Arlo Pro VS Ring Doorbell Review: Which Security Camera Is Better?

When it comes to installing the best home security devices, you’ll want only the best possible brands. This is especially true when you’re looking for good video doorbells. These devices are designed as an extra protection layer to your home, as you can easily speak and see to whoever is on your doorstep—even when you’re away from home!

The battle between the two best video doorbells today is down to Arlo and Ring. These are two of the biggest names in the market, and each offers a product that captures quality footage, clear audio, and amazing service. 

The question still stands, however—what’s better? We’ll be comparing each brand to help you decide and come up with a well-informed decision. Let’s begin!

Arlo Vs. Ring

Given their brand reputation in the market, it can be incredibly difficult to know which one to choose to become part of seamless home security. Here’s a quick rundown of each brand:

Arlo

Arlo’s brand promise is to bring trusted and lifelong smart security solutions, ensuring that exceptional user experience comes on top. Their devices come with advanced security features that give you full control, such as the Arlo Secure app. Video doorbells also come equipped with 4K video and other cutting-edge technology, including wire-free setups and longer battery life spans.

Ring

Ring’s brand promise came from the humble beginnings of the desire to reinvent the doorbell. However, their overall promise is to help all neighborhoods be safer, which is exactly how the video doorbell was designed. These devices protect and empower users, even if they’re away from home! They also boast innovative features, including better battery life, pre-roll video options, and more.

At A Quick Glance: Arlo and Ring

When it comes to counting down to your last dollar, the Arlo video doorbell is hailed as one of the best. It’s definitely pricier compared to the Ring video doorbell, as it offers higher resolutions and smarter components. If you’ve already invested in other Arlo devices, then it may be best to choose the same brand for your video doorbell—it’s certainly the market favorite!

However, this does not mean that the Ring is the lesser option. Video doorbells from this brand are best for those on a budget, and you don’t have to sacrifice the smart features or video quality that Arlo also offers. 

Best Doorbell Cameras From Arlo

Let’s dive into the best doorbell cameras Arlo has to offer!

Arlo Wire-Free Video Doorbell

The Arlo Wire-Free Video Doorbell offers you total convenience. It’s wire-free and battery-operated but ensures that you have full access to views of your front door. In other words, you’ll see who’s behind the door from head to toe! It can also be set up in every part of your home, allowing you to enjoy an extra layer of security. It’s the best part about being wire-free and weather-resistant!

Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell

If you want to stick to the traditional, Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell is the best choice for you. It comes with a highly-coveted 180-degree view, as well as an HDR video that works even in low light conditions. Easy to install and equipped with the smart door sensor, you’ll surely enjoy good value for money.

Arlo Doorbell Smart Home Integration

One of the best things about Arlo video doorbells is that it works with a wide range of smart home systems and voice assistants. Arlo’s smart home integration is top-notch, and most of its models are compatible with the following platforms:

• Amazon Alexa
• Apple HomeKit
• Google Assistant
• Samsung SmartThings

All Arlo cameras and the Arlo Security Light are also compatible with If This Then That (IFTTT). It does not matter much if you use the free version or have a subscription; overall, you can’t go wrong with this brand’s connectivity and versatility.

Best Doorbell Cameras From Ring

Now we will compare the most popular doorbells from Ring.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is also considered one of the best on the market. With 3D motion detection, built-in Alexa greetings, and two-way talk audio, it can’t get any better than that! The camera is also equipped with a 1536p resolution for clear video quality. Its aspect ratio also provides you with a head-to-toe view of all your guests—wanted or otherwise.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 4

If you want better battery life and advanced features, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 4 is the best choice for you. It comes with pre-roll video preview options, allowing you to keep track of every single second of your front door. You can also enjoy mobile notifications that are triggered whenever someone presses your button or the sensor detects motion.

Ring Doorbell Smart Home Integration

Ring has a lot of devices in its arsenal—from stick-up cams to floodlights, it takes whole-home security to the next level. However, there’s an important caveat to this unparalleled range. One of the aspects that put many customers off is that its smart home integration is rather limited.

Ring’s devices are most compatible with Amazon Alexa and Echo. This makes complete sense because these brands are Amazon-owned, so the integration between them is seamless and unparalleled. You can tell Alexa what you’d like Ring to do, and Ring will follow without issues. However, for security reasons, you cannot disarm your alarm with voice assistants.

Ring also works with Google Home to some extent. However, the integration is not as tightly knit as it is with Amazon Alexa, so you can only use basic functionality with this platform. Still, its ability to work with this system can enable you to control your Ring Video Doorbells remotely.

IFTTT and SmartThings can also work with some Ring devices. Apple HomeKit, on the other hand, is generally not supported without the use of a third-party software.

Comparison Table

Key Differences Between Ring And Arlo Video Doorbell Camera

Ring and Arlo are some of the biggest names in home security nowadays, so one can’t help but compare these two giants. They share some nice similarities, such as having easy-to-install devices, short-term subscription services, Wi-Fi-based home security monitoring, and a wealth of helpful features at a relatively affordable price point. Still, there are some key differences between these competing brands.

Here are some key differences that set these Arlo and Ring Video Doorbell Cameras apart:

Subscription Plan Options

Both Ring and Arlo offer free plans that allow you to self-monitor your cameras, but Ring offers 24/7 professional monitoring with its Ring Protect Plus plan for $10 a month. 

Ring also has the Ring Protect Basic plan for $3 a month for those on a budget. This allows you to record video history for 60 days. In contrast, Arlo’s cheapest subscription is the Smart plan, priced at $2.99 a month and only records 30 days of video history.

Smart Home Integration

As previously mentioned, Ring and Arlo have some stark differences when it comes to smart home integration. When it comes to this aspect, Arlo is much more versatile because it is compatible with a wider range of smart home and voice assistant systems. It works with most major platforms, such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and If This Then That (IFTTT).

If you have an Amazon Alexa and Amazon Echo, however, you can do extremely well with the Ring Video Doorbell. This is because these systems are Amazon-owned and work together seamlessly. It can work with other platforms as well, but its connectivity with Apple HomeKit leaves much to be desired.

Other Technology

Ring Cameras are much more versatile, as the brand offers a plethora of other gadgets, such as outdoor floodlight cams, indoor stick-up cams, video doorbells, alarms, and many more. Although these security devices can reliably operate alone, they also connect with each other seamlessly. If you have the whole ecosystem of Ring products, you can rest assured that your home is protected inside and out.

That’s not to say that Arlo lacks protection—in fact, it also has its own arsenal of indoor and outdoor devices, such as doorbell cameras and floodlights. However, it lacks the door and window sensors that Ring has. Still, if you’re only looking for a video-based security system, this brand will still do well in your home.

The Takeaway: Arlo VS Ring Cameras

Arlo and Ring are two of the biggest brands when it comes to home security, and for a good reason. These companies make some of the best equipment that can help safeguard your home and watch over your property even when you’re away. They both have an extensive array of devices for you to choose from, depending on your budget and needs.

Arlo and Ring devices have their own unique perks and advantages over the other, so knowing their key differences and comparing their best products can help you make a well-informed decision. If you want to save your money and get the best equipment for your home, keep this guide in mind. Review their features and see if the device you’re eyeing has everything you need in a security camera.

If you’re looking for the best products from each brand, here are our top picks for you to choose from:

• Arlo Wire-Free Video Doorbell
• Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro 4