Google Nest Vs. Ring: Which Is the Better Doorbell?

Ring and Google both have some of the best video doorbells on the market — but which is the right choice for you? We’re going over all the details between these two video doorbell options, what their models look like, and which we think is the best pick for consumers.

Design and variety

Google’s Nest Doorbells come in two options, a battery-powered version that can be placed anywhere and a larger, wired version that needs to be connected to a home’s electricity to work. Outside of this, both have very similar designs, a simple vertical shape that makes it very clear where the actual doorbell is. The battery version comes in several different colors, while the wired version is only available in black.

Using a smartphone to view a live feed through the Ring Video Doorbell.

Ring, on the other hand, has a much more varied product line, which includes the Video Doorbell Pro, the Doorbell 3 and 4, the Doorbell Pro 2, the Doorbell Elite, and a new 2020 version of the standard Video Doorbell. If you want choices, Ring is the brand for you: Its designs vary a bit from model to model, but they tend to be a bit more blocky than the Nest Doorbells, and will certainly stand out more on your porch.

Battery

The wired version of the Nest Doorbell may need more work to set up, but you never need to worry about recharging the battery, and wired doorbells can use the chime you already have installed. The battery version, meanwhile, allows you to place the doorbell wherever it’s most convenient and gets the best views for the video camera, while also allowing you to customize the new chime.

Ring also offers wired and battery video doorbells, although with a greater number of options in each category. Both models do allow you to wire in the battery doorbell if you prefer.

The Nest Doorbell attached to a wooden wall.

Both Ring and Nest batteries will last for a certain amount of time depending on how often they are triggered — usually at least several months before you will need to recharge them, although if your cam is facing a busy street it could be far more often than that. Ring in particular has done an excellent job of designing batteries that quickly slide out, although this can vary a bit based on the model, while Google requires you to detach the doorbell front section entirely.

Video camera

The video cam is one of the most important parts of a video doorbell, so let’s take a moment to look at specs. Both Google and Ring have 2020 versions of their standard doorbell out, so this is a great place to start.

Nest’s Doorbell uses an HD, 960 x 1280 resolution cam with a vertical orientation that’s designed to focus on the full view of your porch to clearly see all the details on people and packages alike. It comes with both motion and proximity sensors, and up to 10 feet of night vision.

Ring’s latest doorbell offers a more traditional 155-degree (90-degree vertical) cam at 1080p HD resolution. Motion sensors and night vision are also included.

There’s not a lot of differentiation here, but the Nest Doorbell’s 4:3 aspect ratio is better for taking a closer look right in front of your door, while the Ring Doorbell is better for a broader security sweep. Higher-tier Ring video doorbells also offer increased resolution (the Pro 2, for example, offers UHD video), while the older wired Nest Doorbell actually has improved resolution as well.

Audio

Both brands offer video doorbells that include two-way audio communications that you can open while looking at a livestream to initiate dialogue. They’re small but suitable for brief communication when necessary, although you won’t be able to record any audio (state privacy laws have a say in this). There’s not much difference to worry about here.

Installation

Both types of video doorbells are installed in very similar ways, depending on whether you are using a battery or wired version. Both offer detailed instructions and walkthrough video that make installing largely painless from a DIY perspective, although if wiring is involved you should have at least some electrical experience. We think Google’s videos are a bit more friendly for absolute newcomers, but this is another area where there isn’t much difference.

Components of the Ring Video Doorbell 4. — Erika Rawes/Digital Trends

Smart features and voice assistants

Both brands offer video doorbells with motion detection zones and the ability to identify certain objects, but Google’s A.I. technology helps make the Nest Doorbells a lot smarter in this regard. Ring’s doorbells offer the ability to recognize people and send rich text notifications, but Google’s battery-powered doorbell can identify people, vehicles, animals, and packages, and send tailored text alerts guessing which triggered the doorbell. It can even track familiar faces with a paid subscription.

It’s also important to talk about video storage here, as the two brands differ in how this is handled. Google offers the ability to hold up to three hours of event history for free at any given time. After the three hours are used up, you’ll have to delete footage. Buy the Nest Aware subscription ($6 per month, and this allows “event” video clips to last for 30 days no matter how long they are). Ring allows you to keep photos for up to seven days for free, but doesn’t allow for any free video clip storage — for that, you’ll need a Ring Protect subscription ($3 per month), which allows you to save video for up to 30-60 days based on the details.

A woman releasing the battery on a Ring Video Doorbell.

Finally, if you like using voice assistants or pairing your doorbell with a smart display like a Nest Hub Max or Echo Show, note that the Ring video doorbells are compatible with Alexa, while the Nest doorbells only work with Google Assistant.

Pricing and availability

Take a look at the Google Nest Video Doorbells here.

Take a look at the Ring Video Doorbells here.

Google’s two Nest Doorbells vary in price from $179 (battery) to $229 (wired). Ring, on the other hand, has a much wider range of prices, making it easier to save money or to spend a lot more on a doorbell with extra resolution capabilities: Its models range from $59 for the base wired version to $349 for the business-friendly Elite model.