Ever had a package stolen from your doorstep? Or wish you could see who was knocking before deciding whether or not to open the door? If so, a video doorbell might be just what you need.
Maybe you’ve already read an ADT review or are looking for the Blue device. In this review, we’ll put the comparison of Ring vs ADT head-to-head to help you choose the best one for you.
Ring vs ADT Blue
Before we delve into the specific advantages of each of these smart doorbell options, let’s quickly examine the ADT vs Ring:
Ring
There’s no complimentary cloud storage offered. It lacks a backup battery in the event of a power cut. No facial recognition. You can’t set specific motion detection zones.
This sleek-looking video doorbell is a compact option that works with your existing doorbell wiring. It offers motion-activated alerts, allowing you to see who’s at your doorstep even if they don’t activate the doorbell. You can view live 1080p HD from a smartphone, tablet, or video-capable Echo device.
If you connect it to an Alexa device, you can also talk to visitors through the camera. Opting for an affordable Protect Plan allows you to record all videos, review photos for up to 60 days, and easily share any recorded content.
ADT Blue
It’s bulkier than Ring. Some reviewers have noted that its motion detection isn’t the best. It’s more challenging to match its aesthetics to those of your home.
This device has a similar appearance to Blue, but it operates independently; you don’t need existing doorbell wiring. It’s easy to set up and is also compatible with Alexa and similar devices. It offers night vision capability, a 180-degree field of view, and 2-way talk capabilities.
The ADT lets you check in on your home at any time, and it can also send you notifications when motion is detected. The free ADT by mobile app lets you view your doorstep remotely as well.
Unique Features and Benefits
In this section, we’ll compare the features of the two options, allowing you to choose the best one for you.
Video Quality
Quality is essential when you have security concerns. Luckily, both Ring and ADT deliver 1080p HD. This ensures clear identification of who’s at your door, even when you aren’t home.
Night Vision
When comparing smart doorbells, night vision is crucial to consider. If you have a motion-activated porch light, it may not be much to worry about. However, if there’s a chance you may need to identify a visitor or intruder when it’s dark, getting a smart doorbell with night vision is a good idea.
Both Ring and ADT have night vision, so you shouldn’t have any trouble trying to identify who’s at your door in the dark. However, it’s important to note that you need a reliable WiFi connection to get the full benefit; a slow or unreliable connection may result in choppy video.
Field of View
Most homeowners look for a wide field of view when comparing smart doorbells. While the field of view of each is fairly wide, ADT does edge out Blue a bit in this respect. ADT has a 180-degree field of view vs. Blue’s 160 degrees.
Motion Detection
Motion detection is especially important when package theft is a concern or if you want to see if there’s any activity near your home while you’re away.
Using top-quality motion detection, either one can be configured to send alerts each time there’s motion at the door.
However, Blue also allows you to set specific motion detection zones. If you find you’re getting constant motion alerts from cars on the street or something similar, setting motion detection zones lets you make sure you’re only alerted when you need to be.
Notably, ADT also offers facial recognition alongside motion detection, but Ring does not.
Source of Power
Require some type of hardwiring; neither uses batteries as a permanent power source. However, installation is a bit different for each.
Ring can connect directly to existing wiring, and it doesn’t come with wiring supplies for those who don’t have a doorbell. However, it does come with all the hardware you need to install it, including a masonry drill bit for those who need to drill through brick or stone.
On the other hand, ADT comes with what the company calls a “power bracket.” This bracket can connect to your existing power supply, but it has a bonus feature and an included battery.
The bracket is set up to power even if the power supply stops working or is cut. While you can mount this with screws, it also comes with adhesive mounting strips; this option is ideal for renters who can’t drill into walls.
Audio Features and Talk Capabilities
Both of these options include two-way talk features, which are generally only found on higher-end types of surveillance cameras. When someone’s at your door, you can use the manufacturer’s app or another compatible device to both talk to the visitor and hear them talk back.
Offers noise cancellation for clearer audio, and some reviewers have noted that Ring tends to be a bit noisy. This likely isn’t a major problem, but if you live near a busy street, you might appreciate some noise cancellation.
Cloud Storage
Come with a cloud storage option. With Ring, you don’t get any free cloud storage, but the Protect Plan lets you save photos and videos to the cloud for later download.
If free cloud storage is a must for you, gives you 24 hours of free storage on their cloud, and you don’t need a subscription to store it.
App Support
Like most smart surveillance cameras, Ring and ADT have an app. Pairing with an app lets you receive motion-detection alerts and view activity. With either app, you can watch a live video feed even without receiving an alert.
Device Compatibility
Compatible with a wide range of smart home devices. Ring can pair with any Echo device to let you talk through the doorbell, and video and two-way talk work on smartphones, tablets, and video-capable Echo devices.
Also, smartphones and tablets are compatible, and the manufacturer states that it’s compatible with both Echo and other similar smart home devices. However, they also can be connected to a LifeShield home security system for added protection.
Aesthetics
Both devices are fairly aesthetically similar, although some reviewers have noted that Blue is somewhat plain-looking.
If aesthetics are important, you may want to consider Ring, this one comes with four interchangeable faceplates that let you match your home’s look.
Insights and Takeaways
For those who want free cloud storage, facial recognition, and a wider field of view (not to mention the option of connecting to a home security system), ADT is a solid choice. For those who want sleeker aesthetics and great motion detection, Ring might be the better choice. Ultimately, either is an option worth getting.
