The humble doorbell has come a long way. Today's smart video doorbells combine HD cameras, two-way audio, and intelligent motion detection to create a powerful front door security system. SimpliSafe's Video Doorbell Pro ($169) and Ring's Battery Doorbell Plus ($179.99) represent two different approaches to this technology, each with distinct advantages.
Both devices serve as your digital doorman, but they take different paths to get there. Let's break down what matters most for real-world use.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus boasts a higher 1536p resolution compared to SimpliSafe's 1080p, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story. SimpliSafe's HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology makes a noticeable difference when dealing with challenging lighting conditions - think bright sunlight casting shadows across your porch. HDR works by combining multiple exposures into one image, ensuring you can see details in both bright and dark areas.
Ring's head-to-toe viewing angle is particularly clever for package monitoring, while SimpliSafe's wider 162-degree field of view might better suit homes with broad front approaches. In practice, both provide clear, useful footage, but they excel in different situations.
Here's where we see the biggest philosophical difference between these devices. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro requires existing doorbell wiring (8-24V), which provides reliable, constant power but limits installation options. Released in 2018, it represents a traditional approach to doorbell power.
The newer Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, launched in 2023, offers both battery and hardwired options. This flexibility comes with a trade-off: battery-powered installations require periodic charging (typically every few weeks to months, depending on usage). However, Ring's quick-release battery system makes this less of a hassle than you might expect.
Both doorbells employ advanced motion detection, but they handle it differently. SimpliSafe uses a dual-sensor approach, combining heat detection with image recognition. This helps reduce false alerts from things like passing cars or swaying trees.
Ring's customizable motion zones offer more granular control over what triggers an alert. You can draw specific areas to monitor and adjust sensitivity levels, which is particularly useful for homes near busy streets.
The ecosystem question might be the deciding factor for many users. SimpliSafe's doorbell works beautifully within their security system but offers limited integration with other smart home platforms. If you're already using SimpliSafe security, this tight integration provides seamless operation and unified alerts.
Ring, being an Amazon company, offers broader compatibility, particularly with Alexa devices. You can view your doorbell feed on Echo Show displays and integrate with other smart home systems. This flexibility might be crucial if you're building out a larger smart home setup.
Both companies require subscriptions for advanced features:
While the base costs are similar, consider what you get with each plan. Ring's basic plan includes 60 days of video history, while SimpliSafe offers 30 days. Both include essential features like video downloading and sharing.
In daily use, both doorbells perform their core functions well, but they shine in different situations:
Both companies regularly update their devices through firmware, adding features and improving performance. Ring's newer release date gives it some advantages in terms of modern features, but SimpliSafe's focus on reliable performance means it remains competitive despite its older design.
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro and Ring Battery Doorbell Plus represent different approaches to video doorbell design, each with merit. Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs and existing smart home setup. Consider your installation options, desired features, and long-term smart home plans when making your decision.
Remember, the best doorbell is the one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and provides the security features you need. Both options offer solid performance and reliable security features - it's just a matter of choosing the one that best matches your specific requirements.
| SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro | Ring Battery Doorbell Plus |
|---|---|
| Pricing & Release - Cost comparison and product maturity | |
| $169 (Released 2018) | $179.99 (Released 2023) |
| Video Resolution - Higher resolution means clearer identification | |
| 1080p HD with HDR (better contrast handling) | 1536p HD (sharper overall image) |
| Field of View - Wider angles capture more activity | |
| 162° horizontal view (wider coverage) | 150° horizontal + head-to-toe vertical view |
| Power Options - Affects installation flexibility | |
| Wired only (8-24V AC) | Battery powered or hardwired (8-24V AC) |
| Motion Detection - Impacts false alarm reduction | |
| Dual sensors (heat + image recognition) | Customizable motion zones with person/package detection |
| Night Vision - Critical for 24/7 monitoring | |
| Infrared night vision | Color night vision with HDR |
| Smart Home Integration - Important for automation | |
| Limited to SimpliSafe ecosystem | Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Ring ecosystem |
| Storage & Subscription - Ongoing costs matter | |
| $5/month (30 days storage) | $4/month (60 days storage) |
| Weather Resistance - Durability in elements | |
| -20°C to 50°C operating range | -20.5°C to 50°C operating range |
| Installation Requirements - Consider existing setup | |
| Requires existing doorbell wiring | Flexible - can use battery or existing wiring |
| Additional Features - Extra value considerations | |
| HDR imaging, digital pan/zoom | Package alerts, quick-release battery, head-to-toe view |
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus ($179.99) offers more flexibility with its battery/wired options and better smart home integration, while the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro ($169) excels in HDR video quality and reliable wired performance. Ring's newer technology makes it a better overall choice unless you're already invested in SimpliSafe's ecosystem.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus can work with or without existing wiring thanks to its battery option. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro requires existing doorbell wiring (8-24V AC).
Ring offers higher resolution at 1536p, while SimpliSafe provides 1080p with HDR. SimpliSafe handles challenging lighting conditions better, but Ring's higher resolution provides more detail for general viewing.
Yes, both can be viewed on larger screens. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus integrates easily with Fire TV devices and Echo Show displays, making it more convenient for home theater integration. SimpliSafe requires more setup for similar functionality.
Both perform well in low light, but Ring offers color night vision while SimpliSafe uses traditional infrared. Ring's color night vision provides more detail, though SimpliSafe's infrared can be more reliable in very dark conditions.
Ring's basic plan is slightly cheaper at $4/month with 60 days of video storage, while SimpliSafe charges $5/month for 30 days of storage.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers broader compatibility, working with Alexa and Google Assistant. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro primarily works within its own ecosystem.
SimpliSafe uses dual-sensor technology combining heat and image recognition, while Ring offers more customizable motion zones and specific package detection. Ring's approach provides more control over alerts.
Ring's head-to-toe view makes it superior for package monitoring, with dedicated package detection alerts. SimpliSafe's wider horizontal view is better for general surveillance.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus typically lasts 1-3 months per charge, depending on usage and settings. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro doesn't use batteries.
Ring offers more flexible viewing options across multiple devices and TVs through Fire TV integration. SimpliSafe's viewing options are more limited to mobile devices and their own panels.
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro handles bright conditions better thanks to its HDR technology, while the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus may show more glare in direct sunlight despite its higher resolution.
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: trustedreviews.com - jeffgeerling.com - security.org - support.simplisafe.com - security.org - simplisafe.co.uk - consumerreports.org - bestbuy.com - support.simplisafe.com - simplisafe.com - simplisafe.com - safehome.org - 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
