- Editor's Note: Want to see a different product compared? Use the menu in the solid blue header above to swap a product.
When it comes to protecting your home and managing visitors, smart video doorbells have become an essential piece of modern home security. Let's dive deep into comparing two popular options: the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro and the Ring Battery Doorbell, both offering unique features at competitive price points under $100.
Smart doorbells have evolved significantly since their introduction, moving beyond simple video feeds to become sophisticated home security devices. Modern versions offer HD video, smart motion detection, and integration with other home automation systems. These devices serve as your first line of defense, letting you see, hear, and speak to visitors whether you're home or away.
The Wyze Pro leads with 1440p resolution, providing noticeably sharper image quality compared to the Ring's 1080p. This difference becomes apparent when you need to zoom in on details like package labels or facial features. Both cameras offer an impressive 150-degree field of view both horizontally and vertically, ensuring you can see everything from packages on the ground to tall visitors.
What's fascinating is how each handles low-light conditions. Both offer color night vision, but they approach it differently. The Wyze Pro uses six infrared LEDs strategically placed around the camera, while Ring employs advanced HDR processing. In real-world testing, Ring often produces more natural-looking nighttime footage, despite its lower resolution.
Here's where the differences become really interesting. The Wyze Pro offers dual installation options - you can either wire it to your existing doorbell system (16-24V AC) or use it wirelessly with its built-in battery. This flexibility is a major advantage for homes with varying setups.
The Ring Battery Doorbell takes a simpler approach with its battery-only design. While this might seem limiting, Ring has refined their quick-release mount system, making battery changes much easier than previous models. You don't need to remove the entire unit to charge it, unlike the Wyze.
Ring's integration with Amazon's ecosystem is hard to beat. If you're already using Alexa devices, the Ring doorbell feels like a natural extension. It can announce visitors through your Echo speakers and show live feeds on Echo Show displays without any complex setup.
The Wyze Pro works with multiple platforms but lacks the deep integration Ring offers. However, it compensates with some clever features:
Both doorbells use advanced motion detection systems, but they approach it differently:
Ring's system excels at:
Wyze offers:
The Wyze Pro's dual-band WiFi support is a significant advantage in areas with crowded 2.4GHz networks. The included WiFi extender chime helps ensure stable connections, especially in larger homes. However, Ring's single-band system is optimized for longer range and often provides more reliable connectivity without additional hardware.
Ring claims their new battery design lasts 23% longer than previous models, which typically translates to about 6-8 months of normal use. The Wyze Pro advertises up to 6 months of battery life, but real-world usage often falls short, especially in high-traffic areas or cold weather.
Let's break down the total cost of ownership:
Initial Hardware Costs:
Monthly Subscriptions:
Both services offer:
Ring's higher subscription cost includes additional features like package detection and longer video storage periods.
Since its release in March 2022, Wyze has pushed several firmware updates to the Pro model, improving motion detection accuracy and adding new features like vehicle detection. Ring's newer model (released August 2023) builds on years of development, focusing on reliability and ease of use rather than pushing technical boundaries.
Choose the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro if:
Go with the Ring Battery Doorbell if:
After extensive testing and research, both doorbells prove themselves worthy contenders in the sub-$100 category. The Wyze Pro offers superior specs and flexibility, while Ring delivers a more refined, user-friendly experience. For most users, Ring's combination of reliability and ecosystem integration makes it the safer choice, despite the higher long-term costs. However, tech-savvy users willing to trade some convenience for better performance will find the Wyze Pro more satisfying.
Remember that your specific needs and existing smart home setup should guide your decision. Both devices will serve well as your digital doorman, just with different strengths and compromises.
Wyze Video Doorbell Pro | Ring Battery Doorbell |
---|---|
Video Resolution - Higher resolution means clearer details for identifying people and reading packages | |
1440p HD (notably sharper for zooming in) | 1080p HD (sufficient for most uses) |
Field of View - Wider angles capture more of your entryway | |
150° horizontal and vertical | 150° horizontal and vertical |
Power Options - Flexibility in installation and maintenance | |
Battery or hardwired (16-24V AC) | Battery only |
Battery Life - Longer life means less frequent charging | |
Up to 6 months (varies with usage) | Up to 8 months (23% longer than previous models) |
WiFi Connectivity - Better connectivity means more reliable notifications | |
Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) with extender chime | Single-band (2.4GHz only) |
Night Vision - Better night vision means clearer footage in darkness | |
Color with 6 infrared LEDs | Color with HDR processing |
Smart Home Integration - Affects how well it works with other devices | |
Basic integration with multiple platforms | Deep Amazon/Alexa integration |
Subscription Costs - Ongoing costs affect total ownership expense | |
$1.99/month or $19.99/year | $3.99/month or $39.99/year |
Installation Method - Affects ease of setup and maintenance | |
Full unit removal for charging, multiple mount options | Quick-release mount for easy charging |
Initial Price - Upfront investment required | |
$99.98 | $90.24 |
Weather Resistance - Durability in outdoor conditions | |
IP65 rated (-4°F to 120°F) | Weather-resistant (-5°F to 120°F) |
Additional Features - Extra capabilities that add value | |
Motion-activated security light, WiFi extender included | Package detection, better notification system |
The Ring Battery Doorbell is better for most users due to its reliable performance and deeper Alexa integration, while the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro offers superior video quality and more flexible installation options.
The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro costs $99.98, while the Ring Battery Doorbell is slightly cheaper at $90.24. However, Ring has higher monthly subscription costs ($3.99 vs. Wyze's $1.99).
Both doorbells work without subscriptions but have limited features. The Ring Battery Doorbell requires a subscription for video recording, while the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro offers basic 12-second clips without a subscription.
The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro offers superior 1440p resolution compared to the Ring Battery Doorbell's 1080p resolution, providing noticeably sharper image quality and better zoom capability.
The Ring Battery Doorbell typically lasts 6-8 months, while the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro offers up to 6 months of battery life, though actual duration varies based on usage and weather conditions.
The Ring Battery Doorbell is simpler to install with its battery-only design and quick-release mount. The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro offers more installation options but requires removing the entire unit for charging.
The Ring Battery Doorbell works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa devices, while the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro offers basic integration with multiple platforms but lacks deep ecosystem integration.
Both offer color night vision, but the Ring Battery Doorbell typically produces more natural-looking nighttime footage through HDR processing, while the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro uses six infrared LEDs.
Both doorbells are weather-resistant. The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro operates from -4°F to 120°F, while the Ring Battery Doorbell functions from -5°F to 120°F.
The Ring Battery Doorbell generally has more accurate motion detection with fewer false alerts, while the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro offers more customizable motion zones and sensitivity settings.
Yes, both the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro and Ring Battery Doorbell require WiFi. Wyze supports dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) with an included extender, while Ring uses 2.4GHz only.
Ring typically offers more comprehensive customer support and a more established ecosystem, though both companies provide warranty coverage and regular software updates for their doorbells.
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: bestbuy.com - global.wyze.com - forums.wyze.com - cnet.com - tomsguide.com - wyze.com - why.wyze.com - youtube.com - wasserstein-home.com - youtube.com - reviewed.com - aboutamazon.com - wasserstein-home.com - pcrichard.com - marketplace.ladwp.com - ae-en.ring.com - batteries4pro.com - de-de.ring.com - de-de.ring.com - careyscommunications.com