For those looking to upgrade their front-door security game with a smart video doorbell, there are far better options available than the SwitchBot Smart Video Doorbell. Despite its unique indoor display that acts as both a chime and digital peephole, this device falls short in nearly every aspect.
The switchbot's claim of 2K resolution is also not held true to the camera itself produces muddy video at best, with local storage being the only redeeming quality here. The addition of Matter compatibility may be interesting for those looking to link their smart locks to other systems but overall this device feels like a gimmick.
Local storage and battery-powered options are nice features that give users more flexibility than traditional doorbells and some of its competitors offer better local video recording capabilities. However, the indoor display is one feature that I think could be used in far more effective ways.
Video quality, motion detection, and overall reliability have been areas where this device has struggled to meet expectations. The camera's aspect ratio was also a major issue as it only captured about half of what is considered typical at this price point.
The software on the other hand had some nice features like scheduling, but with issues that included inconsistent performance in loading live feeds and recording clips. It can be loaded via Alexa app but Google Home has struggled to connect this device.
While it does come with Matter support for smart locks from other brands however there isn't full camera or third-party support available which is a drawback. It's also quite pricey at $149,99 compared to the likes of Eufy and Reolink.
But despite its shortcomings I can see how this could work well for those who want an easy-to-use device that they don't need all the bells and whistles of their smart security camera counterparts like local video storage.
The switchbot's claim of 2K resolution is also not held true to the camera itself produces muddy video at best, with local storage being the only redeeming quality here. The addition of Matter compatibility may be interesting for those looking to link their smart locks to other systems but overall this device feels like a gimmick.
Local storage and battery-powered options are nice features that give users more flexibility than traditional doorbells and some of its competitors offer better local video recording capabilities. However, the indoor display is one feature that I think could be used in far more effective ways.
Video quality, motion detection, and overall reliability have been areas where this device has struggled to meet expectations. The camera's aspect ratio was also a major issue as it only captured about half of what is considered typical at this price point.
The software on the other hand had some nice features like scheduling, but with issues that included inconsistent performance in loading live feeds and recording clips. It can be loaded via Alexa app but Google Home has struggled to connect this device.
While it does come with Matter support for smart locks from other brands however there isn't full camera or third-party support available which is a drawback. It's also quite pricey at $149,99 compared to the likes of Eufy and Reolink.
But despite its shortcomings I can see how this could work well for those who want an easy-to-use device that they don't need all the bells and whistles of their smart security camera counterparts like local video storage.
! 2k resolution? more like 2k disappointment 
the indoor display is so gimmicky, who actually needs a chime and digital peephole combo?! it's just too much for my tiny living room... and don't even get me started on the video quality, it's like they took all the leftover footage from their smartphone and slapped it on this thing 
but i mean, can't we have better features without breaking the bank? $149 for a doorbell that struggles to do its job? no thanks... maybe i'm just expecting too much from a device that's not even as cool as eufy 
. The indoor display is so cool, I get that, but is it really necessary? And don't even get me started on the video quality... muddy?! That's a major bummer. 
At this price point, you'd think it would be way better than what they're offering. I mean, I like the flexibility of local storage and battery-powered options, but it just doesn't outweigh all the other flaws. Like, how hard is it to make a camera that actually delivers on 2K resolution? 
and that indoor display is just a novelty that ain't living up to its promise. matter compatibility sounds cool but who cares if you can't even get it to work with google home? 
$149 is a lot of cash for this...
. The local storage is a nice touch tho, but it's not enough to make up for all the other problems. I'd rather spend my money on something with better video quality and more features 
. I mean, 2K resolution isn't even consistent with what the camera is actually capturing... it's like they're selling you on the hype and not the reality 
Anyway, I'm not sure why they'd spend $149 on this thing when there are better options out there for like half the price. And don't even get me started on the video quality... it's like they took all the pixels from my old iPhone 4 and mashed them together into a blob 