Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell Review: An Honest Deep Dive

Your front door deserves better protection. You know that feeling when you miss an important delivery or wonder who just rang your doorbell?

The Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell promises to solve these problems without breaking your bank account.

This smart security device brings professional grade features at a price that makes sense. You get crystal clear video, instant alerts, and easy installation that takes just minutes.

Toucan

Key Takeaways:

  • Budget Friendly Excellence: The Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell costs significantly less than competitors like Ring or Nest. You save money while getting premium features that protect your home.
  • True Wire Free Design: This doorbell runs completely on battery power. You avoid complicated wiring and voltage transformers that confuse most homeowners. Installation takes less than 10 minutes.
  • Impressive Video Quality: The device captures 1080p Full HD video with a massive 180 degree field of view. You see your entire doorstep from corner to corner in sharp detail.
  • Free Cloud Storage Included: Most companies charge monthly fees from day one. Toucan gives you 24 hours of free video storage so you can review footage without spending extra money.
  • Wireless Chime Included: Your package comes with a battery powered chime unit. You place this anywhere in your home or yard to hear doorbell alerts from any location.
  • Smart Home Ready: The doorbell works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices. You view live video on smart displays and control everything with voice commands.

What Is the Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell

The Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell represents a new generation of home security devices. This smart doorbell combines advanced technology with simple installation.

You mount this device on any door without running electrical wires through your walls. The rechargeable battery provides months of operation between charges.

The device measures 5.5 inches tall and 2.2 inches wide. The white enclosure features a glossy black face that looks modern and professional. An IP56 weather resistance rating protects the electronics from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Your doorbell keeps working through harsh weather conditions.

Inside the package you receive everything needed for installation. The box includes the video doorbell unit, a wireless chime, mounting hardware, screws, adhesive strips, a micro USB charging cable, and two AA batteries. You start protecting your home within minutes of opening the box.

Outstanding Video Quality That Captures Every Detail

The camera system delivers 1080p Full HD resolution that shows clear images day and night. Four infrared LEDs provide excellent black and white night vision. You identify visitors clearly even in complete darkness.

The 180 degree ultra wide angle lens creates an expansive viewing area. Traditional doorbells miss activity happening on the sides of your door. This wide angle captures your entire porch, steps, and front yard in a single frame. You see package deliveries, unexpected visitors, and potential security threats.

The camera uses a 1:1 aspect ratio that provides equal vertical and horizontal coverage. You view someone standing at your door from head to toe. The system also captures low angle activity like packages left on your doorstep. This comprehensive coverage eliminates blind spots that criminals often exploit.

Video quality remains consistently sharp during daylight hours. Colors appear accurate and vibrant. Details like faces, clothing, and license plates stay clearly visible. The camera adjusts automatically to changing light conditions throughout the day.

Top 3 Alternatives for Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell

Powerful Motion Detection Keeps You Informed

The PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensor detects movement in front of your door. This technology identifies heat signatures from people and animals. The system distinguishes between actual visitors and false triggers like moving shadows or blowing leaves.

You receive instant push notifications on your smartphone when motion activates. These alerts arrive within seconds of detection. The doorbell also begins recording video automatically when motion triggers. You capture important footage even when nobody presses the doorbell button.

The mobile app lets you adjust motion sensitivity across four levels. You choose from Max, High, Medium, or Low settings. This customization reduces false alerts in busy neighborhoods. The system also supports motion zones. You create custom detection areas that focus on specific parts of your property.

Some users report the sensor works extremely well and catches all activity. The high sensitivity means you might receive more notifications than expected. You tune these settings to match your specific needs and environment.

Simple Installation Anyone Can Complete

Traditional video doorbells require electrical knowledge and wall modifications. The Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell eliminates these complications. The completely wireless design means you mount the device anywhere without running wires.

The installation process follows these simple steps. First, you charge the doorbell battery using the included USB cable. Next, you download the free Toucan Smart Home app on your iOS or Android device. The app guides you through WiFi pairing that takes about 10 seconds.

You mount the doorbell using the provided bracket and screws. The kit includes wall anchors for secure installation on any surface. A small screwdriver tightens the security screw that prevents theft. Finally, you install AA batteries in the wireless chime and place it anywhere you want to hear alerts.

The entire setup completes in less than 10 minutes for most users. You avoid hiring expensive electricians or dealing with complex wiring diagrams. The process requires only basic tools that most homes already have.

Long Lasting Battery Performance

The built in 6,500mAh rechargeable battery provides impressive operating time. Toucan claims the battery lasts up to four months between charges. Real world testing shows the actual duration depends on activity levels at your door.

Heavy traffic areas with frequent motion detection use more power. Homes in quiet neighborhoods see longer battery life. One verified test showed only 10 percent battery drain after one full month of typical use. This excellent efficiency means less frequent charging interruptions.

The device includes a micro USB port for easy recharging. You remove the doorbell from its mount and plug in any standard USB cable. A full charge completes in several hours. The LED indicator shows charging status so you know when the battery reaches full capacity.

You monitor battery level through the mobile app. The system sends low battery warnings before power runs out. This advance notice ensures you never miss important security footage due to dead batteries.

Free Cloud Storage Plus Affordable Upgrade Options

Many video doorbell companies force you into expensive monthly subscriptions. Toucan takes a different approach. Every user receives 24 hours of free cloud storage with no credit card required. You review recent footage and download important clips without paying anything.

The free plan allows five video downloads per month. This works perfectly for occasional use and reviewing specific incidents. You access recent recordings through the mobile app from anywhere with internet connection.

Users wanting extended storage can upgrade to premium plans. The Toucan Shield Pro plan costs $2.99 monthly and provides seven days of video history. You also get unlimited downloads and space for 10 bookmarked recordings. Up to 10 family members can share access to the doorbell.

The Elite plan costs $9.99 per month and extends storage to 90 days. This option suits users who travel frequently or need long term footage retention. Both paid plans cost significantly less than competitors like Ring or Nest who charge similar prices for fewer features.

Smart Home Integration That Actually Works

The Toucan doorbell supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. You ask Alexa or Google to show your front door on compatible smart displays. The live video feed appears instantly on devices like Echo Show or Google Nest Hub.

Voice control extends beyond viewing. You create automation routines that trigger when someone rings your doorbell. One user successfully programmed a smart plug to turn on lights whenever the doorbell button pressed. These integrations add convenience and enhance home security.

The doorbell streams video smoothly to smart displays during testing. Audio quality remains clear for two way conversations through these devices. You talk to visitors using your smart display instead of pulling out your phone.

The system does not currently support Apple HomeKit or IFTTT platforms. Users heavily invested in these ecosystems might feel limited. However, the strong Alexa and Google support covers the vast majority of smart home users.

Two Way Communication Features

The built in microphone and speaker enable real time conversations with visitors. Audio quality produces clear sound that makes conversations easy. Visitors hear your voice without distortion or excessive delay.

The mobile app includes a two way talk button during live viewing. You press and hold this button to speak. The slight delay remains barely noticeable during normal conversation. Both parties communicate naturally without frustrating lag times.

A unique feature lets you play seven prerecorded messages instead of talking live. These include responses like “Leave the package at the door” or even the sound of a barking dog. This security feature deters potential thieves while you cannot answer immediately.

The doorbell also provides quick access to emergency services. A dedicated 911 dial button appears in the app interface. You add other emergency numbers to create a complete contact list. This feature offers peace of mind during suspicious activity.

The Wireless Chime Solution

Your Toucan package includes a wireless doorbell chime that matches the doorbell design. This small white box measures 2.5 inches square and runs on two AA batteries. The chime connects wirelessly to your doorbell for unlimited placement options.

You position this chime anywhere within wireless range. Place it in your backyard, basement, or upstairs bedroom. The chime ensures you hear doorbell alerts regardless of phone location. Many users appreciate this feature when their phone sits in another room.

The chime offers six different sounds including traditional doorbell rings and unique options like a cuckoo clock. Volume adjusts to match your preferences and home size. The chime produces loud clear tones that carry through large spaces.

Battery life in the chime lasts several months under normal use. The device provides warning when batteries run low. Replacement takes seconds using standard AA batteries from any store.

Advanced Security Features Built In

The doorbell includes a built in siren alarm you trigger remotely. This loud alert deters suspicious individuals loitering near your door. The siren volume reaches levels that attract neighbor attention and scares away potential criminals.

You activate the siren through the mobile app with a single button press. The alarm continues until you manually turn it off. Some users note the siren could produce higher volume for maximum effectiveness. The current level works adequately for most residential situations.

The system supports Do Not Disturb mode that silences notifications during specific times. You schedule quiet hours when alerts will not interrupt. The doorbell continues recording but skips sending phone notifications.

Custom motion zones let you focus detection on specific areas. You draw detection boundaries that ignore busy sidewalks while monitoring your porch. This targeted approach dramatically reduces false alerts from passing cars and pedestrians.

Mobile App Control and Features

The Toucan Smart Home app provides complete doorbell control from your smartphone. The clean interface makes all features easily accessible. You view live video, review recordings, adjust settings, and manage notifications from one central location.

The live view screen displays your camera feed with control buttons below. You enable two way talk, start manual recordings, capture snapshots, or mute audio. A landscape mode button rotates the view for wider screen visibility.

The activity log shows all motion events and doorbell presses with timestamp details. You quickly scan recent activity and tap any event to watch the recorded video. Downloaded clips save to your phone for sharing or backup storage.

Settings screens let you customize every doorbell behavior. You adjust motion sensitivity, create detection zones, select chime sounds, and configure automatic greeting messages. The app also shows current battery level and WiFi signal strength.

Real World Performance and User Experiences

Professional reviewers and regular users praise the Toucan doorbell performance. The device earned an Editors Choice award from PCMag for affordable wireless video doorbells. This recognition confirms the doorbell delivers exceptional value.

Users consistently mention the sharp 1080p video quality as a standout feature. Daytime footage shows accurate colors and fine details. Night vision produces bright clear images that identify faces and features. The wide angle lens captures more area than expensive competitors.

The extremely sensitive motion detection generates mixed feedback. Some users love catching all activity near their door. Others find the frequent alerts overwhelming in busy areas. The adjustable sensitivity settings help most users find the right balance.

Battery life meets or exceeds manufacturer claims in most reviews. The efficient power management means less time spent charging. Users in moderate traffic areas report charging every three to four months as promised.

Comparing Toucan to Major Competitors

The Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell competes directly with products from Ring, Nest, and Arlo. The price difference stands out immediately. Toucan costs approximately $70 to $90 while competitors charge $150 to $250 for similar features.

Ring doorbells offer wider smart home integration including their security system ecosystem. Nest products integrate seamlessly with Google smart home devices. Arlo doorbells support IFTTT for advanced automation. However, these competitors charge higher subscription fees for cloud storage.

The Toucan 180 degree field of view matches or exceeds most competitors. Ring offers similar wide angle coverage while Nest provides slightly narrower views. Video quality compares favorably across all brands at the 1080p resolution level.

The included wireless chime gives Toucan an advantage. Most competitors either require existing doorbell wiring or sell chimes separately. This added value makes the Toucan package more complete out of the box.

Is the Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell Right for You

This doorbell serves multiple user groups exceptionally well. Renters benefit from the wireless installation that requires no permanent modifications. You mount the doorbell temporarily and remove it when moving without damage.

Budget conscious homeowners appreciate the low initial cost and free cloud storage. You protect your home without ongoing monthly expenses. The optional paid plans remain affordable when extended storage becomes necessary.

DIY enthusiasts enjoy the simple installation process. You complete the entire setup without professional help or special tools. The straightforward app interface makes ongoing operation equally simple.

The doorbell works perfectly for small businesses wanting basic entrance monitoring. Retail shops, offices, and service businesses gain professional security features without enterprise level costs.

Users deeply embedded in Apple HomeKit ecosystems might look elsewhere. The lack of HomeKit support limits integration with Siri and Apple devices. However, the strong Alexa and Google support satisfies most smart home users.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Toucan doorbell battery last between charges?

The built in 6,500mAh battery provides up to four months of operation under typical use conditions. Actual battery life depends on activity levels at your door. High traffic areas with frequent motion detection use more power. Real world testing shows most users charge every two to three months. The mobile app displays current battery level and sends low battery warnings.

Does the Toucan doorbell work without a subscription?

Yes, the doorbell operates fully without any subscription. You receive 24 hours of free cloud storage with every device. This includes live viewing, motion alerts, two way communication, and basic recording features. Paid subscriptions only become necessary when you want extended video storage beyond 24 hours or unlimited downloads.

Can I install the Toucan doorbell in apartments?

Absolutely, the wireless design makes this doorbell perfect for apartments. You mount the device using screws or the included adhesive strips. No electrical wiring or permanent modifications are required. You easily remove the doorbell when moving to take it with you. Always check your lease agreement regarding outdoor device installation.

What WiFi network does the Toucan doorbell require?

The doorbell connects only to 2.4GHz WiFi networks. It does not support 5GHz frequencies. Most modern routers broadcast both frequencies simultaneously. You ensure the 2.4GHz network stays enabled during setup. The doorbell requires a stable WiFi signal at the installation location for reliable operation.

Does the doorbell work with existing doorbell chimes?

No, this wireless model does not connect to traditional hardwired doorbell chimes. The device operates completely independently using battery power. However, your package includes a wireless chime that functions similarly. You place this portable chime anywhere in your home to hear doorbell notifications.

How do I access my doorbell when away from home?

The mobile app provides remote access from anywhere with internet connection. You view live video, review recordings, and speak to visitors using cellular data or WiFi. The cloud storage system means your footage stays accessible even when traveling internationally. You simply open the app to control all doorbell functions remotely.

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