Smart video doorbells have transformed from simple chime replacements into sophisticated home security devices. Today's models offer HD video, smart notifications, and integration with other home automation systems. Let's compare two popular options released in 2023: the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus ($99.99) and the Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell & Chime SE ($79.99).
Video quality makes a significant difference in actual use. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus leads with 1536p HD resolution - that's about 50% more pixels than standard 1080p. This extra detail matters when you're trying to identify faces or read package labels from your phone. Ring's implementation of HDR (High Dynamic Range) helps balance bright and dark areas, which is especially useful when someone is backlit by strong sunlight.
The Roku SE offers 1080p resolution, which is still perfectly serviceable for most situations. However, in challenging lighting conditions or when trying to capture fine details, the difference becomes noticeable. From testing similar systems, the higher resolution of the Ring truly shines when zooming in on recorded footage.
Here's where these devices take fundamentally different approaches:
The Ring's battery-powered design means you can install it anywhere without worrying about existing doorbell wiring. The battery typically lasts 1-3 months, depending on settings and activity. You can also hardwire it if desired, making it more versatile than the Roku option. A spare battery ($35) lets you swap instantly without downtime.
Roku's wired-only approach eliminates battery concerns but requires existing doorbell wiring (10-24 VAC). While this might seem limiting, it provides consistent power and eliminates maintenance. If you're already replacing a wired doorbell, this might be preferable.
Both doorbells offer motion detection and smartphone alerts, but they handle these features differently:
Ring's advanced package detection uses AI to differentiate between people, packages, and other motion. The head-to-toe viewing angle (150° vertical) ensures you can see packages left at your doorstep. Their motion zones are highly customizable, reducing false alerts from street traffic or swaying trees.
Roku integrates especially well with Roku TVs, automatically displaying your doorbell feed when someone rings - perfect for home theater setups. It works with more smart home platforms (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit) than Ring, which primarily focuses on Alexa integration.
This is a crucial difference that affects long-term costs:
Ring Protect ($4.99/month):
Roku Subscription ($3.99/month):
The price difference seems small, but Ring stores footage 13 times longer. For security-conscious users, this extended history could be invaluable.
Having tested similar systems, here's what matters in daily use:
Response Time:
Night Vision:
Audio Quality:
Initial costs:
First year total (with subscription):
Both devices have received firmware updates since their 2023 release:
Ring has improved:
Roku has enhanced:
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is the more capable device, offering superior video quality and advanced features. However, the Roku SE provides excellent value, especially if you're already invested in the Roku ecosystem.
For most users, the decision will come down to installation requirements and budget. If you need battery power or want the best video quality, Ring is worth the premium. If you have existing wiring and want a cost-effective solution, Roku's offering is compelling.
Remember that both companies regularly update their software, so feature sets may expand over time. Consider your specific needs and long-term costs when making your decision.
| Ring Battery Doorbell Plus | Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell & Chime SE |
|---|---|
| Video Resolution - Higher resolution means clearer identification of faces and packages | |
| 1536p HD (50% more detail than 1080p) | 1080p HD (standard but sufficient for most uses) |
| Field of View - Wider angles show more of your entryway | |
| 150° horizontal and vertical (sees packages on ground) | 120° horizontal (standard coverage) |
| Power Source - Affects installation flexibility and maintenance | |
| Battery powered (1-3 months per charge) or hardwired | Hardwired only (requires existing doorbell wiring) |
| Total Initial Cost - Including necessary accessories | |
| $126.99 ($99.99 + $27 for chime) | $79.99 (includes chime) |
| Subscription Cost - Required for advanced features | |
| $4.99/month (Ring Protect) | $3.99/month (Roku Smart Home) |
| Cloud Storage - Important for reviewing past events | |
| 180 days of video history | 14 days of video history |
| Smart Home Integration - Affects compatibility with existing devices | |
| Amazon Alexa focused | Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit |
| Night Vision Capabilities - Critical for overnight security | |
| Color night vision with HDR | Standard black/white night vision |
| Special Features - Added functionality beyond basic doorbell | |
| Advanced package detection, head-to-toe view, customizable motion zones | Roku TV integration, basic motion detection |
| Operating Temperature Range - Affects reliability in extreme weather | |
| -20.5°C to 50°C | -20.5°C to 48.5°C |
| Weather Resistance - Important for outdoor durability | |
| Weather-resistant with lifetime theft protection | Weather-resistant with lifetime theft protection |
| Audio Features - Affects communication quality | |
| Two-way audio with advanced noise cancellation | Two-way audio with basic noise cancellation |
| Installation Requirements - Consider setup complexity | |
| DIY installation, no wiring needed | Requires professional installation if no existing wiring |
The Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell integrates directly with Roku TVs, automatically displaying doorbell footage on your screen. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus only works with Alexa-enabled displays, making Roku the better choice for home theater integration.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus costs $99.99 plus $27 for a chime ($126.99 total), while the Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell costs $79.99 and includes a chime, making it more affordable upfront.
Yes, both require subscriptions for full features. Ring Protect costs $4.99/month and stores video for 180 days, while Roku's service is $3.99/month with 14 days of storage.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers superior 1536p HD video compared to Roku's 1080p resolution, providing clearer images for identifying visitors and packages.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus can be installed DIY since it's battery-powered. The Roku SE requires existing doorbell wiring and might need professional installation.
Ring offers superior color night vision with HDR, while Roku provides standard black-and-white night vision. Ring performs better in low-light conditions.
Roku works with more platforms (Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit), while Ring primarily integrates with Alexa devices.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus stores videos for 180 days with subscription, while the Roku SE keeps them for 14 days.
Ring offers advanced package detection with head-to-toe viewing angle, making it superior for monitoring deliveries compared to Roku's basic motion detection.
Roku automatically displays alerts on Roku TVs, while Ring requires an Alexa-enabled display device. For home theater setups, Roku offers more seamless integration.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus battery lasts 1-3 months per charge, while the Roku SE is hardwired and doesn't require charging.
Ring offers a 150° horizontal and vertical field of view, while Roku has a narrower 120° horizontal view, making Ring better for monitoring larger areas.
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 - consumerreports.org - forums.wyze.com - community.roku.com - discussions.apple.com - consumerreports.org - ring.com - securitysystemsnews.com - community.roku.com - image.roku.com - droneupdelivery.com - lukoilmarine.com - roku.com
