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Ever had a package stolen from your doorstep? Or wished you see who was knocking before you decide whether or not to open the door? If so, a video doorbell might just be what you need.
Maybe you’ve already read an ADT Blue doorbell review or are looking for the best Ring doorbell. In this review, we’ll put the Ring and the ADT Blue head-to-head in order to help you choose the best one for you.
Introducing the Ring Doorbell Pro and the ADT Blue Doorbell
Before we get into the specific advantages of each of these smart doorbell options, let’s take a quick look at the Blue and the Ring:
Ring Doorbell Pro
- There’s no free cloud storage offered
- It doesn’t come with a backup battery in the event that power is 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, so you can see who’s on your doorstep even if they don’t ring the doorbell. You can view live 1080p HD video 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 itself. If you choose to add an inexpensive Ring Protect Plan, you can record all videos, review photos and videos for up to 60 days, and easily share anything the Ring Pro records.
ADT Blue Video Doorbell
- It’s a bit bulkier than the Ring Pro
- Some reviewers have stated that its motion detection isn’t the best
- It’s harder to match its aesthetics to those of your home
This doorbell has a similar look to the Ring, but it works independently you don’t need existing doorbell wiring. It’s easy to set up, and it’s also compatible with Alexa and similar devices. It offers night vision capability, a 180-degree field of view, and 2-way talk capabilities.
Like the Ring, the Blue lets you check in on your home at any time, and it can also send you notifications when motion is detected. The free Blue by ADT mobile app lets you view your doorstep remotely, too.
Unique Features and Benefits
In this section, we’ll do a features comparison of the two options so you can choose the best video doorbell on the market for you.
Video Quality
Video quality is especially important when you have security concerns. Luckily, both the Ring and the Blue can deliver 1080p HD video. This makes it easier to identify who’s at your door, even when you aren’t home.
Night Vision
When you compare smart doorbells, night vision is important 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 the Ring and the Blue smart doorbells 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 they compare smart doorbells. While the field of view of each is fairly wide, the Blue does edge ut the Ring a bit in this respect. The ADT Blue has a 180-degree field of view, while the Ring Pro’s field of view is 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.
Both smart doorbells use top-quality motion detection, and either one can be configured to send alerts each time there’s motion at the door.
However, the 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, the ADT Blue also offers facial recognition alongside motion detection, but the Ring Pro does not.
Source of Power
Both of these smart doorbells require some type of hardwiring–neither uses batteries as a permanent power source. However, installation is a bit different for each.
The Ring Pro can connect directly to existing doorbell 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, the ADT Blue doorbell comes with what the company calls a “power bracket.” This bracket can connect to your existing doorbell power supply, but it has a bonus feature and an included battery.
The bracket is set up to power the doorbell even if the power supply stops working or is cut. While you can mount this doorbell 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 doorbell manufacturer’s app or another compatible device to both talk to the visitor and hear them talk back.
The ADT Blue doorbell offers noise cancellation for clearer audio, and some reviewers have noted that the Ring Pro 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
Both of these smart doorbells come with a cloud storage option. With the Ring Pro, you don’t get any free cloud storage, but the Ring Protect Plan lets you save photos and videos to the cloud for later download.
If free cloud storage is a must for you, ADT Blue 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, both the Ring Pro and the ADT Blue come with an app. Pairing your smart doorbell 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
Both doorbells are compatible with a wide range of smart home devices. The Ring Pro 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.
The ADT Blue is also smartphone and tablet compatible, and the manufacturer states that it’s compatible with both Echo and other similar smart home devices. However, the ADT Blue 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 the ADT Blue doorbell is somewhat plain-looking.
If aesthetics are important, you may want to consider the Ring Pro–this one comes with four interchangeable faceplates that let you match your home’s look.
Insights and Takeaways
Both of these are high-quality smart doorbells, and they’re about the same price. 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), the ADT Blue is a solid choice. For those who want sleeker aesthetics and great motion detection, the Ring Pro might be the better choice. Ultimately, either is an option worth getting.