Video doorbells are some of the most popular home security gadgets to get. We’ve reviewed several of them, and they usually offer easy installation and convenient monitoring of your property. However, their single cameras are limited, even with an expanded field of view. The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual hopes to solve this problem by adding a porch-facing second camera. It’s one dedicated to monitoring your package. This ensures there is no blind spot to worry about. But is there more to this high-end video doorbell than two cameras?
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Eufy Video Doorbell Dual Comparison Chart
Design
Eufy’s dual-camera video doorbell boasts a sleek and weather-resistant design.
At first glance, the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual looks like your regular video doorbells. It comes in the typical bar-shaped form, with a camera on the upper half and a ring button below. Upon closer inspection, however, the dual-camera model looks and feels premium. It’s also bigger than other doorbells, given the additional components.
Perhaps the most noticeable design change is the second camera. Located at the angled base of the device, it merges seamlessly with the rest of the doorbell. There’s nothing strange about its addition, having grown used to seeing single-camera options. The angled base is also replicated at the top. Together with the black finish, they lend the Dual a sleek aesthetic.
You can get the device in two variants — a battery-powered model and a wired-only option. Both follow the same form, being longer rather than wider. Both doorbells are also weather-resistant. They’re IP65-rated and have an operating range of -4°F to 122°F.
Installation and Ease of Use
The Eufy Video Doorbell is easy to install and use.
The installation method for the doorbell depends on the model you get. Eufy recommends the battery-powered option if you don’t have a doorbell. This wireless option, which came out first, requires a Homebase. It doesn’t connect directly to your Wi-Fi network. Instead, the Homebase connects to your home network through Ethernet.
If your home has an existing hardwire, you can choose the wired route. This connects the video doorbell to your existing doorbell’s wiring, allowing the doorbell to be constantly powered. There’s no need for a Homebase either. Instead, Eufy adds its own doorbell chime.
Whichever option you choose, Eufy recommends that the doorbells are installed at least 4 feet above the ground. Out of the box, the device will come with a mounting bracket and screw pack. If you plan to install them near a side wall, you’ll have to use the optional mounting wedge.
Pairing the Dual to your phone is hassle-free. Like most smart doorbells, the device connects to an accompanying mobile app. Through the app, users can view live streams and adjust settings.
Camera and Audio
On paper, the camera and audio specs of the Dual are impressive.
The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual comes with two cameras. Its regular front camera shoots video at 2K. Meanwhile, the bottom camera records at 1080p. The main camera comes with a 160º FOV, which is better than most of the best video doorbells today. Both cameras shoot with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Now, most video doorbells can cover head-to-toe video recording. This is especially true for models with a wide field of view and which offer a 1:1 aspect ratio. However, the second camera on the Video Doorbell Dual dodges the fish-eye effect, giving you a better view of your package.
Both cameras can also shoot color night mode if there’s enough ambient light. Otherwise, they automatically switch to IR for black and white recording. Even under mixed lighting, the Dual offers detailed video, thanks to the included HDR support. In terms of audio, there’s nothing special outside of the standard two-way talk feature.
Smart Features and Subscription
The Video Doorbell Dual’s smart features are promising but lag in the execution. Fortunately, you can use all of the device’s features subscription-free.
While the Dual has a lot going on thanks to its cameras, its sensors are wanting. The video doorbell is equipped with a passive infrared sensor and a motion detector. However, despite their combination, alerts and notifications are sluggish. These latency issues are found in several other video doorbells. But for a device positioned as a deterrent to package theft, the delays are considerable downsides.
Fortunately, Eufy makes it up with a reliable facial recognition, which is an upgrade from the more basic facial detection the Doorbell 2K offered. Here, the Dual delivers as advertised, provided you have good lighting. Its secondary camera also does well in recognizing packages, which should console Eufy users bummed by its delayed alerts.
Unlike other video doorbells, the Dual doesn’t really need a subscription, too. The wireless version comes with Homebase, which has 18GB of local storage. Meanwhile, the hardwired unit boasts built-in local storage of 8GB. However, you will pay an upfront cost of $259 — pricier than other doorbells. Still, it’s cheaper in the long run than paying monthly fees.
Lastly, the Dual supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. With this, you can stream live videos to a compatible smart display. If you’re an Apple loyalist, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Eufy’s premium doorbell doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit (yet).
Verdict
The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual does well with the basics but may not be as good at monitoring your package.
The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual is a promising addition to the growing number of smart doorbells on the market. It’s a feature-packed device that leans on an impressive two-camera system. While the price tag is on the premium side, you can use the Dual even without a subscription. On paper, things bode well for the doorbell. Both of its cameras record clear and detailed videos, too.
However, latency issues affect how fast you get alerts and notifications. Although it’s a problem that affects other doorbells, it gets magnified on the Dual, which is positioned as a solution to package theft. If you just want a video doorbell, the Dual is still a solid purchase. But if you’re hoping to deter porch pirates, it’s not quite the solution — yet.
FAQs
If installing as a wireless doorbell, the Video Doorbell Dual has a battery life of 3 to 6 months.
Eufy’s Video Doorbell takes 15-second motion-activated event recordings.
Currently, there are no other color options for the Video Doorbell Dual except black.
Yes. If local storage is not enough, you can get Eufy’s rolling cloud storage for $3/month.