For many years, we installed Hikvision doorbells as part of larger CCTV systems. I’ve personally had a Hikvision doorbell on my own home for over four years, so I know the platform well. Recently, as our work has shifted heavily into the UniFi ecosystem, I decided it was time to replace that setup with the UniFi Doorbell Lite.
Over the past few years, we’ve installed many UniFi G4 Pro doorbells as part of full UniFi Protect deployments. Until now, though, this was my first time installing the UniFi Doorbell Lite.
That made my own home the obvious place to start. Familiar cabling. Known conditions. Real expectations. No showroom setup.
In this article, I’ll explain why I replaced my Hikvision doorbell, how installing the UniFi Doorbell Lite compares to more traditional systems, and who this doorbell actually makes sense for in day-to-day use.
Why I Replaced My Hikvision Doorbell with UniFi Doorbell Lite
There Was Nothing Wrong with the Hikvision Doorbell
Before getting into the reasons for the change, it’s important to be clear about one thing: there was nothing wrong with the Hikvision doorbell I was using. I ran it at my own home for over four years, and it proved to be very reliable. The specific model was the DS-KV6113-WPE1(B), which is now a fairly old design by modern standards.
A Solid, Self-Contained System
The system worked exactly as intended. The doorbell was paired with a dedicated 7″ touchscreen indoor display, which acted as both the ringer and the main interface. Calls were clear, notifications were consistent, and the system didn’t rely on cloud subscriptions or recurring fees. From a cost perspective, it also represented good value.
Why Hikvision Still Makes Sense for Some Installations
When I was running a full Hikvision setup — cameras, recorder, and doorbell — everything complemented itself well. It was a closed ecosystem, but a predictable one, with local recording and stable day-to-day behaviour. For many homes and small businesses, that type of setup still makes a lot of sense today.
So Why Change?
The decision to replace it wasn’t about reliability or performance. It was about how my wider system has evolved over time, and why a different approach now fits better.
Downsides of the Hikvision Doorbell
Despite being reliable, there were a few limitations that became more noticeable over time.
The Hik-Connect app feels dated and can be clunky to use. It works, but the interface hasn’t evolved much, and everyday tasks take more taps than they should. It does the job, but it doesn’t feel modern.
As I moved fully into UniFi Protect for cameras, the doorbell became isolated. I couldn’t integrate the doorbell experience into Protect, so I ended up running two apps side by side. One for cameras. One for the doorbell. That split workflow isn’t ideal for day-to-day use.
From a design point of view, the Hikvision doorbell looks fine, but it isn’t as slick or as compact as the UniFi Doorbell Lite. This is largely subjective, and I’ll compare the two directly later, but the UniFi unit feels more refined.
The camera itself is 2 MP. That’s perfectly adequate for a doorbell, as visitors are usually very close to the lens. Image quality was never the issue. The limitation is in intelligence rather than resolution.
Although the camera is ONVIF-compatible and can be added into UniFi Protect as a basic camera stream, there are no smart detections. There’s no native people, vehicle, or animal detection. For a system that increasingly relies on intelligent notifications, that becomes a noticeable gap.
None of these points make the Hikvision doorbell bad. They simply highlight where it no longer aligned with how the rest of my system is now designed.
UniFi Doorbell Lite Overview and Real-World Use
Entry-Level, Not Entry-Quality
The UniFi Doorbell Lite is Ubiquiti’s entry-level video doorbell. It sits below their other models, which I’ll touch on later, but it’s designed to cover the basics well rather than compete at the premium end of the market.
Price and Positioning
As a standalone device, the Doorbell Lite represents very good value for money. At £94.80 including VAT, it’s significantly cheaper than the G4 Doorbell Pro, which comes in at around £360 including VAT. That price difference is substantial, even allowing for the fact that the G4 Pro includes a chime and additional features.
There are some important caveats to the Doorbell Lite’s pricing, which I’ll come to shortly, but purely on device cost, it’s very accessible.
Hardware and Core Features
In terms of hardware, the Doorbell Lite is simple but well specified for domestic use. It has a large, clearly visible ring button, a 5 MP camera, infrared night vision with a 5 m range, two-way audio, and a small LED light at the bottom of the unit. It doesn’t try to do anything clever, but it includes everything you’d reasonably expect from a modern video doorbell.
UniFi Protect Experience
Where the UniFi Doorbell Lite really stands out is in the UniFi Protect app. The app feels modern, responsive, and well thought through. Notifications arrive reliably, and interaction with the doorbell feels consistent rather than hit-and-miss.
Because the doorbell is treated as just another camera within Protect, it records continuously rather than relying solely on motion clips. It also includes basic AI detections for people, vehicles, and animals, which makes notifications far more useful in practice. Doorbell presses are logged as events, making it easy to find a missed ring without scrubbing through footage.
Overall Impressions
Overall, the Doorbell Lite feels like a modern, grown-up device when used inside UniFi Protect. Compared to the more dated feel of the Hikvision doorbell and app, the experience is cleaner, more integrated, and better aligned with how many people now expect their home systems to work.
Downsides of the UniFi Doorbell Lite
There are two main hurdles with the UniFi Doorbell Lite that will immediately make some people reconsider whether it’s the right option for them.
1. Backend requirements and ecosystem cost
While the Doorbell Lite is good value as a standalone device, it does require a fair amount of backend equipment.
To use it properly, you must have a UniFi Console running UniFi Protect. You also need a PoE source, either from a PoE switch or a PoE injector. None of this is optional. If you don’t already run UniFi Protect, the real cost is higher than the doorbell alone suggests. I’ll cover which consoles are suitable later.
Out of the box, the doorbell will ring your phone or tablet via the UniFi Protect app. That works well. However, if you want an audible chime, these are sold separately, as with most other brands.
One particularly disappointing limitation is that the Doorbell Lite cannot be paired with a UniFi Intercom Viewer. That feels like a missed opportunity. I’d like to think this could be added in a future update, but realistically, it seems unlikely. If you want a screen-based interface inside the home, you’re left using something like an iPad, which is far from a cheap solution.
The Doorbell Lite also lacks a dedicated parcel camera, which won’t bother me personally but may disappoint anyone coming from, or considering, the G4 Doorbell Pro. There’s also no white LED on the front for illumination. The small LED underneath doesn’t really add much in practice, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
2. PoE-only power and cabling requirements
The second, and biggest, hurdle is power.
The UniFi Doorbell Lite is PoE-powered. That means you need to run an Ethernet cable to the doorbell location. For many people, this will be the deciding factor. It’s not a simple swap from an existing two-wire doorbell.
As installers, we have plenty of ways to achieve this cleanly, but for most homeowners it means paying for a proper installation rather than reusing existing wiring. UniFi does offer two-wire adapters that can carry PoE, but the final connection at the doorbell still requires Ethernet.
That said, PoE is also one of the Doorbell Lite’s biggest strengths. It doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi. Latency is lower. Reliability is higher. As doorbells gain more features, power requirements increase, and PoE is likely where many systems will end up anyway.
Paying for the cabling now may well save money later, rather than replacing another underpowered or unreliable setup down the line.
Hikvision vs UniFi Doorbell Lite – Pros and Cons
| Feature / Consideration | Hikvision Doorbell | UniFi Doorbell Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | Very reliable in long-term use | Very reliable when installed correctly |
| Camera resolution | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Night vision | IR night vision | IR night vision (5 m range) |
| Two-way audio | Yes | Yes |
| Local recording | Yes (via NVR) | Yes (via UniFi Protect) |
| Subscriptions | None | None |
| App experience | Hik-Connect feels dated and clunky | UniFi Protect feels modern and well designed |
| Smart detections | None (basic motion only) | AI detections for people, vehicles, animals |
| Continuous recording | Yes | Yes |
| Doorbell event history | Limited | Doorbell presses logged as searchable events |
| Integration with wider system | Best within full Hikvision setup | Fully integrated into UniFi Protect |
| ONVIF support | Yes | Not required within UniFi ecosystem |
| Screen / indoor interface | Dedicated 7″ touchscreen available | No native screen support |
| Intercom viewer support | Yes (within Hikvision ecosystem) | No UniFi Intercom Viewer support |
| Chime included | Yes (with screen) | No (sold separately) |
| Power options | PoE or two-wire (model dependent) | PoE only |
| Two-wire requirements | Requires Wi-Fi for connectivity | Not supported |
| Cabling flexibility | High (two-wire option available) | Lower (Ethernet required) |
| Wi-Fi dependency | Only on two-wire models | None |
| Latency | Higher on two-wire / Wi-Fi; similar to UniFi on PoE | Very low (PoE) |
| Parcel camera | No | No (G4 Pro only) |
| LED illumination | No | No front LED (small status LED only) |
| Hardware cost | Relatively low | £94.80 incl. VAT (device only) |
| Backend requirements | NVR + PoE source or Wi-Fi (two-wire) | UniFi Console + Protect + PoE source |
Neither system is objectively “better”. The right choice depends on whether you’re running a traditional CCTV setup or a UniFi Protect-based system. For me, as my wider system moved fully into UniFi Protect, the Doorbell Lite became the more logical fit.
Backend Comparison – Hikvision vs UniFi Doorbell Lite
| Requirement / Capability | Hikvision Doorbell | UniFi Doorbell Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone operation | Yes (with indoor screen) | No |
| Indoor screen included | Yes (7″ touchscreen) | No |
| Continuous recording | Requires NVR | Requires UniFi Protect |
| Recording device cost | ~£150 for 4-channel NVR | Varies by UniFi console |
| Subscription required | No | No |
| Backend flexibility | Simple, CCTV-style | Wide range of Protect hosts |
| Scalability | Limited by NVR | Highly scalable |
| System integration | Hikvision ecosystem | Full UniFi ecosystem |
| Long-term expansion | CCTV-focused | Cameras, door access, networking |
UniFi Devices That Can Run UniFi Protect
The easiest way to confirm which devices support UniFi Protect is to use Ubiquiti’s UniFi Capacity Calculator, which lists all supported consoles and their camera limits:
👉 https://ui.com/cloud-gateways/resource-calculator
At the time of writing, UniFi Protect can run on the following devices:
| UniFi Device | Supported Applications | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UniFi Dream Machine Pro | Network · Protect · Access | Very common all-in-one gateway |
| UniFi Dream Machine Pro SE | Network · Protect · Access | Adds PoE and higher performance |
| UniFi Dream Machine Pro Max | Network · Protect · Access | Higher Protect capacity |
| UniFi Cloud Gateway Fibre | Network · Protect · Access | High-performance gateway |
| UniFi Cloud Gateway Max | Network · Protect · Access | Compact gateway with Protect |
| UniFi Dream Router 7 | Network · Protect · Access | SD card storage only |
| UniFi Network Video Recorder | Protect · Access | Dedicated Protect / Access host |
| UniFi Network Video Recorder Pro | Protect · Access | Higher camera and Access capacity |
| UniFi Enterprise Network Video Recorder | Protect · Access | Enterprise-scale deployments |
| UniFi Network Video Recorder Instant | Protect · Access | Compact Protect / Access host |
| UniFi CloudKey Gen2 Plus | Network · Protect · Access | Entry-level Protect and Access |
| UniFi Dream Wall | Network · Protect · Access | All-in-one wall-mounted system |
| UniFi Dream Router | Network · Protect · Access | No longer sold, still supported |
Remote Access and Ongoing Management (Installer Perspective)
One major advantage of running the UniFi ecosystem is remote access.
UniFi cloud devices are managed through a simple, free portal at unifi.ui.com. Once a device is linked to your account, you can remotely access and manage it from anywhere. There are no subscription fees, no additional licences, and no feature restrictions.
From an installer or support perspective, this is a huge benefit. You can log in, check system health, review recordings, adjust settings, update firmware, and troubleshoot issues without needing to be on site. Importantly, remote access does not limit what you can configure — you have full control, exactly as if you were local.
By comparison, Hikvision offers its own remote access service, but it is not free. Without that service, you are typically relying on VPN access or, in some cases, traditional port forwarding. VPNs add complexity and maintenance overhead. Port forwarding, while still common, is increasingly outdated and carries obvious security risks if not managed carefully.
The UniFi approach feels far more modern. Devices are securely accessible through the cloud without exposing the network, and without adding friction for either the installer or the end user. For anyone offering ongoing support, maintenance contracts, or remote monitoring, this alone can be a deciding factor.
Already running UniFi Protect? I’ve also compared the UniFi AI Turret and G6 Turret cameras, looking at real-world image quality, AI detection and where each one makes sense. Check it out here!
Privacy, Control, and Customer Access
It’s also worth addressing privacy, as remote access can understandably raise concerns.
With UniFi, access is fully controlled by the customer. Remote access is granted explicitly and can be removed at any time. Permissions can also be limited, allowing installers to manage system settings or perform maintenance without having unrestricted access to live or recorded footage.
From a practical point of view, this flexibility works well for both sides. Customers retain control and visibility over who can access their system, and installers can provide support without overstepping boundaries.
And to be brutally honest, installers have more than enough to do without spending time looking at people’s doorbells. Remote access exists to resolve issues quickly, keep systems running properly, and avoid unnecessary site visits — not to monitor cameras.
Used correctly, it’s a professional tool that benefits everyone involved.
PoE Installation – What to Know
The UniFi Doorbell Lite is powered over Ethernet (PoE). This improves reliability and reduces latency compared to Wi-Fi doorbells, but it does mean an Ethernet cable is required at the doorbell location. For many homes, this will involve a professional installation.
Who the UniFi Doorbell Lite Is (and Isn’t) For
Best Suited to Existing UniFi Systems
The UniFi Doorbell Lite makes a lot of sense in the right scenario, but it won’t suit everyone.
It’s a good fit if you already run, or plan to run, a UniFi system. If you have UniFi Protect in place — or you’re building a wider UniFi setup with cameras, networking, or access control — the Doorbell Lite integrates cleanly and feels like a natural extension of the system rather than a standalone add-on.
Reliability Over Convenience
The Doorbell Lite is well suited to homes and small businesses where reliability matters more than convenience. Being PoE-powered removes reliance on Wi-Fi, reduces latency, and makes notifications far more consistent.
If you’re happy to invest in proper cabling — or already have Ethernet in place — the experience is noticeably better than most consumer Wi-Fi doorbells.
Installer Perspective
From an installer’s point of view, it’s a sensible choice for customers who want a system that can be supported, managed, and expanded over time. Remote access through the UniFi portal, centralised management, and intelligent notifications all make ongoing support simpler.
Where It’s Less Suitable
Where the Doorbell Lite is less suitable is in quick retrofits or DIY-style installs. If you’re replacing a basic two-wire doorbell and don’t want to run new cabling, this probably isn’t the right product.
Likewise, if you only want a doorbell and have no interest in a wider system, the backend requirements may feel excessive.
What It Doesn’t Try to Be
It’s also not aimed at users looking for premium features such as a parcel camera, integrated indoor display, or built-in chime. Those features exist elsewhere in the market — including within UniFi’s own range — but not at this price point.
Final Take
In short, the UniFi Doorbell Lite works best as part of a considered system design. If that aligns with how you want your setup to work, it’s a very solid option. If not, there are simpler alternatives that may suit better.
Final Thoughts on the UniFi Doorbell Lite
There’s no question that Hikvision makes solid, reliable equipment. Many installers swear by it, and for good reason. When paired with a full Hikvision setup, the doorbell works exactly as expected. It’s stable, subscription-free, and does the job well. If you’re already committed to the Hikvision ecosystem, there’s very little reason to change — the system works, and it works well.
What has changed over the past few years is the wider market. UniFi is fast becoming a serious competitor in this space. For installers and users who already run UniFi Protect, adding a UniFi Doorbell Lite often makes a lot of sense. It integrates cleanly, benefits from a modern app, smarter notifications, and fits naturally into a network-first design.
For me, switching to the UniFi Doorbell Lite wasn’t about dissatisfaction with Hikvision. It was about alignment. As more of my installs — and my own home — moved into the UniFi ecosystem, the UniFi doorbell simply became the more logical choice.
Ultimately, neither option is universally better. The right doorbell depends on the system you already run and how you want it managed long term. Choose the platform that fits your wider infrastructure, not just the device on the wall.
Author: Huw Jones – Home Network Solutions Berkshire
Huw is a UniFi specialist and the owner of Home Network Solutions Berkshire, providing professional networking, CCTV, gate automation and smart home installations across the UK. With years of hands-on experience and a growing YouTube audience at @home.network.solutions, Huw creates practical, no-nonsense guides to help homeowners and installers get the best out of their UniFi systems.
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