The Yale Smart Video Doorbell impressed us in the test with its versatility, as it can be used with a battery or wired. However, there are many more features.
Yale Smart Video Doorbell tested
No reviews yet
Operation and functionality
9.0
Design and workmanship
8.0
Smart home compatibility
8.0
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Versatile video doorbell for all application scenarios
The Yale Smart Video Doorbell impresses with its versatility: battery operation, connection to the existing bell cable or via power supply. What is unfortunately missing is support for mechanical chimes. We would have liked to have seen the separately available Yale doorbell as part of the delivery. In return, you get a really good camera image day and night. The mobile phone notification when the doorbell rings is extremely fast and the motion detection works reliably. If you want more and cloud storage, you will have to take out a paid subscription. Overall, Yale offers a well-rounded package at a fair price.
We liked that
- Easy months and handling
- Good video quality
- Simple design
- Very fast notification when ringing
We didn’t like that
- Cloud storage and advanced motion detection only at additional cost
- Battery not replaceable
- No support for mechanical doorbells
- No chime included
Manufacturer Yale has launched a whole range of new devices for the smart home this year. In addition to two surveillance cameras, including the Smart Outdoor Camera, there is now also a video doorbell.
The special thing: It can be operated with a battery, power pack or the existing bell wire with 8 to 24 volts. Unfortunately, the existing mechanical doorbell cannot be used with the Yale bell because it is not compatible with it. If required, the manufacturer offers a separate compact chime that is about the size of a power pack and is plugged into the socket. If you don’t need a doorbell, you can of course use your smartphone – that works too.
The other features also sound good at first glance: full HD resolution, night vision, local storage and no subscription requirement, although there is an optional, paid subscription for a wider range of functions. The video doorbell is not compatible with Apple HomeKit, but it is compatible with Alexa and Google Home. We have been using the video doorbell for some time now and will tell you our impressions below.
Processing, scope of delivery, assembly
Setup and app
Optional subscription brings additional features
Image quality and motion detection
Battery life
Conclusion
Processing, scope of delivery, assembly
At 54.5 x 34 x 146 centimeters, the smart doorbell from Yale is of course significantly larger than a conventional, non-smart doorbell. However, it is averagely large compared to other devices on the market. It weighs 220 grams – so it is not a heavyweight.
The design is simple, as is typical for Yale. While the casing is white, the entire front is black. This is where the camera, the motion sensor and a large doorbell button are located, among other things.
Installing the Yale Video Doorbell is no big deal, even for non-craftsmen. (Source: Netzwelt)
The workmanship is really good, there is no reason for criticism here. Like the Smart Outdoor Camera, the Smart Video Doorbell also makes a high-quality impression, even though it is mainly made of plastic.
The delivery includes everything you need to install and operate the doorbell. In addition to a charging cable, there is the appropriate mounting material including connection cables for installation using a bell wire.
Practical: In addition to a flat mounting plate, there is also an angled one if the video doorbell is not to be positioned facing forwards but to one side. Yale does not include a doorbell – this is available in the online shop for just under 30 euros.
The manufacturer also includes a quick start guide, but we recommend using the Yale Home app. The settings include step-by-step instructions including photos and videos. This means that even beginners can install the video doorbell.
The camera delivers a sharp and good image, day and night. (Source: Netzwelt)
Anyone who buys the Smart Video Doorbell has to decide whether it should replace the existing doorbell or be placed nearby as an additional doorbell. We chose the second option because our regular doorbell has a name engraved on it.
Yale doesn’t have that; the only option would be a sticker or a separate nameplate. We therefore operate the device using the integrated battery without hard-wiring it to our doorbell system.
In our case, installation is extremely simple, as we only need to drill two holes. This is done in a few minutes and the bell is in place. Since the bell is connected to the Internet via WLAN, no LAN cable is required. Please note that only 2.4 gigahertz networks are supported; integration into a 5 gigahertz network is not possible.
Setup and app
The Yale Home app is not only recommended for installation, it is also essential for setup and commissioning. You can download it free of charge from the Apple App Store or from the Google Play Store for Android. You also need a user account, which you can create in the application.
The camera is set up by scanning the QR code on the back. This connects the Smart Video Doorbell to the WiFi and the app. The next step is configuration. The app’s setting options are almost identical to those of the Smart Outdoor Camera. In the linked test report, we go into more detail about the many options within the software.
There are only two settings that are not available on the Outdoor Camera: The Video Doorbell offers an optional tamper alarm. So if someone tries to tamper with your doorbell, you will be informed. In the settings you will also find the option to pair the doorbell with the Yale doorbell. If you buy one, this is an important point of contact.
The doorbell button is large. If movement or a person is detected, it lights up green. (Source: Netzwelt)
As with the outdoor camera, video clips are automatically recorded when movements or people are detected and end up in the activity feed. They are stored on the doorbell’s local flash memory.
There is also the option of controlling the camera via live stream. Photos and videos can be recorded manually if required. According to the manufacturer, the internal memory is sufficient for a total of two days with 20 clips per day, each 10 seconds long. If you downgrade the resolution to 720p, you can achieve 3-4 days.
Optional subscription brings additional features
For four euros a month, Yale offers a paid subscription that unlocks some additional features. On the one hand, you get cloud storage where the recorded videos are saved for 30 days.
On the other hand, motion detection is being improved. In addition to person detection, which can also be used without a subscription, there will also be package detection (postman), pet detection and vehicle detection. You will have to decide for yourself whether these functions are worth the monthly price.
Image quality and motion detection
We would rate the image quality of the Video Doorbell as being on par with the Yale Smart Outdoor Camera – it’s really good. The doorbell also offers support for Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and night vision, so that good images can be captured in difficult lighting conditions or in the dark. The images look natural and offer good clarity.
The resolution is also sufficient to clearly recognize people, animals, etc. However, we would definitely leave it at Full HD and not go down to 720p (HD-Ready) – if only for the reason that you might want to zoom in on a video at some point.
The notification is sent as an incoming call when the phone rings. The connection to the camera is then established very quickly. (Source: Netzwelt)
The field of view is identical to that of the outdoor camera. It is 154 degrees and can therefore cover a large area. In addition to the video quality, the sound quality is also good, so if you are not at home, you can easily speak to the person who is ringing the bell.
The motion detection outside the door worked reliably. When something is detected, we receive a push notification on our cell phone; if someone presses the doorbell, a video call comes in and we are connected directly to the live image from the camera.
This is really practical and the notification arrives extremely quickly. If you wish, you can also combine the doorbell with a smart door lock from Yale, such as the Linus Smart Lock 2. This way you can open the door in the live video stream.
Battery life
The Video Doorbell is also more than similar to the Outdoor Camera in terms of battery life. It also offers an internal battery with a capacity of 6,500 milliampere hours, which is charged via USB-C.
According to the manufacturer, the battery life is between four and six months. That’s very good for a surveillance system. However, the battery is permanently installed and it is not possible or intended to be replaced, at least not for the user. So if you don’t power the camera via a cable, you should keep this in mind.
Yale Smart Video Doorbell
No reviews yet
Operation and functionality
9.0
Design and workmanship
8.0
Smart home compatibility
8.0
NETZWELT may receive a commission from the retailer for links on this page. More information.
Not to your liking? Are you looking for suitable alternatives? We have an extensive list of Yale Smart Video Doorbell alternatives for you in our surveillance camera overview.
Yale Smart Video Doorbell: Datasheet
Here you can find the technical data for Yale Smart Video Doorbell. You can easily compare the size, weight and other properties with other products.
| Location | Outdoor area |
| Operation | Battery, power wiring |
| resolution | Full HD |
| Viewing angle | 154 degrees |
| Night vision | ✔ Yes |
| Voice control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Cloud subscription | Optional |
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