I recently reviewed Eve’s HomeKit indoor camera, and it inspired me to purchase my trusty Logitech Circle View camera and see how it stacked up against the competition. The Circle View offers a simple, motion-activated home security camera that eliminates the need for constant video recording. It has a rugged, weatherproof design with an IP64 rating. HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and all things related to Apple’s smart home framework.

The Good Things About the Logitech Circle View

The Logitech Circle View is a dedicated 1080p wired camera that seamlessly integrates with HomeKit. By “works exclusively with HomeKit,” we mean that its operation is limited to the Home app, leaving no alternative methods of interaction. Firmware updates are managed automatically in the background. Setting up the camera is as simple as scanning a QR code with the Home app. For HomeKit enthusiasts looking for a reliable wired camera option, this product is ideal.

The Logitech Circle View is one of the best examples of a solid smart home camera built on HomeKit Secure Video. With best-in-class Logitech TrueView video, this device offers an expansive 180° field of view and crisp 1080p HD resolution, capturing every detail with precision. Logitech Circle View features powerful infrared night vision and reaches up to 15 feet. For instant privacy, you can point the camera downward or flip the power switch on the back, making the Circle View our most secure camera yet.

Designed with your home in mind, the Circle View features refined details like a metal base, matte finish, and discreet power cord that effortlessly complements any environment. Its superior sensor with extended dynamic range delivers detailed images in high-contrast videos, capturing sharp images in bright sunlight or shadows.

HomeKit Secure Video lets you integrate the Logitech Circle View with HomeKit, so you can record and view your video remotely without impacting your iCloud storage quota, thanks to end-to-end encryption. This feature is accessible from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. HomeKit Secure Video analyzes the video captured via your home hub (Apple TV or HomePod) and uses on-device intelligence to identify the presence of people, pets, or vehicles. You can review the last 10 days of recorded activity in the Home app.

The number of HomeKit Secure Video cameras you can add to your Home setup depends on your iCloud+ plan tier:

• A 50GB iCloud+ plan lets you use one camera.
• A 200GB plan gets you up to five cameras.
• The 2TB and higher plan lets you add unlimited HomeKit Secure Video cameras.

The Downside

The biggest gripe with this camera is the need for a power source, which may require you to install a new outlet or run wires to your home, depending on the layout of your home. It comes with a 10-foot cord that’s housed in a rugged, weatherproof enclosure with an IP64 rating. It’s important to note that the plug is not weatherproof, so connecting it directly to an outdoor outlet is not recommended. I’d recommend using a SOCKiTBOX to waterproof the connection between the Circle View’s plug and your outdoor extension cord, so that you have an outlet that’s 100% exposed to the elements.

My other major complaint isn’t so much with the camera itself, but more with the fact that I’d like to see 24/7 recording within HomeKit Secure Video for wired cameras. By 2024, that’s when Apple will offer it.

The Verdict

If you want an outdoor camera that works with HomeKit Secure Video, the Logitech Circle View is my top recommendation. You’ll need an iCloud+ plan to access HomeKit Secure Video. It originally came out in 2020, but even in 2024 it’s still a great camera. Would it be great to have a 4K model, battery powered and/or powered by ethernet? Yes, but it’s still a fantastic HomeKit outdoor camera. You can buy it from Amazon or directly from Logitech.

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