Ring and Skybell are both DIY solutions that make home security monitoring fast and easy. Both providers offer mobile app control, easy installation and equipment with some of the most popular smart features. Ring is an Amazon company that offers full home security systems and standalone products to customize your solution as you wish. Skybell offers two popular doorbell cameras for your home. Let’s break down the differences between the two.
Ring and Skybell Cameras
Our take
Ring’s classic Video Doorbell is a great way to get started with Ring. This video doorbell has 720p HD video, adjustable motion zones and two-way talk with noise cancellation. You’ll be able to see and speak to guests using the Ring mobile app. And when motion’s detected you’ll get an instant app alert to see who’s outside of your home without going to the door. This video doorbell is easy to install using your standard doorbell’s wiring or a rechargeable battery pack.
Stand-out features include
- Adjustable motion zones
- Two-way talk with noise cancellation
- Hardwired or battery-powered
Our take
We know there are many Ring doorbell cameras to choose from. The best is the Ring Video Doorbell Elite, thanks to its reliable Power over Ethernet connection. You’ll still get two-way audio, 1080p video resolution and motion-triggered alerts. But this Ring doorbell camera also has a few features that set it apart from the rest:
- Tell guests you’re busy or ask them to return later with the Quick Replies feature with pre-selected messages.
- Full control of all Ring security and doorbell cameras using the Ring app’s single dashboard.
- Use “People Only Mode” to only receive alerts when an actual person is at your door instead of packages, pets or passing cars.
The Ring Video Doorbell Elite only works with Amazon Alexa, likely because Ring is an Amazon company. You’ll also need to add a Ring Protect plan if you’d like to save and play back recorded clips. DIY setup is easy, but professional installation is available.
Stand-out features include
- Works seamlessly with other Ring and smart devices using the Ring app.
- Quick Replies feature to send pre-selected messages.
- Different faceplate options to change the look of your Ring doorbell camera.
Our take
The Skybell Trim Plus is a slimmer video doorbell for your home’s design. You’ll get many of the same features from the Skybell HD including Silent Mode, free video recording, two-way audio and motion-triggered alerts. But, the Skybell Trim is designed with a few other doorbell specifications for your home. This doorbell camera includes multi-color LEDs for color night vision and an LED indicator light for guests to easily spot your doorbell in the dark. It’s still easy to install and works with multiple device users, just like the Skybell HD.
Stand-out features include
- Color night vision
- Weather and rainproof design
- Free video recording
Our take
SkyBell’s award-winning smart doorbell works with Alexa and Google Home for voice commands, easy control, and convenience. Simply use the SkyBell HD app to see and speak to guests at your door using your smartphone even when you’re away from home.
Stand-out features include
- Automatically stores activity including two-way voice and motion alerts
- Color HD night vision to clearly see who’s at your door, even at night
- Weather resistant, rain or shine and any temperature between -40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit
The Winner: Ring
Both offer cloud storage, DIY installation and Amazon Alexa voice control. But Ring gives families more to choose from including self or 24/7 professional monitoring, and DIY or professional installation.
Winner  Ring Home Security |  Skybell Doorbell Cameras | |
|---|---|---|
Monitoring starts at | $3/mo. | N/A |
Cloud storage cost starts at | No contract | Free |
Maximum cloud storage length | $3/mo. | 7 days |
Contract length | Contract-free | Contract-free |
Installation | DIY with professional installation | DIY |
Guarantees | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee | Theft Protection Guarantee |
Warranty | 1-year warranty | 1-year warranty |
BBB score | Not registered | D- |
Learn more about Ring equipment, packages and more. Get professional monitoring, cloud storage and a warranty at a price you can’t beat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ring and Skybell
Skybell currently doesn’t offer any packages. Ring has three different packages to choose from including a five-piece package with security essentials including a motion detector, contact sensor and more. They also offer a 10 and 14-piece package to cover larger homes.
Professional monitoring is not currently available for Skybell. Ring only offers one professional monitoring service that’s included in their Ring Protect Plus Plan – which costs $10/mo. without a contract.
Both Ring and Skybell let you self-monitor your home’s security, but only Ring offers professional monitoring.
Both Ring and Skybell are good choices for renters because they’re DIY, contract-free and affordable so you can get the equipment you need now and expand later.