In the dynamic landscape of smart home devices, video doorbells have become a cornerstone for those seeking peace of mind and convenience. The Roku Video Doorbell & Chime SE aims to be a vigilant guardian for your front door, offering motion detection, 1080p recordings, and a host of other features. In this comprehensive review, we delve into its capabilities, design, and user experience to help you decide if it’s the right addition to your smart home.

What to expect from this Smart Home Security Device?

A Familiar Design:

At first glance, the Roku doorbell bears a striking resemblance to the Wyze Video Doorbell & Chime, and for good reason – it’s a product of the collaboration between Roku and Wyze. Compact at 3.2 by 1.5 by 0.6 inches, the Roku doorbell maintains the same IP65 weatherproof rating as its Wyze counterpart. Despite being smaller than the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro, Roku ensures it packs a punch.

The top half of the device houses a square camera assembly and a microphone, providing a 120-degree vertical and 93-degree horizontal field of view. With a 4:3 aspect ratio, it ensures head-to-toe coverage of your doorstep, a practical design for monitoring people and packages effectively.

Equipped with four infrared LEDs, the Roku doorbell offers reliable black-and-white night vision. Interestingly, it can capture color video at night under ambient light or triggered by motion, courtesy of a white LED below the lens assembly. This attention to detail enhances its performance in low-light conditions.

A square button, glowing in different colors to indicate the doorbell’s status, and a small speaker adorn the lower edge of the device. With both wired and wireless installation options, Roku ensures a flexible and robust connection. The included Chime box complements the doorbell, offering 19 different tones, including animal sounds, classic doorbell chimes, and modern tunes.

Cloud-Driven Recording Experience:

The Roku doorbell captures 12-second video clips triggered by motion or doorbell presses, with continuous recording until motion ceases. However, the absence of local storage means opting for a Roku Smart Home subscription is necessary to access recordings beyond snapshots at five-minute intervals.

The subscription model may deter some users, but it aligns with the industry standard for cloud-based smart security solutions.

App Experience:

Navigating the Roku app for the doorbell mirrors the seamless experience of other Roku smart home devices. The main screen displays the most recent still capture, with options to view a live feed, access timelines, and manage recordings. The user-friendly interface allows users to play, download, share, or delete specific clips easily.

Additional features include zooming, muting sound, initiating two-way conversations, taking snapshots, and manually recording videos. Users can configure night vision settings, choose response options for visitors, and access detailed settings for motion sensitivity, motion zones, notifications, and chime tones.

Performance and Compatibility:

In testing, the Roku doorbell demonstrated swift motion and doorbell alerts, clear two-way conversations, and a sufficiently loud chime box. Integration with Amazon Echo Show and Alexa routines showcased its compatibility with voice services, expanding its functionality within a smart home ecosystem.

However, limitations arise in third-party device support. While fully compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, the absence of Apple’s HomeKit platform and IFTTT might disappoint users seeking a more diverse integration landscape.

The Final Verdict:

The Roku Video Doorbell & Chime SE emerges as a valuable addition to Roku-centric smart homes. It provides seamless integration, reliable performance, and sharp 1080p video. Potential buyers should consider the additional cost of a subscription for comprehensive recording access and weigh the device’s limited support for third-party platforms.

The Roku Video Doorbell & Chime SE may not claim the top spot, but it certainly holds its ground as a reliable and efficient guardian of your front door.

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