If you are looking for a smart doorbell that offers more features, security, and privacy than Ring, you might want to consider Eufy Video Doorbell 2K. This doorbell has a higher resolution, local storage, and no monthly fees, making it a better choice for many homeowners. In this article, we will compare Eufy and Ring in terms of video quality, storage options, subscription plans, smart home integration, and customer reviews.
One of the most important aspects of a smart doorbell is the video quality. You want to be able to see who is at your door clearly and in detail, especially if you need to identify a potential intruder or package thief. Eufy Video Doorbell 2K has an edge over Ring in this regard, as it offers a 2K resolution (2560 x 1920 pixels) with HDR and distortion correction. Ring, on the other hand, has a 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) with no HDR or distortion correction. This means that Eufy can capture more details and colors, especially in low-light or high-contrast situations. Eufy also has a wider field of view (160 degrees) than Ring (155 degrees), which allows you to see more of your porch and surroundings.
Storage Options
Another factor to consider is how the smart doorbell stores the recorded videos. Ring relies on cloud storage, which means that you need to pay a monthly fee to access your videos and share them with others. Ring offers two subscription plans: Ring Protect Basic ($3 per month or $30 per year) and Ring Protect Plus ($10 per month or $100 per year). The Basic plan covers one device and gives you 60 days of video history, while the Plus plan covers all your Ring devices and gives you 60 days of video history, professional monitoring, and cellular backup. However, some users may not like the idea of having their videos stored on a third-party server, which could pose a risk of hacking or data breach.
Eufy, on the other hand, uses local storage, which means that your videos are stored on a 16GB microSD card inside the doorbell. This eliminates the need for any monthly fees and gives you more control over your data. You can access your videos anytime through the Eufy app or download them to your phone or computer. You can also share them with others if you want. The 16GB microSD card can store up to a year of videos, depending on the usage and settings. However, some users may prefer cloud storage for its convenience and reliability, as local storage could be damaged or stolen along with the doorbell.
Subscription Plans
As mentioned above, Ring requires a subscription plan to access and share your videos, while Eufy does not. This could be a deal-breaker for some users who do not want to pay extra for a smart doorbell. Eufy offers more value for money, as you only pay for the device itself and get all the features without any recurring fees. Ring, however, may appeal to users who want professional monitoring and cellular backup for their home security system, as these are included in the Ring Protect Plus plan. Ring also offers a free trial of 30 days for its subscription plans, which gives you a chance to try them out before committing.
Smart Home Integration
Both Eufy and Ring are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, which means that you can use voice commands to control your smart doorbell and view the live feed on your smart display. You can also create routines and scenes with other smart devices, such as lights, locks, cameras, and thermostats. However, Ring has an advantage over Eufy in terms of smart home integration, as it is owned by Amazon and works seamlessly with other Ring and Amazon devices, such as Echo, Fire TV, and Blink. Ring also supports IFTTT, which allows you to create custom applets with other web services and devices. Eufy, on the other hand, does not support IFTTT or any other third-party integrations, which limits its functionality and versatility.
Both Eufy and Ring have received positive feedback from customers, who praised their video quality, ease of installation, and app features. However, Eufy has a higher average rating on Amazon (4.6 out of 5 stars) than Ring (4.4 out of 5 stars), which suggests that it has more satisfied customers. Some of the common complaints about Ring are the laggy video, the poor customer service, and the subscription fees. Some of the common complaints about Eufy are the lack of cloud storage, the limited smart home integration, and the occasional false alerts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eufy Video Doorbell 2K is a better option than Ring for users who value video quality, local storage, and no monthly fees. Eufy offers a sharper and more colorful video, a secure and free storage option, and a one-time payment for the device. Ring, however, may be preferable for users who want professional monitoring, cellular backup, and more smart home integration. Ring offers a comprehensive home security system, a reliable and convenient cloud storage option, and a seamless integration with other Amazon and Ring devices. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences, budget, and needs.
