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Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: two-minute review
The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is a very good video doorbell that’s held back a little by a limited battery life and one accessory omission. If you live alone and are willing to charge up the battery on a weekly basis or set it up in a wired configuration, its 9:16 aspect ratio, microSD reader (not to mention included 32GB SD card), and a host of features makes it among the best video doorbells for you to consider.
The battery life is not what one would want in a device that should take the place of the best home security cameras for your front door. It’s also a little disconcerting that the doorbell chime is a separate purchase. The only way to get notifications outside of your phone then is through Alexa or Google Assistant, so there are at least options.
At the very least, the 4K resolution extends to a 9:16 ratio so you can get a full view of whomever or whatever is at your front door. It also has color night vision as well as a night light and two-way talk. As mentioned, it has some voice assistant support as well.
The setup and installation is pretty straightforward as well. All in all, the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is a solid option, especially if you’re willing to wire it up. I would also suggest spending the extra cash for the doorbell chime, unless you already have an Alexa or Google smart home setup.
Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: specs
|
Dimensions |
5.12 × 1.77 × 0.91 inches / 130 × 44 × 23 mm |
|
Colors |
Black, white |
|
Hub required |
No |
|
Connectivity |
2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi |
|
Mobile connectivity |
iOS, Android |
|
Field of view |
150 degrees |
|
Video resolution |
8MP (2,160 × 3,840), 9:16 ratio |
|
USB type |
USB-C |
Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: price and availability
- List price: $199.99 (about £160 / AU$320)
- Available in the US
The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell has a price tag of $199.99 (about £160 / AU$320), which isn’t bad, especially considering that something like the Phillips 7000 Series Video Doorbell is a bit pricier at $229.99 (about £180 / AU$350). Unfortunately it’s only available in the US, so if you’re in the UK or Australia, you’re limited to the 2K Video doorbell at a $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$327 price point.
The Lorex model offers a 9:16 aspect ratio, while the Phillips uses a dual-camera design for a somewhat similar full body view. Both allow you to do wired and wireless power. However, the Lorex comes with a 32GB SD card compared to the 8GB built-in storage. Of course, the Phillips model does come with a Wi-Fi chime box, whereas the one for Lorex (which is, luckily compatible with quite a few of the brand’s video doorbells) requires a separate purchase of $49.99/ £59.99 / AU$69.00.
If we look at other 4K video doorbells, the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell’s price tag seems to be about what one should expect. The SwannBuddy 4K goes for $199 / £169 / AU$299, however, it does offer a bit more value, as it not only also comes with a microSD reader and 32GB SD card so you don’t have to spring for a subscription, but it also comes with a doorbell chime included. The Lorex is a little easier to install, partially thanks to the use of plastic mounting brackets instead of metal. The Lorex is also more flexible since it comes with a couple angled brackets so that you can get a clear view of whoever is in front of the door.
Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: design
- Has microSD reader for onboard storage
- Comes with two different angled brackets
- Straightforward installation
The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is available in black and white (the one reviewed here is black) and looks about the same and is a similar size to most other video doorbells you’ll come across. It is a little bit smaller than the Phillips Series 7000 I reviewed as it stands a little over five inches tall compared to the Phillips’ over six inches of height. Functionally, it doesn’t make much of a difference.
The front of the doorbell is composed of the camera on top, the logo etched across the middle, and the actual button lined by an LED indicator that lights up when pressed (or when the doorbell is triggered by someone or something passing in front of it).
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The microSD card reader and a micro-USB port for charging sit on the side behind a silicon cover that’s actually a bit tough to pop out (and will be covered by the mounting bracket when installed on a door). While it takes some work to get out (unless you have long nails), it does help keep the integrity of this doorbell’s IP65 rating, meaning that you don’t have to worry about a heavy rain shorting the doorbell.
If you want to wire this doorbell up instead of going the wireless route, which you might want to once you read my thoughts on the battery life, the ports are on the back of the unit. And as is to be expected, the necessary wires are included in a little bag that also includes a pin used to remove the doorbell from the bracket.
Also included are three different mounting brackets. Or should I say, one flat bracket that must be used and then two additional ones that are angled to the side or downward to adjust the viewing angle of the doorbell if you don’t want it to just look straight ahead.
Since I’ve mentioned the brackets, I should mention that installation is pretty easy. Just charge up the doorbell, screw in the mounting bracket(s), connect the doorbell to the app (the usual follow-the-directions-on-the-screen situation), pop in the doorbell into the bracket, and you’re good to go.
Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: performance
- Sharp 4K resolution with full-body 9:16 aspect ratio
- Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
- Battery life isn’t great
The Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell offers an 8MP camera with 4K resolution (2160 × 3840p) in a unique 9:16 ratio. I appreciate the full body angle so that I can get a clear view of the front door. Someone would have to stand really close to the camera to hide something out of view. And since it has that higher resolution, everything comes through clearly.
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It’s just as clear at night, if a bit more monochromatic. This is intentional as you can change a setting to see whatever’s at your door in color, though it’s not quite as crisp.
There’s a little bit of a lag but seems to be just a second or so – certainly not long enough to hamper a conversation. Speaking of, the microphone is adequate though it picks up more environmental noise than I would like. At least, there’s responsive two-way audio.
Image 1 of 2
Since the doorbell chime is sold separately, it’s up to me (or whomever has the app on their phone) to keep an eye for notifications. While I miss the physical chime, I was able to connect the doorbell to Alexa to serve in that capacity (this video doorbell also supports Google Assistant). There’s also the option to share the doorbell with other users so other people in the household are also notified when there’s someone at the door.
Since the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell is capable of wired and wireless power, I highly suggest you go the wired route. While it doesn’t take too long to charge up, it took about a week to go from a 100% charge to 20%. That means I have to charge it almost every week to keep using it.
Now, I will mention that we have dogs that need to be let out several times a day and multiple people in the home where this doorbell is being tested, so the Lorex is regularly triggered. Still, a weekly charge-up is not something anyone would expect for a video doorbell.
Should you buy the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell?
|
Attribute |
Notes |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Value |
Except for the fact that the chime must be purchased separately, the price is about what one would expect for a 4K video doorbell. |
4/5 |
|
Design |
Not only does it come with a microSD reader (and included card), but it has two differently angled brackets. |
4.5/5 |
|
Performance |
The high resolution and aspect ratio are big pluses, but the battery life is not. |
4/5 |
Buy it if
Don’t buy it if
Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell: also consider
How I tested the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell
To test the Lorex 4K Battery Video Doorbell, I used it for a couple weeks to not only answer the door, but to monitor all activity coming in and out (mostly my brother-in-law letting the dogs out to pee). I also played around with and tested the various settings in the app to see how they work, including the voice assistant and night vision settings.
Tested February 2025
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space2occupy@gmail.com (James Holland)
