Imou battery-powered Doorbell 2S review: Smart security with a twist (literally)

Imou Doorbell 2S kit with panning camera and built-in battery. Pictures: Imou.

Video doorbells have become popular for modern home security, allowing you to see, speak to, and track visitors, whether you're at home or away. They’re great for deterring intruders, handling missed deliveries, and giving peace of mind. But not all doorbells are built the same. Some rely on basic features, while others, like the Imou Battery-Powered Doorbell 2S, add an extra twist.

Design and build

The Doorbell 2S is black, which should help it stand out against lighter-coloured doorframes or entryways. The camera itself is sleek and unobtrusive, featuring a clean matte finish and a large bell button outlined with a bright LED ring for easy visibility.

But the real talking point is the rotatable pan lens, which Imou claims is a market-first feature in a battery-powered video doorbell. Instead of relying on a tilting bracket to adjust your view, the lens physically rotates by up to 30° horizontally, giving you a 180° field of view when combined with its ultra-wide 166° angle. That means you get excellent horizontal coverage and visibility. However, parcels placed directly beneath the doorbell or right up against the doorstep were outside the camera’s field of view and not visible.

It’s also fully weatherproof, so you won’t need to worry about rain, sleet or snow affecting performance.

Battery performance

Inside the doorbell is a 5,000mAh rechargeable battery, which Imou claims can last up to 120 days on a single charge. In my testing, that figure seems achievable under normal use with motion tracking and notifications active, but not constantly triggered. Even better, it can be charged via USB-C or hardwired using the included kit for those who prefer a continuous power setup.

Imou’s auto power-saving mode kicks in at low charge, limiting wake-ups to essential events, such as motion or doorbell presses, to further extend battery life.

Video

The 2K (3MP) camera delivers clear, sharp footage, even in dim conditions, thanks to its built-in infrared night vision. Whether someone’s at the door during the day or night, you’ll be able to see exactly who’s there.

The rotating lens automatically follows movement, keeping people in the frame as they walk across your porch or driveway, without needing multiple fixed cameras or motorised mounts. It's quick too, with a 0.3-second response time and PIR and human detection to minimise false alarms from passing cars or wildlife.

The doorbell also features loitering detection. If someone hangs around too long, you’ll get a notification.

Also included is a chime unit (the DS2S gong), which doubles as a Wi-Fi extender and an SD card storage hub (SD card not included). That’s a clever touch: if your doorbell is stolen, your recordings are safe indoors. The chime also supports 10 customisable tones, volume controls, and even a snooze mode for when you don’t want to be disturbed.

You’ll find two-way audio onboard for speaking to visitors in real-time, with voice masking available if you want to sound more intimidating in the event of suspicious activity. There’s also a handy quick reply feature, allowing you to pre-record messages for deliveries or guests.

App and usability

Setup is quick using the Imou Life app, available on Android, iOS and Windows. The app is responsive and easy to navigate, allowing you to view live feeds, access stored footage, and adjust settings such as detection zones, notification triggers, and privacy modes.

I love that you can use local storage, which is completely free. Just pop an SD card into the chime unit. Cloud storage is optional and reasonably priced, starting at €3.49/month, for those who want extra backup.

The app also supports smart scenes, allowing you to set up modes like “Away” or “Sleep,” automate notifications, or customise how the device responds depending on the time of day or activity. You can also share access with family members, ensuring everyone stays informed.

Verdict

The Imou Doorbell 2S is an excellent smart doorbell with innovative features. With smart tracking, high-quality video, and subscription-free storage, it's a good option for anyone serious about doorstep security.

€73 www.megateh.eu