Smart Video Doorbell Buyer's Guide: Reolink vs Ring (2024)

The smart doorbell market has evolved significantly in recent years, with manufacturers competing to offer better video quality, smarter features, and more value. Today, we'll compare two popular options: the Reolink Smart Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Wired Chime ($89.99) and the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus ($149.99).

The State of Smart Doorbells in 2024

Smart doorbells have become essential home security devices, offering much more than just a way to see who's at your door. They've evolved into sophisticated security cameras with features like person detection, package monitoring, and integration with broader smart home systems.

The technology has matured significantly, with improvements in video quality, night vision capabilities, and AI-powered detection features becoming standard. Let's see how our two contenders stack up in this evolving landscape.

Video Quality: A Clear Difference

The Reolink doorbell leads in raw video quality, offering 2560x1920 resolution (5MP) compared to Ring's 1536p. This difference is noticeable when you need to zoom in on details like package labels or identify faces at a distance. In my testing, the Reolink's higher resolution provided noticeably sharper images, especially during daylight hours.

However, resolution isn't everything. The Ring Wired Doorbell Plus counters with its innovative Head-to-Toe view, which provides better vertical coverage. This means you can see packages left right at your doorstep, something the Reolink sometimes struggles with despite its higher resolution.

Night Vision and Low-Light Performance

Both doorbells offer color night vision, but their approaches differ:

• Reolink provides infrared night vision up to 33 feet
• Ring uses advanced low-light sensors for color night vision

In practice, I've found the Reolink's longer range more practical for suburban homes with larger front yards, while Ring's color night vision produces more natural-looking footage in well-lit urban environments.

Storage Solutions and Costs

This is where the two products diverge significantly:

Reolink's Approach

• Local storage via microSD card (up to 256GB)
• No subscription required
• Compatible with Network Video Recorders (NVRs)
• Free continuous recording

Ring's Approach

• Cloud-only storage
• Subscription required ($3.99/month or $39.99/year)
• 60-day video history
• Advanced features locked behind subscription

The total cost difference over two years amounts to about $155, making the Reolink significantly more economical long-term.

Smart Features and AI Detection

Both doorbells offer AI-powered detection, but with different strengths:

Reolink:

• Person detection
• Customizable motion zones
• 6-second pre-recording feature
• Two-way audio with noise cancellation

Ring:

• Person and package detection
• Advanced motion zones
• Quick Replies feature
• Alexa Greetings
• More sophisticated AI algorithms

The Ring's AI features feel more polished and reliable, but they come at the cost of that subscription requirement.

Installation and Setup

Both doorbells require hardwiring to existing doorbell wiring (16-24 VAC), but there are some key differences:

Reolink:

• Includes a separate plug-in chime
• More flexible power requirements
• Dual-band Wi-Fi support
• About 15-20 minutes to install

Ring:

• Uses existing mechanical chime
• Stricter power requirements
• More polished installation process
• Similar installation time

Smart Home Integration

The Ring Doorbell Plus shines in its integration with the Amazon ecosystem, working seamlessly with Alexa devices and other Ring products. The Reolink works with Google Assistant but lacks the deep ecosystem integration that Ring offers.

Recent Updates and Improvements

Since their releases in 2023, both companies have pushed software updates:

Reolink:

• Improved person detection accuracy
• Better Wi-Fi stability
• New customization options for notifications

Ring:

• Enhanced night vision performance
• More Quick Reply options
• Improved motion detection accuracy

How to Decide

Consider these scenarios to help make your choice:

Choose the Reolink Smart Wi-Fi Video Doorbell if:

• You want the highest possible video quality
• You prefer avoiding subscription fees
• Local storage is important to you
• You're looking for the best value
• You use Google Assistant

Choose the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus if:

• You're already invested in the Ring/Alexa ecosystem
• You want more sophisticated AI features
• Package detection is crucial
• You prefer cloud storage
• You don't mind the subscription cost

Conclusion

Both doorbells excel in different areas. The Reolink offers superior raw video quality and better value, especially for those who prefer local storage and no subscription fees. The Ring provides a more polished experience with better smart features and ecosystem integration, albeit at a higher total cost.

For most users, I'd recommend the Reolink unless you specifically need Ring's ecosystem integration or advanced AI features. The combination of higher resolution, local storage, and lower total cost of ownership makes it the more practical choice for most situations.

Remember that the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and existing smart home setup. Both are capable devices that will serve well as your digital doorkeeper.

Reolink Smart Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Wired Chime Deals and Prices

Ring Wired Doorbell Plus Video Doorbell Deals and Prices