Video doorbells have transformed from simple surveillance tools into sophisticated smart home devices. Today's comparison looks at two distinct approaches: the newly released ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera Wired ($129.99) and the established SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro ($95.00).
Released in October 2023, ecobee's entry into the video doorbell market brings their smart home expertise to your front door. SimpliSafe's offering, launched in 2018, comes from their security-first perspective. While both devices serve similar core functions, their different backgrounds influence their strengths.
The ecobee Smart Doorbell leads with an impressive 175° vertical field of view, which means you can see packages right at your doorstep and visitors from head to toe. The SimpliSafe Pro offers a still-respectable 162° view, but the difference becomes noticeable when monitoring close-up deliveries.
Both cameras deliver 1080p HD video, but ecobee's newer sensor technology shows its advantage in low-light conditions. While SimpliSafe switches to standard infrared night vision, ecobee maintains color vision longer into twilight hours and provides clearer night footage.
Here's where the technological generation gap becomes apparent. The ecobee implements radar verification combined with computer vision (which means it uses both radio waves and AI-powered image analysis) to detect and classify motion. This dual approach results in fewer false alerts and better package detection.
SimpliSafe uses a proven but older dual-sensor system combining heat detection with motion sensing. While reliable, it can't match the precision of ecobee's newer technology in distinguishing between people, animals, and objects.
The ecobee doorbell shines in smart home integration, working seamlessly with:
This means you can view your doorbell feed on your Apple TV, Echo Show, or even your ecobee thermostat display.
The SimpliSafe doorbell takes a different approach, integrating deeply with their security system. While it offers fewer smart home connections, it excels at:
Both doorbells require existing doorbell wiring (8-24 VAC), but their installation processes differ slightly. The ecobee includes a more modern mounting system and detailed app guidance, while SimpliSafe's proven design has weathered years of real-world use.
Weather resistance is crucial for outdoor devices:
The ecobee doorbell at $129.99 represents the latest technology but commands a premium price. Its advanced features and wider smart home integration justify the cost for tech-savvy users or those already in the ecobee ecosystem.
The SimpliSafe doorbell at $95.00 offers excellent value, especially for security-focused users. Its lower subscription costs and proven reliability make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Both doorbells excel at their core functions, but their different approaches serve different needs. The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera represents the future of smart home integration with superior technical specifications, while the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro offers proven security features at a lower price point.
For most smart home enthusiasts, ecobee's newer technology and broader integration options make it the more future-proof choice. However, SimpliSafe's mature platform and lower cost make it ideal for security-focused users who don't need the latest smart home features.
Remember that the best choice depends on your existing smart home setup, security needs, and budget considerations. Both devices will serve their primary purpose well, but their additional features and ecosystem integration should guide your final decision.
| ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera Wired | SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment cost | |
| $129.99 (newer technology) | $95.00 (better value) |
| Field of View - Determines how much you can see | |
| 175° vertical (sees packages at doorstep) | 162° (standard coverage) |
| Video Quality - Clarity of image | |
| 1080p HD with HDR, color night vision | 1080p HD with HDR, IR night vision |
| Motion Detection - Accuracy of alerts | |
| Radar + computer vision (fewer false alerts) | Dual-sensor heat + motion (basic detection) |
| Smart Home Integration - Ecosystem compatibility | |
| HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant (coming) | Limited, SimpliSafe ecosystem only |
| Subscription Cost - Ongoing expenses | |
| $10/month (unlimited cameras) | $5/month (basic video storage) |
| Operating Temperature - Environmental durability | |
| -13°F to 113°F, IP65 rated | Not specified, weather-resistant |
| Installation Requirements - Setup needs | |
| 8-24 VAC wiring, 2.4/5GHz WiFi | 8-24 VAC wiring, 2.4GHz WiFi only |
| Storage Options - Recording capacity | |
| 30-day cloud storage with subscription | 30-day cloud storage with subscription |
| Additional Features - Extra capabilities | |
| Package detection, custom activity zones, thermostat integration | Security system integration, professional monitoring |
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is more affordable at $95.00, while the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera costs $129.99. However, consider ongoing subscription costs as SimpliSafe starts at $5/month versus ecobee's $10/month.
Both the ecobee and SimpliSafe offer 1080p HD video. However, ecobee provides color night vision while SimpliSafe uses standard infrared night vision.
Yes, both the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera and SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro require existing doorbell wiring (8-24 VAC).
The ecobee Smart Doorbell has more advanced motion detection using radar and computer vision, while the SimpliSafe uses a simpler dual-sensor system with heat and motion detection.
The ecobee doorbell has a wider 175° vertical field of view specifically designed to see packages at your doorstep, while the SimpliSafe doorbell has a 162° view that may not show packages placed close to the door.
The ecobee works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and soon Google Assistant. The SimpliSafe primarily works within its own security ecosystem with limited third-party integration.
While both doorbells work without a subscription, you'll need a plan for video recording. The ecobee costs $10/month for unlimited cameras, while SimpliSafe starts at $5/month.
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro integrates better with comprehensive security systems and professional monitoring, while the ecobee Smart Doorbell offers more advanced motion detection and smart home features.
Yes, both the ecobee and SimpliSafe doorbells offer two-way audio communication with visitors.
Both the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera and SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro offer 30-day cloud storage with their respective subscription plans.
The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera was released in October 2023, while the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro has been available since 2018.
The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera has an IP65 weather resistance rating and operates from -13°F to 113°F. The SimpliSafe is weather-resistant but doesn't specify exact ratings.
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: ecobee.com - forums.macrumors.com - androidpolice.com - youtube.com - bgemarketplace.com - ecobee.com - abt.com - acwholesalers.com - adiglobaldistribution.pr - investors.generac.com - wave-electronics.com - blueirissoftware.com - 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
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