Skybell vs Ring 2018

A WiFi doorbell is one of the latest technologies showing up in smart homes near you. Unlike a regular doorbell, which merely rings when someone pushes it, a smart doorbell connects to the internet and includes things like a built-in camera, speaker, and microphone.

This technological gadget is for more than just added fun in your home, though. A WiFi doorbell offers peace of mind for you when people come to your door and a better way to communicate with delivery persons when you aren’t even home.

SkyBell and Ring are two of the most popular WiFi doorbells on the market. Let’s take a look at what they have to offer, and which one is our pick.

If you want to skip the reviews and see which one we like best, you can click here.

Which Smart Doorbell Should I Buy for My Home?

Both the SkyBell and Ring doorbells are winning pieces of technology, so you can’t go wrong with either one. Still, we like to be fair and point out the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision. Here’s what we think the SkyBell and Ring do well:

Why Buy a SkyBell?

The SkyBell comes with just one version, SkyBell HD, so there’s no need to compare different models. One of the most important benefits of a SkyBell doorbell is that you’ll get free video recording with the system in addition to HD live video. That means that you can view recorded video from earlier in the day if you suspect foul play or just want to see if anyone came to your door while you were out.

Additionally, the system can integrate with other pieces of your home to provide full smart technology. For example, you can connect SkyBell to your Amazon Echo for voiceless control, your Kwikset smart lock for remote locking and unlocking, and your Nest Protect device to alert visitors of carbon monoxide detection in your home.

Why Buy a Ring?

Unlike SkyBell, Ring has a few video doorbell models to choose from, giving you the benefit of deciding which one is best for your home and budget. Ring offers just about any feature you could want in a smart doorbell, including HD live video, two-way communication, motion detection, and night vision.

Where Ring stands out against the competition is with its customizable motion detection zones. Using the Ring App, you can designate specific areas of your home or yard, within the view of the doorbell, to detect motion. You’ll receive an alert whenever someone or something enters that zone. So, if you tend to have packages left in a specific spot on the porch, you can get alerts if someone enters that place, which could help you deter package thieves.

What Could Be Better?

As with most technology, these WiFi doorbells tend to compete for stand-out features. Although they both offer the essential benefits you’d expect from this type of system, they each have some drawbacks that might affect your purchase decision.

SkyBell – Challenging to Install

Although SkyBell seems to have just about everything you’d want in a smart doorbell once it’s installed, the actual installation process could prove to be a challenge. This doorbell requires a wired power connection, which can be tricky for those who don’t have experience with electrical work. But, to be fair, this could be an issue with any doorbell that requires wired power, rather than battery power, to work.

SkyBell does have some challenges when it comes to integrating devices, too. The process to connect devices might not be as simple as you’d hoped. Some users have mentioned having trouble pairing their SkyBell with their chosen accessories, such as the Amazon Echo.

Ring – Charges a Fee for Video Recording

Unlike SkyBell, which records video within its system for free, Ring charges you a fee for the same service. Ring’s Protect Plan can cover you in this area, but it’ll cost you $30 per year for the Basic plan or $100 per year for Plus. The Protect Plus gets you some additional benefits, like covering multiple cameras for no extra cost and a lifetime warranty for your Ring device.

Unfortunately, the video recording is an essential part of having a smart doorbell, so this additional cost to users is a big drawback with the Ring system.

Who’s the Winner?

We believe that SkyBell offers plenty of features that can help bring you some peace of mind for your home and family. If you didn’t read our full review and would like to see how we came to our decision, please click here!

This smart doorbell integrates with so many devices that can work together to protect your home easily and conveniently. With two-way communication, colored night vision, and motion detection, you’ll have everything you need to keep you in the loop about what’s going on with your home. And, the benefit of having free video recording is priceless.

Do you agree with our winner? We’d love to know your thoughts in a comment!

Recap: SkyBell vs Ring

SkyBell and Ring both offer incredible protection for your home and the convenience of answering your door, no matter where in the world you are. These WiFi doorbells can undoubtedly make you feel safer knowing that you can see, and speak to, your visitors without ever opening your door.

Ring excels in its simple app interface and installation and customizable motion detection zones. SkyBell offers users a way to record and watch previous video for free for extra safety. You can’t necessarily go wrong with either option; your choice comes down to what feels right for your family.

Is a WiFi Doorbell Better Than a Regular One? What are the Benefits?

A WiFi doorbell, also known as a smart doorbell, is much more technologically advanced than a regular doorbell. We want to start off by saying that, no, not everyone will have a use for a WiFi doorbell. But, it can come in handy for families who want to see who is at their door before answering. Or, those who are away on business frequently might benefit from having the option of communicating with delivery personnel via their smartphone app to give them instructions for dropping off their packages.

Wifi doorbells offer incredible convenience over regular doorbells. You can, virtually, answer your door no matter where you are, just by switching on the mobile app that connects to it. You’ll see your visitor and can communicate with him or her via the app. Not home from the store as quickly as you thought you’d be? Tell Grandma to wait about 5 minutes, and you’ll be there!

Most smart doorbells can also integrate with other smart devices in your home to control other things for convenience and safety. For example, SkyBell can be connected to your porch light system to control when to turn your porch lights on and off, or to provide motion-detecting safety at night.

How Does a WiFi Doorbell Work?

Smart doorbells are usually quick and easy to install, set up, and use. Your visitors will find the doorbell as easy to use as a regular one – all they need to do is press the button, so nothing will change for them from using a standard doorbell. You and the doorbell handle the rest.

WiFi doorbells are wireless, so there aren’t any complicated wires to run through your home. Like other wireless devices, the smart doorbell communicates using a wireless signal transmitter. When a visitor presses the button, the transmitter sends a signal to the chime box, prompting your doorbell to ring.

At the same time, your doorbell will prompt your mobile app to send you a notification when someone is at your door. Whether or not you’re expecting visitors, you can still benefit from this handy feature. Turn on the app and see, via the camera, who’s waiting at your door. Also using the app, you can speak to the visitor through the microphone and speaker.

What Features Should I Look for in a Smart Doorbell?

Each smart doorbell comes with its own set of features that makes it stand out from the competition, although most offer the basics: two-way communication, visitor alerts, motion sensing, and live video with night vision capabilities.

If you want a little more than the basics, there are some other beneficial features that some WiFi doorbells provide. One of the best features to look for is Smart Lock technology, which lets you unlock your door wirelessly for visitors you trust to gain access to your home when you’re not there.

Both SkyBell and Ring have this feature available when you integrate your doorbell with a remote lock system, like Kevo. So, if you’re on vacation and expecting the dog walker, you can check your doorbell app to make sure that’s who’s at the door. If so, unlock the door remotely and lock it back up when she leaves.

You might also want to look for a doorbell that allows you to record video to play back at another time. This helpful security feature can show you who was at your home while you were gone.