The EZVIZ EP4 Wire-Free Peephole Door Viewer is presented as an ingenious two-in-one security camera and video doorbell that offers installation without wiring or DIY. It functions by threading through an existing door peephole and clamping into place. The device delivers sharp 4K footage. The product receives a value score of 4.5/5, a design score of 4/5, and a performance score of 3.5/5.
Regarding installation and design, the unit has two parts: an external camera unit (featuring a doorbell button, motion sensor, speaker/mic) and an internal screen that clamps onto the door. It is compatible with doors ranging from 35–105mm thick and peepholes of 14–50mm in diameter. Installation reportedly took about ten minutes and caused no permanent damage, allowing the unit to be removed when moving out. Minor design quibbles noted include the interior screen sticking out about an inch from the door, and the doorbell button’s placement potentially causing visitors to miss it.
Performance-wise, the 4K footage viewed via the EZVIZ app was sharp with minimal lag, and two-way talk experienced only a slight delay. The device includes privacy features for voice disguises, offering “Uncle Tone” and “Clown Tone” for two-way communication. The application’s translation from Chinese has been occasionally awkward.
The performance of the AI person-shape recognition feature was generally good; it worked effectively even when a subject’s outline was obscured, such as when someone was cycling a bike. A privacy feature also offers “Uncle Tone” and “Clown Tone” voice disguises for two-way talk.
However, the biggest drawback identified is the facial recognition functionality, which is still in beta. While it correctly identifies known faces, even through sunglasses and a cycling helmet, there is no way to suppress notifications for people added to “Familiar Faces,” including the owner. One user reported receiving notifications stating “Cat appeared” every time they arrived home.
A functional limitation of the device is that its field of view does not cover the doorstep, meaning it cannot monitor for packages. Furthermore, the unit cannot be used while charging due to the lack of a hot-swap battery; it charges via microUSB and has a rated battery life of up to 120 days.
In terms of cost, the device is priced at £229.99 (approximately $300/AU$440) and is currently UK-only. Subscription is not required if the user opts to use a microSD card (up to 512GB). Optional EZVIZ CloudPlay plans are available monthly, ranging from $3.99 for a single camera with 7-day history up to $27.99 for ten cameras with 30-day history.
Alternatives considered by the reviewer included the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell and the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual, both of which are also subscription-free.
In summary, the EZVIZ EP4 is described as a strong, affordable option for renters seeking security camera functionality without modifying their door. The main caveat remains the notification system until EZVIZ resolves the familiar-faces logic.
Source: TechRadar