Ecobee Smart Wired Doorbell Review: Easy Setup, Perfect Ecobee Integration, But Consider These Downsides

I recently checked out the Ecobee Smart Wired Doorbell, and let me tell you, if you're deep in the Ecobee ecosystem, this might just be the cherry on top of your smart home setup.

Ease of Use:

The Ecobee Smart Wired Doorbell aims to make your life easier when it comes to home security. Once you've got your hands on this gadget, the setup process is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. The Ecobee app is your best friend here; it provides a detailed walkthrough for installation, which includes everything from wiring to mounting the device. You'll need to ensure your home has the necessary electrical setup for a wired doorbell, but if you can follow basic instructions, you're set. The app even includes troubleshooting tips for common issues, which is a nice touch for those of us who aren't electricians by trade.

Once installed, the day-to-day use is where it really shines. The interface in the Ecobee app is intuitive. You can check live video feeds from your phone, get motion alerts, or even talk to visitors through the doorbell's built-in speaker and microphone. The video quality is crisp enough to make out faces and packages, which is crucial for security. Plus, the Ecobee app supports setting up custom notifications, so you can control when and how you get alerts, reducing those pesky false alarms.

Seamless Integration with Ecobee Products:

For those already in the Ecobee ecosystem, this doorbell feels like it was meant to be there from the start. If you've got the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, the integration is seamless. Imagine this: someone rings your doorbell, and not only does your phone alert you, but you can also see who's there directly on your thermostat screen in your living room or hallway. It's a cool way to keep an eye on your front door without pulling out your phone, especially if you're in the middle of something.

Beyond the thermostat, the doorbell works in harmony with other Ecobee devices. If you've got Ecobee SmartSensors for doors and windows or Ecobee cameras, you can set up your home so that when someone rings the bell or motion is detected, your whole house 'knows' about it. You can have smart speakers or any connected chime play a tone, lights turn on, or even start recording with other cameras. This interconnectedness feels like you're living in a smart home movie, where everything just works together to enhance your security and convenience.

Easy Integration with Apple HomeKit:

One of the standout features of the Ecobee Smart Wired Doorbell is its straightforward integration with Apple HomeKit, making it a dream for Apple users. Setting up the doorbell with HomeKit is as simple as scanning a QR code on the device, and boom, you're in. This means you can control the doorbell through the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or even your Apple Watch. You get notifications on your Apple devices when someone rings the bell or when motion is detected, which is super handy if you're always on the go.

The integration goes beyond just notifications. You can view the live feed from the doorbell directly in the Home app or on your Apple TV, providing that extra layer of convenience. If you've got HomePods around the house, they can also chime when the doorbell rings, effectively turning your entire home into one big, smart doorbell system.

However, it's worth noting that while the Ecobee doorbell integrates with HomeKit, it doesn't support HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV) out of the box. This means you won't get the full suite of privacy and video storage features that HKSV offers without an Ecobee subscription. But for everyday use, the integration is seamless, allowing you to leverage Apple's ecosystem to enhance your home security experience.

In essence, for Apple enthusiasts, this doorbell isn't just another device; it becomes a part of your Apple home, controlled and monitored through the devices you already use daily.

Cons to Consider:

• Subscription Dependency: One of the first things you might notice is that the more advanced features, like person and package detection, require an Ecobee Smart Security subscription. While the doorbell itself works without it, these features can significantly improve your experience. It's a bit of a bummer if you're looking to keep costs down, as you'll need to factor in this recurring expense.
• Wired Installation: There's no getting around it; this is a wired doorbell. If you're not comfortable with electrical work, the installation can be daunting. There's no battery-powered option here, so if your home doesn't have the right wiring, you're looking at either hiring an electrician or doing some home renovation. This can add to the cost and complexity of adopting this device, especially if you're not already set up for a wired system.

In summary, the Ecobee Smart Wired Doorbell is a strong contender if you're looking to expand your Ecobee smart home setup. It's user-friendly, integrates beautifully with other Ecobee devices, but comes with the caveats of needing some technical know-how for installation and possibly an ongoing subscription for full functionality. If you're all in on Ecobee, it's a nice addition, but consider the cons before diving in.