Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) vs. Google Nest Doorbell: A Comprehensive Comparison
At GearBrain, we have been testing video doorbells for over eight years. We have seen the impact these smart security devices have had on the rapidly evolving landscape of smart home technology. Video doorbells have become an integral component of home security and convenience, and the two prominent players in this space are the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) and the Google Nest Doorbell. Both devices boast various features, smart integrations, and specifications to enhance your home's safety and convenience.
We thought it would be helpful to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two video doorbells for our users. And so, we delve into the details of each, helping you make an informed decision based on your unique preferences and requirements and the features, costs, and integrations these two smart devices offer today.
What is the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is renowned for its sleek design and advanced features. It offers 1080p HD video quality, providing precise and detailed footage of your doorstep. With customizable motion zones, users can define specific areas for motion detection, minimizing false alarms. The device also includes two-way audio, allowing homeowners to communicate with visitors remotely. The Ring Video Doorbell is also equipped with infrared night vision for reliable performance in low-light conditions. This allows you to see up to 30 feet at night.
What integrations can you do with Ring? Ring works on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection and excels in smart home integrations, seamlessly connecting with various devices and platforms. It integrates with Amazon Alexa, enabling voice commands like viewing live video feeds on Echo Show devices. Ring also collaborates with other Ring products, forming a cohesive ecosystem for enhanced home security. All are done in the Ring app which is available for iOS and Android devices.
What are the key features of Ring? The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) features a 155-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical field of view, capturing a broad perspective of your surroundings. It operates on a rechargeable battery pack, providing installation flexibility. Users can also opt for hardwired installation for continuous power.
How much does the Ring cost? The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is competitively priced. Its MSRP is $99.99 and is available on the company website, Best Buy, Amazon, The Home Depot, and many major online retailers. Is this a reasonable price? Yes, this is a reasonable, affordableordable entry point into the world of smart doorbell technology.
What is the Google Nest Doorbell
See Best Prices for Google Nest Video at The Home Depot
Google Nest Doorbell stands out with its distinctive design and advanced capabilities. It features a 6:3 aspect ratio, providing users with a head-to-toe view of visitors. The device supports HDR video, ensuring clarity even in challenging lighting conditions. Google Nest Doorbell includes familiar face detection, notifying users when recognized individuals approach. And its night vision can see up to 10 feet away in the dark. (Learn more by visiting our review of Google Nest Doorbell.)
What smart Integrations come with Google Nest Doorbell? Google Nest Doorbell works on a 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection) and seamlessly integrates with the broader Google ecosystem as well as Amazon Alexa platform. It also works with two leading smart home security systems, Abode and ADT. Users can integrate Google Nest Doorbell into these systems and receive alerts and view live footage on Nest Hub devices. Additionally, the Nest Doorbell integrates with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, like smart TVs by Samsung, LG and Vizio. Users can use voice commands with these smart devices to see who is at their front door.
What are the key features of Google Nest Doorbell? The Google Nest Doorbell boasts a wide 145-degree field of view, capturing a comprehensive view of the doorstep. It supports wired and battery-powered installation options, catering to various user preferences. The device incorporates advanced machine learning algorithms for accurate person and package detection. And will store for free in the cloud videos for a rolling 3 hours. You will need to get a subscription plan to store videos in the cloud for a good look back at your video history which is longer than 3 hours. All videos can be viewed in the Google Assistant app.
How much does the Google Nest Doorbell cost? The Google Nest Doorbell has a MSRP of $179.99. Is this a good price for a video doorbell? This price positions the Nest doorbell at a slightly higher price point than the Ring Video Doorbell, reflecting its advanced features and integration capabilities.
Ring vs Nest Doorbell - Comparison
Video Quality and Field of View
Both doorbells offer high-definition video quality. However, the Ring Video Doorbell has a slightly wider field of view at 155 degrees compared to Nest's 145 degrees. The Nest Doorbell, however, compensates with a unique 6:3 aspect ratio, capturing more detail in its footage. So, you have to decide do you want to see the visitor at your door from head-to-toe (which would be Google Nest) or a wide side-to-side view (which would be Ring.)
See Best Prices for Google Nest Video at The Home Depot
Smart Integrations
Ring excels in smart integrations. It's "What Works with Ring" ecosystem is very robost and has many attractive ingtegrations, like with Amazon Alexa. This integration helps create a seamless experience for users within the Amazon ecosystem. Users can also connect their Ring doorbell with the Ring Alarm Smart Home Security system and leading smart locks, like Level Touch+ or Yale Assure 2 using the Ring app. Ring Video Doorbell works with myQ smart garage door controller which will be helpful if you have a garage and want to have deliveries made there. However, Ring does not work with Google Assistant. At one point Ring video doorbells were compatible with Google Assistant devices, but no longer.
As for Google Nest Doorbell, it integrates effortlessly with Google Assistant voice platform, aligning with users who are deeply entrenched in the Google ecosystem. However, it also has a wider selection of home security systems it works with. If you own a ADT (a professionally installed system) or Abode smart home security system (a DIY smart home security system), the Google Nest Doorbell will work with perfectly with these systems to secure your home. This is something to think about if you want to have one app keep your home safe and secure.
Design and Aesthetics
Aesthetics are subjective, but both doorbells offer modern and sleek designs that complement contemporary home exteriors. Google Nest Doorbell is a taller and thinner, plus comes in four colors: Snow, Ivy, Ash and Linen. Ring comes in a two finishes, Satin Nickel and Venetian Bronze, and is shorter and wider than Google Nest Doorbell.
Power Options
Ring provides the flexibility of both battery-powered and hardwired installation in a single doorbell, while Google Nest Doorbell offers a choice between wired and battery-powered options but you can buy each separately.
Cost
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) presents a more budget-friendly option at only $99.99, making it attractive for those looking for advanced features without breaking the bank. However, Google Nest Doorbell, at $179.99, with its advanced capabilities, and integrations with leading smart home security systems, is positioned at a slightly higher price point.
Buy Google Nest Doorbell at Best Buy
Summary - Which is better?
Choosing between the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) and Google Nest Doorbell ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and existing smart home ecosystem. Both devices offer robust features, smart integrations, and sleek designs, ensuring enhanced security and convenience for homeowners. Whether you prioritize affordability or seek advanced machine learning capabilities, or want to integrate the video doorbell with your smart home security system, both the Ring and Google Nest Doorbells would be a good choice. And you can be assured both video doorbells will cater to a diverse range of user needs in the ever-evolving landscape of smart home security market.
Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility find engine. It can help you find, buy and connect any smart device, including ones compatible with your existing devices and that work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa enabled devices.
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Ring Video Doorbell (Venetian Bronze) bundle with Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
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