A comprehensive guide to choosing your next video doorbell
In recent years, video doorbells have evolved from simple convenience devices into sophisticated home security tools. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro ($169) and Ring Battery Doorbell Pro ($229.99) represent two different approaches to this technology, each with unique strengths and compromises.
The SimpliSafe doorbell, released in October 2018, brought professional-grade security features to the consumer market. While it hasn't received major hardware updates, software improvements have enhanced its motion detection and video processing capabilities.
Ring's Battery Pro, launched in 2023, represents the latest in doorbell technology, featuring advanced 3D motion tracking and higher resolution video. This newer release demonstrates how quickly the technology is evolving, particularly in terms of battery life and video quality.
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro requires existing doorbell wiring (8-24V), which might seem limiting but ensures consistent power and eliminates battery concerns. Installation typically takes 15-30 minutes if you're comfortable with basic electrical work.
In contrast, the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers remarkable flexibility with its battery-powered design. The quick-release battery pack typically lasts 3-4 months, and you can purchase a spare to avoid downtime during charging. It can also be hardwired if desired, providing the best of both worlds.
SimpliSafe delivers 1080p HD video with a wider 162° field of view. In practical terms, this means you can see most of your porch and adjacent areas. HDR (High Dynamic Range) helps balance bright and dark areas, particularly useful when the sun is directly behind visitors.
Ring ups the ante with 1536p HD+ resolution and a 150° field of view. The higher resolution makes a noticeable difference when zooming in on package labels or identifying faces at a distance. Both cameras handle backlight well, but Ring's newer sensor technology provides slightly better results in challenging lighting conditions.
Both doorbells offer infrared night vision, but Ring's implementation includes color night vision in low-light conditions - a significant advantage when identifying vehicles or clothing colors in twilight hours. SimpliSafe's traditional infrared approach, while reliable, produces only black and white footage at night.
The SimpliSafe doorbell uses a dual-sensor system combining heat detection (PIR) with visual motion analysis. This clever combination helps reduce false alerts from things like swaying trees or passing cars. In practice, it's quite effective at distinguishing between people and other moving objects.
Ring's 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View creates a top-down map showing visitor movement patterns. While this might seem gimmicky, it's surprisingly useful for understanding how people approach your home and identifying suspicious behavior patterns. The system can also detect packages and send specific notifications when deliveries arrive.
SimpliSafe works beautifully within its own ecosystem but has limited third-party integration. If you're already using SimpliSafe security system, the seamless integration is fantastic - the doorbell can trigger recording on other SimpliSafe cameras when motion is detected.
The Ring doorbell offers broader compatibility, working with Amazon Alexa devices (Ring is owned by Amazon) and various third-party platforms through IFTTT (If This Then That). This means you can create custom automations like turning on lights when motion is detected or announcing visitors through Echo devices.
In day-to-day use, both doorbells perform reliably, but there are notable differences:
Both devices represent solid choices in the video doorbell market, but they serve slightly different needs. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro excels as a reliable, straightforward security device, particularly for existing SimpliSafe users. The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers more flexibility and advanced features at a higher price point.
Consider your specific needs: If you want a "set it and forget it" solution and have existing doorbell wiring, SimpliSafe is an excellent choice. If you value cutting-edge features and installation flexibility, Ring's latest offering might be worth the premium price.
Remember that either choice requires ongoing subscription costs to access recorded video, so factor this into your long-term budget planning. Both manufacturers have proven track records for security and regular software updates, so you can't go wrong with either choice - it's more about matching the features to your specific needs and preferences.
| SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro | Ring Battery Doorbell Pro |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial Investment | |
| $169 (better value for basic needs) | $229.99 (premium features justify cost) |
| Power Source - Affects reliability and maintenance | |
| Wired only (8-24V, reliable but requires existing wiring) | Battery or wired (flexible installation, requires charging every 3-4 months) |
| Video Resolution - Impacts identification ability | |
| 1080p HD (sufficient for most users) | 1536p HD+ (noticeably sharper, better for detail) |
| Field of View - Determines coverage area | |
| 162° (wider view captures more area) | 150° horizontal and vertical (complete head-to-toe view) |
| Night Vision - Critical for 24/7 monitoring | |
| Standard infrared (black & white only) | Color night vision with adaptive infrared LEDs |
| Motion Detection - Affects false alarm rate | |
| Dual-sensor system (heat + visual recognition) | 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View mapping |
| Smart Home Integration - Expansion possibilities | |
| Limited to SimpliSafe ecosystem | Works with Alexa, IFTTT, and Ring ecosystem |
| Monthly Subscription - Ongoing costs | |
| From $5/month (basic recording features) | From $4/month (more features at each tier) |
| Installation Time - Setup effort required | |
| 15-30 minutes (requires electrical knowledge) | 5-10 minutes (tool-free installation) |
| Weather Resistance - Durability factor | |
| -20°F to 120°F operational range | -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F) operational range |
| Additional Features - Extra value considerations | |
| HDR imaging, custom alert zones | Package detection, pre-roll video, Bird's Eye View |
| WiFi Connectivity - Network compatibility | |
| 2.4GHz only | Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) |
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro ($229.99) offers more advanced features like 3D motion detection and higher resolution, while the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro ($169) provides better value for basic needs. Ring is better for smart home integration, while SimpliSafe works best within its own security ecosystem.
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro costs $169, while the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is priced at $229.99, a $60 difference. The higher price of Ring reflects its newer technology and additional features.
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro requires existing doorbell wiring (8-24V), while the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro can work with either battery power or existing wiring, offering more installation flexibility.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers superior 1536p HD+ resolution compared to SimpliSafe's 1080p, making it better for identifying details at a distance. However, SimpliSafe's 162° field of view is wider than Ring's 150°.
Both can display alerts on smart TVs, but Ring offers better integration options. The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro works with Amazon Fire TV devices and Echo Show displays, while SimpliSafe has more limited display options.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro features superior color night vision using adaptive infrared LEDs, while the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro uses standard black-and-white infrared night vision.
SimpliSafe's basic recording plan starts at $5/month, while Ring's basic plan is $4/month. The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers more features in its subscription tiers compared to the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro.
Both doorbells support multiple devices through their apps. The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers broader compatibility with third-party devices, while SimpliSafe works primarily within its own ecosystem.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro includes dedicated package detection features, while the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro relies on general motion detection for package monitoring.
Both are durable devices designed for outdoor use. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro has no battery to replace, while the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro battery typically lasts 3-4 months between charges.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro features advanced 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View, offering more precise tracking. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro uses a dual-sensor system that effectively reduces false alerts.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers extensive smart home integration with Alexa and IFTTT, while the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro has limited third-party integration but works well within the SimpliSafe security system.
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 - 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
