Review: Brinno DUO Is a Smart Door Camera for Apartments & More

While I have a Ring video doorbell, it has some drawbacks. First, I had to physically hardwire it into my house. If I lived in an apartment, that would not be an option. The other issue is that I have to find and open my phone to see who is there. If I'm at the door, a peephole makes more sense. The folks at Brinno have a solution, with the Brinno DUO Smart Peephole DoorCam ($199.95). Brinno sent me the peephole camera and, sure enough, no heavy duty tools were required to install it.

Related: Review: Affordable Security Cameras for Inside Your Smart Home

The Brinno DUO is an improvement because it has a built-in LCD screen for instant viewing. You don't have to find your phone or tablet to see the visitor. Brinno hAS a free companion app, although currently it is not integrated with Alexa or Apple HomeKit. When motion is detected, or a visitor uses the peephole's knocker, then images are sent via email and also stored on the included 8 GB microSD card. A microSD card to SD adapter is included. The device uses replaceable AA batteries so you will need to remember to charge the device or replace the batteries.

iPhone Life
Discover your iPhone's hidden features
Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

Pros

  • Does not require heavy duty tools or permanent installation
  • Built-in LCD screen for instant viewing
  • Free companion app
  • Images sent via email and stored on included 8 GB microSD card (SD adapter included)
  • Uses replaceable AA batteries

Cons

  • Need to pay attention to batteries
  • Not sold everywhere
  • Somewhat cumbersome setup
  • No HomeKit or Alexa integration, currently

Final Verdict

If you are looking for an accessory, the Brinno DUO Smart Peephole DoorCam from Brinno should be high on your list.

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

Author Details

Todd Bernhard's picture

Author Details

Todd Bernhard

Todd Bernhard is a bestselling (6+ million downloads) award-winning (AARP, About.com, BestAppEver.com, Digital Hollywood, and Verizon) developer and founder of NoTie.NET, an app developer specializing in Talking Ringtone apps including AutoRingtone. And his profile photo is of the last known sighting of Mr. Bernhard wearing a tie, circa 2007!

An iPhone is almost always attached to his hip or in his pocket, but over the years, Mr. Bernhard has owned an Apple Newton, a Motorola Marco, an HP 95LX, a Compaq iPaq, a Palm Treo, and a Nokia e62. In addition to writing for iPhone Life, Mr. Bernhard has written for its sister publications, PocketPC Magazine and The HP Palmtop Paper.