Technology within SmartHome arena is growing at a rapid pace and advancement can only mean one thing: better security and peaceful sleep. From Alexa to keyless entry, smart homes no longer belong to sci-fi movies but very much a norm.
No more peeping through the keyhole, opening the door slightly ajar, or even screaming to know who is on the other side of the door. Welcome Smart doorbells! They allow you to get alerts when a visitor is at your door, see who the visitor is, and communicate with them through a smart device without even opening the door. Sounds like fun but when you try to shop around for one of these doorbells, there are multitude of options throwing you on a spin.
Are you in the market for a smart doorbell? If yes, you will probably be choosing between Nest doorbell and Ring. In this comparison, we want to look at the two products, their features, and specifications so that we can help you make the right decision.
Quick Comparison Table & Our Pick!
Price | $$$ | 30% Less |
Motion Alerts | Yes | Yes |
Video Resolution | HDR | 720p |
Power Source | Hardwired | Battery or Hardwired |
Knock Detection | - | Yes |
Facial Recognition | Yes | No |
Field Of View | 160° Horizontal | 180° Horizontal & 110° Vertical |
WiFi Connection | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
Smart Assistant Compatible? | Google Home Only | Amazon Echo & Limited Google Home (No Video) |
Cell | ||
On Demand Video | Yes | Yes |
Dimension (Inches) | 1.69"x0.94"x0.34" | 4.9”x 2.4”x0.87" |
Cell | ||
Similarities between Nest Hello and Ring Video Doorbell
The two products are similar in several aspects which include:
- Two-way audio: This feature allows you to communicate with whoever is at your door without opening it.
- Wi-Fi connection: Since the two products are smart, they require a Wi-Fi connection so that they can monitor and give you alerts instantly.
- Motion detector: The two products have motion detectors that will sense when there is motion even in your yard. You will then get an instant notification on the same.
- Video recording: This feature is vital as it allows for the later perusal of the footage. This can help you confirm your concerns about a particular issue or clear your doubts.
- Night vision: This is the feature that allows visitors to use the bell easily, and you can also see at night.
Let us now have a long look at each product and compare them.
Nest Hello
Price
You can start enjoying smart security with the Nest Hello at ~$229 at the time of writing. The security features are limited without a subscription. To enjoy receiving familiar face alerts, clips, time-lapses, continuous video history, and activity zones, then you need the Nest ware subscription.
The subscription goes for about ~$5 per month or ~$50 per year. In case you have multiple Nest cameras, then you will get subscription deductions.
A~ $10 a month or ~$100 a year subscription will give you 10 days of continuously recorded video. A ~$30 a month or ~$300 a year subscription for the first camera will provide you with a 30 days history.
Nest will also give you a Nest free trial before you can start your subscriptions.
Design
The Nest Hello doorbell comes in an oval shape. It is 4.6 inches tall, 1.7 inches wide, and 1-inch depth.
The doorbell looks very finely crafted and beautiful. It has an elegant design that will add a touch of 21st-century class to your door. If you want it to stay longer without wearing out, ensure that you cover it.
Features
The Nest Hello doorbell is black and white, and it is a little larger than standard doorbells. The lower part of the bell has a beautiful lighted ring to direct people to the button. This is important so that people don’t get confused when they come to your door.
Another essential feature of this masterpiece is that it works with Google Assistant. This is important so that it can announce when somebody is at your door. You can also instruct the bell on what to do using the Google Assistant voice command.
The two way audio on the doorbell enhances your security. You can talk to the person on your door without having to open it. Apart from that, you can also watch live videos of what is going on at your home through on a smart device.
The motion detector will sense any movements and send you instant alerts on your phone. If you have a subscription, the Nest Hello will recognize faces and announce the names of known people. You can also record videos and peruse them later. However, this feature is limited without a subscription.
The doorbell comes with an app that you can download to your mobile. It connects to the app through Wi-Fi. It also must be hardwired to the existing doorbell wiring.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 117 x 43 x 26mm
- Weight: 121.6g
- Video resolution: 1600 x 1200p
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Night vision: 850 nm infrared LEDs
- Field of view: 160 degrees diagonal
Pros
- The doorbell comes with detailed instructions that make it easy to install
- It announces the names of regular visitors using Google Home
- Clear video quality
- Instant alerts through the app
- You can watch live videos
- The has a light ring that directs visitors who come at night
Cons
- It is a bit expensive
Check Nest Hello Price On Amazon
Ring Video doorbell
Price
You will get the Ring doorbell at about $199.
The smart doorbell can function without an additional fee or subscription. However, if you want the Ring Video Recording, you need to subscribe to the monthly or yearly plan.
If you do not have the Ring Video Recording, you cannot review the video later. With this subscription, you can download the videos and save them, and you can also share them on social media. The recording will save your video in your Ring account for up to 60 days.
The Ring Video Recording comes in two options. First, there is the basic that will cost ~$3 per month or ~$30 for the year per device. Then there is the protect option that will cost ~$10 per month or ~$100 per year. This option covers an unlimited number of Ring cameras.
Design
This beauty comes in a rectangular shape. It measures 4.5 inches tall, 1.85 inches wide and 0.8 inches thick.
The product comes in various colours that include Bronze, Nickel, White, and Black. You can, therefore, take your favourite and match it with your door.
Features
One outstanding feature of the Ring is that you can install it on the door without the doorbell wiring. This is because it comes with a rechargeable battery. If the batteries are running low, you will get an email notification so that you can replace them.
The button for this doorbell is at the centre, and it has a blue LED light around it. This guides the visitors that come at night so that they don’t miss the button.
Ring doorbell also comes with a two-way audio system. It allows you to communicate with your visitors without having to open the door. Plus, the doorbell works with Alexa.
It has a video recording feature. However, you can only access this feature if you have an active subscription. The video recording allows you to review the video later. The motion detector senses when there is motion, and you can get instant alerts on your Smartphone even when somebody presses the bell.
The smart doorbell is Wi-Fi enabled, and it also has a night vision feature. The feature allows the guests to use the button without missing even in the dark.
Finally, the doorbell has a built-in microphone, stereo speakers, and noise reduction.
Specifications
- Video resolution: 1080p
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Dimensions: 2.4 x 0.9 x 5 inches
- Minimum operating temperature: -4.90F
- Max operating temperature: 1200F
- Field of view: 160 degrees horizontal and 90-degree vertical field
Pros
- It has night vision so that you can view at night
- It comes with easy to follow instructions on how to install and use
- The motion detector can notify you through your phone when motion is detected
- It is cheaper than many other similar competing products
- You get instant alerts on your phone
Cons
- You can control its sensitivity, but you cannot control the region.
Check Ring Video Price On Amazon
Differences between the Nest doorbell and Ring
- The Nest Hello must be wired to an existing doorbell wiring while the Ring can be installed without the door wiring.
- The Nest is oval while the Ring is rectangular
- The Nest Hello has a diagonal field of view. On the other hand, the Ring has a horizontal and vertical field of view.
- The Nest Hello offers facial recognition while Ring does not
- Nest Hello doorbell uses Google Assistant. On the other hand, Ring uses Alexa.
Conclusion
In the battle between Nest Hello and Ring doorbell, Nest Hello takes the day.
This is because it has more features and better quality videos. The Ring doorbell beats it on the price because of its lower subscription cost.
Editor Notes:
Ring Video has gone through several upgrades leading to the evolution of the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus. This 2020 model has additional features, with the most notable being the improved video quality at 1080p and four more seconds of video previews. However, Nest Hello remains our top selection since its video quality still carries the day at 1600 by 1200 resolution.
Additionally, Nest Hello provides you with facial recognition, something you won’t have with Ring Video. These two features ensure you have a much easier time of determining who’s knocking.
You can still opt for Ring Video if you want to spend less and enjoy other aspects like more smart assistant compatibility and two battery powering options.