% off Blink devices.

Blink Outdoor 4: specifications

Blink Outdoor 4: design and features

The Blink Outdoor 4 on brickwork

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
  • Easy setup
  • No privacy cover
  • No remote control capabilities

Setup for the Blink Outdoor 4 couldn’t be more simple. After slotting in the batteries, all I had to do was download the app, scan the barcode on the back of the device, and follow the prompted steps. Setup for the Sync Module 2 is similarly simple.

The Blink Outdoor 4 is only available in Black, and though a basic mounting kit is included in the box, you can get by with just sitting the Outdoor 4 on a flat surface. There’s no motorized movement, meaning you’ll need to make any position adjustments by hand.

The basic mounting kit can be screwed into the wall or ceiling, but note that you’ll likely want it to be within easy reach to replace the batteries. There’s no privacy cover and no ability to simply cut recording unless you physically remove the batteries.

Setting privacy zones is easy enough, but you may be left underwhelmed by the lack of customization. Zones can only be created as collections of rectangles, as can activity zones (though activity zones are given slightly smaller rectangles to modify, allowing for greater coverage control). If you so wish, you can disable video recording or disable the audio connection.

  • Design and features score: 4/5

Blink Outdoor 4: performance

The Blink Outdoor 4 camera in hand

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)
  • Two years of battery life
  • Some lag and pixelization
  • Can be positioned almost anywhere

I reviewed the Blink Outdoor 4 in two different positions – sitting atop my lounge room shelves (keeping an eye on the room) and sitting on the windowsill (keeping an eye on my front door/lawn). In these spots, I tried out all the different recording qualities and, predictably, was most satisfied with the highest quality selection. Two years of battery life is quite a long time to begin with, so I’m not too worried about running the device flat too quickly.

Accessing these settings is easy. Go to the app, then tap the three dots displayed in the corner of the camera’s view, then click device settings. If you have multiple devices set up, you may want to tap the settings icon in the bottom right corner, then access Device and System Settings, then tap the ‘System’ you want to edit, followed by ‘All Devices’, then the camera you want to modify.

All of the video quality options are quite acceptable for the price. Graininess and blurred movements are fine at this end of the market, and ultimately the quality was never so insufficient that the camera was unusable. The camera is set to ‘Standard’ mode out of the box, with lower quality ‘Saver’ mode and ‘Best’ also available. Night vision was also sufficiently capable, but it’s not presented in colour, owing to the lack of an LED light on the device.

Screenshots taken from Blink app showing video footage

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Future)

Audio quality was fine and is most comparable to a standard intercom buzzer for an apartment. Back and forth communication is easy with microphones and speakers on both ends (on the camera and on your smartphone), but Ring fans may find it lower quality than what they’re used to. Motion sensitivity was fine, and for the duration of my review, I had it set to the default setting of five. I could turn the sensitivity up if I wished, but I found no need.

It’d be nice if the Blink Outdoor 4 had the option to view footage on a browser or computer, or any device without the smartphone app. Being limited to your small phone screen for your home security is disappointing, so hopefully this is changed at some point.

Finally, obviously the two year battery life is an estimation provided by Amazon. Unfortunately I’m not a time traveller, so I can’t provide a good estimation of my own on this – though over my two months of use, it hasn’t had any battery issues (the battery is still reportedly ‘OK’ in the app with no percentage offered). Most of my use was inside however, so I could have easily gotten by with USB-C delivered power.

  • Performance score: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Blink Outdoor 4?

Buy it if…

You want a security camera that saves locally

Though you have to bring your own storage device, the included Sync Module 2 allows you to store footage for ready access.View Deal

You want to save money

The Blink Outdoor 4 is built to save you money and you get decent value with what’s on offer.View Deal

You want a long battery life, wireless camera

Two years of battery life with two AA batteries is nothing to balk at!View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You already have a robust home security system

The Blink Outdoor 4 isn’t compatible with anything outside of the Blink ecosystem (apart from access through Alexa). It doesn’t mix with Ring, despite being owned by the same company.View Deal

You want the highest quality footage

Recording at a maximum of 1080p, the Blink Outdoor 4 doesn’t shoot the highest quality footage, and you may find videos grainy and blurry at times.View Deal

You dislike using apps only

Though the Blink camera app is quite well designed, you can’t currently access your camera system through a computer app or browser, meaning you’re limited to a smartphone or tablet display when previewing footage.View Deal

Blink Outdoor 4: also consider

Blink Mini 2

A sibling to the Outdoor 4, the Mini 2 is a wired-only alternative, capable of shooting in the same resolution and sold at a cheaper price point. It might be more attractive if you intend to place the device indoors, but setting it up outside will require extra handiwork. Read our Blink Mini 2 review.View Deal

Arlo Ultra 2

Shooting at up to 4K and offering HDR night vision, the Arlo Ultra 2 is a more premium wireless outdoor camera than the Outdoor 4. That being said, its six month battery life is nothing compared to the Outdoor 4’s two years of charge, and it’s considerably more expensive. Read our Arlo Ultra 2 review.View Deal

How I tested the Blink Outdoor 4

  • Tested it over two months in my home
  • Assessed the device on sound and video quality
  • Set it up in several different spots in several different configurations

From the moment I received the Blink Outdoor 4, I got to work testing it. I put it through its paces as a casual device, not putting it into a hardcore testing environment and instead treating it as something I would use in my own home.

For most of my review period, the Outdoor 4 was positioned at the top of my shelves, looking over my lounge room. It was given a decently lit and sized room to allow for motion and person capture, and I was given the ability to test privacy and activity zoning with a lot of freedom.

I tested audio quality by giving the camera to a friend and going to the next room, allowing us to have a conversation over the two devices. I frequently checked the camera through the app and would use it to make sure I closed my front door.

I assessed the Blink Outdoor 4 as a first time device, as somebody who has never had a home security camera.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed December 2024

SwannBuddy4K review: a video doorbell with its own voice assistant
6:00 pm | November 23, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Comments: Off

SwannBuddy4K: two-minute review

Founded in Melbourne in the 1980s, Australian company Swann may not be a household name. However, it does have an excellent reputation across the security industry thanks to a wide range of smart indoor and outdoor security cameras. We’ve reviewed many of them here at TechRadar, and though they they’re not always the most stylish, they tend to be some of the most reliable on the market – solidly built with intuitive software and offering decent performance (see our guide to the best home security cameras for our top recommendations).

The Swann 4K Video Doorbell appears to be no exception. Visually it’s quite similar to the Yale Smart Video Doorbell we reviewed recently. That’s to say it’s chunkier than some of the doorbells out there, but feels well made.

Setup is reasonably straightforward. Once the doorbell fully charged using the USB-C charging port, simply download the app to your smartphone. Then, using the QR code on the back of the device, you can pair the device with your Wi-Fi network (compatible only with 2.4GHz wireless networks, not 5GHz).

Alternatively, for those who don’t want to have to remove the device for charging every few weeks, and who have a bit of DIY skill, it’s possible to connect the Swann to an AC (mains) power supply using the terminals supplied. However, we didn’t test this out, preferring to use the device’s rechargeable battery instead.

One problem we faced was with the mounting bracket which the video doorbell slots into. Because it is made of metal, it’s slightly little less flexible to install on the architrave of a Victorian door - ie. the wooden mouldings of the frame – than if it’s made out of plastic. It’s also quite fiddly screwing the anti-tamper screw in at the bottom of the doorbell – useful if you want to prevent people from stealing the device from your front door!

SwannBuddy4K video doorbell

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Certainly, when it comes to features, the SwannBuddy 4K ticks most of the boxes. Probably the most useful of all is the built in MicroSD storage. A 32GB card is provided with the doorbell as standard, but it will support up to 128GB. This means you don’t have to pay an expensive monthly subscription to store video clips as you do with other models (although a subscription plan is available if you want it).

Less useful, but much more likely to grab headlines, is SwannShield. Described somewhat prosaically as an ‘AI-driven voice assistant’ by the manufacturer, it’s really little more than a set of pre-recorded messages at present, though it’s still in beta mode.

Basically, when someone presses the video doorbell at your property, a screen appears on your phone with a series of options underneath the video image. These include ‘push to talk’ so you can talk to the person at the door and a ‘voice prompts’ option that brings up various pre-recorded voice messages.

SwannBuddy4K video doorbell

(Image credit: Chris Price)

As soon as someone presses the doorbell, a ring can be heard from the speaker at the bottom of the video doorbell as well as the small, standalone battery-powered chime provided. Designed to be placed in the room where you are most likely to hear the doorbell, this features several melodies including one of a cuckoo clock and another of a dog barking menacingly (great for deterring intruders.)

Of course, the video doorbell is much more than a device for talking to people at the door. It can also be used as a standard security camera, recording footage as soon as the motion detection sensor is triggered. Capable of distinguishing between different types of movement (person, pet, car, package etc), it’s possible to store videos by type – particularly handy if you want to find out when a parcel was left on the doorstep. Alternatively, you can store videos in chronological order on the built-in MicroSD card.

SwannBuddy4K: subscription plans

Includes 60 days cloud recording, priority support, 36-month extended warranty, device insurance, exclusive offers. Costs £3.99 a month/£39.99 a year

SwannBuddy4K: price and availability

  • How much does it cost? $199 / £169 / AU$299
  • When is it available? Available since March 2024 (with SwannShield since October 2024)
  • Where is it available? US / UK / Australia

When you consider everything that video doorbells offer in terms of functionality, they really aren’t that expensive. Currently available online for around £129 (but with a recommended price of £169), the SwannBuddy is a little more pricey than some of its competitors, including the Yale Smart Video Doorbell (about £99).

However, a huge advantage is that, although you can sign up to a subscription package for £3.99 a month or £39.99 a year should you wish (see details above), it’s not necessary in order to use the camera fully.

Instead, on the back of the video doorbell behind a plastic panel lies a MicroSD card slot with a 32GB card fitted for storing your recordings (the SwannBuddy supports up to 128Gb). Another benefit is that a doorbell chime is included as standard whereas sometimes these are sold separately - though it’s worth noting the battery powered chime isn’t the best.

  • Value score: 4/5

SwannBuddy4K: design

  • Sturdy well-built model
  • Metal mounting bracket
  • IP65 water resistance

Made in China, the Swannbuddy 4K is very similar in looks to other video doorbells we’ve tested. Water resistant (IP65 rating), it’s certainly quite a sturdy unit – solid in the hand and measuring around 14cm long, 5.5cm wide and nearly 3cm thick.

At the top of the device is the camera while underneath are the microphone and night detection sensor. In the middle is the doorbell button itself which lights up different colours according to its mode (for example, solid blue during charging and red when recording footage). Underneath the doorbell button is the passive infrared (PIR) sensor which detects movement and a speaker button which enables the user to hear the doorbell when pressed. Behind a rubber cover on the back of the unit lies the MicroSD card slot, set/reset buttons and the USB-C charging port. Alternatively, it can be hard wired into the AC mains.

SwannBuddy4K video doorbell

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Swann recommends mounting around ‘chest height’ – between 1.2m and 1.6m high. Provided is a small metal mounting bracket which the doorbell slots into. However, this isn’t great if you are trying to install at a slight angle on the architrave of a door because it doesn’t provide enough flexibility. And while the double-sided sticky tape provided may be an alternative option, it’s not really ideal for a device of this size (it also removes the paintwork).

To help stop the doorbell from being stolen, an anti-tamper screw connects the bottom of the bracket to the video doorbell itself. However, we found this slightly difficult to insert when the camera was mounted on the door frame and had to move the device to a flat surface instead.

  • Design score: 3.5/5

SwannBuddy4K video doorbell

(Image credit: Chris Price)

SwannBuddy4K: performance

  • 4K ultra high-definition resolution
  • Two-way audio
  • SwannShield voice prompts

Like most Swann models we’ve reviewed, the SwannBuddy 4K doesn’t disappoint. Thanks to clear, intuitive instructions complete with voice commands, pairing the device with your home’s Wi-Fi is simple (though it only supports 2.4GHz networks). The software on the app is straightforward too with well laid out menus.

Various options are provided to help you customise the video doorbell, including a detection setting which allows you to exclude certain parts of the camera’s view from being recorded. That’s useful, especially if you live on a busy road and don’t want to record passers-by or cars going past. Adjustable sensitivity settings and recording schedules are also provided to limit unnecessary recording time.

SwannBuddy4K video doorbell

(Image credit: Chris Price)

At first, I thought the video quality of the SwannBuddy 4K was extremely poor, until I realised the device had defaulted to low quality mode. However, in high quality 4K the image is excellent even when recording at night. Unlike traditional security cameras which tend to offer more landscape images, video doorbells are obviously much more portrait in orientation. That said, the viewing angle is still a respectable 165 degrees, more than adequate for most set-ups.

As soon as someone presses the doorbell, a push notification is sent to your smartphone telling you the front doorbell is ringing. Once you answer, it then ‘wakes up the camera’ in a matter of seconds so you can see who is at your door. Included are various options including ‘push to talk’ which enables you to speak directly to whoever’s at the door. Alternatively, the SwannShield feature allows you to play pre-recorded messages to your visitors.

SwannBuddy4K video doorbell

(Image credit: Chris Price)

To set this up you can choose from one of three demeanours (polite, interested or disinterested) with various pre-recorded messages available, all delivered in a slightly scary Australian accent. There’s even one telling the person to leave your property as the police are on their way! And if that doesn’t do the job there’s always the siren button to scare them off. It all feels a little unwelcoming and probably not entirely suitable for most interactions.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the SwannBuddy4K?

Buy it if

You want pre-recorded voice messages

This video doorbell offers several pre-recorded voice messages to play to those who come to your door.

You don’t want to pay for a monthly plan

The Swann 4K video doorbell is one of the few to feature local storage (up to 128GB).

Don't buy it if

You want to install at an angle

The device’s smallish metal bracket and fiddly anti-tamper screw are tricky to install on the architrave of a front door.

You are on a limited budget

Although it’s not expensive by any means, there are cheaper video doorbells out there to choose from

SwannBuddy4K: also consider

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (battery)

Available in black or white, this outdoor security camera from Amazon-owned Ring boasts two 3000°K spotlights. You can also buy a mains-powered version as well as a separate solar panel.

Read our full review of Ring Spotlight Cam Pro

Yale Smart Video Doorbell and Chime

A solidly-built camera from a well-respected name in the security industry. We particularly like the fittings provided with the camera for easy installation, and the doorbell’s clear images.

Read our full review of the Yale Video Doorbell

How I tested the SwannBuddy4K

  • I used the SwannBuddy 4K for three weeks
  • I set it up myself using the fittings supplied by the manufacturer
  • The video doorbell was installed in two places on my front door

I set up the SwannBuddy 4K in two locations on my front door. Firstly, on the door frame itself and then on the side of the porch covering an existing analogue door entry system. During testing many people came to the door, although I only used the pre-recorded voice messages with people I knew.

On one occasion a friend who came round was quite shocked by the response of the SwannShield feature when I deliberately played a message telling him (in an assertive Aussie accent) to ‘leave my property’ before sounding the siren loudly. But he later saw the funny side when I explained it was an experiment for a product test!

After two weeks on the front door, I brought the video doorbell indoors to test it as a security camera in my home office. During this time, I noted that despite being very responsive to movement and recording plenty of footage, it still had nearly 50% charge left on the battery after three weeks.

Read more about how TechRadar tests products.

Blink Mini 2 review: this home security camera is good price, but unimpressive performance might make you think twice
7:30 pm | November 16, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Blink Mini 2 review: two-minute review

The Blink Mini 2 is a home security camera that can be used indoors, and outside when combined with the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter sold separately. It has a list price of $39.99 / £34.99 / AU$69 and is available to buy at Amazon.

Blink has followed in many other brands footsteps and requires you to pay a subscription fee to access recordings and most of the Blink Mini 2’s features. However, the camera does have the benefit of manual recording backup, though this will require an additional purchase of the Blink Sync Module 2 and a compatible USB drive.

The setup process was blissfully straightforward, and the Blink Home Monitor app worked well for the most part, aside from a couple of random glitches and the over-complicated process of getting to the device settings from the homepage.

A close-up of the front of the Blink Mini 2, shows the camera and spotlight.

(Image credit: Future)

The design of the Blink Mini 2 is small and simple; the camera is cube-shaped and sits on a ball joint that connects it to the compact circular base slash bracket, depending on whether it’s placed on a surface or fixed to a wall or ceiling. The ball joint only allows for manual repositioning, so regrettably, unlike many of the best home security cameras, there’s no capacity for remote control movement, meaning I could only view one static area at a time. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a privacy cover, so while camera and audio feeds can be disconnected in the app, if multiple people have access there’s no guarantee of privacy while the camera is operational.

The activity and privacy zones did their job well. However, the process to select the areas was basic and was limited to a square or rectangular shape, which isn’t ideal if you want to block off your neighbor's yard but the boundary isn’t straight or at the right angle. The privacy zones were also unsightly on the feed and recorded footage, replacing the area with an expanse of grey.

In terms of performance, the Blink Mini 2 didn’t bowl me over. The video and audio quality were disappointing, but not bad considering how cheap the hardware is. The footage was grainy on the default standard image quality setting, and the picture pixelated when there was movement on the screen. The best picture quality setting fared better, with little pixelation and a slight improvement to the graininess.

The round base and ball joint of the Blink Mini 2.

(Image credit: Future)

For the most part, motion detection and person detection worked well. I needed to up the motion sensitivity from the default level of five to seven as it didn’t detect me on my return to the room. The Blink Mini 2 didn’t detect my cats when it was set to this sensitivity level, but there were a few occasions when it recognized my cats as people when I upped it to the maximum setting of nine.

Overall, I wasn’t blown away by the Blink Mini 2, but for the price, it’s a good basic camera for those who don’t require crystal-clear footage or audio, and are just looking for something that won’t cost the earth to keep an eye on a particular area. If you’d like to check out some alternatives I recommend checking out our best home security cameras buying guide, which features several alternatives tailored to specific requirements.

Blink Mini 2 review: price and availability

  • List price: $39.99 / £34.99 / AU$69
  • Availability: US, UK, and Australia
  • Release date: May 2024

The Blink Mini 2 is available at a list price of $39.99 / £34.99 / AU$69, which is fairly low cost for a smart indoor/outdoor home security camera. It was released in May 2024 and is available to purchase at Amazon, which is no coincidence when Blink is in fact an Amazon company.

An upgrade to the previous generation, the Blink Mini, the Blink Mini 2 has been given some welcome new features including color night view, a wider field of view of 143 degrees and a built-in spotlight as standard. Additionally, it offers person detection and can be used outdoors, but additional purchases are required.

It’s a big positive that it’s possible to store recordings locally, which requires an additional Blink device and a compatible USB drive. As with other smart home security cameras, it also offers a cloud subscription service that gives access to recordings and additional features via the Blink Home Monitor app, downloadable from the App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore.

If you intend to store your recordings locally, you’ll need to purchase a Blink Sync Module 2, and a suitable USB flash drive, which will save photos and videos from up to ten Blink cameras. Without a subscription plan, you’ll have access to your recordings if you’re backing them up via the Blink Sync Module 2 (but you’ll have to back them up manually), will receive motion-activated notifications, and can access the live view for up to five minutes at a time. It’s worth stressing here that if you choose not to continue with the initial free trial all recordings will be deleted, so make sure to back them up first if you take this route.

  • Value score: 4 / 5

Blink Mini 2 subscription options

Blink Basic Plan:
In addition to the features available without a plan, you also get live view and motion event recording, unlimited cloud storage for up to 60 days, automatic local storage backup every 24 hours, instant video access, video sharing, person detection, and photo capture. Applicable to one device only.
Price: $3 / £2.50 / AU$4.95 per month, $30 / £24.99 / AU$49.95 per year

Blink Plus Plan:
Along with the benefits of the Basic Plan, you’re able to snooze notifications, get 10% off Blink device purchases at Amazon, and use the Blink Moments feature, which seamlessly stitches together multiple events into one video. Applicable to all Blink devices.
Price: $10 / £8 / AU$15 per month, $100 / £80 / AU$150 per year

Blink Mini 2 review: specifications

Blink Mini 2 review: design and features

  • Easy setup
  • No privacy cover
  • No remote control capabilities

The setup process was fairly quick and simple, I just needed to download the Blink Home Monitor app, scan the barcode on the back of the Blink Mini 2, and follow the step-by-step instructions. The only small stumbling block was when the app claimed that my phone failed to connect to the Mini 2’s Wi-Fi hotspot automatically and to select it manually in my Wi-Fi settings. Before I got to my settings, the app pinged me a notification to let me know that the camera had connected successfully, so we got there in the end.

Available in black or white, the Blink Mini 2 is similar in size to its predecessor and has a rather dazzling spotlight above the camera lens that can be toggled on or off from the app. The camera sits on a sturdy but easily adjustable ball joint that connects it to the base, but this is only for manual positioning, meaning it cannot be moved remotely.

The Blink Mini 2 is angled as far back as it can go, pointing up towards the top right corner of the image.

(Image credit: Future)

As an indoor/outdoor camera, the Blink Mini 2 can sit happily on a flat surface on its stand or can be screwed to a wall or ceiling using the bracket that's integrated into the base. It’s worth noting that to use outside it will require the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter, which is sold separately.

Along with the Sync Module 2, the Blink Mini 2 can connect to other Blink devices, such as the Blink Video Doorbell, transforming the Mini 2 into a plug-in chime every time the doorbell rings.

Unlike some other indoor cameras, such as the 4.5-star rated Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, the Blink Mini 2 doesn’t feature a privacy cover, so there’s no way to manually cut the audio and visual feed to the camera short of just unplugging it. It was possible to block the camera view via the app if necessary by setting a privacy zone, though.

A close-up of the front of the Blink Mini 2, showing the camera and spotlight.

(Image credit: Future)

When I set one of these zones up myself to check how efficient they were, the live feed kept showing me the spinning-wheel-of-doom and wouldn’t load, so it seemed to struggle with this extra requirement initially. The video clips still recorded when spotting movement, however, and it was undoubtedly clear where the privacy zone was, as the image in this area was covered by a grey rectangle. By the time I’d finished testing this, the live feed had gotten itself back together, and the privacy area was again marked by a grey block, so nothing was viewable within that area.

It’s also possible to disable video recording and, as promised, it didn’t record anything after I switched it on. There’s also a setting to disable the audio connection, and true enough after applying this setting it cut off the feed to the microphone both on the live view and in recorded footage, so it was still possible to see what was going on but no sound was present. So while these are good features, privacy cannot be guaranteed if others can access the camera feed.

  • Design and features score: 3 / 5

Blink Mini 2 review: performance

  • Some lag and pixelization
  • Privacy areas work well, but they’re unattractive
  • Standard IR night vision performs better than best daytime setting

I used the Blink Home Monitor app to enable the different settings for testing and to view the live feed and recordings. In my opinion, the process required to get to the camera’s settings is somewhat inefficient. To access the camera settings for the Blink Mini 2 from the homepage I had to go into the settings menu, into device and system settings, then into Office (which is what I’d named my location), click on an inconspicuous all devices button, then click on TechRadar Office (the name of my Blink Mini 2), before I’m finally shown the device settings that I need. Admittedly, if I clicked on the three dots icon from the live view and then tapped device settings, it got me there too, but if you install a few cameras or devices at once, getting to the devices' settings all gets a bit long-winded.

Video quality is set to standard by default, and although I wasn’t impressed with it, it was acceptable for the low price. The footage and live view were quite grainy, and some pixelization occurred when movement was present on the screen. This isn’t what I expected to see after viewing the marketing material, but at a $40 price tag, I suppose you get what you pay for.

The other two settings available were saver mode, which reduces video quality, and best, which is meant to be higher quality. The best footage was still grainy – but not as severely as it was in standard mode – and it did seem to pixelate less when there was movement present, so there was some improvement.

A black-colored Blink Mini 2 sits on a light wooden surface against a pink background. The camera is angled up towards the top right corner of the image.

(Image credit: Future)

As was the case with the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, the Blink Mini 2’s Night View in Color was only functional with enough ambient light. I found that I needed an LED lamp on in the corner at medium brightness for the image to be colored, and it did a good job of that. But if the environment was any darker than this it reverted to the standard black and white mode that we’re used to from other indoor security cameras. The black and white infrared night vision picture quality was great, and an improvement on the normal quality that’s recorded in daylight.

The audio quality left me unimpressed. There was loud static noise when there wasn’t any sound to relay, and voices weren’t particularly clear – but it was adequate enough for a cheaply priced security camera.

It was frustrating that clips didn’t auto-record if I happened to be viewing the live feed when an event happened. There was a button to save the recording on the bottom right of the screen, which is helpful and means that the clip can be saved. But I can err on the forgetful side, so if I happened to be looking at the feed when a burglar broke in, for example, I might well forget to hit save before coming off the feed to call the police.

The back of the Blink Mini 2 showing the USB-C power-in port and scannable QR code.

(Image credit: Future)

I tested out the privacy and activity zones and found that the selection process is a little more restricted than in other brand’s apps, like Ring, for example. Instead of having adjustable multi-point areas, the Blink Home Monitor app only offers square privacy zones, with just four adjustable points. The activity zone area selection was even more basic, with an 8x8 grid of selectable rectangles. There was an advanced button I could click, but this only zoomed in on the image and offered more rectangles, so setting up the activity zones proved far more laborious than I’m used to. Nonetheless, the privacy zones worked, although it meant dealing with large grey squares over the live view and footage where I’d set them, which wasn’t the most aesthetically pleasing.

Although my iPhone 12 Pro worked fine for viewing recorded content, and I could view it on my iPad too, I would have liked the option to view it on a browser as I could with some other brands' camera feeds. So if you wanted to use Blink cameras to watch over your business, or to keep track of your pets around the house, you’re limited to smaller screens to do this.

I kept the motion sensitivity on the default setting of five, to begin with, and for the most part, it worked well. Unfortunately, though, it missed me a few times when I came back in from leaving my living room. It had detected me each time I left, but despite me facing the camera each time I reentered a little while later, it didn't react upon my return. I raised the sensitivity level to eight, and it detected me that time, so it’s worth testing out which sensitivity works best for you if you purchase a Blink Mini 2.

A close-up of the front of the Blink Mini 2, shows the camera and spotlight.

(Image credit: Future)

At the same time, I was testing the motion detection, and I also tested out the person detection setting, which is meant to limit motion recordings and alerts to only trigger when a person is present. My two Maine-Coon-cross cats were the perfect test subjects for this experiment. They didn’t set off the motion recording when the motion sensitivity was set to seven; however, when it was set to nine, which is the highest setting available, it detected my bigger cat, Mr Jinkx, on a few occasions that he wandered through the viewing area. On the other hand, it only detected his daintier sister, who is only slightly larger than the average cat, on one occasion when she jumped onto the TV cabinet (and made a lot of noise while doing it). So I’d wager that you may get away with not receiving unnecessary notifications if you have a standard-sized pet cat, but it could be a different story if your pets are any larger.

It was really easy for me to share recorded videos. I simply had to swipe left on the clip I wanted to send from the list, and it showed me the options to share or delete. Unfortunately, though, the first time I did this it caused the app to fall over. It returned to the clip list with the share screen still visible, and wouldn’t acknowledge any of my taps, so I had to force quit the app and reopen it. The recording did send, however, so that’s a positive, and the camera continued to detect my movements. I’m pleased to say I didn’t experience any further issues sharing clips after this occasion, though.

When I tried to share a clip of Mr Jinkx sitting on the window sill, I found I couldn’t unlink it from the next clip, which also included me, having to tell him that he can’t jump through a closed skylight. Eventually, I found that the icon of a film snippet and a clock on the “cloud storage” bar at the bottom of the screen was to switch the list of recorded footage from moments to separate events. I’m glad the function was there, but as it looked more like a scheduling icon I didn’t find it very clear.

  • Performance score: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the Blink Mini 2?

Buy it if...

You want to store your footage without paying monthly
Although there’s an extra cost involved, as you’ll need to purchase the Blink Sync Module 2, it’s reassuring to know that you won’t need to tie yourself to a subscription plan in order to back up the recorded footage.

You don’t want to blow your budget
Although the Blink Mini 2 may not have all the bells and whistles we’d like, at this price it’s a good option if you just want a lower-cost camera that’s quick to set up and easy to view the live feed.

You want a compact outdoor camera
Thanks to its IP65 rating, the Blink Mini 2 is all good to use outdoors, and its small size means it’s less likely to stand out to passers-by. It’s worth keeping in mind that the camera still requires plug-in power though, so you’ll need to purchase the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter for peace of mind.

Don't buy it if...

You want a 360-degree view
Unfortunately, the Blink Mini 2 doesn’t possess remote movement functionality, so you’re limited to the static view from where the camera is placed.

You value your privacy
There’s an unfortunate lack of privacy cover on this home security camera, which may not be an issue for some, but if multiple people have access to your feed it would be reassuring to have a manual privacy cover for peace of mind when you’re home.

You want a perfect picture
It’s still clear to see who people are and what they’re up to on the Live feed and recordings, but the image quality isn’t the best. The footage I viewed and recorded was often a bit grainy, and the feed often pixelated slightly when there was movement onscreen.

Blink Mini 2 review: Also consider

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam
This camera will require a little more investment, and sadly doesn’t allow for any kind of local storage, but it has fantastic image quality that didn’t present any lag or pixelization during testing, and you have access to a vast viewing area thanks to its 360-degree rotation and 169-degree tilting capabilities. If you’d like to read more, check out my full Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review by clicking on the link.

Wyze Cam v3
Another example of an indoor and outdoor security camera, except you don’t have to make an additional purchase to use it outside, as it already has a rubber sleeve to protect the camera's inlet, along with the IP65 water resistance rating. You can learn more about it in the full Wyze Cam 3 review.

How I tested the Blink Mini 2

  • I tested it for a week at home and in a busy office
  • I tested the sound and video quality, live and recorded
  • I tested the ease of setup, usability, privacy settings, and motion detection

I reviewed how easy the Blink Mini 2 was to set up, and tested its app and features.

I tested the Blink Mini 2 in our busy TechRadar reviews office along with a quieter area of my home to establish how sensitive the motion detection was, and how efficient the privacy and activity zones were.

I tested the frequency of notifications and reviewed live and recorded footage, paying close attention to the visual and sound quality, and evaluating how well the camera handled movement.

I observed how well the Night Color Vision worked in different environments, testing how well it performed in darkness and with varying levels of ambient lighting.

I compared the Blink Mini 2 against our previous camera reviews, and benchmarked it against other indoor cameras I am currently testing.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed October 2024

Reolink Altas PT Ultra review: a security camera that’s great for continuously monitoring your property
8:00 pm | October 27, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Comments: Off

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: two-minute review

A brand new model from a company that has been producing security solutions since 2009, the Altas (not Atlas) PT Ultra is intended for those who are serious about security. A bulky model featuring a 355-degree pan and 90-degree tilt camera, it’s ideally suited for small businesses and individuals wanting to monitor their premises on a regular, or even constant, basis.

However, it’s not the most straightforward to install, requiring a little bit of DIY skill to mount the bracket which the camera then slots into. Thankfully though, mounting templates, screws, and wall plugs are all provided in the box. Various mounting options are catered for, including a ceiling and wall mount. It’s even possible to install on a tree using the tree mounting strap provided.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera and accessories removed from box

(Image credit: Chris Price)

As with most of the best home security cameras these days, the Altas is controlled via your smartphone. Simply download the Reolink app and scan the QR code printed on the device to go through the setup instructions, complete with voice commands. Unlike many security cameras, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies. It can also store footage on a MicroSD card up to 512GB (not supplied) or the company’s Home Hub/Home Hub Pro server (also not supplied).

Alternatively, you can pay for a subscription to store footage in the cloud. Currently the standard plan costs $6.99 / £3.49 / AU$4.99 per month or $69.99 / £34.49 / AU$49.99 a year for 30-day cloud video history, 30GB video storage and support for up to five cameras.

Using the app, you can set the pan and tilt camera both to record and track different types of movement automatically (human, animals, cars etc.) or you can control the camera manually via the app using the up and down arrow keys. There’s even a 10-second pre-record option which, like a body-worn camera or dashcam, constantly records in the background (this can be switched off if the battery falls to below a certain level).

Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera mounted outside

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Notifications can either be pushed to your mobile phone or via email if you want to go old school. If you want to record more than just motion-triggered events, you can set the camera up for continuous recording. Alternatively, it’s possible to set up a timer schedule of when you want recordings to take place using the slider controls in the menu.

Finally, in addition to recording footage there’s also the option of talking to potential intruders via the built-in microphone. And if reasoning with them doesn’t work there are also options to trigger the onboard alarm or switch the camera’s bright lights on all at the touch of a button.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: subscription options

Reolink Cloud, Classic Plan Series. Standard Plan: Up to 30-day cloud video history, up to five cameras supported, up to 30GB cloud storage. $6.99 / £3.49 / AU$4.99 per month or $69.99 / £34.49 / AU$49.99 per year.

Reolink Cloud, Classic Plan Series. Premier Plan: Up to 30-day cloud video history, up to 10 cameras supported, up to 80GB cloud storage. $10.99 / £6.89 / AU$9.99 per month, $104.99 / £68.19 / AU$99 per year.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: price and availability

  • How much does it cost? $229 / £229 / AU$359
  • When is it available? Available since October 2024
  • Where is it available? UK / US / Australia

Given you can now get an outdoor security camera for under £100 (such as the £89 Ring Stick-Up Cam) the Reolink seems very expensive at first glance. But then this device isn’t just intended for personal use. It’s also ideal for small businesses who want to keep an eye on their premises.

Another benefit is that you don’t have to pay the monthly subscription fee which often helps to subsidise the price of security cameras, rather like expensive printer cartridges subsidise cheap printers. Instead, you can use a MicroSD card or a ReoLink home hub to store footage rather than paying to store it in the cloud.

Also, unlike other models, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra combines a very large integrated lithium ion battery with a stand-alone solar panel as standard whereas often this is an optional extra. And while the solar panel didn’t prove particularly useful in the UK during a rainy and overcast couple of weeks in Autumn, it’s a great way of supplementing the device’s power in sunnier times.

Of course, the Reolink Atlas PT Ultra isn’t for everyone. There are much certainly much cheaper models on the market if you just want to track occasional motion. But if it’s constant monitoring combined with high performance video you are after then it’s certainly worth paying the premium.

  • Value score: 3.5/5

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: design

  • Solidly built
  • Hefty mounting bracket provided
  • Large integrated camera

The first thing you notice about the ReoLink Altas PT Ultra is just how big and heavy it is. Not that this is a criticism necessarily, just that it feels much chunkier than other models on the market. It also requires some DIY skills to drill all the necessary holes to install the mounting bracket into which the camera slots.

We installed the ReoLink Atlas on the front of a back garden office, but equally it could have been mounted on a ceiling. The only thing you need to be mindful of is leaving enough room for the built-in antenna which is designed to be angled directly upwards from the pan and tilt camera.

Image 1 of 3

Rear view of Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera

(Image credit: Chris Price)
Image 2 of 3

Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera

(Image credit: Chris Price)
Image 3 of 3

Side view of Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera

(Image credit: Chris Price)

A waterproof cover beneath the lens hides the MicroSD storage while above the lens are the powerful white lights. These lights are triggered by motion when it’s dark or can be switched on by pressing a button on the app. A microphone hole and daylight sensor are also provided in the main camera housing with a large speaker and USB-C charging port located on the underside of the unit close to the mounting bracket.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera mounted outside

(Image credit: Chris Price)

You can simply slide the camera out of the mounting bracket to charge it via the mains using the USB-C cable provided (you will need your own USB plug as this isn’t supplied). Alternatively, you can connect the camera via the same USB-port to the solar panel for additional power on sunny days. A generous amount of cable is provided for the solar panel and it’s surprisingly easy both to install (just three screws required), as well as angle towards the sky.

  • Design score: 4/5

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: performance

  • 4K ultra high-definition resolution
  • Large battery for continuous recording
  • Color night vision

Undoubtedly, it’s when it comes to performance that the Reolink Altas PT really comes into its own. Testing the video quality during the day, I was impressed with the 4K resolution which displayed the flora and fauna of my garden in rich detail as well as capturing family members and pets in high resolution (no intruders were spotted during the test period!)

Image 1 of 2

Footage from Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera on an iPhone screen

(Image credit: Chris Price)
Image 2 of 2

Screen grabs of Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera app on an iPhone

(Image credit: Chris Price)

However, it’s at night where the camera really excels. Whereas most security cameras only display poor black and white images at night, the Reolink features ColorX technology enabling full-color footage without the need for spotlights (though in extremely dark environments the built-in spotlights will come on to enhance visibility).

Obviously, because the Reolink Altas PT is a 355-degree pan and 90-degree tilt camera it’s able to track and record movement from various sources without worrying about any blind spots. Another bonus is the large built in 20,000 mAh battery – over twice the size of the battery in the Eufy 4K S330 security camera, for example. This enables continuous recording 12 hours a day for over a week.

Image 1 of 2

Solar panel for Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera

(Image credit: Chris Price)
Image 2 of 2

Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera and solar panel mounted outside

(Image credit: Chris Price)

Reolink claims that the 6W solar panel can charge up to 35% of the battery with just one day of sunshine. However, we found that the solar panel actually contributed very little during rainy Autumn days in London – certainly not more than a couple of percent in a day. Nevertheless, even without the solar panels contributing much power, we found that during a 10 day period outdoors we didn’t need to remove the camera from its mount once for charging.

  • Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Reolink Altas PT Ultra?

Buy it if

You want to monitor your property constantly

The large rechargeable battery combined with solar panel means that can record footage 12 hours a day for over a week.

You want high quality video footage

The Reolink offers exceptional video quality, particularly at night thanks to its color night vision facility.

Don't buy it if

You want a lightweight plug and play solution

The Reolink is a bulky unit which requires DIY installation.

You're on a limited budget

Featuring a wealth of features, the Reolink is more expensive than some of its lower-specification competitors.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: also consider

Not completely sold on the Reolink Altas PT Ultra? Here are two more options to consider.

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (Battery)

Available in black or white, this outdoor security camera from Amazon-owned Ring boasts two 3,000K spotlights. You can also buy a mains-powered version as well as a separate solar panel.

Read our full Ring Spotlight Cam Pro review

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

An extremely innovative battery and solar-powered camera, the Eufy can be used with the supplied 4G Sim card to capture recordings, making it ideal for those who live in areas with poor Wi-Fi/broadband.

Read our full Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera review

How I tested the Reolink Altas PT Ultra

  • I used the Reolink every day for two weeks
  • I set it up myself using the fittings provided by the manufacturer
  • The security camera was installed on the outside of my garden office (the solar panel was set up temporarily)

I installed the Reolink Altas on the front of my garden office for around 10 days so it could capture footage from the garden. After this period I then brought it indoors so I could use it to track movement a little more and also check battery usage.

Before setting up I made sure that the camera only focused on my own property by excluding parts of the frame that could capture the neighbour’s garden using the app. I also switched off the siren and only used the powerful spotlights briefly outdoors. Both the siren and spotlights were tested more thoroughly indoors.

Because it was autumn in the UK and the solar panel was largely ineffective, this was installed only temporarily on an outdoor table and also on the garden office door for a few days.

Learn more about how we test on TechRadar.

First reviewed October 2024

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: would make the perfect indoor security camera if it wasn’t missing this one key thing
8:00 pm | October 26, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: two-minute review

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is suitably priced at $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$129. It offers a range of customizable features and can rotate and tilt, providing a good insight into the goings-on at home.

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is available in black and white for all regions, but the US has the added benefit of Blush, Charcoal, and Starlight color options, too. As the name suggests, the rotating and pivoting mount beneath the camera allowed 360-degree panning and 169-degree tilting, providing a larger viewing area than static cameras.

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam has many things in common with the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), which at the time of writing holds the top spot in our selection of the best indoor security cameras. Although its days may be numbered, as the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam can do the same job, plus is capable of viewing a far wider area.

The privacy cover worked well, cutting off the camera feed and audio instantly whenever required, then sending word via the Ring app, meaning I’d know straight away if it was being tampered with.

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam sits on light-colored wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

There is no way to store recordings locally, so if one wanted to see an occurrence after the fact, paying for a subscription would be the only way to do this. Without a subscription, the Ring app can still send instant notifications, show a live view, and access the two-way talk feature.

The pan and tilt functions worked well, and I got a clear view thanks to the 1080p HD resolution, but the Color Night Vision didn’t live up to its name. Unlike some cheaper cameras, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam had no problem handling movement, with no visible pixelation or lag, but it’s a real shame that the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is missing motion-tracking.

The audio wasn’t exceptional, but I was still impressed with the quality on the live view and recorded footage; conversations were easy to decipher and I didn’t find the sound not aligning with the image at any point.

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam isn’t the cheapest option out there, but it’s suitably priced for the features and app support it offers. It’s regrettable that there’s no way to store footage locally so an extra fee is required for access, and that Ring has missed a trick by not including a motion-tracking function, but overall it’s good value for money.

If you’re in the market for something different, such as an outdoor-suitable camera or one with motion tracking, we have some highly-rated recommendations in our pick of the best security cameras.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: price and availability

  • List price: $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$129
  • Availability: US, UK, and Australia
  • Release date: mid 2024

Released in 2024, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam has a list price of $79.99 / £69.99 / AU$129, putting it toward the premium end for a single indoor camera. However, with its ability to sync with multiple other Ring home security devices, great picture quality, and good audio, it’s not overpriced. The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is available at Amazon, Ring, and other third-party retailers.

Something to bear in mind when considering the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is that there is no option to store recordings locally, so if you want to review footage after the event has happened, you’ll need to pay for a subscription. You do get a complementary 30-day subscription to Protect Plus, though. If you intend to use your Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam without a subscription, you’ll still have access to Instant notifications, the live view, and the two-way talk feature via the Ring app or website, plus a one-year limited warranty.

  • Value score: 4.5 / 5

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam subscription options

Ring Protect Basic:
Up to 180 days of video storage, download up to 50 videos at once, snapshot capture, package alerts, person alerts, and rich notifications.
Price: $4.99 / £4.99 / AU$4.99 per month, or, $49.99 / AU$49.95 per year per, Ring device.

Ring Protect Plus:
Has the same benefits as Protect Basic, plus (no pun intended) advanced video features, enhanced notifications, Home and Away modes, and extended warranties.
Price: $10 / £8 / AU$15 per month, or $100 / AU$150 per year. Covers all Ring devices at one location in the UK and Australia, or all Ring Home cameras and doorbells at one location in the US.

Ring Protect Pro (currently US only):
Offers everything in Protect Plus, as well as 24/7 alarm monitoring, alarm cellular backup, 24/7 backup internet with optional extra data, digital security by Eero Secure, and Ring Edge with local video storage. Please note an additional purchase of the Ring Alarm Pro is required to make use of some of these benefits.
Price: $10 per month or $100 per year, for all Ring devices at one location, US only.

A close-up of the pan and tilt mount and USB-C port.

(Image credit: Future)

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: specifications

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: design and features

  • 360-degree panning and 169-degree tilting
  • Efficient privacy cover
  • No motion-tracking

In the UK and Australia, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is available in either black or white. I’m a little jealous of our friends over the pond because in the US there are additional options like Blush, Charcoal, and Starlight, which is a cream color.

Setting up the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam was blissfully quick and simple, in essence, all I needed to do was install the Ring app, scan the barcode on the back of the camera, connect it to my phone via Bluetooth, and then connect it to the Wi-Fi. Voila.

Unsurprisingly, as Ring is owned by Amazon, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam can be linked to an Amazon account, and accessed through devices like the Amazon Show 8 (3rd gen).

Being able to access the camera through a browser is a big plus in my book because it enabled me to see the live view and recorded footage on a bigger screen. I had no problem viewing things on my phone though, as it was easy to zoom into areas on the app, on both live and recorded footage.

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is shown attached to the wall and ceiling mount.

(Image credit: Future)

The camera itself doesn’t look dissimilar to the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), except now it has the new mount that allows it to, you guessed it, pan and tilt, offering a far broader coverage when viewing live. The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam has a couple of placement options, either on a flat surface, or attached to the wall or ceiling using the included mounting plate, bracket, raw plugs, and screws.

I was surprised there isn't a motion tracking feature on the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam; some older and cheaper indoor cameras have this function. It’s curious to me that the camera has the benefit of being able to see almost anywhere, but there’s no way for it to be set to track a potential intruder (or a mischievous pet) unless it’s moved manually using the directional arrows through the app.

Despite this, the motion sensors proved effective on the lowest sensitivity setting out of the three available. I would quickly get a ping on my phone and Apple Watch whenever a person was spotted in the space, and I was able to set privacy and activity zones so that I wouldn’t get constant notifications when I was testing the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam in our busy office.

A close-up of the connectors of the wall and ceiling mount and the base of the Ring Pan-Tilt indoor camera.

(Image credit: Future)

Customizable home and away modes are available as part of the Plus subscription, so I could change the settings using just one button on the dashboard. By default, Home mode is set to stop detection motion, and recording, and Away mode enables these settings again.

The attached privacy cover was easy to open and close, instantly disconnecting the video and microphone feed when shut and notifying me whenever it was shut or reopened. In addition to this, for added privacy, there was another handy feature available that enabled me to disable the microphone at all times so only visual footage was captured.

In all, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is feature-packed and well-designed, but I can’t help but wonder why Ring neglected to include a motion-tracking feature, considering the scope of view this camera has to offer.

  • Design and features score: 4 / 5

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: performance

  • Good quality audio and video
  • Notifications kept me well informed
  • Efficient activity and privacy zones

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam kept me in the loop with all the comings and goings at home and in the office, and once I’d mastered the settings, I could pretty much be left to do its own thing.

Speaking of the settings, the app wasn’t the most user-friendly in that respect, but otherwise, it’s responsive and worked well. There seemed to be a few ways to access similar things, and occasionally it took some hunting around to find a specific setting that I wanted to change.

Setting up the privacy and activity zones was straightforward; unlike some other cameras that can be limited to square zones, the Ring app offers a six-point selection area, so I had a bit more control to fit the zones around awkward spaces. There was one occasion when the app had a wobble, and got stuck on updating the snapshot to apply the zones onto, but the simple trick of turning the app off and on again solved the issue. These zones did their jobs well in action and helped to stop constant notifications of a person being detected, as I was working within view of the camera.

A close-up of the top of the camera and privacy cover.

(Image credit: Future)

The recordings were easy to access through the history button on the dashboard. Each recording was labeled; for example, it stated if it was recorded through live view, or a person was detected, and the device the recording came from, which would come in handy if I had a complete Ring setup. The event history can easily be filtered from tabs at the top of the screen, making it easy to view certain event types, such as motion or person detection, device types including alarms and smart lighting, and single devices.

I was pleased with the picture quality on the live view and recorded footage. A slight fisheye distortion was present toward the edges due to the wide lens, but apart from this, the images looked clear and high-quality. The camera handled movement well, with no lag or pixelation.

I tested out the siren, which was easily enabled by pushing a button on the app via the device's home screen; this caused the camera to make a loud security alarm sound, which I imagine could be capable of scaring off an unwanted guest.

A view of the camera and privacy cover against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

The name Color Night Vision is a little misleading; in low light, say, when shutting the blinds and turning off the lights in the office, it enhanced the colors on the live view really well, but we had the ambient light from our monitors to help this along. In full darkness, the feed is black and white just like many other night-vision-enabled cameras. The image quality is still great, but it is not in color like the name of this feature suggests.

I was pleased with the audio quality, other than a little bit of tinniness. Words and activities were easy to identify, and I didn’t experience any issues with the alignment of the audio and footage; whereas with past cameras I’ve encountered misalignments between what’s happening on screen and the audio recordings.

Overall, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam did a great job, though I’d have preferred to have the ability to track motions, rather than staying static. A decent amount of customization options were available for me to fine-tune, and it detected and recorded everything I expected it to, providing me with a high-quality visual and satisfactory audio representation of what had been going on in its vicinity.

  • Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam?

Buy it if...

You want a good view
With the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, you get a better view of its surroundings thanks to its 360-degree rotation and 169-degree tilting, making it a better option than static cameras for keeping an eye on things.

You want a built-in alarm
If you’re looking at the live view and you spot something untoward, this camera has a siren built in that can be enabled through a button on the app. It makes a lot of noise, so should make for a good deterrent.

You want to see the details
The picture quality is really good on the live view and recordings, and it’s possible to zoom in with both. The footage didn’t display any lag or pixelation from movement either, which is a big plus.

Don't buy it if...

You require motion-tracking
Surprisingly, the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam doesn’t have motion-tracking capabilities. Considering its impressive viewing range when moved manually, it seems that Ring really missed a trick here.

You don’t want to pay a subscription fee
While the subscription makes sense if you have a range of Ring security devices, giving access to stored footage in one place, if you want a one-off camera for a single purpose, it would be beneficial to have a local storage option such as a microSD card.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: Also consider

Wyze Cam v3
A good alternative if you want to store footage without needing to pay, the Wyze Cam v3 has the added benefit of local storage of up to 128GB via a microSD card. However, the footage is limited to twelve seconds without a subscription. It also offers sound detection, though its sensitivity is limited, and audio quality was unsatisfactory. It also has IP65-rated water resistance and a rubber sleeve around the camera's inlet, so it can be used outdoors too. You can see the full review of the Wyze Cam v3 here.

Imou Rex 3D
Another alternative with local storage is the IMOU Rex 3D. It offers 355-degree rotation plus 90-degree tilt capabilities, so is a great option to consider if you’re looking for well-performing motion tracking, something that the Ring Pan–Tilt Indoor Cam is sadly lacking. Unfortunately, this camera only appears to be available in the UK at present, although it looks to be available from third-party retailers in the US. Why not take a look at how the Imou Rex 3D performed in the full review?

How I tested the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam

  • I tested it for a week at home and in a busy office
  • I tested the sound and video quality, live and recorded
  • I tested the ease of setup, usability, privacy settings, and motion detection

I reviewed how easy the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam was to set up, and tested its panning and tilting capabilities.

I tested the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam in our busy TechRadar reviews office along with a quieter area of my home to establish how sensitive the motion detection was, and how efficient the privacy and activity zones were.

I tested the frequency of notifications and reviewed live and recorded footage, paying close attention to the visual and sound quality, and evaluating how well the camera handled movement.

I observed how well the Night Color Vision worked in different environments, testing how well it performed in darkness and with varying levels of ambient lighting.

I compared the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam against our previous camera reviews, and benchmarked it against other indoor cameras I am currently testing.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed October 2024

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell review: mostly great, slightly frustrating
6:00 pm | September 22, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Home Security Smart Home | Tags: | Comments: Off

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell: two-minute review

The Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is a stellar video doorbell that’s mostly a pleasure to use. Its quick detection might be as quick as the best home security cameras. And its clear image at all times of day, not to mention ability to be used both wired and wirelessly, makes it worthy of discussion among the best video doorbells. It’s pretty easy to install as well, especially if you go the wireless route.

It is among the more expensive models out there, at least compared to offerings from the likes of Ring and Eufy, and has a bit of a delay that can make communicating with anyone at the door a bit frustrating. Plus, if your Wi-Fi connection has issues, audio will cut in and out so that anyone waiting at the door will have a tough time understanding you.

That said, the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell has enough going for it to offset those issues. The video quality is sharp at 2K and has HDR support along with night vision, not to mention that the dual-camera setup allows the user to get a full view of what’s happening at their doorstep. There are a whole host of settings available through the app as well as features such as voice assistant support.

Overall, as long as you don’t plan on having long conversations with people at your doorstep and are willing to drop around $230, the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is quite the catch.

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell installed by door

(Image credit: James Holland)

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell: specs

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell: price & availability

  • List price: $229.99 (about £180 / AU$350)
  • Available in the US

 Despite having quite the presence in the UK and Australia, Philips currently only sells the 7000 Series Video Doorbell (specific model number is DDA270X02103/37) in the US. For those that do have access to purchasing it (aka Americans or anyone with access to American marketplaces) can pay $229.99 (about £180 / AU$350) to get one. That’s admittedly on the high end.

Sure, you’ll pay the same price for the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, which is only available wired, making the Philips model a better deal, not to mention the Ring model requires a subscription to save video. However, something like the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wireless) has a similar resolution, and likewise doesn’t need a subscription (though Eufy does offer one), for a cheaper rate of $199.99/£159.99 (around AU$285). Of course, it comes with a bulky base station that you have to make space for. 

  • Value score: 4/5

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell: design

  • Straightforward wireless installation. Wired is almost as easy
  • Includes an indoor chime unit
  • Comes with a good amount of storage

Since the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is made to accommodate both wired and wireless connectivity, the amount of parts in the box can seem like a lot. It comes with the video doorbell itself, a chime unit, a flat mount, an angled mount, a USB-C charging cable along with an assortment of cables to be used if you go the wired route, and wood anchors with two sets of screws of different lengths depending on which mount you choose to use.

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell unit

(Image credit: James Holland)

The actual installation is pretty straightforward, especially if you go the wireless route like I did. Philips offers some basic instructions on placement along with a rectangular piece of paper with pre-drawn mounting positions. 

Once you know where you want to place the doorbell (and this might be different if you go the wired route as you’ll reuse the wires from an existing doorbell), you just need to drill a hole at those pre-drawn mounting positions. Of course, the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell doesn’t come with a drill or a screwdriver and you’ll need those. Also, depending on the type of surface you’re using, you might need to make bigger holes to insert the wood anchors.

Screwing in mount for Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell

(Image credit: James Holland)

The next step is to place the mounting plate you want to use and screw that in. If you need the angled one – maybe the doorbell’s positioning is off to the side – then you use the longer screws provided. You’ll still use the flat mounting plate on top of the angled plate. Once the mounting plate(s) is installed, you clip in the video doorbell and plug the chime unit in a power outlet inside and the physical part is done.

You also need to download the Philips app and pair both the chime and video doorbell. But other than scanning a QR code, the steps are basically just to follow the on-screen directions. It’s all pretty straightforward.

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell chime unit

(Image credit: James Holland)

If you do want to go the wired route, it’s a little more complicated as you not only connect the positive and negative wires going from your existing doorbell to the Philips 7000 Series Video doorbell, but you need to shut off your breaker and insert a wire along the circuit as well. It’s not all that much more complicated, but does require a little more work (and a properly labeled breaker box).

The actual video doorbell is sizable without being obtrusive, as it measures 6.29 in. x 2.16 in. x 1.22 in. (160mm x 55mm x 31mm) and weighs 9.87 ounces. It comes just in black with a dual camera and a single doorbell on the front.

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell USB-C port

(Image credit: James Holland)

It has a USB-C port underneath a silicon covering for charging if you go the wireless route, so it retains an IP67 rating. That means it should survive all but the toughest of storms. It also comes with 8GB of storage so that it can save about clips for quite awhile locally. That’s greatly appreciated since the company doesn’t offer a subscription for cloud-based storage.

Also worth noting is that the chime unit, which comes in white, has an ethernet port if you want to physically connect it to your router.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell: performance

  • Sharp video quality that shows both face and foot-level views
  • Has about a 10-second delay
  • Audio sometimes cuts in and out

 The performance of the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is mostly very good. Since it’s always active and not just when it’s rung, it’s very responsive telling the user as soon as someone has passed by it. Its motion detection is immediate. Plus, it will light up at night the way a motion sensing light would.

It also will tell you right away when the doorbell has been pressed on the off chance you can’t hear the chime from the phone or the chime unit. It’s also very accurate at only detecting humans when that preference has been set in the app (you can also set it to detect any motion).

Phone notification for Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell

(Image credit: James Holland)

The video quality is also quite excellent. Its 2K resolution with HDR and night vision support means that you’ll be able to easily identify who or what is in front of the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell at all times. For example, I was able to see from one of the recorded events (more on that later) that my sister came home with burgers from Freddy’s without telling me. Now, I’m not saying to use the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell as a way to spy on your family’s eating habits. However, I was able to read the writing on the packaging that she brought with her.

The video setup is actually a dual camera one so, along with its wide 157 degree field of view, you can see everything going on at your doorstep. One camera is pointing, as long as the doorbell is positioned correctly, at face-level, while the other is at the feet. This is particularly useful if someone is dropping off (or, more concerningly, taking) a package.

Reviewing footage from Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell on phone

(Image credit: James Holland)

There are really only two big issues with the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell. The first is the fact that there’s about a ten-second delay between what I saw and heard and what was actually happening. While this is somewhat necessary for recording purposes, it’s frustrating when trying to communicate with whoever’s at the door. 

The second is the fact that sometimes the audio from the app to the doorbell cuts in and out. This makes communicating with whoever is at the door even more frustrating considering there’s already that ten second delay. When the voice comes through uninterrupted, it is clear at least.

On the upside, there are some interesting features on hand including some preset audio responses. With a press of a button, you can tell a delivery driver to just leave a package, for instance. The Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell can also be paired with Alexa and Google Assistant, though you won’t get the full video feed. And if you need to set specific zones for detection, you can do that too.

Configuring Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell settings in app

(Image credit: James Holland)

The app will also record events by default in 15 second increments. You can adjust the length of each video clip, but it’s a good length. Now, you’re not getting super smooth video since this is going on 8GB or storage instead of the cloud as there’s no subscription. But, it’s useful to look at past events to see what’s happened – for instance, when someone gets a burger without offering to get you one.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell?

Buy it if...

You want a clear view
With a 157-degree field of view, dual-camera setup that shows both face- and feet-level, not to mention HDR support and night vision, you’ll clearly see everything happening at your doorway.

You want the option to go either wired or wireless
The Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell can be used both wired and wirelessly (many models only offer one type of connectivity), so you can choose after the fact how you want to install. Plus, installation is easy regardless.

You don’t want to pay for a subscription
Since it has a decent amount of onboard storage, it can save events for a long time without the need of a subscription. With a lot of the competition, you often need that subscription to hold onto recordings for a significant amount of time.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
Though the price is worth it, the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is not cheap, especially compared to some of the competition.

 You need immediate communication
Though its 10-second delay is probably just due to it also recording, that latency can make interacting with those at your door frustrating.

Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell: also consider

 Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a premium video doorbell that not only looks the part, but offers a wider field of view and sharp video quality. It is, unfortunately, wired only and is pricey as well, though it often goes on sale since it’s a bit older.

Read our full Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 review 

Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wireless)

While the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wireless) doesn’t have HDR, it still has that sharp 2K resolution, not to mention it’s a little less expensive than the Philips. It also can be used without a subscription, though one is on offer. This model is wireless only.

Read our full Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wireless) review 

How I tested the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell

 To test the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell, I used it for a couple weeks to not only answer the door, but to monitor all activity coming in and out (mostly my brother-in-law letting the dogs out to pee). I also played around with and tested the various settings in the app to see how they work. Read more about how we test products.

First tested September 2024

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