Smart video doorbells have transformed from simple camera-equipped buzzers into sophisticated home security devices. Today's models combine high-resolution cameras, advanced motion detection, and smart home integration to create an intelligent first line of defense for your home.
In this comparison, we'll look at two leading contenders: the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro ($149.99) and the Google Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen ($148.99), both released in late 2022. These devices represent the latest in doorbell technology, with each taking a distinctly different approach to home security.
Both doorbells have made significant strides in video quality compared to their predecessors. The Ring Pro leads with 1536p HD+ resolution, which means sharper, clearer images that can capture important details like package labels or facial features. Its 150-degree field of view provides excellent coverage of your entryway.
The Nest Doorbell offers a slightly different approach with its 1600x1200 resolution and 160-degree diagonal view. While the numbers might seem similar, there's a noticeable difference in real-world performance. Ring's higher vertical resolution proves particularly useful for package detection and full-body viewing of visitors.
Perhaps the biggest differentiator between these models is their power approach. The Ring Pro offers dual power options - it can run on its quick-release battery pack or be hardwired to existing doorbell wiring (8-24 VAC). This flexibility is a game-changer for homes without existing doorbell wiring or those wanting backup power during outages.
The Nest Doorbell commits fully to hardwired installation (12-24 VAC), which eliminates battery concerns but requires existing doorbell wiring. This design choice allows for constant recording capabilities and eliminates the need for battery maintenance.
Both devices have evolved significantly in their AI capabilities, but implement them differently. The Ring Pro introduces "Bird's Eye View," which creates an overhead map showing visitor movement patterns - particularly useful for security monitoring. It also features 3D Motion Detection, which reduces false alerts by measuring precise distance and movement.
The Nest Doorbell includes free person, package, and vehicle detection without requiring a subscription - a significant advantage over Ring's subscription-required features. Its AI has proven particularly adept at distinguishing between different types of motion, leading to fewer false alerts.
The Ring Pro's 1536p resolution shows its value in challenging lighting conditions. Its HDR (High Dynamic Range) processing handles strong backlighting better than previous models, while the zonal infrared LEDs provide even illumination for night vision. The color night vision feature, which uses ambient light to maintain color images in low-light conditions, is particularly impressive.
The Nest Doorbell compensates for its lower resolution with excellent HDR processing and consistent performance across lighting conditions. Its night vision, while not as advanced as Ring's, provides clear and useful images.
Both doorbells have refined their motion detection to reduce false alerts, but they excel in different areas. The Ring Pro shines in customizable motion zones and distance-based detection, while the Nest Doorbell offers superior AI-based detection out of the box.
This is where the practical differences become apparent:
Ring's integration with the Amazon ecosystem provides seamless Alexa compatibility and works well with other Ring devices. The Pro can trigger automation through IFTTT and works with various smart locks and lights.
The Nest Doorbell naturally excels in the Google ecosystem, offering tight integration with Google Assistant and other Nest products. While it works with Alexa, the experience isn't as seamless as with Google devices.
Both companies have mature, well-designed apps, but they serve different needs:
The Ring Pro's battery option requires periodic charging (typically every 3-6 months), but the quick-release battery makes this manageable. The hardwired Nest eliminates this maintenance need but depends on consistent power supply.
When considering total cost over several years:
Choose the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro if:
Choose the Google Nest Doorbell if:
Both devices represent significant advances in smart doorbell technology, but they serve slightly different needs. The Ring Pro offers superior flexibility and video quality but comes with higher long-term costs. The Nest Doorbell provides excellent value with its included features but requires hardwiring.
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, existing smart home ecosystem, and installation requirements. Both devices will serve well as your home's digital doorman, but their different approaches mean one will likely fit your situation better than the other.
| Ring Battery Doorbell Pro | Google Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen |
|---|---|
| Resolution - Higher is better for identifying faces and reading package labels | |
| 1536p HD+ (superior detail and clarity) | 1600 x 1200 HD (good for most uses) |
| Field of View - Wider angles show more of your doorstep area | |
| 150° horizontal, 150° vertical | 160° diagonal |
| Power Options - Affects installation flexibility and maintenance | |
| Battery or hardwired (8-24 VAC) | Hardwired only (12-24 VAC) |
| Night Vision - Critical for clear footage after dark | |
| Color night vision with zonal infrared LEDs | Standard infrared night vision with 850nm LEDs |
| Motion Detection - Impacts alert accuracy and false notifications | |
| 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View | AI-powered with free person/package detection |
| Storage Options - Affects ongoing costs and footage accessibility | |
| Requires subscription for video storage | 3 hours free event storage, subscription for more |
| Smart Home Integration - Consider your existing ecosystem | |
| Works best with Alexa/Ring ecosystem | Works best with Google Home ecosystem |
| Weather Resistance - Important for outdoor durability | |
| -20°C to 50°C operating range | -20°C to 40°C operating range, IPx4 rated |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity - Affects video streaming reliability | |
| Dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 2.4GHz only |
| Subscription Costs - Major factor in total ownership cost | |
| $3-10/month required for most features | Basic features free, $6-12/month optional |
| Installation Time - Consider setup complexity | |
| 5-15 minutes, no wiring needed for battery | 15-30 minutes, requires existing doorbell wiring |
| Additional Features - Extra capabilities that add value | |
| Quick Replies, Package Detection, Bird's Eye View | Free AI detection, Familiar Face detection with subscription |
| Price - Initial investment | |
| $149.99 | $148.99 |
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is better for flexibility and video quality, while the Google Nest Doorbell offers better value with included AI features. Ring excels in homes needing battery power, while Nest is ideal for hardwired installations.
Both doorbells can integrate with your home theater through smart displays. The Ring Pro works with Fire TV devices, while the Nest Doorbell connects with Chromecast-enabled TVs. Both can show live feeds on your TV when someone rings.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers superior 1536p HD+ resolution compared to the Nest Doorbell's 1600x1200 resolution. Ring's higher resolution provides better detail for security footage and clearer images on large TV displays.
The Nest Doorbell includes basic features and 3 hours of event storage free, while the Ring Pro requires a subscription ($3-10/month) for most features including video recording.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro can work on battery power alone, making it more flexible. The Nest Doorbell requires hardwiring to function.
The Ring Pro features superior color night vision with zonal infrared LEDs, while the Nest Doorbell uses standard infrared night vision. Ring provides better clarity in low-light conditions.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro typically lasts 3-6 months per charge, depending on usage and settings. The Nest Doorbell doesn't use batteries.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers superior Alexa integration since Ring is owned by Amazon. The Nest Doorbell has limited Alexa compatibility but works better with Google Assistant.
Yes, both doorbells support TV viewing. The Ring Pro works with Fire TV devices, while the Nest Doorbell connects to Chromecast and Google TV devices.
The Nest Doorbell offers free AI-powered person, package, and vehicle detection. The Ring Pro features 3D Motion Detection and Bird's Eye View but requires a subscription.
Both doorbells are weather-resistant. The Ring Pro operates from -20°C to 50°C, while the Nest Doorbell works from -20°C to 40°C.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is easier to install since it can run on battery power. The Nest Doorbell requires professional installation if you don't have existing doorbell wiring.
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: reviewed.com - blackwiredesigns.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - pcrichard.com - abt.com - sa-en.ring.com - target.com - staples.com - ae-en.ring.com - the.gearbrain.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
