Ezviz EP8 Ultra review: A dual-lens smart doorbell with a built-in screen
The Ezviz EP8 Ultra combines a dual-lens system with a unique built-in screen for interactive two-way video communication. Picture: Ezviz
A high-quality video doorbell has become a vital part of home security, acting as both a watchful eye and a communication bridge. While most devices focus solely on sending video to your smartphone, the Ezviz EP8 Ultra takes a more premium approach. It is packed with features that make the doorbell an active participant in your home security, offering high-end video quality and a unique way to interact with the outside world.
The EP8 Ultra is one of the most premium and stylish doorbells I have reviewed. I installed it on my porch, where it is protected from the weather, but it has an IP65 weather-resistance rating to handle the unpredictable Irish weather, from heavy rain to freezing temperatures.
Ezviz includes everything needed for a standard installation: the doorbell itself, mounting brackets, and the necessary hardware. I was particularly pleased to find an indoor chime included in the package. The chime is compact and plugs directly into a wall socket, providing a clear, loud ring that is easy to hear throughout the house.
One of the most thoughtful design choices is the inclusion of two large batteries. Because this is a battery-powered unit, charging can often mean taking your security offline. With two batteries, you can simply swap the depleted one for a fresh one, ensuring your front door is never left unmonitored. Each battery features a USB-C port, so it’s no more fuss than charging your phone. You can also hardwire the EP8 Ultra if you already have a powered doorbell.
The most unique aspect of this doorbell is the interactive colour screen built directly into the unit. The screen allows two-way video communication, so the visitor can actually see you. This makes the experience feel much more like a professional intercom system than a standard smart doorbell.
While it might feel a little cheesy, AI-powered character greetings can display animated messages, such as those from a husky or a panda bear, to visitors. It’s a fun, modern touch that adds a bit of personality to your doorstep.
The Ezviz app is easy to navigate and provides a high level of control. I found that setting up motion detection and privacy zones was straightforward. There’s a voice changer feature. This could be useful for an elderly person living alone who wants anonymity when speaking to a stranger. You can also set up auto-replies, which is a brilliant way to let delivery drivers know you will be with them shortly.
The EP8 Ultra uses a 6MP main camera for a wide view of the area, paired with a 2MP downward-facing lens. In my testing, this second lens proved incredibly useful for monitoring packages left on the porch floor, although the clarity isn’t good enough to read labels. Instead of having to tilt a camera or guess if a parcel is visible, you can see the person and the delivery at the same time.
The video quality is sharp, especially from the main camera, but the real winner is the True WDR (Wide Dynamic Range). My entrance has a significant backlight issue in the evenings, with the bright sky often washing out any faces. With WDR enabled, the camera balanced the exposure perfectly, keeping both my face and the background clear. Without it, the image was far too dark and difficult to use.
At night, colour night vision provides a clear image without switching to grainy black-and-white infrared mode. This is possible thanks to lights located at the top and bottom of the doorbell.
The AI detection also works well, accurately distinguishing between a person, a package, and general motion, which helps reduce those annoying, unnecessary notifications.
One of the biggest frustrations with modern smart home tech is the requirement for a monthly subscription to view your own footage. Ezviz has avoided this by including 32GB of built-in local storage. In my experience, this is enough to store several months of recordings. If you do want extra features, there is an option for cloud storage, but the ability to use the device without a recurring fee is a significant advantage for many users.
The Ezviz EP8 Ultra is a versatile and highly capable device. It stands out for its interactive screen and ability to monitor both people and packages simultaneously through its dual lenses. The video quality is impressive, especially in difficult lighting, and the swappable battery system removes a common headache for wireless users. If you want a doorbell that offers more than just a basic video feed, this is an excellent choice.
https://www.ezviz.com/product/ep8-ultra/174442
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