Smart Doorbells have been around for a long time. These doorbells are an excellent way to maintain security at home. Skybell HD and Ring 2 are the two very popular smart doorbells in the market. They are every homeowner’s dream as they provide convenience and secure coverage. While each of them has a lot of similarities, they also have a few key differences. In this article, we have discussed both SkyBell HD and Ring 2 in detail for a thorough comparison. We will analyze each one of them one by one to help you find out which one suits you the best.
SkyBell HD
Quick Navigation
SkyBell, as a company, has very few products. But, don’t take them out of the race just yet. It is better than the other smart doorbells in the market. This smart doorbell provides an extensive range of support for smart home systems. You can add them effortlessly to an existing setup in your home. Skybell HD is also equipped with a cutting edge camera. It will very likely meet all the criteria that a home owner may look for in a smart doorbell.
Ring 2
The Ring brand has a large product line. Security cameras, security systems, smart doorbells, etc are some of the major products manufactured by them. Ring 2, in particular, has a secure ecosystem.
performs all its functions within this ecosystem. This helps to offer greater flexibility to Ring customers.
SkyBell HD vs. Ring 2: The Verdict
SkyBell HD and Ring 2 are unique products that bear a lot of similarities and differences. It is difficult to declare a clear winner when deciding between these two. Each device has its own disadvantages and advanatages and which one is best for you would depend on your preferences. While, we feel Skybell HD has a much better camera, colored night vision, silent mode, larger FPS, and a greater field view. All these make it an amazing device for pure recording. On the other hand Ring 2 also has a lot of advantages like a comprehensive storage plan and 24/7 monitoring support. Further, motion detectors can be set to record only the things that matter. In addition to this, the Ring family is more elaborate to integrate with other Ring security systems and cameras. So, if you want a cutting edge camera Skybell HD is best for you. But for storage, flexibility, and integration with a wide secure ecosystem Ring 2 is the best for you. All in all, we would suggest choosing the one fitting your need as both of them have the same level of convenience, effectiveness, and quality.
A Comparison Chart
| Specifications | Skybell HD | Ring 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 1080p / 720p HD | 1080p HD |
| Power | SkyBell HD is hardwired only | Ring 2 is battery operated or hardwired |
| Life of the Battery | NA | 6months |
| FPS | 180 degree | 160 degree |
| Doorbell Transformers | 10 - 36 VAC, 10 VA or 12 VDC | 16 – 24 VAC, DC is not compatible |
| Field of View | Present | Present |
| Night Vision | Present, Color | Present, Black & White |
| Network Compatibility | 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n | 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n |
| Motion Detection | Present | Present |
| Custom Motion Zones | Absent | Present |
| Live View Motion Trigger | Present | Present |
| Live View On Demand | Present | Present on wiring |
| Silent Mode | Present | Absent |
| 2 way audio | Present | Present |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to 140℉ (-20 to 50℃) | -5 to 120℉ (-40 to 60℃) |
| Web Application | Absent | Present |
| Subscription Service | Absent | Present |
| Free Video Storage | 7 days | Absent |
| Finish of the Product | Brushed Aluminum or Oil Rubbed Bronze | Ring 2 comes with 2 faceplates |
| Price | Check Price | Ring 2 |
Differences
1. FPS
SkyBell HD
FPS is a very vital marker. It represents the Frames Per Second. It basically denotes the speed at which a camera can capture a video. A high FPS is preferable over a lower one. Skybell HD supports 1080p HD video recording. A very important aspect of SkyBell HD is that it can support and record at 30 FPS. This is a significantly higher FPS than most of the other doorbells in the smart doorbell space.
Ring 2
Ring 2 is only able to provide support for 15 FPS recordings. It also supports 1080p HD video recording. But, because of the low FPS, there is a stark difference in the quality of any recordings you take. The low FPS might also result in it becoming very difficult to recognize the persons in the video. The main purpose of owning a smart doorbell is to be able to see who is at the front door. With a low FPS, this becomes a slightly difficult task for Ring 2.Winner: SkyBell HD.
2. Power Options
SkyBell HD
Power options are a very important aspect of any smart home appliance. They make a world’s difference between a difficult and flexible installation process. SkyBell HD is only compatible with hardwired connections. This means that Skybell HD can be connected to your existing doorbell system. This is a very simple process. It also helps in saving the battery power of your smart doorbell. The SkyBell HD supports 10 – 36 VAC, 10VA, or 12 VDC transformers.
Ring 2
The Ring 2 smart doorbell is also compatible with hardwired connections. Apart from this, it offers the doorbell owners the choice to use a battery to power the device. This option is very helpful to homeowners. It allows you a lot of choices when it comes to the placement of the doorbell. You will be able to place the doorbell in a variety of places. The only drawback to this is that the power source becomes less reliable. If you want uninterrupted coverage, then you will need to change the power supply out. When it comes to hardwiring, the Ring 2 HD provides limited support for only 16 – 24 VAC.
Winner: SkyBell HD.
3. Field Of View
SkyBell HD
The field of view determines how effective your smart doorbell works. A wider field of view means that your doorbell is covering a bigger area and it will be able to catch a lot of things on tape. The SkyBell HD doorbell provides 180 degrees of field view. Smart doorbells make it easier to catch or identify a potential criminal. To do this, the doorbell must provide a great field of view. It has an advantage here as it provides a wider picture compared to its competitors.
Ring 2
The Ring 2 covers a range of 160 degrees only. This is only slightly less than that of SkyBell HD. But, nonetheless, it might make a significant difference for a customer.
Winner: SkyBell HD.
4. Color Night Vision
SkyBell HD
Night vision proves to be another major feature of SkyBell HD. It differentiates the best smart doorbells from the ordinary ones. SkyBell HD supports night vision. But, it goes a step further by providing support to color night vision. The footage recorded in the night will be of similar good quality as the daytime footage.
Ring 2
Ring 2 is capable of supporting a night vision. But, it lags behind SkyBell HD as it does not provide color night vision.
Winner: SkyBell HD.
5. Custom Motion Zones
SkyBell HD
Custom Motion Zones enable a smart doorbell to operate more flexibly. The doorbell’s camera will focus specifically on certain areas. Unfortunately, Skybell HD does not offer support for custom motion zones.
Ring 2
The Ring 2 provides support to custom motion zones. Homeowners can feel an increase in the sense of security because of this. This is due to the fact that the doorbell’s camera will focus on the specific areas that you want to monitor. This increases the security coverage and helps in the reduction of false alarms.
Winner: Ring 2.
6. Silent Mode
SkyBell HD
Sometimes, the chime on the smart doorbell can prove to be annoying to some people. SkyBell HD provides an easy solution to this issue. SkyBell HD comes with a silent mode. It allows you to discard the chime on your doorbell. Another advantage of SkyBell HD is that it allows you to customize certain features.
Ring 2
The Ring 2 doesn’t allow users to adjust their doorbell to an already existing chime. But, there are other alternatives provided by Ring 2. You can buy a Ring Chime or a Ring Chime Pro. These products work as a customized chime. They also come with a “Chime Snooze” feature. Ring Chime helps you to silence the speaker for a specific period of time. Ring Chime Pro acts as a WiFi extender and it increases the WiFi signal for your Ring 2 doorbell. But, the standard Ring 2 alone will not be able to perform any of these tasks.
Winner: SkyBell HD.
7. Operating Temperature
SkyBell HD
Operating Temperature ensures that the doorbell’s internal functions run smoothly. SkyBell HD works well in almost all kinds of climates. But, it is more suitable in case you live in a colder place. It can function between -40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ring 2
Ring 2 can work in many climates too. But, it has a limited range when compared to SkyBell HD. It can operate smoothly between -4 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winner: SkyBell HD.
8. Web Application
SkyBell HD
Applications are a vital companion product to any smart device. Skybell HD has an application that will allow you to control your camera. It also has other options like that of two – way audio and motion alerts. But, to be able to control the doorbell you will need to have a phone or tablet on hand.
Ring 2
Ring 2 has an application that provides support-related details for customers. Apart from this, Ring 2 also has a web application. This is a convenient option for homeowners who want to access the application with ease.Winner: Ring 2.
9. Subscription Service
SkyBell HD
Smart doorbells provide an easy way to record and store video footage of your home. This function is especially useful for people who are away from home on a regular basis. With regards to subscription service, Skybell HD offers free video storage for up to 7 days. It also allows users to access recent footage without having to pay additional fees.
Ring 2
The Ring 2 has a subscription service too. This service mainly provides two plans i.e. Ring 2: Protect Basic and Protect Plus. This plan includes 60-day video storage and you can watch the videos at any point in time. The reason why this plan is so effective is that it also provides the ability to share any footage recorded. You can share the Ring 2 videos with your family, friends, and law enforcement officials. The other plan, Protect Plus this plan is more advanced and it offers more perks compared to the basic plan. Some of these perks include support software for all Ring cameras. It also has an extended warranty with 24/7 professional monitoring. The Pro service also helps you to avail 10% discount on all future purchases. While SkyBell will not cost you any extra money, it does not provide a wide range of features like that of Ring 2.
Winner: Ring 2.
10. Finish
SkyBell HD
SkyBell HD offers a variety of finish options for customers. You can get the Brushed Aluminum finish or the Oil Rubbed Bronze. The only drawback is that you have to choose one of the two finishes as you cannot get both of them.
Ring 2
The Ring 2 comes with two default templates. These templates will be of two different finishes which enable users to choose as per their convenience. This is a much more flexible method rather than that of Skybell HD.
Winner: Ring 2.
Similarities
1. Video Resolution
Video Resolution is essential to help keep an eye on your home. Both SkyBell HD and Ring 2 offer a recording resolution of 1080p HD.
2. Night View
As mentioned earlier, SkyBell HD and Ring 2 can support night vision for their cameras. This feature allows you to monitor the front door. This can be done irrespective of the time and lighting conditions.
3. On – Demand Live View
This feature is common to both the products and it allows you to view a live feed of the camera footage. Both the doorbells are also motion-triggered.
4. Two – Way Audio
Skybell HD and Ring 2 both provide a two – way audio system. This means that you can hear people on the outside as well as speak to them from the inside. Both the products allow you to have a conversation with your visitor.5. Alexa Compatibility
SkyBell HD and Ring 2 are both compatible with Alexa and Amazon Echo.
6. Installation Process
The installation process for both SkyBell HD and Ring 2 is pretty simple. They can be installed by homeowners by spending minimum time and effort.
SkyBell HD: Product Features & Technical Specifications
- Video Resolution – SkyBell HD provides video resolution of 1080p HD video. SkyBell HD also allows up to 5 times a zooming capacity.
- Multi-Color LEDs – The doorbell is fitted with multi-color LEDs. They provide high-quality night vision and color night vision. SkyBell HD also has a LED Indicator Light (16mil color combo).
- Video Recording – It supports free cloud recording. SkyBell HD does not charge a monthly fee. SkyBell also supports live – view on demand.
- Alerts – SkyBell HD has an active motion alert system.
- Weatherproof – SkyBell HD is weather and rain proof. It can be placed in all types of weather especially in colder conditions.
- Hardwiring – SkyBell HD can be hard-wired only.
- Multiple Users – SkyBell HD can be set up so that multiple users can receive alerts from the doorbell.
- Multiple Devices – SkyBell HD app allows many devices to connect to the smart doorbell.
- Activity History – You can use the app to check-in with the activity history of the doorbell. You will be able to view details of missed visitors, answered video calls, and motion alerts.
- Silent Mode – The silent mode will help you to turn off the chime of your doorbell.
- Compatibility – SkyBell HD works well with Amazon Alexa, Amazon Echo and Echo Dot.
Ring 2 : Product Features & Technical Specifications
- Video Resolution – Ring 2 provides video resolution of 1080p HD video.
- Night Vision –Ring 2 provides reliable night vision. It uses infrared technology to deliver night vision.
- Video Recording – It supports live – view on demand. The subscription service for Ring 2 also offers 2 plans for video recording.
- Alerts – Ring 2 has adjustable motion sensors that send alerts to users.
- Hardwired / Battery Power – The Ring 2 can be hardwired as well as battery-powered. Ring 2 provides a rechargeable battery pack with each device.
- Compatibility – Ring 2 web application is compatible with IOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. Ring 2 also works with Alexa and Echo.
- Finish – Ring 2 comes in two colors i.e. Satin Nickel and Venetian.
- Internet Requirements – Ring 2 requires an upload speed of a minimum of 1 Mbps. It performs its best at 2 Mbps.
- Warranty – There is a one year warranty on the parts of the Ring 2. Customers of Ring 2 are also supported by a lifetime theft protection clause. This means that if your doorbell is stolen, then Ring will replace it free of cost.
SkyBell HD: What You Get In A Box
The Skybell HD box will consist of the SkyBell HD Video Doorbell. It also consists of the mounting plate and hardware kit. SkyBell HD will provide the installation tools and a quick–start guide for customers. SkyBell comes with a warranty of 1 year limited.
Ring 2: What You Get In A Box
The Ring 2 box will include the Ring Video Doorbell 2 and the quick-release battery pack. It comes with the satin and Venetian faceplates and the adapter faceplate. You will also receive the wedge and corner install kits as well as the installation tools and screws. Ring 2 also gives a USB charging cable. Apart from this, the box will include the user manual and security sticker of the smart doorbell.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Users Set The Area for Motion Detection?
No, the users cannot set the area for motion detection. But, you will be able to choose the motion sensitivity setting. There is a low, medium and high setting for motion sensitivity.
2. Can SkyBell HD work without an existing doorbell?
If you want to use SkyBell HD without an existing doorbell, then you have to locally power it. This can be done with the help of a resister that can transfer a direct power from a transformer.
3. Can Multiple Users Be Provided Access?
Yes, the SkyBell HD will allow you to provide access to multiple users. Apart from this, you can also connect multiple devices to the application.
4. Can Multiple SkyBells Be Used In Different Places?
Yes, multiple SkyBells can be used in different places. Each SkyBell will function as an independent unit.
5. Does SkyBell Require A Connection to the Cloud?
No, there is no need for a cloud connection for SkyBell HD. SkyBell HD connects to your WiFi router. With the help of this connection it will be able to connect to your smartphone.
6. Is Ring 2 Weatherproof?
No
7. Can Audio Recording Be Disabled For Ring 2?
Yes, audio recording can be disabled for Ring 2. This can be done by muting the Ring 2 speaker on the ringer
8. Can Ring 2 Connect to Multiple Devices?
Yes, Ring 2 can work on multiple devices. This can be enabled by connecting to the Ring Application and signing into your Ring account.
9. Can We Access The Recorded History?
Yes, you can access the recorded history of Ring 2. But, for this you will need to subscribe to the subscription service provided by Ring 2.
10. Is Ring 2 Compatible With Alexa?
Yes, Ring 2 is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Amazon Echo and Amazon Echo Dot.
Final Talk
With this, we have come to an end to the analysis of which product is better, SkyBell HD or Ring 2. It is difficult to decide between the two because both SkyBell HD and Ring 2 have their own pros and cons. But, SkyBell HD has an advantage over Ring 2 because it has a far better FPS. You should also check out, How different Skybell is in comparison to August.
It also supports color night vision and silent mode, which is not supported by Ring 2. Hence, Skybell HD is a better option for customers as it offers flexibility and better coverage. Want something other than SkyBell, do check out, Zmodo vs ring 2.
Leave a Reply