Smart doorbells have become one of the most popular home security upgrades across the UK, and 2025 is no exception. With so many choices now on the market, it can be tricky deciding which one is right for your home. Whether you’re looking for advanced smart-home features, budget-friendly simplicity, or seamless integration with your existing ecosystem, there’s a perfect fit out there.
Let’s look at three excellent options available from trusted brands on the UK market: Aqara, ERA Protect, and Ring.
Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4
Why it stands out
The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 is fast becoming a favourite among tech-savvy UK homeowners. It’s the only battery-powered video doorbell that works with Apple HomeKit Secure Video, making it an outstanding choice for iPhone users.
It boasts a 162-degree wide-angle lens, crisp 1080p HD video, and dual storage options, giving you both free seven-day cloud storage and the option to record locally via a micro-SD card. One of its most impressive features is local face recognition, which can identify familiar faces and trigger personalised automations, even when your internet connection is down.
Standout features:
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Local AI face recognition for tailored automations
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Compatibility with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT
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Custom voice changing and privacy zones
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Flexible power options: either battery or wired
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Free cloud storage and local backup
The Aqara G4 is a brilliant choice for homeowners who want high privacy, smart integrations and innovative features without paying a premium price.
ERA Protect External 1080 HD Video Doorbell
Why it’s great
ERA Protect offers a reliable and affordable smart doorbell solution. Their External 1080 HD Video Doorbell is a wired device, delivering full HD video quality, motion detection, two-way audio and visitor logs, all the essentials you’d expect from a modern doorbell, without the hefty price tag.
It’s available in sleek black or white finishes, and while it doesn’t have some of the advanced AI features of more premium models, it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for solid performance and simplicity on a budget.
Standout features:
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Excellent value for money
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Wired connection for uninterrupted power
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Good quality 1080p HD video and motion alerts
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Simple app control without subscription requirements
If you want the basics done well and prefer to avoid subscriptions or extra costs, ERA Protect is a reliable, wallet-friendly option.
Ring Video Doorbell 2nd Generation
Why it’s popular
Ring remains one of the most well-known names in smart home security. The second-generation Ring Video Doorbell continues to impress UK homeowners with its balance of affordability and features.
It offers full HD video, night vision, two-way talk, and customisable motion zones, including a useful near-zone setting to avoid false alerts from passing traffic. One of Ring’s biggest advantages is power flexibility: you can run it on a rechargeable battery, hard-wire it, or pair it with a solar charger or mains plug.
Standout features:
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Flexible power options to suit different installations
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Adjustable motion zones for more accurate alerts
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Smooth integration with Alexa devices
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Large ecosystem of Ring accessories and devices
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Established brand with a strong support network
For households already invested in the Amazon Echo ecosystem, Ring’s doorbell offers seamless integration and dependable performance at a reasonable price.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Aqara G4 | ERA Protect | Ring 2nd Gen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price range | Mid-range | Budget | Mid-range |
| Power options | Battery / wired | Wired only | Battery, wired, solar |
| Video quality | 1080p, 162° view | 1080p | 1080p, 155° view |
| Face recognition | Yes (local AI) | No | No |
| Smart home integrations | HomeKit, Alexa, Google | Basic app support | Alexa |
| Storage options | Cloud + local | Local only | Subscription-based |
Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
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Aqara G4: Ideal for those wanting advanced smart-home integration, privacy controls and HomeKit compatibility.
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ERA Protect: Perfect for those on a budget who still want clear video and basic smart features without ongoing fees.
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Ring 2nd Gen: A solid choice for Alexa users who want flexible installation options and the familiarity of a big brand.
Whether your priority is price, privacy, or seamless integration with your existing devices, there’s a smart doorbell in 2025 to suit your UK home perfectly. Consider how you plan to power your doorbell, which smart ecosystems you already use, and whether you’d benefit from extra features like face recognition, and you’ll be well on your way to choosing the right one.