In the question, what is the difference between Arlo and Ring doorbell? which video doorbell do you think is a much better smart device? Let’s have a look at these two in this comparison article.
Arlo vs. Ring — Camera & Doorbell Comparison
In Ring vs. Arlo Doorbell, the latter is more popular for its video doorbell products as it has a wide array of options. Besides video doorbell, Ring has smart home features, environmental monitoring, as well as door and window sensors.
Arlo, on the other hand, has excellent camera options. Its features are high level too, which include clear night vision and AI detection. Still, Ring is a little better between the two thanks to the broader offerings for all kinds of users.
Both companies specialize in DIY but high-level security products. Many users like the fact that Ring and Arlo don’t have complicated installations and long subscriptions. But when it comes to deciding between the two, you must consider your security and personal preferences.
Find out what Arlo and Ring have in common and what differences they have in the rest of this article.
What Do They Both Have in Common?
If you look at Arlo vs. Ring Doorbells, you will see that both are the top of their game when it comes to DIY security. Because of that, it cannot be helped that they have some similarities. Some of the things that their doorbells have in common are:
- The hassle-free setup and installation
- Camera systems available for both inside and outside use
- Third-party smart home integration such as Alexa and Google Assistant
- Cameras are wireless, so wired installation is not necessarily required
- Battery-powered devices mean enhanced versatility
- No need to sign up on any subscription or contracts
All these aspects of Arlo and Ring make them accessible to a lot of users.
What Are Their Differences?
Arlo and Ring offer an excellent line up of security options. However, there are some significant differences in them. Some of these are”
- Arlo doesn’t have professional monitoring services while Ring has, but it isn’t required for a user to avail them
- Arlo has limited home automation options while Ring offers a full service
- The ring is a lot less pricy than Arlo, which has doorbell kits with a price of around $200 and up
- Arlo provides seven days of free video storage while Ring doesn’t offer any
- Arlo provides continuous recording on some of its devices while Ring doesn’t offer this option
Keep these differences in mind as it will help you decide which brand of doorbells suits your needs best.
A Closer Look to Arlo and Ring Doorbells
You will find many options for smart doorbells in the market. Between Arlo and Ring, there are several of them that picking one can become challenging. Let’s take a closer look at some of the features and functions of these products so that you can make up your mind.
Doorbell Cameras
- Ring
The ring has a wide range of doorbell cameras you can choose from that can easily replace your old doorbells. They are easy to install with or without an existing doorbell, and along with its exceptional features, make Ring one of the best.
Here are the most popular doorbell cameras from Ring:
- Ring 2
The successor to the base Ring Doorbell, Ring 2 offers 1080p video resolution with battery or hardwired power. Its field of view includes 160-degree horizontal and 90-degrees vertical vision. This particular doorbell camera is compatible with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. Other features include two-way audio, on-demand video, and motion-activated alerts.
- Ring Pro
One of the best Ring doorbells and video doorbells in the market, Ring Pro comes with higher-end features. It has advanced motion sensors, 1080p video resolution, as well as 160-degree horizontal and 90-degrees vertical field of view. Ring Pro runs hardwired and has four different faceplates available.
- Ring 3
Ring 3 is the brand’s newest video doorbell. Its motion detection and video quality are the same as Ring Pro. Unlike Ring Pro, it can run on battery power, though. It also has advanced features like night vision, noise cancellation, and privacy zones. It is compatible with dual Wi-Fi bands.
- Ring 3 Plus
Ring 3 Plus is also a new video doorbell with features identical to Ring 3. It also runs on battery and can be hardwired. Ring 3 Plus has 1080p video resolution, two-way talk with noise cancellation, night vision, and advanced privacy zones. The only difference is it has “Pre-Roll Video,” which allows the detection of an approaching visitor.
- Arlo
Currently, Arlo only has one model of doorbell camera. However, almost all of their outdoor cameras can be mounted. It allows you to get a good view of what’s right outside the door. Arlo Video Doorbell is installed by hardwiring to an existing doorbell wiring.
It has features similar to Ring doorbells such as two-way audio, motion detection, and push notifications. Arlo Video Doorbell also has a 180-degree field of view. It can work without a base station, unlike other Arlo cams.
Video Quality
Comparing Arlo vs. Ring Doorbell, you will find each has diverse levels of video quality. Most Ring doorbells have 1080p video resolution except the standard Ring Doorbell. This base model has 720p video quality.
Arlo also has cameras with 720p video quality. This video resolution is the lowest level that both brands offer. They are available for budget meal video doorbells and cameras. Because it is the lowest video resolution, it lacks clear visibility, especially at night.
With Ring, Ring 2, Ring Pro, Ring Elite, Ring 3 and Ring 3 Plus all offer 1080p video resolution, which is considered to be high-resolution. They work well and provide clear videos at a further distance, even in dimly lit environments. Arlo Pro 2 provides 1080p video resolution.
Arlo proves to have better video quality with Arlo Pro 3’s 2K video resolution. The 1080p resolution has crisp clarity, but still some graininess. The 2K video resolution resolves this but not like a full 4K that can hog too much bandwidth.
Full 4K video resolution is currently the best in the market. No Ring video doorbells are offering this resolution, but Arlo Ultra does. It has amazing video quality that Ring cannot compete with any of its video doorbells.
Contracts
In terms of contracts, neither company offers long term contracts to purchase a video doorbell kit or professional monitoring. They do have plans at an affordable price that provide extra features and benefits.
For Arlo, there is Arlo Smart Elite and Arlo Smart Premier for $3 and $10 a month, respectively. Both include a Lifetime Theft Protection, Video History for up to 30 days, Snapshot Capture, and capability to support up to 5 cameras. The only difference is Elite has 2K video resolution while Premier has 4K. They don’t offer 24/7 professional monitoring.
With Ring, there is Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus for $3 and $10 a month, respectively. Both have Lifetime Theft Protection, Snapshot Capture, and video history for 30 days. Protect Plus, however, comes with 24/7 professional monitoring and allows access for all Ring devices at your property.
Pricing
The ring is much more affordable between the two. A basic Ring package costs around $199 charged by month or year. For the basic plan, the starting price is $3 a month per camera. That’s $30 every year per camera. The complete package’s price is $10 a month or $100 a year, which covers an unlimited number of cameras.
Arlo is more expensive. It charges around $200 to $400 based on whether you get one or two cameras. The basic package that comes with free cloud storage costs $8.25 a month, covering 10 cameras with 30 days of storage. The Elite package, on the other hand, charges $12.41 a month, supporting up to 15 cameras with 60 days of storage.
Power Options
The video doorbells and security cameras offered by both Arlo and Ring have various power options. There is both battery-powered, hardwired, and solar-powered. It all depends on the model you get.
With Ring Doorbells, they are either battery-powered, hardwired, or optional solar powered. They also have plugged in cameras. As for Arlo Doorbell, it’s only battery-powered. The rest of the cameras are plugged in, hardwired, or optional solar-powered.
Installation
Whether doorbells or cameras, both cameras offer them in easy DIY setup and installation. The kits include all the tools needed from the level tool to the screwdriver. The kit also contains the instructions.
If you want to see a much closer review of Arlo and Ring Doorbells, YouTube has a clip about Arlo Video Doorbell vs. Ring Pro. We recommend watching that.
Conclusion
Between Arlo and Ring Doorbell, it is easy enough to choose the best. Arlo has a wide range of camera products but only one video doorbell. Ring, on the other hand, has many for you to choose from, not to mention the price is affordable.
There’s no contest to Arlo vs. Ring Doorbell. With Ring, you can enjoy a fully automated video doorbell and sensor. Along with the option for professional monitoring, Ring effectively enhances the security by your door.
References:
- Erin Maloney, Arlo vs. Ring, Securitynerd.com, March 26, 2020
- Derek Hales, Arlo vs. Ring: Side-by-Side Comparison, Moderncastle.com, April 14, 2020
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