"This exclusive HomeKit camera attaches great importance to privacy from the inside out."
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No additional app download required
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The electronic lock helps protect privacy
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Designed to work indoors and outdoors
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Easy setup
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A paid iCloud subscription is required to save videos
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Expensive costs for basic security functions
I've been tracking Logitech security cameras from the start, starting with the original Logitech Circle in 2015, followed by its successor with Logitech Circle 2 in 2017. I enjoyed the plethora of accessories that the Circle 2 used as an indoor surveillance camera for the outside area as well as the "Day Brief" mode, in which clips were put together for a time-lapse overview.
With the introduction of the third generation model, the Logitech Circle View, these functions were dissolved. Instead, there is a big focus on privacy. The camera is even available exclusively for Apple's HomeKit smart home platform. Data protection is a hot topic among surveillance cameras today more than ever. Is the new Logitech camera enough?
You don't have to download an app
When setting up the circle view, I immediately noticed that no additional app had to be downloaded. Everything is done through the iOS Home app, so you don't have to register a new account or download an app – much like any other camera.
HomeKit optimizes the setup process. This is a stroke of luck for anyone who is not tech-savvy. After a few simple steps, scanning a QR code and choosing a routine, the circle view was ready to monitor my apartment. In a way, it is strange not having to download an app, but the obvious advantages of HomeKit's exclusivity are that it uses all of the camera's privacy features.
In comparison, setting up the ring cameras is a bit more complex, also because you have to download an app and register a new account. Who would like to remember a password? I am happy to just unlock my smartphone and use a native app. With Google’s Nest cameras, you’ll also need to download another app to sign in to your Google Account. Of course, it is convenient to use your Google account, so you need one less password to remember. However, you still need to download a separate app to access the camera.
Emphasis on privacy
Ring's problems have certainly changed the way people look at surveillance cameras at home, but we're beginning to see proactive measures to address the issue during the development phase – and Logitech Circle View is one of them. Appropriate measures are taken to address concerns. This is a relief as privacy is a top priority.
First, there is a button on the back of the camera that can effectively cut audio and video. This is useful if you are still paranoid that someone is watching on the other end. The disadvantage of this data protection lock, however, is that you cannot remotely turn on the camera with the home app. This is a useful feature for those who are concerned about privacy. Logitech takes an extra step by designing the camera to tilt all the way down to point to the base.
Second, thanks to the support of HomeKit Secure Video, the camera saves recorded footage in your iCloud account. However, you must adhere to Apple's 200GB iCloud plan. That means you have to subscribe to the $ 3 monthly plan. Unfortunately, the free 50GB plans for 5GB and $ 0.99 per month do not support video cloud storage, but you can still access a livestream and have two-way audio. Since the encrypted footage is stored in iCloud, there is little concern that a third party can view it. including Apple.
Designed for inside and outside
With the redesign of the camera, the Circle View does not support the multitude of accessories that the predecessor was able to provide. I really enjoyed how the Circle 2 transformed from a stationary camera into something that can be plugged in, attached to a window, or even battery operated. Nevertheless, the design of the Circle View with its metal base and matt surface gets a higher quality construction. It is a nice looking camera.
It is frankly a good looking camera.
It also helps that it can be used indoors and outdoors thanks to its IP64 degree of protection. The only challenge when mounting outdoors is to find a nearby outlet because the attached power cord is 10 feet long. Speaking of which, the cable cannot be detached from the camera because it is integrated. I prefer a micro USB or USB-C connector for the power supply, but it makes sense to integrate the cable for weather resistance.
Data protection comes at the price of functions
I welcome the camera's focus on privacy. Compared to its contemporaries, however, the Logitech Circle View lacks some urgently needed functions.
As a surveillance camera, the 1080p clips are sharp, filled with solid details and the colors are displayed precisely. It helps that the field of view is 180 degrees, which ensures adequate coverage, but there is a noticeable fish-eye effect. In poor lighting conditions, the quality of the film material becomes softer, but this is typical. When it is completely dark, the infrared sensors snap into place to illuminate areas up to 15 feet away. For small apartments (like mine) it is sufficient. It does, however, follow the range of other cameras, such as the 20-foot range of Nest cameras.
There are controls in the Home app that let you choose what type of motion the camera should detect. This includes people, animals and even vehicles. However, some of the more advanced features we get in other cameras are missing, such as: B. Zone detection and face detection. I would very much have liked the ability to select zones in camera view to monitor motion just because it helps reduce the number of notifications sent to my iPhone. Many budget cams actually have this feature, like the Wyze Cam V2 for $ 20 and the Blink Mini for $ 35. This is mainly due to the fact that HomeKit does not support this feature, but an update to the platform may finally bring it.
A relief to know that privacy is top priority!
I'm also excited to see how the camera can be used with other devices supported by HomeKit to improve its functionality through automation. For example, it is wonderful that there is an option to automatically turn off the circle view when it detects that I am at home (via the GPS location of my iPhone), but I also want it to work in conjunction with another gadget , maybe a smart lock to automatically record footage when the door is opened or closed.
Our opinion
If privacy is a top priority in your list for a surveillance camera, the Logitech Circle View is an excellent choice. For Apple users, this is one of the few options currently available on the market that support HomeKit.
| Security camera privacy scorecard |
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| Logitech circle view | |
| 2-factor authentication | X. |
| Mandatory 2-factor | |
| Privacy lock | X. |
| Local memory | |
| App lock | |
| Detection zones | |
| face recognition | X. |
Is there a better alternative?
The $ 160 price for the Logitech Circle View is expensive when compared to some of its direct competitors. Take EufyCam 2, for example. In addition to HomeKit, it also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant with a recent firmware upgrade. Although it costs $ 220 more, you get two cameras instead of a single while offering local storage.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Ring Indoor Cam is a balanced $ 60 surveillance camera that has received some new data protection features and can be integrated with other Ring products for a more comprehensive security solution. If you're on a serious budget, the Wyze Cam V2 is an excellent budget offer for $ 20 and doesn't skimp on features.
Do you want more options? Check out our favorite smart home surveillance cameras.
How long it will take?
Thanks to its solid construction, high-quality materials and protection class IP64, the Logitech Circle View does not give the impression that it will soon go bad. In this rare case, however, a one-year limited warranty applies.
Should you buy it
Yes, especially if the setup is a breeze, you don't need to install another app and data protection is paramount.
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