Google Nest Doorbell vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
If you're in the market for a smart doorbell, you've likely come across two popular options: the Google Nest Doorbell and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2.
Both of these devices offer advanced features such as video recording, motion detection, and two-way communication, but some key differences set them apart.
In this article, we'll compare the Google Nest Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 across several key consideration aspects to help you determine which one is right for you.
| Specs | Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) | Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $174 | $249.99 |
| Power Source | Battery or hardwired | Hardwired |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Resolution | 960 x 1280p | 1536p |
| Field of View | 145° diagonal | 150° horizontal, 150° vertical |
| Night Vision | Yes, black and white | Yes, colored |
| Live View | Yes | Yes |
| Video History | Yes, up to 60 days | Yes, up to 180 days |
| Motion Detection and Alerts | Yes (Person, Package, Animal Vehicle) | Yes (Person and Package) |
| Pre-Roll Video Previews | No | Yes |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes, with Noise Cancellation | Yes, with Noise Cancellation |
| Pre-Recorded Message | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Google Home, Alexa | Alexa |
| Subscription Required for Full Features | Yes, $6-12/month | Yes, $3.99-20/month |
Key Takeaways
One key difference is Nest Doorbell runs on battery while Ring Doorbell requires hardwired installation. Also, Ring is only compatible with Alexa, while Nest supports Google Home and Alexa. However, Ring has a wider field of view and better video quality with 1536x1536 resolution compared to Nest's 960x1280. Ring also offers more advanced features like Bird's Eye View and Pre-Roll Video.
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)
Affordable and Easy Installation
✓ 960x1280p, 145° diagonal view
✓ Live View, Night Vision
✓ Detects person, package, animal, vehicle
✓ Google Home and Alexa
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Better Camera and Monitoring
✓ 1536p, 150° horizontal and 150° vertical angles
✓ Bird’s Eye View, Color Night Vision
✓ Detects person and package
✓ Alexa (including Alexa Echo, Echo Show, Fire TV, Fire Tablet)
#1 Price
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
The Google Nest Doorbell is typically priced at $174, making it a more affordable option compared to the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 which typically costs $249.99.
Apart from the initial purchase cost, it's also important to take into account the price difference between their subscription plans that provide access to all the features and services. Nest Aware subscription has two options: Nest Aware for $6/month or Nest Aware Plus for $12/month. On the other hand, the Ring Protect subscription has three tiers: Basic ($3.99/month), Plus ($10/month), and Pro ($20/month).
#2 Design
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Both the Google Nest Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 have sleek, modern designs. The Google Nest Doorbell features a circular shape with a button near the bottom, while the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 has a rectangular shape with a button in the center.
Google Nest Doorbell has a small yet visible LED status that will light up when it is recording or streaming a video. In Ring Pro 2, the LED light is circular and located around the press button. It indicates the status of the device, such as when the bell button is pressed, it will show a spinning blue light to indicate that it's ringing.
Google Nest Doorbell
While the design is largely a matter of personal preference, it's worth noting that the Google Nest Doorbell is available in more colors, including ash, ivy, linen, and snow. The Ring Pro 2 on the other hand is available in satin nickel.
#3 Video Camera Quality
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
When it comes to video camera quality, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 has a slight edge over the Google Nest Doorbell. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 features a 1536p HD camera with a 150-degree field of view horizontally and vertically, and Color Night Vision which allows you to see full-color video even in low-light conditions.
The Google Nest Doorbell has a 145-degree diagonal view and records a 3:4 ratio video in 960 x 1280 HD resolution. It also has Night Vision, but it shows black and white instead of full-color video under low-light conditions.
#4 Smart Features
Google Nest Doorbell
Both the Google Nest Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 offer a range of smart features that make them more than just a simple doorbell. You can live stream video from the app or other compatible devices, and receive alerts when the doorbell detects motion. The Google Nest Doorbell can differentiate between a person, package, vehicle, and animal, while the Ring Pro 2 can only detect a person and package.
If you want to talk with your visitors, both devices have two-way communication features that allow you to speak with someone at your door from your phone or other compatible devices. If you're busy or unavailable, you can also set pre-recorded messages to let visitors know you're not available or to ask them to leave a message.
Google Nest Doorbell also offers a video history of up to 3 hours for free, or up to 60 days with a Nest Aware subscription. Local storage backup is also available, storing up to 1 hour of recorded events in case the Wi-Fi goes down or the power goes out. It is also compatible with Google Home and Alexa, so you can use voice commands to control it or use Google Nest and Amazon smart speakers and displays to know when someone is at your door.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Ring Pro 2 offers a longer video history of up to 180 days, but only when you subscribe to a Ring Protect plan. It also provides some distinctive features unavailable in Google Nest, such as the Bird's Eye View and Pre-Roll Video Previews. With Bird's Eye View, you can get aerial views of motion events, giving you a complete picture of what's happening around your home. The Pre-Roll Video Previews allow you to see the events that occurred up to 4 seconds before the motion sensor was triggered, so you can see what happened before the motion was detected.
As an Amazon company, Ring also offers seamless integration with Alexa. Alexa can make voice announcements on your Echo devices or display live video feed on your Echo Show, Fire TV, or Fire Tablet when the Ring Pro 2 detects a person or package.
#5 Installation
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) is powered by battery, so you can have an easy, wireless installation process. However, if you want continuous power, the package comes with a wire connector included so you can also install it hardwired by connecting the device to your existing doorbell wires.
On the other hand, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is not powered by a battery, so existing doorbell wiring is necessary for the hardwire installation. Your doorbell system has to meet the requirements of 16-24 VAC/24VDC, 10-40VA max, and 50/60Hz. However, you don't need to worry as the installation is quite straightforward.
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Final Thoughts
Google Nest Doorbell
Google Nest Doorbell is more affordable, compatible with Google Home and Alexa, and runs on battery for easy installation. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is more expensive and requires wired installation, but it has better video quality and offers more features including Bird's Eye View and Pre-Roll Previews.
Both products have their own uniqueness and limitations, but they are excellent options for anyone looking to upgrade their doorbell. Ultimately, the choice between these two devices will come down to your personal preferences, needs, and priorities.
If you like to read more about Smart Doorbell Cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:
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Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus vs Ring Video Doorbell 4
Arlo Doorbell vs Ring Pro 2 (7 CRUCIAL Aspects to Consider)
Ring Video Doorbell 4 vs 3: Is It Worth Upgrading?
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