Eufy Video Doorbell
Video value
Pros
- Cheaper than Ring Video Doorbell 2
- Subscription not required
- Doorbell chime included
- Local storage options
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Wired version only
- No real IFTTT support
- Issues with the quality of motion capture and AI features
The Eufy Video Doorbell is our top pick for several reasons, including the fact that it's a one-time purchase. You don't need to subscribe to a plan to view your content, it offers local storage, and it's substantially cheaper than the Ring Video Doorbell 2.
Ring Video Doorbell 2
Popular people portal
Pros
- Works great with Alexa and Amazon devices
- Wired and battery-powered options
- Infrared night vision
- Customizable faceplates
Cons
- Doesn't work with Google Assistant
- Subscription required to access recordings
- Doorbell chime is an additional purchase
While Ring may be at the center of privacy scandals, its products are still top-notch. HD-quality video, infrared night vision, and a superb app experience help explain this product's popularity.
Side-by-side, these smart video doorbells look a lot alike, but our job is to show you their differences as well so that you can make the best purchase decision for your home and family. Overall, the Eufy option is the best because you'll save some money and still get a great experience.
Ding dong duel
Eufy is a sub-brand of Anker, and while it makes some great connected products, it's not as well-known or as visible in the marketplace as Ring. Amazon and Eufy/Anker have a solid working relationship and Eufy products generally integrate well with Alexa, but Ring's first-party status as an Amazon brand gives it advantages other companies can't touch. Let's see how these two devices compare spec-for-spec before we dive into our reasons for recommending one over the other.
| Eufy Video Doorbell | Ring Video Doorbell 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 2K HD | 1080p |
| Power Source | Hardwired | Battery or Hardwired |
| Field of View | 160-degrees | 160-degrees |
| Dimensions | 4.8" x 1.69" x 0.94" | 5.0" x 2.5" x 1.0" |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| On-Demand Video | Yes | Yes |
| Two-Way Talk | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Local Storage | Yes, 4GB eMMC storage | No |
| Chime Included | Yes | No |
| Interchangeable Faceplates | No | Yes |
| Weather Resistance | IP65 | No official rating |
| Smart Assistant Compatible | Amazon Alexa Google Assistant |
Amazon Alexa |
Eufy's got some tricks up its sleeve
Eufy makes many great smart devices, like its RoboVac robot vacuums and Genie smart speaker, which both work great with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant. Many people might not know that the company also has a line of smart home security devices, including a smart floodlight cam, smart baby monitor, and our pick for the top security camera that can store video locally. The Eufy Video Doorbell fits in this mix of products, offering a balance of premium features, privacy, and affordability.
The Eufy Video Doorbell offers a balance of premium features, privacy, and affordability.
One of the things we love most about the Eufy Video Doorbell is that you truly get what you pay for. Do you want a smart video doorbell with the ability to access your recordings? Bam — that's what you get, and no subscription required! The doorbell can store up to 4GB of data locally and securely, with 256-bit, military-grade encryption. It has the same field of view as the Ring Video Doorbell 2 at 160 degrees and allows you to carry on conversations with whoever may be at the door. Plus, it features an IP65 weather-resistance rating, while the Ring does not carry an official designation. This means you can comfortably use it outdoors and it can withstand a lof of the elements.
While the Eufy Video Doorbell does have a lot going for it, there are a few areas where it could be improved. For starters, it's only available in a wired configuration, so if you're not too handy you'll have to hire an electrician or handyperson to install it for you. Also, the online reviews consistently complain about Eufy's AI and motion capture snafus, saying that the doorbell isn't always that smart when it comes to distinguishing between people, pets, and plants.
The Eufy Video Doorbell works well with either the Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa, although it isn't as well-integrated into other platforms. You can find dozens of integration options for Ring products on IFTTT, but, unfortunately, Eufy's are nowhere to be found.
With its built-in storage capability, you don't have to worry about a cloud subscription plan if you don't want to pay for it, although it is an option if you want it. For around $3 per month, you can get Eufy's cloud storage (if you can find it on their website), but most who go for this doorbell are probably not looking for that service anyway.
Perhaps Eufy's biggest advantage over the Ring Video Doorbell 2 is its price. At the time of this writing, Amazon is offering a one-click coupon that brings the cost down to 2/3 the price of the Ring Video Doorbell 2. What a great incentive to try out this up-and-coming smart device brand!
Ring is still a heavy hitter
Even before Amazon purchased Ring and brought the company under the corporate umbrella that includes Eero, Whole Foods, and Zappos, Ring smart security devices already worked well with Alexa. Ever since that acquisition, Amazon has continued to improve and build-upon the tight integration in products and ecosystems, to the point that if you're deeply embedded in Amazon's, then Ring products should naturally be at the top of your list. However, if you prefer using the Google Assistant you'll want to look elsewhere, as Ring devices no longer directly support this option.
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 gets high marks for its HD-quality video and infrared night vision capabilities.
Over the past year or so, Ring has come under fire for a series of privacy scandals that have scared many customers away from not only Ring but the entire category of smart security devices in general. While we're not going to rehash the controversy right now (you can read more here), we do believe that the products are safe at a fundamental level and that all users of any connected devices should exercise common sense principles like using unique and secure passwords and two-factor authentication.
As far as hardware goes, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 gets high marks for its HD-quality video and infrared night vision capabilities. Ring does not offer an official IP rating for weather-resistance, though it does claim that its doorbells are weatherproof and able to withstand a broad temperature range, as well as rain and snow.
Ring's product line includes no fewer than five smart doorbells at various price-points and functionalities, but the Video Doorbell 2 has been one of our top picks for the best value in the lineup. It comes with several interchangeable faceplates so you can match the doorbell to your home's style, and offers even more customizeable options than other doorbells we've come across. On the downside, the doorbell chime is not included as it is with the Eufy Video Doorbell, so this will set you back an additional $20-$30 if that's something you feel you need.
The higher price of the Ring over the Eufy doorbell doesn't bother us too much, as these devices are often put on sale by Amazon and/or offered in bundles with other smart like Echo smart speakers. We are not reluctant to recommend Ring products in lieu of their recent privacy scandals, but we do recognize that many prospective customers are going to pause before purchasing for the foreseeable future, and will want to take a look at what other options (like the Eufy) might be available.
Aside from the security concerns of storing your personal data in Ring's cloud there's another sticking point. If you've got subscription fatigue, you're not going to like this: to access your video recordings, you'll have to pony up $30-$100 per year for a Ring Protect plan because there is no option for on-device or local storage here.
Price is the winner
These are both great video doorbells, but one wins out for us solely based on price. The Eufy Video Doorbell is missing out on some of the features that the Ring has, like how you can only use it wired. However, you can store videos locally and don't have to worry most of the time about subscriptions. With a lower starting price overall, this is our winner. The Ring Video Doorbell 2 is still a good choice though if you're deeply embedded in the Amazon ecosystem and need something battery-powered.
Eufy Video Doorbell
You get what you pay for
This is a great value for a smart doorbell
The Eufy Video Doorbell makes our list as a great value because it offers quality smart features without hidden fees or subscriptions. There have been complaints though about the device's motion detection and camera AI.
Ring Video Doorbell 2
A great Alexa-enabled doorbell
A premium Alexa doorbell for a mid-range price
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 comes in battery or wired versions, offers 1080p video resolution, motion detection, and a wide field of view. It does require a subscription to access recordings at a time when many are leery of storing their videos in the cloud.
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