Alternatives To Ring Doorbells

Looking for a smart doorbell but not sure about which one to go for? You’ve come to the right place. For a long time, Ring has been the smart doorbell of choice, with millions of homes around the world adopting this device.

But as its popularity has grown, so have concerns around it. Ring doorbells have been accused of contributing to racial profiling and invasions of privacy in the past, whilst also facing questions about its data protection practices.

So, if you find yourself wanting a smart doorbell but aren’t sold on Ring, we have you covered.

 

Why Are Smart Doorbells Becoming So Popular?

 

It must surprise you, but a huge one in 5 Brits now have a video doorbell, according to Consumer Intelligence.

But why? Well, smart doorbells have become popular in recent years for a number of reasons. Firstly, they provide an extra layer of home security, helping homeowners monitor their front doors and be alerted to any suspicious activity quickly.

Not only that, but they can also act as a deterrent, as people know they are being recorded and so may avoid approaching a home, knowing they are more likely to be caught.

Besides security boosting, smart doorbells are also practical. They allow homeowners to communicate with people at their door even if they aren’t home, which can help with deliveries or rogue visitors.

 

 

What Should You Look For When Choosing A Smart Doorbell?

 

When choosing a smart doorbell for your house, there are a few things to think about, including:

1. How good is the camera – and how much space is it able to record in one go? Too little and you might miss important details.
2. Is it wired or battery operated and if the latter, how long does the battery last?
3. Where are the images stored? Do you have to pay for extra storage?
4. Does it work even if the power goes out?
5. How easy is the app to use?
6. Does it integrate with the home system you use (e.g Google Home, Amazon Alexa etc.)
7. If you’re keeping it outdoors, is it fully weather proof?

Ultimately, the right doorbell for you will balance security, ease of use and easy integration.

So, if you don’t have a smart doorbell installed yet, but are thinking about getting one, here are some alternatives to Ring for you to explore.

 

What Doorbells Could Be Good Ring Alternatives?

 

Google Nest Doorbell

 

 

Price: from £120

The Nest Doorbell is a product by Google, designed to integrate with its existing Google home systems. With HD video, sleek design, voice responding capabilities and the choice between wired or battery operation, it’s a solid Ring alternative.

One of the other big benefits of the Google Nest is that the basic package is free, allowing users to get alerts and save up to 3 hours of event history.

 

Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell

 

 

Price: 129

The Arlo Essential doorbell comes with a wide view (180 degrees) so viewers can see visitors from head to toe, as well as any packages they might leave on the ground.

The doorbell also comes with night vision and the choice to have it wireless (with a battery) or plugged in, making it a versatile option. When it comes to integration, Arlo works with most popular home systems, allowing it to easily slot into existing tech.

 

Blink Video Doorbell

 

 

Price: 49.99

A slightly lower cost option, Blink provides a battery powered HD security camera that allows users to consistently monitor their homes.

The doorbell promises a long battery life, real time alerts and a sleek design, making it a solid choice.

Easily integrated into Amazon home ecosystems, Blink provides a more low-cost alternative to Ring, without compromising on security.

 

Eufy Video Doorbell

 

 

Price: £119

For those looking for increased visibility, Eufy is a great choice. With night vision and 2 cameras that extend the camera’s view, it gives homes even more security coverage.

And with a quick-realise rechargeable battery pack, you can make sure that the doorbell never runs out of power.

 

Aqara Smart Video Doorbell

 

 

Price: £120.

With 24/7 recording, a sleek design and long battery life, the Aqara Smart Doorbell is another solid choice.

And, with an inbuilt speaker, the doorbell not only records what is happening at your front door, but can actively raise an alarm during a break in to further increase security.

The doorbell also allows for direct communication – making it great for capturing photos, videos and speaking to potential intruders.

 

Yale Smart Video Doorbell

 

 

Price: £107

Yale is another great alternative, offering easy remote-monitoring and real-time notifications to improve security.

With alerts sent as ‘calls’ to a phone, and the ability to speak to visitors directly, it’s a great option for any home.

Alongside its motion detection, long-life battery and rechargeable power adapter, Yale also includes 2-4 days of footage storage, allowing users to look back whenever they need to.