YI Dome Camera
Compare the YI Dome Camera with the Logitech Circle 2, Arlo Q, and other cameras. Read user reviews, ratings, pricing information and FAQs.
Updated on May 17th, 2023
The SMB Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
The YI Dome Camera is a security camera that is made and sold by YI Technology. The camera can be controlled through the cloud and offers 360-degree coverage of rooms for enhanced security. The camera features motion detection technology and can be mounted on a wall, table or ceiling.
Updates:
Updated 27th of February 2020
We made it easier to compare the YI Dome camera to leading security cameras Arlo Q and Logitech Circle 2. Since our last review, the price of the YI Dome camera has gone down by $10.
Buy Now
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Easy to pair with phone.
- Good image quality.
- 360° viewing range.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Security and privacy settings could be better.
- Limited integration capability.
Review:
The YI Dome Camera is an affordable, plug-and-play security camera suitable for monitoring your home or office. It offers a good set of features, including a remote-controlled pan, tilt, and zoom functionality. While the solution is cost-effective, it lacks the added convenience of select smart home integrations and users have raised concerns about privacy.
Highlights:
- Inexpensive.
- 360° panoramic view with remote pan-tilt control.
- 2-way audio with noise reduction.
- Versatile placement options (wall, ceiling, table, etc.)
Shortcomings:
- Limited smart home integration.
- App requires extensive set of permissions.
Reputation:
The YI Dome camera has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Users are generally very satisfied with the features of the camera and deem it to be great value for the relatively low price. There are, however, reviews reporting software malfunctions and voicing privacy concerns.
Key Features:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Image Resolution | 1080p |
View Field | 360° panoramic view. |
Placement | Indoor |
Storage | Cloud, Free trial for 30 days (new users); Local, up to 32 GB (MicroSD card not included) |
Power | Cord |
Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa only |
Subscription | Optional |
Night Vision | Yes |
Zoom | Yes |
Audio | 2-way, with 3D noise reduction |
Notifications | Push |
App | Mobile (App Store and Google Play) |
Motion Detection | Yes |
Streaming | Yes |
Pricing:
Model | List Price |
|---|---|
$34.99 | |
$49.99 | |
$79.99 |
Price Comparison:
YI Dome Camera vs. Arlo Q:
Compared to the Arlo Q, the YI Dome camera is far more affordable but offers lower video quality and has an inferior zoom function. The Arlo Q also supports more integrations and includes 7-days free cloud recording while the YI only offers cloud storage with a subscription.
YI Dome Camera vs. Arlo Q:
Features | YI Dome Camera 1080p | Arlo Q |
|---|---|---|
Image Resolution | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
Video Quality (Frame Rate) | 20 fps | 30 fps |
Night Vision | Yes | Yes (up to 25 ft.) |
View Field | 360° panoramic view. | 130° |
Pan-Tilt-Zoom | Remote pan & tilt ( 345°x 115°); 4 x digital zoom | 8 x digital zoom |
Detection Features | Motion and sound detection | Motion and sound detection |
Motion/Sound-triggered Recording | 6 second clips | Can be set to record from 10 to 120 seconds long or until motion stops, up to 300 seconds (5 minutes). |
Audio | 2-way | 2-way |
Placement | Indoor | Indoor |
Storage | Cloud, Free trial for 30 days (new users); Local, up to 32 GB (MicroSD card not included) | Cloud, Free for 7 days |
Data Security | HTTPS and P2P encryption | AES 128-bit encryption; Transport Layer Security (TLS) |
Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa only | Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Stringify |
Remote Viewing and Notifications | Yes | Yes |
Price | $49.99 | $199.99 |
YI Dome Camera vs. Logitech Circle 2:
The Logitech Circle 2 offers more flexibility than the YI Dome camera (indoor/outdoor, wired/wire-free), more integrations, better video quality, and has a higher level of data security. Between the two, the YI Dome camera is a more simple yet affordable option but can become expensive if you want cloud storage (subscription only).
YI Dome Camera vs. Logitech Circle 2 Comparison:
Features | YI Dome Camera | Logitech Circle 2 |
|---|---|---|
Image Resolution | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
Video Quality (Frame Rate) | 20 fps | 30 fps |
Night Vision | Yes | Yes (up to 15 ft.) |
View Field | 360° panoramic view. | 180° |
Pan-Tilt-Zoom | Remote pan & tilt ( 345°x 115°); 4 x digital zoom | Adjustable pan and tilt; 8 x digital zoom. |
Detection Features | Motion and sound detection | Motion and sound detection |
Motion/Sound-triggered Recording | 6 second clips | 10 - 60 second clips |
Audio | 2-way | 2-way |
Placement | Indoor | Indoor / Outdoor |
Storage | Cloud, Free trial for 30 days (new users); Local, up to 32 GB (MicroSD card not included) | Cloud, free for 1 day |
Data Security | HTTPS and P2P encryption | Fully encrypted with TLS / AES 256-bit / HTTPS; each camera is secured digitally by a unique identification process and coded to only talk to your secure cloud |
Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa only | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Logitech POP |
Remote Viewing and Notifications | Yes | Yes |
Price | $49.99 | $179.99 |
FAQs:
Does a YI Dome Camera work with Alexa?
Yes, Alexa can interact with your YI Dome Camera through the YI Home app. Amazon has a rundown of how to enable this Alexa Skill.
How do I turn off my YI Dome Camera?
To turn off the indicator light, go into "Settings" on the YI Home app, tap "Camera Settings". Turn off "On Status Light".
Can a YI Dome Camera be used outside?
No, a YI Dome Camera is an indoor camera.
How do I reset my YI Dome Camera?
There is a reset button on the bottom of the camera that you can press and hold to reset the camera if you are experiencing any issues.
Is the YI Dome camera 1080p HD?
Yes, the YI Dome camera has a resolution of 1080p.
Does the instant alert send a picture to my phone?
If you activate motion detection, the YI Dome Camera will record a 6-second video when it detects movement. If you set the camera to 24/7, it will record continuously and you will be able to access video recordings via your timeline on the app.
Does the YI Dome camera work with a cord or is it battery operated, or both?
The YI Dome connects via a power cord.
How long can the YI Dome camera record for?
The seller recommends a maximum recording of 32GB. When the SD card is full, the camera will automatically delete earlier videos and overwrite with new footage. The YI Dome can record approximately four days of continuous video footage.
How do I download the YI Dome Camera app?
The app is available from the App Store or Google Play. Download it to your smartphone, and you'll be able to adjust and control your YI camera wirelessly.
What are some YI Dome Camera alternatives?
What is in the YI Dome Camera box?
- Yi Dome Camera.
- Power cord/USB cable.
- Adapter.
- Mounting bracket.
- User manual.