If you're in the market for a video doorbell, there's no shortage of options, and narrowing them down can be overwhelming. Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest are two of the biggest names in the market, but which one makes the right smart doorbell for you? We've tested every major model out there, so we're here to help you weigh the pros and cons of each.
And this isn't simply a two-product comparison.
Ring alone has more than half a dozen different models to choose from, our favorites being the $249.99 Video Doorbell Pro, the $229.99 Video Doorbell 3 Plus, and the $129.99 Peephole Cam.
Nest, meanwhile, offers just one option at the moment, the $229 Hello.
What Do You Need In a Video Doorbell?
When evaluating video doorbells, you need to consider whether you want a wired or wireless model, and whether it works with other smart home devices you own.
You also need to think about how much foot traffic you get at your doorway.
If the answer is "a lot," you might want to invest in the Hello, which offers 24/7 streaming and continuous video recording.
You won't find that feature on Ring doorbells, though the Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Video Doorbell 3 Plus offer Pre-Roll technology to show you what was going on before the motion sensor was triggered.
If you don't get much activity at your door, meanwhile, a more affordable alternative like the $99.99 second-generation Ring Video Doorbell might be just fine.
Fortunately, the plethora of models means there's a suitable video doorbell for every home.
Keep reading for our suggestions for each scenario below.
If You Already Use Google Assistant: Nest Hello
If you already use other Google or Nest smart home devices like a Nest Hub smart display, a Nest Mini (aka Google Home Mini) smart speaker, or a Google Chromecast, go with the Hello video doorbell if you can afford it.
It's on the pricier side, but the Hello earned high marks in our tests for its ability to identify people using face recognition technology, its sharp HD video, its sleek design, and its interoperability with other smart home devices.
Pair it with a Nest Mini and Chromecast, for instance, and you can ask your smart speaker to cast video from the doorbell to your TV. You can also stream video from the doorbell to a screen-equipped Amazon Alexa device like the Echo Show, as well as Fire tablets and Fire TV devices, but the Hello doesn't play nice with Alexa devices without a display.
Also keep in mind that the Hello requires an existing chime box, and the installation process involves working with electrical wiring.
And be sure to budget at least $6 per month or $60 per year for a Nest Aware plan, which is required to make use of many of the Hello's features, including 24/7 continuous recording, Familiar Face and intelligent alerts, and the ability to create clips and time-lapses, configure activity zones, and access your video history.
If You Prefer Amazon Alexa: Ring Video Doorbell Pro
If you have an Alexa-powered smart home, you probably want to opt for a Ring video doorbell.
The Video Doorbell Pro is Ring's answer to the Nest Hello.
It earned our Editors' Choice thanks to its slim design, interchangeable faceplates, and sharp 1080p video day and night.
Like the Hello, it requires existing doorbell writing, but in testing we found it fairly easy to install.
It's a touch more expensive than the Hello outright, but its monthly cloud storage fees are a bit more affordable (starting at $3 per month or $30 per year).
Ring video doorbells work well with Alexa, letting you hear and speak to people at your front door from compatible smart displays, speakers, tablets, and Fire TV devices.
You can also view live video on an Echo Show or on your Fire-equipped TV.
When it comes to Google Assistant support, Ring's doorbells aren't quite as robust.
You can use Google Assistant to start a new video recording, but you can't view footage from your Ring doorbell on a Nest Hub smart display or a Chromecast-equipped TV.
If You Don't Want to Mess With Wires: Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
If you don't have existing doorbell wiring, or have any interest in working with it, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus is an excellent choice.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus is a wireless, battery-operated model that installs in minutes and delivers sharp 1080p video.
It's not as sleek-looking as the Pro, but it also offers motion detection, support for Amazon Alexa voice commands, and Pre-Roll buffering technology.
Battery life depends on usage, but when it requires charging, all you have to do is remove the battery, bring it inside, and power it up using the included USB charging cable.
If You Live in an Apartment: Ring Peephole Cam
Living in an apartment doesn't mean you have to forego the benefits of a video doorbell.
The Ring Peephole Cam is specifically designed for apartment dwellers or anyone who uses a peephole lens to see who is at their door.
It's wireless, easy to install, and you can still use it as a traditional peephole lens.
But it also gives you all the benefits of a video doorbell, including HD video, two-way talk, and motion-activated notifications.
Don't Overlook the Alternatives: Nest and Ring vs.
Arlo, RemoBell, and More
Nest and Ring are two of the better-known video doorbell makers, but they have plenty of competition.
The RemoBell S is a compelling alternative worth a look, for instance.
At just $99, it's loaded with features including motion detection, free cloud storage, and Alexa and Google Assistant support, earning our Editors' Choice.
And the Arlo Video Doorbell is a terrific choice if your home is already equipped with any of the company's indoor and outdoor security cameras.
For more, be sure to check out our full rundown of the best video doorbells we've tested.
