Doro Hemma doorbell: A smart doorbell designed with seniors in mind

Doro Hemma Doorbell. Pictures. Doro.

The Doro Hemma Doorbell is an excellent example of a smart device designed to meet the needs of its users, who are seniors in this case. With features designed to enhance security, communication, and peace of mind, the Hemma doorbell offers a unique blend of practicality and innovation.

Design and Build Quality

The Hemma has been designed for seniors but can be used like any other doorbell. It features a sleek, discreet design. The doorbell is primarily white, but what helps to make it stand out is the pill-shaped area of black surrounding the camera and the large LED ring around the big bell button.

It’s built to withstand various weather conditions, boasting an IP65 rating that makes it water and dust-repellent and can operate from -20°C to +60°C. I installed the Hemma inside my porch, so I didn’t have to worry about the weather.

The doorbell is easy to install with the included self-adhesive strips or screws, making it accessible for users who may have limited dexterity. For convenience, I used the strip, which is incredibly tacky, so I had no fear that it would fall off. My only concern was how much paint or plaster might come away if I were to remove it.

The heart of the Doro Hemma is its user-friendly interface, which includes easy-to-press buttons. The setup process is straightforward, whether you mount it flat or at an angle using the included extra-angled mount piece.

Video and audio quality

One of the most impressive aspects of the Hemma doorbell is its high-definition video capability. The camera features a 1,440p sensor with a 1:1 aspect ratio, offering a sharp, clear view of visitors. The 155° diagonal field of view ensures you can see everything happening at your doorstep, while the black-and-white night vision mode allows for clear visibility even in complete darkness.

The image is vibrant and has good detail even on sunny days, but since its square orientation, I couldn’t see deliveries on the ground. 

The Hemma has dual microphones that provide crisp, clear audio, even for those who may be hard of hearing. The doorbell also includes a powerful plug-in speaker that can be placed anywhere in the home, ensuring that alerts are heard no matter where you are. Additional chimes can be purchased to extend sound coverage in larger homes, making them adaptable to various living situations. 

The adapter includes a USB-A port that is handy for charging all sorts of devices but is intended to charge the doorbell’s internal battery. The plug consists of a status LED and volume up and down buttons. As doorbell chimes go, this is the loudest I’ve heard.

Senior-friendly features

What truly sets the Doro Hemma Doorbell apart from other smart doorbells is its "Assist Me" feature. This allows seniors to transfer the responsibility of answering the door to a trusted friend or relative. If a senior feels unsure about who is at the door, they can use the Doro Hemma app to pass the call to a designated contact who can then interact with the visitor on their behalf. This is for those who may feel vulnerable, lacking in confidence or don’t want to deal with unwanted callers.

The app, available on both Android and iOS, is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, with large icons and simple navigation. It alerts users when someone approaches the door and provides a live video feed with audio, allowing seniors to decide whether to answer or transfer the call.

Security 

The Hemma is equipped with several security features, including a loud siren that the user can activate or a trusted contact via the Assist Me feature to deter potential intruders. 

Video recordings can be stored locally on an encrypted microSD card up to 128GB (not included), ensuring that any suspicious activity is documented and accessible when needed. 

All of Hemma's features are included, and there’s no subscription. Of course, you must purchase a microSD card, but then you’re done. You can use the app to browse events recorded onto the card and even download files to your phone.

Performance and connectivity

The Doro Hemma Doorbell is powered by a 7,000mAh rechargeable battery, offering long-lasting performance. Its single-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) ensures a stable connection, while the 433MHz communication with the chime guarantees that alerts are received instantly.

The doorbell’s motion detection sensitivity can be adjusted from low to high, with a range of up to five meters. This ensures you’re alerted to visitors well before they reach your door, giving you ample time to decide how to respond.

Verdict

The Doro Hemma doorbell is a thoughtful, well-designed product that caters specifically to the needs of seniors but also works great for everybody else. I love that all the features are included, so niggly subscriptions. The Assist Me feature is a great idea that has been well thought out and brilliantly implemented because it’s so easy to use.

The Doro Hemma doorbell provides peace of mind and security while offering excellent image quality and battery life. It is highly recommended for those who don’t want pesky subscriptions and those who prioritise ease of use.

€169 Doro