Want to know who’s at the door when you’re away or on the sofa with a pizza box and don’t want to get up? Then it might be time to consider a Smart Doorbell!
Smart Video Doorbells are an excellent addition to your home, and they complete your Smart Alarm Systems.
Video Doorbells let you see who’s at your door and talk to them without having to be there. It’s like an answering machine for your front door.
When you connect your Smart Video Doorbell to your phone (and smart speakers), you’ll get real-time alerts when someone rings the bell. You can also talk to them, hear them and see them, but they can’t see you!
Some Smart Doorbells come with motion sensors that notify you when someone reaches your front door – even before they press the button! And the newer versions have new and exciting features – which you’ll read about in this blog.
Ring Doorbells
Ring is the biggest name in the Video Doorbells Industry. As they say: “There is a Ring for every home”, this is why you’ll see a variety of wired and battery doorbells when you shop around for a Ring Doorbell.
A. Ring Wired Video Doorbells
Ring Wired Video Doorbells combine day-to-day convenience with robust performance and feature non-stop power for non-stop peace of mind.
You can supply your Ring Doorbell with power using your existing doorbell wiring, from a nearby electrical socket, or even using Power over Ethernet.
The Ring Wired Video Doorbell Range includes;
- Video Doorbell Wired
- Video Doorbell Pro 2
- Video Doorbell Pro
- Video Doorbell Elite
Ring Video Doorbell (Wired)
If you’re looking for affordable yet reliable Wired Video Doorbells, look no further.
The Ring Video Doorbell (Wired) comes with all the features you need to assure you that your home is safe. With this smart doorbell, you can answer the door from anywhere in Real-time. Other features like Live View, HD Video and Two-Way Talk also put your mind at ease, and the Advanced Motion Detection ensures that you’ll always know what’s happening at your doorstep.
One of the best things about the Ring Video Doorbell (Wired) is the non-stop power feature. This doorbell is hardwired and compatible with your existing doorbell wiring. Alternatively, you can opt for a Plug-In Adapter bundle to connect to your home’s standard electrical socket.
If you’d like to hear audio notifications when the doorbell rings, ‘in addition to the notification on your smartphone and smart speaker’, you can pair this Video Doorbell with a Ring Chime.
Ring Doorbell Wired - What’s in the box?
The box will include; Video Doorbell Wired, installation tools & screws, a quick start guide and a security sticker.
You’ll also get a Ring Protection Plan 30-day free trial.
Ring Doorbell (Wired) Key Features:
- Stunning sleek design. It can seamlessly be incorporated into any house’s aesthetics.
- The Ring Wired Doorbell Camera comes with 1080p HD video and allows Two-Way Talk, Advanced Motion Detection, standard 2.4 GHz connectivity and easy-to-customise privacy settings.
- You can get instant notifications on your smartphone when someone rings the doorbell or when the motion sensor gets triggered.
- The Quick Replies feature lets you respond to the guests with a pre-selected message if you’re busy.
- The high-definition Night Vision features a sharp contrast which gives you peace of mind even on the darkest nights!
- You can also opt-in for the ‘Doorbell Wired + Chime bundle’. It allows you to hear audio notifications no matter where you are in the house.
- Completely compatible with Echo devices.
- Non-stop power.
- Easy installation.
- Add out a Ring Protect Plan (The Basic Package: £3.49/month | £34.99/year or The Plus Package: £8/month |£80/year) to record, review and share the moments you missed.
Ring Doorbell (Wired) Tech Specs:
- Dimensions: (H x W x D): 10.1 cm x 4.57 cm x 2.2 cm
- Video: 1080 HD Live Video, Live View, Night Vision, Advanced Pre-Roll.
- Motion Detection: Advanced Motion Detection with Customisable Motion Zones
- Field of View: 155° horizontal, 90° vertical.
- Audio: Two-way communication with noise cancellation.
- Power: Hardwired – You can hardwire your doorbell if you have a compatible doorbell system (8-24 VAC, 10-40VA, 50/60Hz ), or you can use Ring DIN Rail Transformer 2nd Gen (24VDC, 0.42A, 10.0W) sold separately. The doorbell chime must be bypassed. For more support in wiring and compatibility see ring.com/hardwired. Plug-In Adapter – Use a Plug-In adapter (2nd Gen) sold separately (24VDC. 0.5A, 12W). Plug-In Adapter features a 6m cable and comes with cable clips. Plugs into a standard indoor electrical socket.
- Use only Ring DC supplies. The use of 3rd-party DC supplies will result in damage to the device.
- Internet Requirements: Recommended minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps per device.
- Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n wifi connection @2.4GHz.
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty, including theft protection. Read the Ring warranty T&Cs here.
- Cost: £49.99.
Ring Doorbell (Wired) Reviews
The Ring Wired Video Doorbell get a good review on Which.co.uk providing its price point and reliability. In fact, it scored 70% and the Which? verdict is:
“Although it falls short of being a Best Buy, this Ring doorbell offers an awful lot for the price. There are a few limitations, such as the need for a subscription, but if you want a good, cheap smart doorbell, look no further.”
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 (Hardwired)
You’ll always be protected with the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 (Hardwired). This Smart Doorbell provides non-stop power and protection.
You can now use smart features like Quick Replies to play a pre-recorded message of your choice when you’re too busy to reach the door.
Besides, the 3D Motion Detection will help you get more precise motion notifications.
The Ring Pro 2 Doorbell camera displays an expanded perspective of 1536p HD Head-to-Toe Video, so you can get a better view of visitors on your doorstep.
Like the original Ring Video Doorbell (Wired), the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is compatible with Alexa and other smart speakers and can be paired with Ring Chime.
Ring Doorbell Pro 2 - What’s in the box?
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
- Satin Nickel Faceplate
- Ring DIN Rail Transformer (2nd Generation)
- Installation Tools and Screws
- Corner Kit
- Quick Start Guide
- Security Sticker
- Includes a free 30-day trial of Ring Protect
Ring Doorbell Pro 2 Key Features:
- 1536p HD Head-to-Toe Video
- A gorgeous minimalistic design which can be incorporated into any house’s aesthetics.
- Two-Way Talk with noise cancellation
- The 3D Motion Detection with Bird’s Eye View allows you to specify when and where a motion event begins with an aerial map view.
- You’ll get Motion Alerts for extra peace of mind with the option to change advanced motion settings.
- Enhanced dual-band wifi.
- You can get instant notifications on your smartphone when someone rings the doorbell or when the motion sensor gets triggered.
- The Quick Replies feature lets you respond to the guests with a pre-selected message if you’re busy.
- Colour Night Vision
- Hardwired installation
- Add out a Ring Protect Plan (The Basic Package: £3.49/month | £34.99/year or The Plus Package: £8/month |£80/year) to record, review and share the moments you missed.
Ring Doorbell Pro 2 Tech Spec:
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 11.4 cm x 4.9 cm x 2.2 cm
- Available Colours: Satin Nickel, choice of the additional faceplate. Ships with Satin Nickel faceplate. Additional faceplate is available via email redemption offer after purchase.
- Video: 1536p Head to Toe HD Video, Live View, Colour Night Vision, Advanced Pre-Roll
- Motion Detection: 3D Motion Detection with Customisable Motion Zones
- Field of View: 150° horizontal, 150° vertical
- Audio: Two-Way audio with noise cancellation
- Power: Hardwire with included DIN Rail Transformer 2nd Gen (24V DC, 0.42A, 10W), or existing doorbell system (16-24V AC, 10-40 VA, 50/60Hz). Do not use halogen or garden-lighting transformers. Do not use 3rd-party DC supplies. For more support in wiring and compatibility see ring.com/hardwired
- Internet requirements: Recommended minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps per device.
- Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n/ac wifi connection @2.4GHz & 5.0GHz (Channels 100 and above).
- Professional installation recommended
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty, including theft protection. Read the Ring warranty T&Cs here.
- Cost: £219.99
Ring Doorbell Pro 2 Reviews
Another awesome product from Ring! The Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a Which Best Buy Product. It scored 76% on Which’s rigorous independent lab tests and here’s the verdict:
“We were impressed with the standard Ring Video Doorbell Pro, making it a Best Buy, and so it’s little surprise that its successor makes that grade, too. It’s a fantastic smart doorbell, but it’s a shame that some functionality requires an additional subscription.”
Ring Video Doorbell Pro (with Plug-In Adapter)
Ring Video Doorbell Pro, the flagship wired video doorbell was launched in 2016. It is the older version of the Ring Pro 2 and is still an excellent product.
With the Ring Pro, you can get Customisable Motion Detection, Dual-band 2.4 & 5GHz wifi connectivity, an ultra-slim design and interchangeable faceplates.
You can install the Ring Pro using the included Plug-In Adapter.
Ring Doorbell Pro - What’s in the box?
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro
- Satin Nickel, Cream, Venetian and Black Faceplates (All colours included)
- Retrofit Plate (if upgrading from Ring Video Doorbell)
- Installation tools and screw
- User Manual
- Plug-In Adapter (2nd Generation)
- Security Sticker
Ring Doorbell Pro Key Features:
- Customisable Motion Detection
- Plug-In Adaptor for non-stop power
- 2.4GHz & 5GHz wifi Connectivity
- 1080P HD Video
- Live View so you can check in on your home anytime you want.
- Infrared Night Vision
- Two-Way Talk With Noise Cancellation
- Completely compatible with Echo devices to launch instant video with your voice.
- You can also opt-in for the ‘Doorbell Wired + Chime bundle’. It allows you to hear audio notifications no matter where you are in the house.
- Instant notifications when movement is detected.
Ring Doorbell Pro Tech Spec:
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 11.4 cm x 4.6 cm x 2 cm
- Interchangeable Faceplates Included: Satin Nickel, Cream, Venetian, Black
- Video: 1080P HD Video, Live View, Infrared Night Vision
- Motion Detection: Customisable Motion Zones
- Field of View: 160 Degrees
- Audio: Two-Way Audio with Noise Cancellation
- Power: Use provided Plug-In Adapter 2nd Gen (24V DC, 0.5A, 12W). Plug-In Adapter features a 6m cable and comes with cable clips. Plugs into a standard indoor electrical socket. Hardwired. You can also hardwire your doorbell if you have a compatible doorbell system (16-24 VAC, 10-40VA, 50/60Hz ), or you can use Ring DIN Rail Transformer 2nd Gen (24VDC, 0.42A, 10.0W) sold separately. For more support in wiring and compatibility see ring.com/hardwired. Do not use this doorbell with 3rd-party DC power adapters as it will result in damage to the device.
- Internet Requirements: Recommended minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps per device
- Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n wifi connection @2.4GHz and 5.0GHz
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty, including theft protection
- Price: £159.00
Ring Doorbell Pro Reviews
Another Which Best Buy Doorbell from Ring scored 71%.
Which? Verdict: “…the Ring Doorbell Pro is among the best video doorbells you can buy. It’s an excellent device packed with features, and the mains power means you won’t need to worry about battery life. There’s now also an updated model – the Ring Doorbell Pro 2 – which is also a Best Buy.”
Ring Video Doorbell Elite
A professional-grade solution with Power over Ethernet, Quick Replies, a flush mount and a sleek design.
Requires existing doorbell wiring for power supply. Qualified professional recommended.
Ring Elite lets you answer the door and greet visitors straight from your phone or tablet.
Too busy to answer the door? Use the Quick Replies feature to respond with your choice of six preset messages.
Take a look at your front door in real-time using Live View, or play them back later with a Ring Protect subscription.
Ring Doorbell Elite - What’s in the box?
- Ring Video Doorbell Elite
- 1 & 9.14 metre Ethernet cable
- PoE injector
- Four Interchangeable Faceplates
- Installation tools and hardware
- Quick Start Guide
- Security Sticker
Ring Doorbell Elite Key Features:
- 1080p HD Video
- Motion notifications
- Built-in microphone and speakers
- Live View, Two-Way Talk and Quick Replies
- Motion-Activated Notifications
- Infrared night vision
- iOS, Android, Mac compatible
- Hardwired with power over ethernet
- Secure flush mount
- Fits standard junction boxes
Ring Doorbell Elite Tech Spec:
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 11.9 cm x 6.9 cm x 5.5 cm
- Available colours: Satin Nickel, Pearl White, Venetian, Satin Black (all colours included)
- Video: 1080 HD Video, Live View, Night Vision
- Motion Detection: Advanced Motion Detection, Customisable Motion Zones
- Field of View: 160° horizontal, 90° vertical
- Audio: Two-way audio with noise cancellation
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty, and including theft protection
- Price: £349.99
Ring Doorbell Elite Reviews
Scored 71% on the Which? Independent lab tests, the Ring Elite is worth the expensive price. And here’s the summary:
“Which? verdict: Stylish smart doorbell for the design conscious
Without doubt, the Ring Elite is an excellent product, but whether it’s worth the money is down to your desire for a more stylish and discreet-looking doorbell. The Ring Pro and Arlo Video Doorbells aren’t exactly chunky, yet are a lot cheaper, so they could offer better overall value for money.”
B. Ring Battery Video Doorbells
These wireless doorbells are designed for any home even the ones without doorbell wiring.
Ring Battery Video Doorbells Range can be installed in minutes without having to call a professional installer.
Ring Battery Doorbells can be recharged using the included cable, simple and easy!
Ring Video Doorbell 3
It is the most popular doorbell. The Ring Video Doorbell is an upgrade from the 2nd Gen but with additional security features.
Some of those features are; improved motion detection and enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity.
Ring Doorbell 3 - What’s in the box?
- Ring Video Doorbell 3
- Corner Kit
- Micro USB charging cable
- Quick Release Battery Pack
- Satin Nickel Faceplate
- Choice of additional Faceplate
- Installation hardware and tools
- Quick Start Guide
- Security Sticker
Ring Doorbell 3 Key Features
- Instant notifications when visitors ring the doorbell or trigger the built-in motion sensors
- Dual-band (2.4 or 5.0 GHz) Wi-Fi connectivity
- 1080p HD video doorbell
- Live View, Two-Way Talk and Quick Replies
- Motion-Activated Notifications
- Easy installation (you can DYI it)
- New Advanced Motion Detection and Near Motion Zone features
- Compatible with Alexa-enabled devices
- In addition to the standard features i.e. live view and two-way talk.
Ring Doorbell 3 Tech Spec
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 12.8 cm x 6.2 cm x 2.8 cm
- Available Colours: Satin Nickel. Choice of the additional faceplate. (Instructions to receive additional faceplates provided by email after device set-up).
- Video: 1080p HD Video, Live View, Night Vision
- Motion Detection: Advanced Motion Detection with Customisable Motion Zones.
- Field of View: 160 degrees
- Audio: Two-way audio with noise cancellation
- Power: Runs on a removable, rechargeable, Quick Release Battery Pack (included).
- Internet Requirements: Recommended minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps per device
- Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi Dual-Band Wi-Fi connection @ 2.4GHz & 5GHz
- Estimated Install Time: ~5 minutes
- Operating Conditions: -20°C to 48°C, Weather Resistant
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty, and including theft protection.
- Cost: £159.99
Ring Doorbell 3 Reviews
Ring Video Doorbell 3 was the flagship product before getting replaced by Ring 4. It’s a good doorbell, but the newer version outperforms when it comes to additional features, design and performance.
Here’s the verdict from Which: “Now that the Ring Doorbell 4 is out, there’s no clear reason to buy the Ring Doorbell 3 Plus. It has been superseded by other models and will soon go off sale.”
Ring Video Doorbell 4
Just like the Ring Doorbell 3 but better! The Ring Doorbell 4 comes with improved colour video previews.
The improved version (Ring 4) features enhanced WiFi, Quick Replies, a quick-release battery to simplify the recharging process and Colour Pre-Roll video previews.
Ring Doorbell 4 - What’s in the box?
- Video Doorbell 4
- Rechargeable Quick Release Battery Pack
- Satin Nickel Faceplate
- Choice of additional Faceplate
- Corner Kit
- Installation Tools and Screws
- USB charging cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Security Sticker
Ring Doorbell 4 Key Features
- You can start recording before you even receive a motion notification with Colour Pre-Roll video previews
- 4 extra seconds of colour video
- Quick Replies feature
- Watch your messages in real-time using Live View or play them back later with a Ring Protect subscription.
- Receive real-time notifications to your smartphone
- Control your security and privacy via the app
Ring Doorbell 4 Tech Specs
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 12.8 cm x 6.2 cm x 2.8 cm
- Available Colours: Satin Nickel. Choice of the additional faceplate. (Instructions to receive additional faceplates provided by email after device set-up).
- Video: 1080p HD Video, Colour Pre-Roll, Live View, Night Vision. Video quality for Colour Pre-Roll is less than 1080p
- Motion Detection: Advanced Motion Detection with Customisable Motion Zones
- Field of View: 160° horizontal, 84° vertical
- Audio: Two-way audio with noise cancellation. Pre-Roll does not include audio
- Power: Runs on a removable, rechargeable, Quick Release Battery Pack (included).
- Internet Requirements: Recommended minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps per device
- Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n/ac wifi connection @2.4GHz & 5.0GHz (Channels 100 and above).
- Estimated Installation Time: A few minutes
- Operating Conditions: When battery powered -20°C to 48°C, Weather Resistant.
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty, including theft protection.
Ring Doorbell 4 Reviews
This new and exciting version of the Ring Battery Video Doorbell impressed Which.co.uk and scored 74% and the honourable title “Which Best Buy”.
Here’s the verdict: “The fourth generation of Ring’s standard doorbell is an excellent and good value product. The Arlo doorbells are also Best Buys but, if you like the Ring brand, you can’t go far wrong with the Ring Video Doorbell 4.”
Nest Doorbells
Google-owned brand ‘Nest’ is a great Ring competitor.
The first-generation hardwired Nest Hello was originally meant to launch in February 2018 but was delayed until March in the US and Canada and was launched in the UK in May 2018. So let’s talk about their hardwired and wireless doorbells.
Google Nest Doorbell (wired)/Nest Hello
Nest Doorbell lets you know who’s at the door, so you’ll never miss a visitor, a parcel or the UberEats delivery you’ve been waiting for!
The Nest Wired Doorbell replaces your existing wired one. It lets you get a better view of your front door, with high-resolution video quality and excellent audio speakers so you can talk to your visitors and parcel deliveries even when you’re not home.
This smart doorbell is designed to capture everything at your doorstep -people, animals, cars and even parcels on the ground.
Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) - What’s in the box?
- Nest Doorbell (wired)
- Chime connector
- 15° wedge
- Release tool
- Masonry drill bit
- Window decal
- Wall plate
- Extension wires
- Wall anchors
- Screws
- Quick Start Guide
Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) Key Features
- In addition to the standard video doorbell features, the Google Nest Doorbell offers;
- 4:3 HD video designed to show people head to toe
- Night Vision – HDR video shows sharp details, even in bright and dark areas
- 24/7 streaming and continuous video recording
- Person, motion and sound alerts to detect visitors
- 160° field of view
- Quiet time
- Prerecorded quick responses
- No dead batteries
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- To secure your data, Nest uses AES 128-bit encryption, Secure, private connections and Two-step verification
Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) Tech specs
- Dimensions: Height: 4.6 inches (11.7 cm)
- Weight: 4.28 oz (122 g)
- Power requirements: 12 V AC – 24 V AC; requires an 8 VA transformer and wired doorbell
- Camera: 1/3-inch, 3-megapixel (2K) colour sensor, 8x digital zoom
- Video: HD UXGA 1600 x 1200, up to 30 frames/sec, H.264 encoding, HDR
- Colour: Black & White
- Field of view: 160° diagonal
- Audio: High-quality speaker and microphone
- Lights: RGB light ring and status light
- Sensors: Ambient light
- Night Vision: 850 nm infrared LEDs
- Operating temperature: –20°C to 40°C (–4°F to 104°F)
- Weather resistance: IPx4 rating
- Security: 128-bit AES with TLS/SSL
- Warranty: Comes with a 2-year limited warranty (details in box). For support, visit Nest Support
- Cost: £229
Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) Review
The Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) scored 69% on Which?
Here’s what Which said about this video doorbell
“The Nest Hello was one of the best doorbells we tested, but the Nest Doorbell (wired) falls short of that level. This is largely due to the video quality, which has got notably worse. Better smart doorbells are now available.”
Google Nest Doorbell (battery)
Another great product by Google. It’s the latest addition to the Google Nest family which doesn’t require hardwiring for easy installation. This wireless doorbell is easy to install and has a sharp, crisp camera to capture what’s on your front door day and night.
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) - What’s in the box?
- 1 Nest Doorbell
- 1 base plate
- Release tool
- 2 wall anchors
- 2 wall screws
- Wire connector
- 20° wedge
- Spacers
- Wedge screws
- Charging cable (1 metre)
- Quick start guide
- Safety and warranty document
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) Key Features
- Battery-powered to work with almost any door.
- Easy installation – you can DIY it
- Allows you to leave pre-set messages.
- Facial recognition
- It can tell the difference between people, parcels, animals and cars and alerts you when there’s activity.
- Designed with a wide vertical field of view – this A 3:4 ratio means you can see people from head to toe, and parcels left on the ground
- Excellent day and night vision. HDR helps with bright, high-contrast light at all times.
- You can also talk and listen to your visitors at the front door through the built-in speaker and microphone.
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) Tech Specs
- Dimension: Dimensions Width: 46 mm (1.8 in) | Depth: 24.1 mm (0.95 in) | Height: 160 mm (6.3 in)
- Weight: 206g (7.3 oz)
- Colour: Snow
- Camera: 1/3-inch · 1.3-megapixel colour sensor · 6x digital zoom · 3:4 aspect ratio
- Video: HD, 960 x 1280 pixels, up to 30 FPS… HD, 960 x 1280 pixels, up to 30 FPS – 24/7 live view. Night vision. HDR. H.264 encoding
- Video history: The Nest Doorbell (battery) includes three-hour event video history. You can upgrade to 30 days of event video history with a Nest Aware subscription or 60 days of event video history with Nest Aware plus. However, whether you choose battery or wired installation, the Nest Doorbell (battery) cannot continuously record 24/7 video history. Google Nest offers other cameras and wired doorbells that can record 24/7 video history with a Nest Aware plus subscription.
- Audio: High-quality speaker and microphone. Two-way audio with noise cancellation
- Field of view: 145° diagonal
- Night Vision: See up to 3.05 metres 4 850 nm infrared LEDs with IR cut filter
- Operating temperature: –20°C to 40°C (–4°F to 104°F)
- Charging temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
- Cost: £179.99
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) Review
Just like the Wired version, the Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) also scored 69% on the Which test. Here’s the verdict:
“This Nest doorbell is an easy-to-use device with a good set of features. But, as with the Nest Doorbell (Wired), the big weakness here is video quality. It just doesn’t compete with other smart doorbells and shows that a high price and a big name don’t always guarantee the best results.”
Final thoughts
Essentially, you can’t go wrong with these brands; Nest and Ring. They both offer excellent video doorbells designed to keep your house safe.
They’re both reliable brands, with sleek products and offer between a 1-2 year warranty.
You’ll need to consider if you’d like a wired or a battery doorbell, and you’ll also need to look at your budget.
Ring offers a wider variety of excellent products, and Nest is a well-established brand with great customer service and data security practices.
