What Anker Just Released
Anker’s smart home division, eufy, has introduced the Video Doorbell S4, a panoramic security camera that changes how homeowners monitor their front entries. This device costs $299.99 and combines a 9-megapixel camera with a 180-degree field of view, both horizontally and vertically. The standout feature is its virtual reality viewing mode, which lets you sweep your smartphone or compatible VR headset around to observe your entire yard as if you were standing at the door yourself.
How It Outperforms Competitors
Traditional doorbell cameras typically max out at 155 degrees of vision or less. The S4’s 180-degree panoramic capability gives you significantly wider coverage than rival products from major brands. This expanded view combines with AI-powered tracking that automatically keeps people centered in the frame as they move, making it easier to spot details about visitors or potential threats. Anker’s September 2026 product launch showcases the company’s commitment to pushing smart home boundaries.
The VR component, while admittedly novel, delivers a practical advantage. Rather than viewing a flat, limited video feed, you can rotate your phone or headset to explore a panoramic scene, experiencing your front porch and yard from multiple angles without physically leaving your couch. When compared to Ring or Wyze cameras, the S4 provides substantially more visual information in a single recording.
How Answering the Door Works
The S4 reimagines visitor interactions through an unexpected approach. When someone presses your doorbell, an alert arrives on your phone formatted like an incoming video call. Accept the call, and the camera feeds a one-way video connection through your phone’s screen, fully immersive if you switch to VR mode. You can speak to your visitor through the microphone, and they hear you clearly, though they cannot see you since the doorbell itself has no display panel. This setup mimics a one-way video conversation, providing security and communication without revealing your location.
Core Features and Installation
Beyond the panoramic view and VR capability, the S4 includes the features you would expect from a modern doorbell camera. It offers digital zoom for closer inspection, AI-powered motion detection that distinguishes between people, animals, and insects, customizable detection zones for specific areas, and package identification to alert you about deliveries. The camera also records footage in color even at night, using advanced low-light technology.
Installation is hardwired only, meaning the S4 connects directly to your home’s existing doorbell wiring rather than relying on rechargeable batteries. This eliminates the need to periodically remove the camera and charge it, ensuring continuous operation. However, hardwired installation makes it less suitable for renters or those who prefer temporary setups. Five top-rated Anker accessories demonstrate why shoppers consistently choose the brand for home tech needs.
Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration
The S4 works independently but gains additional functionality when paired with other eufy products. The eufy Chime provides indoor audio alerts so you never miss a visitor, while the HomeBase and Smart Display expand integration options. Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home users can all control and monitor the S4 seamlessly, regardless of which ecosystem they prefer. This flexibility means the doorbell fits into nearly any existing smart home setup without requiring a complete overhaul.
What This Means for Shoppers
If you prioritize expansive field of view and want a doorbell camera that delivers more visual information than mainstream competitors, the S4 deserves consideration at its $299.99 price point. The VR viewing mode is genuinely different and allows a new way to observe your property, though it is not essential for basic security. The hardwired installation requirement is a significant trade-off for some households, particularly renters or those avoiding permanent changes.
The S4 represents Anker’s latest step into premium smart home security, balancing genuine innovations with practical everyday features. Whether the VR component appeals to you or not, the camera’s broad field of view and intelligent tracking set it apart in a crowded market of doorbell options.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!