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Quick verdict
The Aqara G4 is a strong pick for Apple HomeKit households. HomeKit Secure Video gives you end-to-end encrypted recording, and face/person detection runs locally on the device. It is a Wi-Fi doorbell (no Zigbee), and the included chime repeater is what links it to Wi-Fi and holds the microSD card for local recording. It runs on six AA cells or 12-24V AC doorbell wiring. The 1080p resolution is the main compromise. One thing to settle before you buy: HomeKit accessories pair to a single controller, so pairing the G4 to Home Assistant directly means leaving Apple Home and HKSV behind.
Standout: HomeKit Secure Video doorbell with local on-device face recognition, plus an included chime/repeater that holds the microSD card for local recording.
Notes last checked Oct 20, 2026.
Compatibility snapshot
Home AssistantgoodReliable local integration with minor caveats (a hub, manual config, or polling). Core function works locally.
Apple HomeexcellentFirst-class native support on this platform.
Google HomegoodWell supported, with only minor gaps.
AlexagoodWell supported, with only minor gaps.
Works offlineyes
Setupmoderate
Extra hub neededno
Powerbattery or wired
Local control facts
Home Assistant: homekit_controller integration, Local Push (home-assistant.io, checked Oct 10, 2026)
Why it stands out
Apple HomeKit Secure Video support with end-to-end encrypted iCloud storage
built-in face recognition works locally on the device
includes a plug-in chime repeater that links the doorbell to Wi-Fi and holds the microSD card (up to 512 GB) for local recording - no separate hub purchase needed
Reasons to hesitate
HomeKit Secure Video requires an iCloud+ subscription for recording
video quality is limited to 1080p
no Matter support - integration is HomeKit (or the Aqara app), not cross-platform Matter
HomeKit accessories pair to one controller, so pairing it to Home Assistant means giving up Apple Home and HomeKit Secure Video
Best for
Apple HomeKit households wanting a tightly integrated doorbell
Aqara app users who want on-device face recognition and local recording
Avoid if
you are not in the Apple ecosystem - much of the value is HomeKit-specific
you want 2K or 4K video resolution
Privacy and local-control notes
HomeKit Secure Video support means footage is end-to-end encrypted in iCloud, which is the only place HKSV clips live - the Apple home hub does the motion analysis locally but cannot keep the recordings. The chime repeater takes a microSD card for local recording outside HKSV. Local streaming via HomeKit. Face/person detection runs on the device.
Home Assistant support: supported · integration path: HomeKit Controller (one controller at a time - pairing it to HA takes it out of Apple Home, and HomeKit Secure Video with it).
Buying reality check
Price notes: Competitive price for a HomeKit Secure Video doorbell. iCloud+ subscription needed for cloud recording features.
Verified price reads: lowest seen $69.99, latest $74.99 on Nov 1, 2026.
Black Friday 2026 smart home deals for Home Assistant and local-control homes: the lowest price I've recorded for 100+ Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter and Wi-Fi devices.
Black Friday smart home deals for Home Assistant: the prices to beat
Black Friday 2026 smart home deals for Home Assistant and local-control homes: the lowest price I've recorded for 100+ Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter and Wi-Fi devices.
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