Best Alternatives to Ring Doorbell

Due to number of models and marketing Ring doorbells are probably the most well known video doorbells out there right now. No surprise, as they are backed by the might of Amazon.

Some people may see that as a good thing, others not.

In recent times, there have been a series of mis-steps from Ring whether it’s around security, sharing videos with the police or issues with doorbells catching fire.

Equally, if you have had or considered getting a Ring doorbell you may have ruled it on the grounds of cost or been a little bit taken aback by how little functionality you get if you don’t subscribe to one of their subscription plans.

Whatever the reason in this post we are considering the best alternatives to a Ring doorbell.

Best Ring Video Doorbell Alternatives

Eufy Security Wireless Video Doorbell

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The Eufy Video Doorbell made by Anker who you might know for their portable power packs and wireless charging solutions.Indeed, this wireless version claims a battery life of 6 months and is a good alternative to a Ring doorbell without subscription.

This 2K version makes use of a Sony sensor with a resolution of 2560 x 1920 px that gives picture quality better than the Ring Pro.

The Eufy makes use of a Eufy Homebase that plugs into your router (to get the best performance) or using your 2.4 GHz Wifi. The Homebase acts as both a chime and also as hub for other devices such as Eufy cameras and a charger to charge the doorbell unit when the batteries are running low.

The other advantage of the Eufy is that the HomeBase has 16GB of local storage (expandable) if you are looking for a video doorbell without cloud subscription. The use of this storage is optimised by making use of HEVC encoding.

Size wise it’s about the same size as a TV remote and comes with all the features you’d expect Google Assistant and Alexa integration, motion and person detection, customizable motion zones and the ability to respond with 3 quick responses.

Smart human detection extends to the fact that if the doorbell detects its you, your family and friends it does not send any notifications.

As well as the 2K wireless version mentioned here, other options include a 1080P and a wired version.

Arlo Video Doorbell

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The [amazon link=”B089Y6R6B8″ title=”Arlo Video Doorbell”] is a wired video doorbell that works with your existing wired doorbell and chime as long as the transformer operates between 16V or 24V. If you’re not sure about installing the doorbell yourself Arlo team up with HelloTech for installation.

The unit itself is sleek looking and offers HD video, motion detection and a 180 degree field of view and a 3 seconds pre-record buffer. It’s quite unusual in that the video is 1:1 aspect ration which gives a view from floor to ceiling rather than the fisheye view of other popular doorbells.

The app offers you the ability to respond to callers with quick replies like “I’m busy right now” or “leave the package outside” and set up custom motion detection zones so that it does not detect traffic. You can also set up schedules or use geofencing so that the doorbell does not send alerts when you are home

Other useful features are the ability to use the doorbell as a trigger to other Arlo devices like cameras so that you can set up automations like if the doorbell rings get my indoor Arlo camera to record.

Remo+ RemoBell S Wifi Video Doorbell

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The RemoBell S is not as fully featured as some of the other offerings but does the basics and it does them well including two way talk and night vision.

It is a wired only video doorbell that works with transformers that output 16 to 24 volt AC. It comes with everything you need to install and a wedge mount if you need to create a bit of an angle

The companion can app can be used by up to 5 people and is functional but basic. You have very basic integration with Alexa and the ability to set up simple motion zones.

You can benefit from no monthly subscription fees by taking advantage of the recording of up to 3 days of footage in the cloud for free. If you want to extend that there are other Remo cloud subscription plans available.

TOUCAN Video Doorbell Camera

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The Toucan video doorbell comes with a wireless chime so it can be use completely wirelessly.

It offers a 1440 x 1440 HD camera, PIR motion detection and 180 degree field of view. The app isn’t the most user friendly but you can use it to view the doorbell camera. It works with Google and Alexa and in common with other doorbells you can respond with pre recorded messages.

You can save 24 hours of storage for free but anything above that will require you to sign up for the Toucan Shield Plan.

Amcrest Video Doorbell Camera Pro

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The Amcrest 1080P is a wired video doorbell powered by your existing doorbell wiring. It offers super wide angle 2.0mm lens and a 140 degree field of view.

As you would expect it offers motion detection which operates during day or night and works at a maximum range of 16 feet. Access to the camera is via the Amcrest Smart home app where you can configure schedules and view the camera feed. Due to its RTSP support the camera opens out a lot of compatibility options and can be used with NVRs / DVRs like Blue Iris.

Recording of footage can either go to the Amcrest Smart cloud or direct to . an external microSD card (needs to be class 10 and above and cards up to 128 GB are supported). For the cloud offering you get a free 1 year trial which offers 3 days of motion detection storage with 12 seconds record time and 7 minute cool down. After your trial expires you would expect to pay $1.99 per month. There are also other plans available that offer more functionality.