Aqara Doorbell Camera E1 Review

Finding a smart doorbell that respects your privacy and integrates seamlessly into your existing ecosystem can feel like a daunting task. The Aqara Doorbell Camera E1 arrives as a compelling contender, promising extensive platform support without chaining you to a mandatory cloud subscription. Its focus on local control and deep HomeKit integration makes it a standout choice for those already invested in Apple’s smart home.

The Doorbell Camera E1 presents a clean, if somewhat utilitarian, aesthetic. Its vertical, pill-shaped body is crafted from white plastic that feels durable enough for its purpose but won’t be mistaken for a premium metal-clad device. Installation is straightforward, offering flexibility for nearly any home. You can run it entirely on its internal battery, which provides several months of use per charge, or hardwire it to your existing doorbell wiring for continuous power. Included in the box is a crucial component: the indoor Chime Repeater. This small unit plugs into any standard wall outlet, serving not only as an audible chime but also as the Wi-Fi bridge and, most importantly, the hub for local microSD card storage.

In terms of performance, the E1 delivers a solid, reliable experience centered on its 1080p camera. The image is crisp and clear in daylight, with good color reproduction and wide dynamic range to handle backlit front porches. At night, the infrared LEDs provide a sharp black-and-white view of your entryway. While it lacks the ultra-high 2K or 4K resolution of some premium competitors, the 1080p feed is more than sufficient for identifying visitors and monitoring packages. Notifications are timely, and two-way audio is clear, with minimal latency.

Where the Aqara E1 truly sets itself apart is its software and ecosystem integration. For Apple users, this is a first-class citizen in the HomeKit ecosystem. It offers full support for HomeKit Secure Video, leveraging your Apple TV or HomePod as a hub to privately analyze video and store encrypted clips in your iCloud+ account at no extra cost. This is a massive value proposition. Beyond Apple, it also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Home for announcements and video feeds. The real power, however, is unlocked within the Aqara app, where you can set up detailed automations. For instance, you can have a detected person at the door trigger your Aqara-controlled porch light to turn on, a feature that works locally and instantly.

The value of the Doorbell Camera E1 is tied directly to its flexibility. You are not forced into a subscription. By inserting a microSD card (up to 512GB) into the chime, you can keep all your recordings local and private, free of charge. If you prefer the cloud, you can opt for HomeKit Secure Video or Aqara’s own affordable cloud plan. This freedom of choice is a refreshing departure from the subscription-heavy models that dominate the market. While it may not have the absolute best camera sensor on the block, its combination of reliable performance, versatile power options, and unparalleled ecosystem support makes it a powerful and intelligent choice.

Ultimately, the Aqara Doorbell Camera E1 is not for the user seeking the highest possible video resolution above all else. Instead, it is the ideal smart doorbell for the HomeKit enthusiast, the privacy-conscious homeowner who demands local storage, or anyone already invested in Aqara’s expansive and affordable smart home ecosystem. It’s a thoughtfully designed product that prioritizes intelligent integration and user choice over raw specifications.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon