Honeywell Skybell Dbcam 1080p Wifi Video Doorbell Reviews
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Everyone's keeping an centre on their entryway these days — and good thing! Parcel thieves, burglars, and looky-loos tin can pose a problem even in the best of neighborhoods.1 That'due south why you've turned to us for our expert advice on the SkyBell doorbell photographic camera, right? Well, we've been testing doorbell cameras and other dwelling house security equipment for a long time. So we know what to look for (and what to steer clear of!) to assistance y'all find the right fit.
We recently got our hands on SkyBell video doorbells, and overall, nosotros liked the style they secured our entryway and added a nuance of smart home convenience to our lives. Nosotros too liked that these doorbell cams come with HD video quality, color night vision, 5x zoom, domicile automation integrations, and smartphone controls. Needless to say, we call back the features are a-plenty.
But there were things we didn't beloved almost the SkyBell HD and the SkyBell Trim Plus video doorbells. For instance, they are hardwired-only devices, there are only 2 options to choose from, and they aren't exactly cheap (only… you go what you lot pay for). Still, nosotros recall you'll like what we institute during our in-depth research and testing of SkyBell. So let'southward have a expect!
PROS
- Characteristic-rich video doorbell
- 1080p Hd resolution
- Dark Vision
- Durable hardware
- No ongoing costs
- No long-term contract
- Smart home integrations
CONS
- Only offers video doorbells
- Somewhat steep upfront costs
- Hardwired doorbell (non wireless)
- Limited models bachelor
- Confusing website
SkyBell Pricing
Skybell HD Doorbell Camera
First, you should know that SkyBell isn't the well-nigh budget-friendly doorbell camera out at that place. Both camera options weigh in at $199 — which is more expensive than the popular Band Doorbell, and only slightly cheaper than the Nest Hi doorbell cam.
Now, if you want to customize your camera with different mounts and/or hardware, they do have a handful of accessories to choose from. And these will only prepare you back about $x-$15 apiece. Other brands we've tried offer all sorts of add-ons and accessories that can bleed your depository financial institution account if you're not careful. So now that you know the nuts, hither are your SkyBell options.
SkyBell Doorbell Cameras
| SkyBell Doorbell Cameras | SkyBell HD | SkyBell Trim Plus | SkyBell Chime™ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Night Vision | Yep | Yes | N/A |
| 1080p Hard disk resolution | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Motion Sensor | Yes | Yes | North/A |
| 5x Zoom | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Prototype Capture | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Smartphone Controls | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Live Video Streaming | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Two-Way Talk | Yes | Yes | Due north/A |
| Weatherproof | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Theft Guarantee | Yes | Yep | Due north/A |
| Product Design | Circular/Round | Slim/Rectangular | N/A |
| Toll | $199 | $199 | Coming Soon |
Don't worry, that was just a lighting-round as far as features get. We'll unpack the features in but a scrap. Merely as you can see, the SkyBell Hd and SkyBell Trimline Plus are basically the same product, at the aforementioned cost point, only with a different design. And so when nosotros say this brand offers limited products, nosotros mean it!
That said, we exercise remember the toll is very reasonable for what y'all get. Sure, Ring is cheaper with more doorbell cameras to choose from. But in our feel, SkyBell is nipping at the heels of Ring.
Another thing to go on in heed is that SkyBell doesn't have any monthly subscription costs, activation fees, or other subconscious fees to worry about. Then information technology's a one-and-done payment of $199, and that'due south information technology, you'll be able to keep a hawk-middle on whatsoever visitors budgeted your palace. Note that SkyBell also offers costless shipping, but this is standard for the manufacture.
Our Experience Using SkyBell
Skybell Slim Line Video Doorbell Camera
Getting Started
To be honest, the SkyBell website is a little frustrating. They don't readily list the products, so we had to go earthworks for them. But check-out was fairly straightforward once we found them. Since there are no monthly subscription fees, we didn't accept to "sign-up" like we're required to do so frequently.
As well, in the checkout process, we learned that SkyBell offers a pretty generous theft guarantee — which is something that our favorite doorbell cameras on the market are all starting to offering. Essentially, if someone steals your SkyBell video doorbell (oh, the irony!), the company will replace information technology for costless. Doorbell camera theft happens more than yous might think.2
Did You Know: Video doorbell brands that crave a subscription normally offer a 14-mean solar day or xxx-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to attempt out the product and service before committing long-term.
Installing SkyBell
1 of our biggest gripes with SkyBell is the installation process. These doorbell cameras are hardwired — not wireless (battery-powered) like near brands available. This means you'll take to connect information technology to your existing doorbell wiring, which can be a hurting in the you-know-what if yous don't know what you're doing. So if you're not the DIY type, we recommend looking for a wireless doorbell cam.
Here'south a rundown of what installation was similar for u.s.: Offset, we had to remove our existing doorbell, then screw in the mounting plate, reconnect the old wiring, identify the unit over the mounting plate, download the SkyBell app, select "Add a New SkyBell" to pair the device, and and then go through the syncing process to connect to our dwelling'south Wi-Fi. All in all, installing SkyBell took well-nigh 30 minutes from get-go to cease. So be sure to cleave out some fourth dimension for it!
Pro Tip: Install the SkyBell app first, and then follow the step-past-step installation video within the app. Or have a look at SkyBell's all-encompassing installation guides online.3
Everyday Use
All of our controls were managed through the SkyBell app, which we found to exist well-designed and easy to utilize. Inside the app, we were able to see video recording history, receive instant activeness alerts, view a alive-stream feed of our front end door, talk with visitors from pretty much anywhere, and more. We really liked the app, every bit it reminded us of the Ring Doorbell app (our meridian pick).
Withal, we did find SkyBell's video streaming feature to be touch-and-get at times, with a bit of a lag. But we call up the color night vision and motion detection worked merely fine. Overall, the device was simple to use, and we were able to get crystal clear video (1080p HD prototype quality) that rivaled other great doorbell cams on the market place today.
Customer Service
SkyBell isn't owned past Amazon (similar Band), and it isn't endemic by Google (like Nest). It's a pocket-size company that's supposedly committed to client satisfaction. Well, at that place's skilful news and bad news. The proficient news is that we didn't feel any issues with SkyBell customer service. In fact, the reps we talked to were friendly, professional, and helpful. But y'all should know that information technology'due south a mixed pocketbook from what we hear.
The bad news is that SkyBell has a D- rating from the BBB with several poor reviews.4 In our research, we found the unhappy customers were more often than not irritated with tech problems, wearisome response from the service team, and accommodating limited support. These negative reviews are somewhat dated; but, there's really no alibi for a D- rating, so we accept to ding SkyBell some points for this. Hopefully, they'll clean up their act soon. We'll keep you posted.
SkyBell Features and Tech
If y'all're anything similar united states, yous geek out over slick features and fancy tech. Thankfully, SkyBell didn't let us downward in this department. In fact, the SkyBell Hard disk and SkyBell Trim Plus offer some of the best features we've seen — particularly compared to like doorbell cameras in this price range.
Pro Tip: Cull a doorbell camera — or whatever home security device — that offers plenty of features. It'southward ameliorate to accept additional features that you don't need than it is to desire additional features that y'all don't take.
We were really blown away past the SkyBell Connect characteristic, which immune usa to connect to all sorts of smart dwelling house automation platforms. Also, nosotros think the Quiet Fashion will be helpful for new parents, or yippy-yappy dog owners! Here are the features we think you'll like.
Loftier-Quality Hard disk drive Camera
The 1080p Hard disk video quality is nice, just keep in heed SkyBell also has 5x zoom, color night vision, motion detection, and two-fashion talk.
Skybell Hd Camera View
Image Capture
Who's that suspicious person at your door? Snap a motion-picture show, it'll last longer. We like having this image capture feature, along with video recording, of course.
Activity History
Review your entryway activity right inside of the SkyBell app. Nosotros think y'all'll observe this activity log to exist helpful later on a long day's work. After all, life gets busy, and you likely won't be able to respond to every alarm.
Skybell Mobile App Activity History
Smartphone Controls
Using the SkyBell app, you can remotely access and control your video doorbell from your smartphone. Get instant notifications, chat with visitors via two-fashion talk, tell the bad guys to scram, view alive-stream footage and recorded video, and more. SkyBell's smartphone controls are among the best nosotros've seen (and we've seen a lot).
Skybell Smartphone App Controls
Smart Dwelling Integrations
Using SkyBell Connect, you can enjoy smart home automations from Amazon Echo, Nest Home, IFTTT, Honeywell, Kwikset smart locks, and more. Want your lights to come up on when someone presses the doorbell? You can set up that automation and others like information technology.
Weatherproof
Both of SkyBell doorbell cameras are built to last. Although they aren't the well-nigh robust devices we've tested, they should work just fine in extreme temperatures, from -40 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Quiet Mode
Don't wake the baby! We like that SkyBell has a Tranquillity Mode that allows you to turn off the chime and instead accept your entryway activeness become sent via notification to your smartphone.
Theft Guarantee
The company claims that if your SkyBell doorbell cam is stolen, they'll replace it costless of charge. There are likely some stipulations here, so be certain y'all read the fine print.
Skybell Chime (coming soon)
Accessories & Add-Ons
SkyBell offers a few add-ons, upgrades, and accessories. Merely, honestly, we think the express options leave a lot to be desired. The same goes for their doorbell camera option — we would like to have more choices. It'south kind of like going to a restaurant and only seeing two craven dishes on the menu, and null else. Every bit they say, variety is the spice of life. That said, SkyBell's accessories are inexpensive and like shooting fish in a barrel to choose from.
SkyBell Upgrade Options Overview
| Type of Device | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| SkyBell HD Wall Mount | Mountain | $nine.95 |
| SkyBell Wedge Mount | Mount | $9.95 |
| SkyBell Hd Hardware Kit | Hardware | $4.95 |
| SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter | Door Chinkle Adapter | $12.95 |
SkyBell History in a Nutshell
While researching SkyBell, we institute their BBB profile that says they've been in business for 21 years. We idea that was a niggling fishy, as the SkyBell proper noun only dates back to 2013. And so we did some more digging, and we learned that SkyBell used to be called iDoorCam — a somewhat junior product that was around in the early 2010s.v At whatever rate, the folks at SkyBell are located in sunny Irvine, California. And based on our experience, we recollect y'all can trust SkyBell and their products.
The Bottom Line & Recommendations
Afterward having tested both SkyBell doorbell cameras, we tin can say that the company is on to something. Starting time, in that location are no long-term contracts or monthly subscription fees weighing you downwards. Just pay for the product, and that's it! Also, SkyBell offers enough of smart habitation integrations, which is always something we similar to see. And finally, the features were like shooting fish in a barrel to control inside the SkyBell app. With that said, information technology wasn't all peachy groovy.
Nosotros didn't like the fact that the SkyBell HD and SkyBell Trim Plus both required hardwire installation. Nosotros don't mind rolling upwardly our sleeves, simply we like things to exist… well… like shooting fish in a barrel. Also, we'd like to see a wider selection of doorbell cameras, and nosotros think SkyBell has room for improvement in the client service department, too.
And so if you desire nifty features without spending much, nosotros recommend checking out Ring Doorbell or Nest Hello, 2 of our favorite video doorbell brands. Or… accept a peek at our recently-updated list of the tiptop 10 doorbell video cameras available. Information technology'south nice to know that you have options!
SkyBell FAQs
Is there a contract or subscription fee?
No, SkyBell doesn't offer professional monitoring, then there are no long-term contracts.
Is it hardwired or wireless?
Both SkyBell doorbell cameras must exist hardwired into your existing doorbell wiring.
What is the resolution of SkyBell?
Both options offering 1080p Hard disk video resolution, with night vision, motility detection, and 5x zoom. Not bad.
Does SkyBell accept home automation features?
Yeah, these doorbell cams integrate with tertiary-party smart home automation platforms like Amazon'south Alexa, Nest, IFTTT, Kwikset, Honeywell, and more than.
Is SkyBell expensive?
We think SkyBell is reasonably priced because the features that information technology offers.
Source: https://www.safehome.org/doorbell-cameras/skybell/reviews/
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