SimpliSafe Doorbell vs Ring (2022): Which Smart Video Doorbell Has The Edge?

Today’s smart video doorbells are an important addition to many homes. Combining the functions of a peephole with the form of a traditional doorbell, you get a stylish way of securing your house. Ring is arguably one of the recognizable names when it comes to this line of security products. Its best-seller, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, boasts HD video along with support for smart voice assistants.

Simplisafe Doorbell is another device worth noting. While it doesn’t support voice commands, the HDR quality of its video recording is outstanding. It’s even equipped with dual sensors for more reliable motion detection. Now, if you’re wondering if it’s better than the Ring, here’s a look at how their design and key features fare against each other.

SimpliSafe Doorbell vs Ring Comparison Chart

Design and Style

Both the Simplisafe and Ring doorbells sport sleek forms, although the latter does offer more color options.

SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell and Ring’s Video Doorbell Pro are both sleek-looking devices. SimpliSafe, however, closely resembles Nest Hello’s design. You get a small doorbell with rounded edges, sporting a large backlit ring button at the bottom. On top, you’ll find the HD camera, followed by a motion sensor and microphone/speaker for two-way audio.

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro, on the other hand, sports a larger yet more minimalist, rectangular form. Its camera and button are neatly placed within a black panel that’s enclosed within a metallic faceplate. For additional feedback, a blue ring of light surrounds the button when pressed. It’s a cool feature that lends the Ring a futuristic air.

If you’re worried about how these smart doorbells will look once installed, SimpliSafe and Ring have you covered. Both devices come with removable faceplates, so you can choose a cover color suited for your home’s door or entryway. SimpliSafe is available in Cloud, Jade, and Obsidian. Meanwhile, the Ring doorbell faceplates are available in over 15 different color finishes.

Camera and Security Features

SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro and Ring’s Video Doorbell Pro both deliver impressive video quality and motion detection features.

One of the main selling points of both Simplisafe and Ring’s doorbell is their superb video quality. Both devices, after all, boast cameras that deliver 1080p HD resolution. This translates to sharp and crisp daytime video. Are you worried about a raccoon rummaging through your garbage bin, or do you wonder if it’s someone you know arriving late at night? SimpliSafe and Ring doorbells also feature infrared night vision for evenings and low-light conditions.

Whether you’re at home or outside, you can access a live feed of your front door with both devices. Through the SimpliSafe and Ring apps, users can tilt, zoom, and pan the camera remotely, too. SimpliSafe, however, affords a slightly wider, 162º horizontal field of view compared to the Ring doorbell’s 160° horizontal and 90° vertical.

When it comes to motion detection, the two take fairly similar approaches. Both scan your view and alert you if someone’s in the vicinity. SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro uses dual sensors to detect a person’s heat signature and human form. As a result, you only get motion alerts that matter — not from cars parking or passing by.

Ring’s Video Doorbell Pro does the same, combining infrared motion detectors with camera-based motion detection. Ring’s system is, by default, capable of differentiating between people, objects, and pets. However, it comes with a People Only Mode, too, so you get fewer unwanted alerts. Ring allows for up to eight customizable motion zones, so you can monitor specific areas of your home — a feature missing on the SimpliSafe doorbell.

Audio and Smart Features

Unlike the SimpliSafe Doorbell, Ring’s Video Doorbell Pro works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

These smart doorbells from SimpliSafe and Ring can double as an intercom thanks to their two-way talk functionality. Audio, however, isn’t pro-grade but should be loud enough to be serviceable. When it comes to chimes, both devices work with a mechanical doorbell. You can also connect the wireless doorbells to compatible digital chimes.

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro does have an edge over SimpliSafe when it comes to smart features. Ring’s best-seller supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. With the latter, you can use voice commands for specific functions, including checking your doorbell’s live view. But since Google competes with Ring’s parent company, Amazon, the actions you can do are limited.

Alexa offers more functionality in tandem with your Ring doorbell. Amazon’s voice assistant allows for hands-free monitoring and remote controlling of the Video Doorbell Pro. You can also use Alexa-enabled devices like the Echo Dot or Echo Show to two-way talk or get a live view of your doorway, respectively. There’s even a subscription-exclusive feature of setting up Alexa greetings.

Check out our Schlage Sense vs Encode smart lock comparison.

Installation and Subscription

Both SimpliSafe and Ring video doorbells are fairly easy to install and offer advanced features if you subscribe to a paid plan.

SimpliSafe and Ring both claim that installing their video doorbells is hassle-free, but only if have basic wiring knowledge. Otherwise, you’re better off getting a pro to hardwire these devices to your existing doorbell. Once installed, however, setting up the doorbells is easy thanks to the intuitive SimpliSafe and Ring apps. While these video doorbells will work on their own, some key features are available only if you have a subscription.

For instance, automatic recording of any motion detected by your SimpliSafe doorbell is only possible if you’re on a paid plan. A subscription is also required to access these recordings, which are typically stored in cloud for up to 30 days. If you have other SimpliSafe devices, you can opt for an Interactive Monitoring Plan that gives full access to the company’s security features.

Ring also offers two plans under its Ring Protect subscriptions. The Basic option activates video recording for one device, as well as video sharing and saving. The Ring Protect Plus plan, on the other hand, adds 24/7 professional monitoring and an extended warranty for your device.

Verdict

Priced equally, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro offers more value compared to the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro.

The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is a sleek and smart device that delivers impressive video quality and two-way audio. While it works on its own, the doorbell’s security and monitoring features are maximized through a paid plan. There are two downsides to SimpliSafe’s offering, however. First, the Video Doorbell Pro only works within the SimpliSafe ecosystem. Second, it doesn’t support voice assistants, which could have made it more hassle-free to use.

In contrast, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro enjoys extensive integrations with both Ring device and third-party equipment. On top of standard features like two-way audio, night vision, and live view, these compatibilities make it a more practical option over SimpliSafe. After all, there’s nothing like checking out who’s at the doorway hands-free using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Paired with other Ring devices and enjoying the benefits of a subscription, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro is simply a more compelling addition to any home’s smart security system.

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