Ezviz DP1 Doorviewer

See who’s at your door wherever you are You can peer through your digital peephole even if you’re not at home

Though outwardly a smart doorbell, the DP1 isn’t necessarily aiming to nestle into the same category as, say, the Amazon Ring. Instead, it is its own beast.

Rather than ripping out your existing bell, you’ll need to dismantle or create a peephole in your door. You mount the viewer element on the front of your door, pushing its metal shaft into the peephole before connecting its cable to the viewing screen mount on the interior side of your door. You then place the rechargeable 4.3in touchscreen into the mount and you’re good to go.

This is an innovative form factor, and since the DP1 includes a passive infrared sensor (PIR), limited infrared lighting and effective human detection, the touchscreen displays the other side of the door and can record or take a picture as soon as it detects someone is there – whether they’ve actually pressed the bell or not.

Video can be recorded locally (to MicroSD) and to the cloud with an optional storage plan.

Through a combination of the DP1’s Wi-Fi connection

and the Ezviz iOS app, you can peer through your digital peephole wherever you may be, even if you’re not home. A quick press of the DP1’s doorbell button causes the screen section to chime and initiates the option of a two-way voice call on your phone. It’s all very neat.

Door to flaw

That said, there are rough edges. Although initial setup is slick, the app and its push notifications could do with some polish. Voice communication isn’t super-clear and, while video quality is strong enough at 720p, the image sensor does tend to wince at direct sunlight. The external element is designed to withstand water, but there are no claims as to weatherproofing. In addition, although battery life is very good, there are issues with charging. You can leave the screen in the mount, but you’ll need a long enough cable or an external battery. Or you can remove the screen to charge it elsewhere, but for that time it won’t work.

The DP1 is also pricey; its nearest competition can be had for less than half the price. Its unique form factor might just give it the edge, though. alex Cox

You can see who’s on the other side of your door from the interior screen or from your phone. £251.88 From Ezviz, ezvizlife.com Features Motion detection, 720p, night vision, 4.3in colour touchscreen

PIR motion detection means the DP1 can notify you on your phone as soon as somebody’s at the door.