In today's smart home landscape, video doorbells have evolved from simple convenience devices into sophisticated security hubs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two leading options: the $179 Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and the $179.99 Google Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen.
Video doorbells have come a long way since their introduction in the mid-2010s. Both these models, released in 2023, represent the latest advancements in home monitoring technology. The key improvements focus on video quality, AI-powered detection, and integration with broader smart home ecosystems.
The most significant difference between these devices lies in their power approach. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers dual power options - you can either use its rechargeable battery or hardwire it to your existing doorbell wiring. This flexibility is particularly valuable if you're renting or don't want to deal with electrical work. The battery typically lasts 2-3 months, depending on usage patterns and weather conditions.
In contrast, the Nest Doorbell Wired requires permanent installation to your home's doorbell wiring. While this means no battery maintenance, it does require either existing doorbell wiring or professional installation. The benefit? Continuous, reliable power without worrying about recharging or performance degradation in cold weather.
Both doorbells excel in different aspects of video performance. The Ring offers 1536p resolution (think slightly better than standard HD) with a unique square aspect ratio that provides excellent coverage from head to toe. This is particularly useful for package monitoring - you can clearly see deliveries left right at your doorstep.
The Nest counters with HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, which helps balance bright and dark areas in the same frame. This is especially valuable if your doorway receives direct sunlight or has strong shadows. Its 1600x1200 resolution provides sharp details during daylight hours.
For night vision, Ring takes the lead with color night vision, while Nest uses traditional infrared. Color night vision can be helpful for identifying details like clothing colors, but infrared typically provides better clarity in complete darkness.
Here's where these devices really differentiate themselves:
The Nest's AI capabilities are particularly impressive, offering free features that Ring reserves for paid subscribers. Its facial recognition can learn familiar faces over time, announcing them by name through connected Google speakers.
Both companies offer subscription services, but they differ significantly in what's included in the base product:
Ring Protect Plans:
Nest Aware:
A key difference: Nest includes core AI features without subscription, while Ring requires a subscription for most smart features.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus works seamlessly with Amazon's Alexa ecosystem. You can view your doorbell feed on Echo Show devices, receive announcements through Echo speakers, and integrate with Ring's broader security products like cameras and alarms.
The Nest Doorbell Wired naturally excels in the Google ecosystem. It can announce visitors by name through Google speakers, show feeds on Chromecast-enabled displays, and integrate with other Nest products like cameras and thermostats.
Ring's battery option makes installation incredibly straightforward - mount the bracket, attach the doorbell, and you're ready to go. Even the wired installation is relatively simple if you're replacing an existing doorbell.
Nest's wired-only approach requires more planning. You'll need:
Daily use reveals some interesting differences:
Response Time:
Motion Detection:
Video Storage:
Choose the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus if:
Choose the Nest Doorbell Wired if:
Both devices represent excellent choices in modern video doorbells, with the final decision often coming down to your existing smart home ecosystem and installation preferences. The Ring offers more flexibility in installation and power options, while the Nest provides better out-of-the-box smart features and AI capabilities.
Remember that both companies regularly update their software, adding new features and improving performance. Whichever you choose, you'll get a capable device that will likely become more powerful over time through software updates.
| Ring Battery Doorbell Plus | Google Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen |
|---|---|
| Price - Base hardware cost before subscriptions | |
| $179 | $179.99 |
| Video Resolution - Higher is better for identifying details | |
| 1536p HD (slightly sharper for details) | 1600 x 1200 HD (good balance of clarity) |
| Field of View - Determines how much area you can monitor | |
| 150° horizontal, 150° vertical (better for packages) | 160° diagonal (wider overall view) |
| Power Source - Affects installation and maintenance | |
| Battery or hardwired (flexible installation) | Hardwired only (requires existing doorbell wiring) |
| Night Vision - Important for low-light monitoring | |
| Color night vision (better for detail identification) | Infrared night vision (clearer in complete darkness) |
| Storage Options - Determines video history access | |
| Cloud only with subscription | 3 hours free event storage, cloud with subscription |
| Smart Features Without Subscription | |
| Basic motion alerts only | Person, package, vehicle detection, face recognition |
| Monthly Subscription Cost - For advanced features | |
| $3.99 Basic / $10 Plus | $6 Basic / $12 Plus |
| Weather Resistance - Durability in outdoor conditions | |
| -20.5°C to 50°C operating range | -20°C to 40°C operating range |
| Smart Home Integration - Ecosystem compatibility | |
| Amazon Alexa, Ring ecosystem | Google Assistant, limited Alexa support |
| Installation Requirements | |
| Battery: None / Wired: 8-24VAC transformer | 16-24VAC transformer required |
| Battery Life - Maintenance consideration | |
| 2-3 months typical use | No battery, continuous power |
| Warranty Coverage | |
| 1 year limited + theft protection | 2 year limited warranty |
The $179 Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is better for flexible installation and color night vision, while the $179.99 Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen excels in AI features and free smart alerts. Your choice depends mainly on your existing smart home ecosystem and installation preferences.
Yes, both doorbells can display video on your home theater setup. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus works with Fire TV devices, while the Nest Doorbell connects through Chromecast. Both can show live feeds and recorded events on your big screen.
The Nest Doorbell includes core AI features and 3 hours of event storage without subscription. The Ring Doorbell Plus requires a subscription ($3.99/month minimum) for most smart features and any video recording.
Both offer excellent HD video, but they excel in different ways. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus provides 1536p resolution with better package viewing angles, while the Nest Doorbell offers 1600x1200 resolution with superior HDR for handling bright sunlight.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers both battery and wired installation options, making it more flexible. The Nest Doorbell requires hardwiring to existing doorbell wiring, which might need professional installation.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus features color night vision, which helps identify details like clothing colors. The Nest Doorbell uses traditional infrared night vision, which typically provides better clarity in complete darkness.
The Ring Doorbell works best with Amazon Alexa and Ring security products. The Nest Doorbell integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant and other Nest devices.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus typically lasts 2-3 months between charges, depending on usage and weather. The Nest Doorbell is wired-only and doesn't use batteries.
Both can detect packages, but the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus requires a subscription for this feature. The Nest Doorbell includes package detection for free along with other AI detection features.
Both perform well in cold weather, but the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus battery life may decrease in extreme cold. The Nest Doorbell, being wired, maintains consistent performance regardless of temperature.
Yes, both support automation. The Ring Doorbell Plus can trigger Ring security devices and Alexa routines, while the Nest Doorbell works with Google Home routines and can announce visitors by name through compatible speakers.
The Nest Doorbell offers significantly better value without a subscription, including AI detection features and free event storage. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus requires a subscription to access most smart features and any video recording.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: tomsguide.com - se-en.ring.com - consumerreports.org - linkdhome.com - se-en.ring.com - ae-en.ring.com - wave-electronics.com - bestbuy.com - pcrichard.com - verizon.com - androidpolice.com - sa-en.ring.com - ring.com - bestbuy.com - consumerreports.org - youtube.com - the5krunner.com - camelcamelcamel.com - support.google.com - security.org - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - wasserstein-home.com - googlenestcommunity.com - googlenestcommunity.com - support.google.com
