Introducing the Ecobee Wired Smart Doorbell Camera

Ecobee has released its Smart Doorbell Camera (Wired), expanding its product lineup beyond smart thermostats. This video doorbell is compatible with Ecobee, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit ecosystems, and offers features such as a 175-degree vertical field of view, dual-band Wi-Fi, person alerts, and package detection with a subscription. Priced at $159.99, it may be considered expensive compared to alternatives like the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro ($93.99). The Ecobee doorbell has a sleek design, measuring 5.3 by 1.8 by 1.1 inches and features a 5-megapixel HDR camera with 1080p video capabilities and 8x digital zoom. It also has dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios. The doorbell requires a wired connection to a standard 16-24 VAC doorbell transformer. It has several LED indicators for different functions and offers advanced features like Smart Focus, video streaming to Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium and Alexa smart displays, and the ability to play a doorbell chime on other Ecobee devices. However, recorded footage is not stored locally and requires an Ecobee Smart Security subscription. The doorbell can be controlled through the Ecobee mobile app, with options to view live streaming, access recorded videos, and adjust settings like motion detection and audio and video configurations. The installation process is straightforward but it is recommended to hire a professional for wiring. In testing, the Ecobee doorbell delivered sharp 1080p video with good color saturation and clear two-way talk. Person and package detection worked well, and integration with Ecobee Thermostat Premium and Alexa devices was seamless. With support for Ecobee’s Smart Security ecosystem, as well as Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, the Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera is a reliable choice for a video doorbell, although it is pricier compared to other options. The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro is recommended as a more affordable alternative with higher resolution and no wiring requirements.