A Closer Look at the ecobee Smart Doorbell: Home Security with a Smart Twist

In a world increasingly driven by smart technology, home security has evolved beyond locks and alarms. Video doorbells have become essential for monitoring entrances, deterring intruders, and receiving package deliveries safely. Among the growing range of smart doorbells, the ecobee Smart Video Doorbell Camera (Wired) emerges as a powerful, privacy-conscious option with deep smart home integration.

Backed by the same brand known for its intelligent thermostats, combines impressive hardware, machine learning-powered detection, and seamless ecosystem compatibility to create a holistic front-door security experience. In this article, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, and whether it’s the right choice for your smart home setup.

1. Overview: A Smart, Secure First Line of Defense

The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera (Wired) is the brand’s first foray into video doorbells. It offers 1080p HD resolution with a 175° vertical field of view, ensuring you can see both the faces of visitors and packages on the ground. Its sleek, minimalist design fits well with most home exteriors, and the wired installation ensures a constant power supply—ideal for users who want uninterrupted security.

With AI-enhanced person and package detection, two-way audio, night vision, and smart home integrations with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and now Google Home (as of 2025), this doorbell aims to be a reliable, all-in-one solution for modern homeowners.

2. Design and Build Quality

Out of the box, impresses with its clean, unobtrusive design. It’s compact, featuring a matte black finish with a circular camera lens on the upper portion and an illuminated button at the bottom. The button glows when motion is detected, providing a subtle visual cue for guests.

The build is IP65 weather-resistant, which means it can operate reliably in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions—from -13°F to 113°F (-25°C to 45°C). Whether you’re dealing with snow, rain, or high humidity, the device is engineered to withstand it all.

3. Video and Audio Performance

The core of any smart doorbell is its camera—and the ecobee doesn’t disappoint. With 1080p HD video, the image quality is crisp and color-accurate in both daylight and low-light conditions. Its enhanced night vision uses infrared and low-light image enhancement to provide clear visibility at night without being overly grainy.

The 175° vertical field of view is another highlight. Unlike many horizontal-angled doorbells that may miss packages on the ground, ecobee’s design ensures that users can view visitors from head to toe and monitor package deliveries with confidence.

Audio quality is just as critical, and this device features two-way talk with echo cancellation. You can converse with delivery personnel, visitors, or even deter suspicious individuals through the ecobee app with minimal delay or distortion.

4. Advanced Detection Technology

One of the most intelligent aspects of this doorbell is its AI-powered detection system. Leveraging radar and motion sensors, the camera can differentiate between people, packages, pets, and even vehicles—ensuring that you only receive notifications when it matters.

Unlike cheaper doorbells that may alert you every time a squirrel runs by, significantly reduces false positives. You can also fine-tune detection zones in the app, further enhancing customization to your environment.

5. Smart Home Integration

If you’re already invested in the ecobee ecosystem, this doorbell integrates beautifully. It streams live video directly to the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, essentially turning your thermostat into a control hub or intercom.

But the integration doesn’t stop there. The doorbell supports:

• Apple HomeKit – view live feeds in the Home app and create automations.

• Amazon Alexa – ask Alexa to show your front door camera on Echo Show devices.

• Google Home – (now supported as of 2025) with Nest and Assistant compatibility.

• IFTTT – create custom automations and responses to motion events.

This level of compatibility makes  one of the most flexible smart doorbells on the market.

6. Installation and Setup

This is hardwired only, meaning it requires an existing wired doorbell connection (16–24V AC). While this may limit some users, it ensures a continuous power supply, avoiding battery charging hassles.

Installation is straightforward, especially for those comfortable with basic DIY. The package includes:

• Mounting plate

• Wire extenders

• Chime adapter

• Wire connectors

• Screws and Allen key

The ecobee app walks you through the process step by step. From mounting to configuration and software setup, most users can have the device up and running in under 30 minutes.

7. Subscription Plans & Features

Out of the box, the camera functions well without a subscription, allowing you to stream live video and use basic motion detection.

With the subscription, users gain access to:

• Person and package detection

• 24/7 recording and event history

• 30-day cloud video storage

• Snapshot alerts in notifications

• Professional monitoring (when paired with ecobee sensors)

Pricing starts at $5/month or $50/year for a single camera plan, with multi-camera plans available. While some may find the subscription necessary for advanced functionality, the core features remain accessible for free.

8. Privacy and Security

It has built a reputation for privacy-first smart home products, and the Smart Doorbell Camera is no exception. All video data is encrypted end-to-end, and users have full control over when the camera is active or recording. You can also set privacy zones, preventing the camera from monitoring certain areas.

No data is sold to third parties, and video is stored in Canadian and U.S.-based servers, complying with GDPR and CCPA regulations.

9. Performance in Daily Use

Notifications arrive promptly, and video quality remains consistent across weather conditions. Package detection is accurate in most cases, though like all AI-based systems, it can occasionally misidentify objects.

Its quiet notifications, clear intercom communication, and fast app response times contribute to a user-friendly experience. The camera also works well at night, which is crucial for security monitoring during non-daylight hours.

10. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent 1080p video with wide vertical view

• Smart detection reduces false alerts

• Night vision performs well

• Integrates with ecobee thermostat and all major smart platforms

• No battery worries with hardwired power

• Modern, weatherproof design

Cons:

• No battery-powered option

• Requires subscription for advanced features

• No local storage support

• Wired installation may deter renters or less tech-savvy users

11. Is the ecobee Smart Video Doorbell Worth It?

If you’re already using an ecobee thermostat or building out a smart home with HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Assistant, this is an excellent choice. It’s reliable, secure, intelligently designed, and fits seamlessly into your smart home routine.

It might not have all the advanced frills of higher-end competitors like Ring Elite or Nest Hello, but its AI features, thoughtful design, and commitment to privacy make it a strong value proposition.

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

“The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera brings intelligence and clarity to your front door, and its integration with smart thermostats sets it apart in a crowded market. A must-have for ecobee users and a solid contender for any smart home enthusiast.”