Aqara Video Doorbell G4 Review
Privacy-First Security with Local AI and Native Apple HomeKit Integration.
In an era where smart home privacy is often sacrificed for convenience, the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 stands as a rare exception. It is currently one of the only battery-powered doorbells on the market to support Apple HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV), making it the "holy grail" for iPhone and Mac users who want to keep their front-door footage away from corporate servers.
As we noted in our comparison of the best smart doorbells of 2026, the Aqara G4 offers a level of flexibility and data ownership that is hard to find elsewhere. In this review, we’ll dive deep into its local AI capabilities, power options, and why its "Chime-Repeater" is a hidden stroke of genius.
🍏 1. The Ultimate Choice for the Apple Ecosystem
If your home is filled with Apple devices, the Aqara G4 is designed specifically for you. By supporting HKSV, all video processing—such as identifying people, pets, or cars—happens locally on your HomePod or Apple TV. The footage is then encrypted end-to-end and stored in your iCloud account.
This means even Aqara cannot see your videos. Furthermore, when someone rings the bell, you get an instant pop-up on your Apple TV (showing you who is there while you watch a movie) and a rich notification on your Apple Watch. It is the most seamless integration available in the smart home world today.
🤖 2. Local AI Face Recognition (No Cloud Needed)
Most doorbells require a subscription to recognize faces. The Aqara G4 does this on the device itself. You can train the camera to recognize family members or regular delivery drivers. Once identified, you can set up custom automations. For example:
- "If 'Dad' is detected at the door, unlock the smart lock and play a welcome message."
- "If an 'Unknown person' lingers for more than 30 seconds, trigger the siren on the indoor chime."
Because the AI is local, these recognitions happen almost instantly, even if your internet connection is temporarily down.
✅ The Pros
- HomeKit Secure Video: The gold standard for privacy and Apple integration.
- Dual Powering: Use 6 AA batteries or hardwire it to your existing system.
- Free Cloud Storage: Includes 7 days of event-based cloud storage for free.
- Voice Changer: A unique safety feature to disguise your voice when talking to strangers.
- MicroSD Support: The slot is inside the chime (indoors), making it thief-proof.
❌ The Cons
- 1080p Only: Lacks the 2K sharpness of Eufy or the radar of Ring.
- Horizontal FOV: The 16:9 view is great for scenery but may miss packages left directly under the lens.
- Water Resistance: IPX3 rating means it needs to be under a porch or cover; not fully waterproof.
📡 3. The Chime-Repeater: A Game-Changer
Most smart doorbells connect directly to your Wi-Fi, which can lead to connection drops if your router is far from the front door. Aqara includes a USB-C powered Chime-Repeater in the box. This device acts as a bridge between the doorbell and your Wi-Fi, significantly improving signal stability.
More importantly, the Chime-Repeater houses the microSD card slot. While other doorbells keep the storage on the camera (where a thief can simply steal the whole unit), the Aqara G4 keeps your recordings safe inside your home. It supports cards up to 512GB and can even back up to a local NAS (Network Attached Storage) via the Samba protocol.
🎭 4. Privacy Masking and Voice Changing
For those living in apartments or busy streets, the G4 offers Privacy Masking. You can black out up to three areas of the camera's view (like a neighbor's window) to comply with local privacy laws. Recordings will simply show a black box over those areas.
Another standout feature is the Voice Changer. When answering the door through the app, you can choose to sound like a robot, an "older uncle," or a clown. This is a fantastic safety feature for women or children who are home alone and want to hide their identity from whoever is knocking.
🔋 5. Battery Life vs. Wired Reliability
The Aqara G4 is incredibly flexible. It runs on 6 AA batteries, which typically last around 4 months in "Normal Mode." However, if you have doorbell wires (12V-24V), you can hardwire it. If you choose the wired path, you unlock 24/7 continuous recording (via microSD), and the batteries act as a "backup" in case of a power outage.
During our testing for our top-rated doorbell guide, we found that the G4 stayed online even during a major storm, thanks to this dual-power approach.
🏆 6. Final Verdict: Who is the Aqara G4 for?
If you are an Apple user, the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 is almost certainly your best choice. The combination of HomeKit Secure Video, local AI, and no mandatory subscription fees makes it a powerhouse of privacy. While its 1080p resolution isn't the highest on the market, the security features and deep integration more than make up for it.
Smarter Home Tips Rating
9.0 / 10
"The ultimate privacy-focused doorbell for Apple HomeKit enthusiasts."