Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd generation)
Google’s latest wired Google Nest Doorbell will blow you away with its features and style. Free onboard object detection powered by AI and 3 hours of cloud storage are just the tip of the iceberg for what makes this a great video doorbell.
for
- improved design
- Easy setup
- solid video quality
- Useful AI detection function
- 3 hours of free cloud storage
- Continuous recording support
Against
- If you want more than 3 hours of event history, you need a subscription
- Night vision could be better
- speaker is a little weak
Ring Video Doorbell Wired
Ring’s newest doorbell may require wire, but it’s cheaper than other Ring video doorbells. It offers people and parcel detection and high-quality 1080p video in a small package.
for
- prepaid
- very few
- Works perfectly with other ring products
- Easy setup
- solid video quality
Against
- Most features are locked behind a paywall
- Poor AI detection capabilities
- Not compatible with Google Assistant
Two of the most popular smart home companies, Ring and Google, recently revamped their video doorbell lineup, adding two wired-only options. However, as always, features or money aren’t necessarily the biggest considerations between these two. However, these are important differences. Rather, it is an ecosystem.
If you have Ring products, you know how they work together. Ring ensures that its app and accompanying products all work in harmony, and when paired with Alexa, it makes you feel right at home. TRUE Sometimes smart. Google, on the other hand, wants users to primarily use the Google Home app, and is about to loop. all Not only for Google services, but also for its apps.
If you’re not particularly invested in any of these, or don’t mind installing multiple smart home apps, read on. Help you choose the best video doorbell. (opens in new tab).
Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) and Ring Video Doorbell (wired): design and specs
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It’s immediately clear that Ring and Google are going for very different aesthetics with their latest video doorbells. Google has designed it to be more modern than any other doorbell on the market and is available in four attractive colors that are perfect for your home. The ring, meanwhile, sticks to a single black colorway and a slightly more sophisticated version of the classic rectangular design.
The Ring doorbell may look a little boring, but it’s pretty small, especially when it comes to height. The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is over an inch shorter and a little thinner than the Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen). However, Google’s latest wired doorbell sounds at least less clunky than the company’s 2020-released wireless doorbell.
Ring also offers an optional wireless doorbell chime that can be purchased separately for $35. (opens in new tab) Or bundle it with your doorbell for a little less. Google doesn’t offer such an option, but it does offer the best Google Assistant speakers (opens in new tab) In most cases, it will notify you when someone presses a button, replacing the traditional chime.
| specification | Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd generation) | Ring Video Doorbell Wired |
|---|---|---|
| doorbell dimensions | 1.7 x 1.1 x 5.2 inches (42 x 28 x 131 mm) | 1.8 x 0.88 x 3.98 inches (45.7 x 22.4 x 101mm) |
| colour | snow, ash, linen, ivy | black |
| connectivity | 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) |
| expandable storage | 🚫 | 🚫 |
| two-way communication | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| speaker | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| camera resolution | HD, 960×1280 pixels 3:4 aspect ratio, up to 30 FPS, HDR, 1/3″ 1.3 megapixel color sensor, 6x digital zoom | FHD, 1920×1080 pixels, 16:9 aspect ratio, 30FPS |
| viewing area | Diagonal 145° | Horizontal 155°, Vertical 90° |
| night vision | Ten 850 nm IR LEDs up to 10 feet | yes |
| smart function | Smart Intelligence Detection: People, Packages, Vehicles, Animals, Familiar Faces (Paid Feature) | Advanced motion detection with customizable motion zones |
| Weatherability | IP54 | Water resistant (not IP rated) |
| Power | Hardwired (16V AC ~ 24V AC, min 10 VA, 50/60Hz) | Hardwired ((10-24 VAC, max 40VA, 50/60Hz, or 24VDC, 0.5A, 12W)) |
| wireless chime | 🚫 | sold separately |
Google Nest Doorbell supports 5 GHz network and 2.4 GHz, while Ring Video Doorbell Wired only supports 2.4 GHz. This could be important for some networks, but with so many smart home gadgets only supporting his 2.4 GHz, it’s unlikely I’ll get rid of that network anytime soon.
Google backs up its waterproof and dustproof claims with a decent IP rating. This means that Google pays certification fees to ensure that it makes business sense for customers. Ring says the doorbell is water resistant and built to withstand normal snow and rain, but there’s no official rating. However, in our testing so far, the Ring doorbell has never been exposed to the elements.
Neither company supports local-only storage, but Ring offers a local backup option if you have Ring Alarm Pro. (opens in new tab).
Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) and Ring Video Doorbell (wired): video and AI
For me, this is an area where Google really wins the debate. The Ring Video Doorbell Wired uses a higher definition 1080p (1920 x 1080) video than the Nest Doorbell’s 960 x 1280 resolution video, but that’s the only advantage. It still uses a wide aspect ratio of 16:9 which is not ideal for a video doorbell.
Google, on the other hand, uses a more ideal 3:4 aspect ratio for their videos, offering vertical videos. Google Nest Doorbell’s aspect ratio is a good choice because you’re likely to want to see most people at your front door rather than the surrounding area.
In addition, Google’s AI smarts are built into Nest Doorbell, allowing Doorbell to distinguish between pets, people, cars and packages. If you have a Nest Aware subscription (opens in new tab), you can also have the doorbell recognize people you recognize and alert them in different ways. Ring Video Doorbell Wired, on the other hand, can only distinguish between packaging and a vague idea of what a person looks like based on body temperature.
Not only that, but Nest Doorbell doesn’t require a subscription to detect people, pets, packages, and cars. Everything runs on-device, so there’s no need to move to the cloud. So not only is it free, it runs faster.
Plus, Google offers 3 hours of free recording with every Nest camera, so you don’t have to pay a dime for cloud storage unless you need to record more than 3 hours in advance.Rings, on the other hand, require a Ring Protect Plan (opens in new tab) Save all videos. So, unless you’re happy with just viewing a live feed, you’ll need to pay Ring at least $3 a month to view your videos.
Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Generation) vs. Ring Video Doorbell (Wired): Which Should You Buy?
If you haven’t joined the Ring or Google ecosystems yet, the Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen) is worth the extra cost over the Ring Video Doorbell Wired. A doorbell that not only looks good, but is much smarter on the inside.
With more robust Wi-Fi network support and built-in AI detection, it can distinguish between people, pets, vehicles and packages without a subscription. Not only that, but you don’t even need a basic 3-hour cloud storage subscription.
Ring’s doorbell isn’t bad at all, but it lacks Google Assistant support and offers a rudimentary experience. It makes sense given the bargain price, but it’s nice to be able to take advantage of all the extras Google has to offer without having to pay for a subscription. After paying for two years, you can definitely make up for the cost between these doorbells.
Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd generation)
Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen) offers the best of Google AI in a great looking package without requiring a monthly subscription.
Ring Video Doorbell Wired
Ring’s most affordable video doorbell comes in the smallest package ever. Wire it up, connect it to all your ring devices and get the most out of it!
