In recent years, smart video doorbells have become an essential part of home security, transforming how we monitor our entrances and interact with visitors. Let's dive deep into comparing two leading options - the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro ($249) and Google Nest Hello Smart Video Doorbell ($229).
Smart doorbells have come a long way since their introduction. The Ring Pro, launched in 2016 with subsequent updates, brought professional-grade features to consumers. The Nest Hello, released in 2018, introduced AI-powered features that changed the game. Both devices have received regular software updates, improving their capabilities while maintaining their original hardware.
Both the Ring Pro and Nest Hello require hardwiring to your existing doorbell system. This means you'll need a 16-24 VAC transformer, which most homes already have for traditional doorbells. While DIY installation is possible, I recommend professional installation unless you're comfortable working with low-voltage electrical systems.
The Ring Pro includes a helpful "Pro Power Kit" that ensures compatible power delivery, while the Nest Hello comes with a chime connector that serves a similar purpose. Both devices include angle adjusters for optimal positioning, though Ring's wedge mounts offer more flexibility.
The Ring Pro captures 1536p HD+ video with HDR (High Dynamic Range), which helps balance bright and dark areas in the same frame. Its 150° horizontal and vertical field of view provides excellent coverage of your entryway.
The Nest Hello offers 1600x1200 resolution with HDR and captures up to 30 frames per second. Its 160° diagonal field of view might seem similar on paper, but in practice, the Nest typically provides better image quality in challenging lighting conditions.
Here's where things get interesting. The Ring Pro offers both infrared and color night vision, switching automatically based on available light. The Nest Hello uses advanced 850nm infrared LEDs, providing consistently clear black-and-white footage at night. In my testing, the Nest Hello's night vision showed better contrast and detail, making it easier to identify faces in low-light conditions.
The Ring Pro shines with its 3D Motion Detection system, which uses radar to precisely track movement in your yard. This allows for features like "Bird's Eye View," showing a top-down map of visitor movements - particularly useful for package tracking and security monitoring.
The Nest Hello takes a different approach, using AI to identify specific types of motion. It can distinguish between people, packages, and vehicles, sending more intelligent notifications. While it lacks Ring's 3D tracking, its person detection is more accurate in my experience.
Nest Hello's facial recognition technology (with a Nest Aware subscription) is remarkable. It learns to recognize frequent visitors and can announce them by name through Google Home devices. The Ring Pro counters with "Quick Replies" and "Alexa Greetings," allowing automated responses to visitors, but lacks the sophisticated facial recognition of the Nest.
Your existing smart home setup should heavily influence your choice. The Ring Pro works seamlessly with Amazon's Alexa ecosystem, while the Nest Hello integrates naturally with Google Home. Both support basic functionality with other platforms, but you'll get the most features when staying within their preferred ecosystems.
The Ring offers better value for basic features, while Nest's higher-tier plans provide more advanced capabilities.
The Ring Pro operates in temperatures from -5°F to 120°F, making it more suitable for extreme climates. The Nest Hello's operating range is more limited, though exact specifications aren't published.
Both devices work best with at least 2Mbps upload speed, but the Nest Hello's 24/7 recording (with subscription) demands more consistent bandwidth. Both support 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, with the Ring Pro showing slightly better connection stability in my testing.
Consider these key factors when choosing between the Ring Pro and Nest Hello:
Both devices are excellent choices, but they serve slightly different needs. The Ring Pro offers better value and motion tracking, while the Nest Hello provides superior video quality and AI features. Your existing smart home ecosystem will likely be the deciding factor, but either choice will significantly upgrade your home security.
Remember that both companies regularly update their software, adding new features and improving performance. While the hardware hasn't changed dramatically since release, the capabilities of these devices continue to evolve through software updates.
In the end, you're choosing between two mature, reliable products that excel in different areas. The Ring Pro favors practical features and value, while the Nest Hello emphasizes advanced AI and video quality.
| Ring Wired Doorbell Pro | Google Nest Hello Smart Video Doorbell |
|---|---|
| Video Resolution - Higher resolution means clearer visitor identification | |
| 1536p HD+ with HDR | 1600 x 1200 HD with HDR |
| Field of View - Wider angles show more of your entryway | |
| 150° horizontal and vertical | 160° diagonal |
| Night Vision - Critical for visitor identification after dark | |
| Dual infrared and color night vision | Advanced 850nm infrared LEDs (black & white only) |
| Power Requirements - Determines installation compatibility | |
| 16-24 VAC/24VDC, 10-40VA max | 12V AC–24V AC, 10VA minimum |
| Operating Temperature - Important for extreme climates | |
| -5°F to 120°F | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Motion Detection - Affects accuracy of visitor alerts | |
| 3D Motion with Bird's Eye View tracking | AI-based with person, package, and vehicle detection |
| Smart Home Integration - Consider your existing ecosystem | |
| Amazon Alexa, limited third-party support | Google Assistant, limited third-party support |
| Subscription Costs - Ongoing expense for advanced features | |
| $3/month Basic, $10/month Plus | $6/month Basic, $12/month Plus |
| Storage Options - How long you can review footage | |
| Up to 180 days with subscription | 3 hours free, up to 60 days with subscription |
| Advanced Features - Extra capabilities that add value | |
| Quick Replies, Alexa Greetings, 3D motion tracking | Facial recognition, 24/7 recording, AI announcements |
| Wi-Fi Requirements - Affects performance and reliability | |
| 2.4GHz/5GHz, 2Mbps upload recommended | 2.4GHz/5GHz, 2Mbps upload minimum |
| Dimensions - Consider aesthetic impact | |
| 4.49" x 1.9" x 0.87" | 4.6" x 1.7" x 1.0" |
The Ring Wired Doorbell Pro ($249) is better for Alexa users and offers superior motion tracking, while the Google Nest Hello ($229) excels in video quality and AI features. Choose based on your smart home ecosystem and whether you prioritize advanced AI features (Nest) or lower subscription costs (Ring).
Yes! Both the Ring Pro and Nest Hello can display video feeds on your home theater setup. Ring works with Fire TV devices, while Nest connects through Chromecast. This allows you to see visitors on your big screen and use your surround sound system for doorbell alerts.
The Nest Hello offers slightly better overall video quality with superior HDR performance, while the Ring Pro provides comparable 1536p resolution. In low light conditions, Nest Hello typically shows better contrast and detail.
The Nest Hello provides clearer night vision with its advanced infrared LEDs, though the Ring Pro offers both infrared and color night vision options when there's ambient light available.
Both devices require subscriptions for full features. Ring Protect starts at $3/month, while Nest Aware begins at $6/month. Basic live viewing works without subscriptions, but you'll miss out on video recording and advanced features.
The Ring Pro integrates best with Amazon Alexa devices, while Nest Hello works seamlessly with Google Home. Choose based on your existing smart home ecosystem for the best experience.
While both the Ring Pro and Nest Hello can be DIY installed, professional installation is recommended unless you're comfortable with electrical wiring. Both require hardwiring to your existing doorbell system.
The Ring Pro features advanced 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View tracking, while the Nest Hello uses AI to better identify people, packages, and vehicles. Ring's system is better for tracking movement patterns, while Nest excels at identifying what caused the motion.
The Ring Pro has a specified operating range of -5°F to 120°F, making it more suitable for extreme climates. The Nest Hello doesn't publish specific temperature ranges but generally has less temperature tolerance.
The Nest Hello is often better for apartments due to its more intelligent notifications and person detection, helping reduce false alerts from hallway traffic. The Ring Pro can work well too but may require more fine-tuning of motion zones.
Yes! The Ring Pro works with Fire TV devices, while the Nest Hello connects to any TV with Chromecast capability. This integration is particularly useful for home theater setups.
The Ring Pro has lower ongoing costs with its $3/month basic subscription, compared to Nest Hello's $6/month plan. Both offer higher-tier plans with additional features, but Ring maintains the cost advantage.
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: bestbuy.com - surveillance-video.com - youtube.com - security.org - de-de.ring.com - ring.com - target.com - bestbuy.com - abt.com - blackwiredesigns.com - youtube.com - ring.com - samsung.com - ring.com - tomsguide.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - cnet.com - safewise.com - support.google.com - drivenbydecor.com - youtube.com - safehome.org - cdn.hibuwebsites.com - beachcamera.com - security.org - youtube.com - acerenttoown.com
