People are increasingly becoming aware of the need for home security and the peace of mind that comes with it. Trust us, having control over something as simple as your doorbell can be a game changer.
Picture this: a door-to-door salesperson is approaching your home after you’ve finally managed to put the baby down for a nap. Ideally, you’d prefer to catch them before they ring that blasted doorbell, right? And this isn’t even to mention the protection you’ll get when it comes to porch pirates and would-be burglars.
Skybell doorbell
Doorbell cameras, such as Ring or SkyBell, can be the perfect upgrade for your home, and we’re here to help find the most suitable one for you. Wireless doorbells have come a long, long way, and these products are definitely worth checking out considering their potential influence on your everyday life, safety, and security.
FYI: Both Ring and SkyBell are famous for their video doorbells. They are fairly comparable when it comes to image quality and features; however, they do differ in price.
Ring and SkyBell have both been well-received in the smart home market, each earning a reputation for designing superior devices at a reasonable cost. But after testing them hands-on for over 100 hours, we did walk away with a favorite. So let’s dig into this Ring vs SkyBell comparison to find the right video doorbell for you and your budget!
Overview: SkyBell vs. Ring
There’s no doubt that SkyBell and Ring are excellent do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions, making home security installation/monitoring quick and straightforward. If you prefer top-notch security with the convenience and ease of a DIY project, either system would be a good match.
Ring Video Doorbell 3, Installed
Did You Know? With Ring and SkyBell, you get a reliable and smart video doorbell with two-way voice communication.
Before making the big decision, you should consider the following:
- Both options are convenient as they offer DIY installation.
- Each system provides live-streaming via mobile app.
Skybell HD Camera View
- Both video doorbells send instant activity alerts to your smartphone.
- They each have options for crystal clear, 1080p HD image quality.
- Ring is aligned with ADT, whereas SkyBell partners with multiple companies, including Google Nest and Honeywell Home.
Similarities: Ring vs. SkyBell
Ring and SkyBell use similar technology, and you’ll be happy to know that both doorbell viewers’ overall image quality is the best in the business.
With each system, you’ll benefit from live streaming and cloud storage. At the same time, you’ll enjoy:
- Easy DIY installation
- 1080p HD video streaming and recording
- Motion detection to trigger activity alerts
- No lengthy contracts to sign
- Outright ownership of the equipment
- A convenient mobile app for remote access and controls
Skybell Mobile App Activity History
Did You Know? Both Ring and SkyBell doorbells feature night vision. While night vision is a great feature, keep in mind that it’s pretty much standard with doorbell cameras these days.
Differences: SkyBell vs. Ring
Despite their many similarities, we’ve found some significant differences between SkyBell and Ring. Note that compared to SkyBell, Ring is a more comprehensive and fully contained home security setup.
On the other hand, SkyBell's key feature is its video doorbell viewer which can be integrated with both Google Nest and Honeywell Home security systems.
Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:
- SkyBell's only product is its video doorbell viewer. Ring, in comparison, offers several different security doorbells with varying features.
- Ring is impressive as it offers a fully functional and effective home security system to boot. Check out our full review of the Ring Alarm to learn more.
- With SkyBell, you get free video recording that can be stored for up to seven days.
- Ring’s video doorbells come with a customizable motion sensor, which is not available with its counterpart.
- Ring offers more options in their video doorbell lineup.
Did You Know? The SkyBell HD features a 180-degree Field of View (FoV). This means you’ll get more visual in the frame compared to Ring’s standard FoV of 160.
Standout Features
Smart doorbells (ideally) should have useful features, and it’s important to know the details of what you’re purchasing. You’ll be surprised to find that the SkyBell doorbell viewer comes with a 1080p camera, two-way communication, color night vision, and video storage, which is an excellent plus.
Ring Video Doorbell 3
Ring, on the other hand, still beats SkyBell in terms of features.
The Ring video doorbell system can integrate with a comprehensive home security system alongside a variety of other devices. Also, Ring has high-end doorbell cameras, like the Ring Doorbell Elite, which SkyBell simply doesn’t offer.
FYI: Video doorbells typically come in two colors — oil-rubbed bronze and silver-brushed aluminum — and also include a reliable motion sensor as well as cloud storage options.
Power Source
Ring has rechargeable batteries and can quickly draw power from your existing doorbell’s wires. SkyBell also works with wires and can be powered via built-in batteries. Additionally, SkyBell should be connected to a low-voltage transformer.
Contracts
Neither company requires you to sign a lengthy contract, which is convenient (and a bit freeing). You can buy all the equipment up front and perform the monitoring on your own.
It’s worth noting that, depending on your needs and preferences, you can maintain a month-to-month service plan or sign a contract with a third-party monitoring company for yearly service.
Speaker and Microphone
You’ll be pleased to learn that both SkyBell and Ring allow for crisp and clear two-way communication using a built-in speaker and microphone. Major plus: You can easily talk to any individual outside your door from (almost) anywhere in the world.
Furthermore, both offer microphones that cancel out echoes and other noise, allowing you to get excellent quality sound from the outside.
FYI: Both SkyBell and Ring offer easy installation, mobile application control, and some popular smart home features.
Ring vs. SkyBell: Equipment Pricing and Plans
The price of SkyBell and Ring equipment varies depending on the product you choose. For instance, you can buy SkyBell's Trim Plus and SkyBell HD at $199 directly through the company. But, keep in mind that you can also find them on Amazon or eBay for cheaper (looking at you Amazon Prime). Also, you’ll be happy to know that there aren’t any monthly cloud storage fees.
On the flip side, the Ring system will cost $199 up front (ouch). Fortunately, the Ring Doorbell application is free to download and use, and you won’t incur any additional costs to operate.
With that said, you will need the Ring Video Record Plan to record and review any missed alerts or events. Two Ring Protect monitoring plans are available starting at $3 per month (or $30 per year) per camera, or $10 per month (or $100 per year) for unlimited camera support.
FYI: Both companies provide you with top-quality equipment and the latest technology at an affordable price, which is impressive.
Response Time
Most people believe they will receive instant and timely notifications from the doorbell camera whenever activity is detected. Unfortunately, we found that this is not always the case.
Our Ring Pro sometimes has delayed notifications, lagging up to three seconds. SkyBell, in comparison, tends to be slightly quicker and will notify you as soon as someone arrives at your door. But honestly, the two companies are fairly comparable here.
Ring vs. SkyBell Equipment
When shopping for the best home security equipment like a doorbell system, it’s important to have options.
Note that SkyBell provides two similar cameras, with the primary difference being the design: one camera is round while the other is a long, slender bar.
Ring may be preferred as it has a robust basic home security system complete with motion detection, entryway sensors, and a control panel. Also, you can add other essentials, like cameras, alarms, and more. The video doorbell viewer can be bought separately, and its price ranges from $99 to $349.
Did You Know? SkyBell offers a round doorbell. It is 2.8 inches in diameter, with a thickness of 0.8 inches.
DIY Installation
We’ve found that both SkyBell and Ring are simple to install with incredibly helpful user guides, amazing customer service, and convenient mobile apps.
Installing the Ring Video Doorbell 3
With that said, you do have to hardwire SkyBell video doorbells with your current doorbell’s wiring. Keep in mind that Ring offers both professional installation via Amazon and other third-party professionals, as well as the DIY option.
Emergency Connections
If you set up the systems for self-monitoring, you’ll receive notifications to the contact numbers entered into your security system during setup.
FYI: Read our latest SkyBell review to learn more about this popular porch protector.
Final Thoughts on SkyBell vs. Ring
If looking to increase your front door security, you will not go wrong with either SkyBell or Ring. Both manufacture affordable, reliable, and user-friendly video doorbells to help keep your home safe and secure.
SkyBell is ideal for those who do not like to clutter their homes with too many electronic devices (SkyBell HD just works as a wired doorbell). In contrast, Ring 2 is an excellent dual-powered option (works wireless and wired).
Skybell Smartphone App Controls
Ring also provides many features that SkyBell does not, from customizable motion zones and a web app to integration with smart video assistants. This makes it ideal for homeowners who equally want complete home security system convenience. Keep in mind that the system is also very affordable and partners with ADT. But if you’re a budget-conscious shopper (and who isn’t these days?), we recommend checking out our guide to the best affordable security systems.
Finally, both video doorbell systems have received many positive reviews, with SkyBell garnering popularity due to its color night vision capabilities.
