When the wireless doorbell was introduced in 1990s, people became more conscious about their home security and overall comfort.
The concept of “Smart Homes” started to rise and the society became obsessed with it.
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Design
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Features
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Support
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Stability
Summary
Two most popular and top-rated doorbells, Ring and Skybell, compete to secure the number one spot on the market. Their rivalry is fierce and both succeed in creating top-notch doorbells
Wireless doorbells came a long way and the product has significantly evolved from what it was. Today, these products heavily affect our everyday life and safety levels.
The doorbells that have highest ratings and offer the highest levels of security and comfort are Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell
So let’s talk about the two most popular doorbells, analyze them and see which one is superior.
Skybell VS Ring: Choose The One That Suits You Best
Despite the year the product was introduced, wireless doorbells are still considered fragile and it’s important to pay close attention to the product we’re planning to buy.
But don’t worry about these two high-quality products. Both, Skybell and Ring are reliable, quality work and durable doorbells.
We can now start comparing these two awesome doorbells and then you can decide whether they meet your needs or not.
Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell
If you’ve read other reviews on our website, you’d surely notice that Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell is always a #1 choice on our every list.
Even more, I personally own it and I can assure you that it won’t cause any problems. It works like a charm, makes my home more comfortable, modern and secure.
Enough with the subjective assumptions, let’s discuss every aspect of the product and we’ll soon find out whether it’s worth the investment or not.
1. Installation Process
What I liked about the package of Ring is that it comes with everything you need to install the doorbell.
The Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell can be installed on any surface, including wood, stucco and
cement.
Let’s see what’s included in the package:
As you see, it comes with a great toolkit including a drill bit, screwdriver, wood screws and other tools that will help you in the installation process.
What’s In The Box?
- Ring Doorbell – ✔
- Micro USB charging cable – ✔
- Mounting bracket and level – ✔
- Screwdriver – ✔
- Screwdriver Bit – ✔
- Drill bit – ✔
- Wood screws – ✔
- Masonry screws and anchors – ✔
- Weather sealant – ✔
- Users Manual – ✔
The package of Ring doorbell definitely is something other wireless doorbell manufacturers envy.
Video Doorbell Setup
The video doorbell set up is even easier and only takes a few minutes.
After completing three simple steps you’re video doorbell will be good to go.
- Download the free Ring app (iOS and Android)
- Connect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi network (using the app)
- Mount the doorbell
And that are all the requirements for the video doorbell setup.
Easy, right?
Mounting Surfaces
| Mounting Surfaces For Ring Doorbell | What Should We Use | |
|---|---|---|
| BRICK | Use concrete screws, anchors and drill bit | |
| CONCRETE | Use concrete screws, anchors and drill bit | |
| STUCCO | Use wood screws | |
| WOOD | Use concrete screws, anchors and drill bit | |
| VYNL | Use wood screws |
Installation Details
We’ve talked generally about the package and doorbell setup but we haven’t talked about how actually does the installation process work.
So here’s how it’s actually done:
- Remove doorbell button (optional)
- Line up the mounting bracket using the provided mounting level
- Install the mounting bracket using the provided screwdriver bit and handle
- Remove the mounting level
- Connect your doorbell wiring to the terminal screws located on the mounting bracket (optional)
- Place the device on the mounting bracket
- Tighten the security screws
If this isn’t helpful, watch the installation video:
2. Specifications Of Ring
The Ring Wireless Doorbell works with iOS® and Android™ mobile device. The minimum requirements are iOS 7.1+ and Android 4.0+.
Wi-Fi internet connection (802.11 b/g/n 2.4Ghz).
You can connect the Ring to your existing doorbell wiring, or use the built-in battery.
3. How Ring Works
The concept is really simple.
Someone presses your doorbell, the signal travels through your Wi-Fi network and reaches your phone.
As soon as you see the notification on your smartphone and open the Ring application, you’ll be able see whose standing next to your door.
Even more, you can talk to him directly and have a two-way conversation.
The best part is that the visitor can’t see you.
On the other hand, if you’re at work, shopping, partying or even far, far from home, the system is designed so good that you’ll still be able to answer the door.
The video quality of Ring is quite good and captures in 720p HD.
So the next time when someone comes to your door, rings the bell and asks, “Hey, do you want some cookies?!”
With Ring, you can just access the app, be friendly, feel awesome and reply:
“Hey Kid! Thanks for the offer but I’m really busy now!”
Just imagine the face of the visitor when someone speaks to them from a doorbell.
It’s like “WOW”, technology surely moves forward.
Let’s move those “funny jokes” away and discuss a serious issue.
What if I’m out of country and someone tries to rob my house?
Don’t worry, we can deal with that.
When the motion detection activates (we’ll talk about it in this article), we can just access the application from anywhere we are.
And tell the robber something like, “Can I help you Mr. Robber?”
The robber will never know that you’re actually out of the country and there’s no way you can stop him from robbing your home.
But, hey, who’ll risk entering your home when someone’s speaking through the doorbell?
Definitely, no one.
4. Motion detection
The motion detection feature is really sensitive and perfectly does its job.
When someone approaches your door the sound of a chime will ring through your phone and you can launch the app and talk to him directly.
Or you can use Ring’s cloud recording, save the video and watch it later.
A little glitch I’ve found (if it can be called a glitch) is that the recording doesn’t start until the visitor hasn’t been standing at the door for a few seconds.
I mostly get the recording of the left packages and the delivering person leaving my place.
I rarely get a video of how he approached my house.
The camera, as we said, has a 720p HD video quality which is quite acceptable.
Ring has a 180-degree field of view, which is practically enough for any type of home.
It would be a miss not to mention Ring’s ideal nigh-vision. It gets a clear image of visitors that come after the sun going down.
Summing Up The Ring Wireless Doorbell
Skybell Wi-Fi Video Doorbell
As Ring, Skybell is one of the top-rated wireless doorbells.
Skybell has been around for quite some time and they’ve been constantly improving their doorbell.
The company even went so far that they introduced Skybell HD with better features and fewer bugs.
Being different in features and visual aspects, Skybell is a USA manufactured doorbell that perfectly serves its owner and home.
1. How Does Skybell Work?
This is a really simple process and is quite easy to understand.
The explanation consists of five steps:
- Someone presses your Skybell doorbell
- The signal goes to your Wi-Fi router
- Then the signal goes to the Cell Tower
- The Cell Tower sends the signal to your mobile device
- Then the Skybell app (which you have to download) sends a notification with a text “your Skybell is calling”
If it’s still confusing, check out this awesome illustration:
Simple, right?
Let’s move on to the next step, the installation process.
2. Installation Process
Skybell is easy to install and I won’t start writing a step-by-step guide.
Skybell itself uploaded a great video that can give a clear idea about how to install Skybell.
You can watch the full vid here:
To avoid any further confusion, read this installation process written by me.
If you’ve previously had a doorbell, instaling Skybell will only take a few minutes.
You just have to:
- Remove the old, unwanted doorbell
- Choose the right mounting plate
- Attach the plate to the mounting surface
- connect the wires to the wires on the SkyBell
- Done! Skybell is up!
- Just tighten the screws so that the doorbell won’t fall off.
After you’ve attached Skybell on the mounting surface and it’s ready to go, we’ll have to download the Skybell app.
After downloading, launch it and the application will ask for a name, email and a password.
As soon as the registration process is over, we can start adding Skybell to your device by just pressing the “Add a Skybell” buttons.
Note: You’ll have to enter the device ID and don’t get confused. The ID can be found on both, the device and the box.
The last step is connecting to your existing Wi-Fi network. Enter the password of your Wi-Fi and after 30 seconds Skybell will automatically connect to it.
In addition, the Skybell app displays devices that are connected to the doorbell. Just press the Settings icon, it’ll take you to the account information section and there, you can manage all the devices that are connected to your Skybell.
What’s Included In The Package?
Skybell comes with a kit that includes mounting screws and plates (flush, doorframe and wedge).
It also includes a Allen wrench and user’s manual.
3. Design and Features
Skybell is a round, 2.8 inches in diameter and 0.8 inches thick doorbell. It comes in two color, Silvery Brushed Aluminum and Oil Rubbed Bronze.
Skybell works with the wires and can be powered with built-in batteries. Note, that skybell should be connected to a low-voltage transformer.
Compared to Ring, Skybell has a slightly dull resolution (640-by-480-pixel) and the field of view is 130-degree (Ring boasts with a 180-degree field of view).
The features of Skybell doorbell are:
- Night-vision
- Video Camera
- Ring Button
- LED Indicator
- Motion Sensor
- Speaker
- Microphone
If you don’t know what’s what, feel free to investigate the picture below that includes every feature of Skybell doorbell.
Let’s talk about the camera quality.
As we’ve mentioned, it’s not as good as Ring’s, but it still does its work.
Skybell doesn’t offer a “full-HD” stream but its video quality gives a clear shot of our visitor anything we want to view.
This what Skybell’s camera can do. I believe, it’s an acceptable quality.
It’s true that the live video lacks detail. The low resolution and low video quality is a huge drawback of the Skybell doorbell. Even more, most of the details appear blurry and it might be hard to identify whose standing next to your door.
But if it’s your first smart doorbell and you’ve not owned an HD video recording Ring, Skybell’s video quality won’t be irritating.
4. Motion Detection
The motion sensor of Skybell is really good.
Though, it lacks the ability to adjust the motion sensitivity. But, on the other hand, while watching live from your phone, you can take snaps of things happening outside.
Another drawback of Skybell is that you can’t record videos like Ring can.
Fortunately, some time ago, Skybell announced major changes and introducing a server-base video storage was one of the news. So, it won’t take long to add a recording feature.
Closing Line
All in all, Skybell has a big potential. For now, it has some really good features but there’s still some place for improvement.
Skybell is easy to install, has a fairly-good camera, motion sensors, two-way audio, beautiful app and outstanding design.
Skybell founders made a statement and said that it won’t take long to resolve all these issues.
Summing Up Skybell Doorbell
Final Words On Ring VS Skybell: Verdict
Firstly, Ring and Skybell have a lot of features in common. Both of them are quality products and have their own unique features.
Overall, if we start comparing these two top-rated products, Ring Video Doorbell surely takes the top spot. With its outstanding motion sensors, HD video and audio recording, cloud servers and wonderful design, it’s really hard to beat such a quality and a best-selling product.
On the other hand, this doesn’t mean that Skybell is an awful product that brings nothing but problems. Skybell has its own unique features that make the doorbell more attractive for certain buyers.
Simply put, Skybell doesn’t have a modern and techy design like Ring. Skybell is a doorbell that satisfies the needs of a customer who doesn’t enjoy having “smart-looking-products” and prefer more old-fashioned ones.
Unlike Ring, Skybell has a design that doesn’t “yell” and doesn’t attract much attention.
Moreover, it’s true that the overall features of Ring are superior to Skybell’s. But there are some aspects were Skybell outranks Ring.
For example, Skybell’s video capture is better (we’ve mentioned this problem above but just to remind you, Ring might miss some visitors faces).
Let’s compare Skybell and Ring in some of the most interesting factors so that it’ll be easier for you to decide which one is better for you:
- Working Abilities – It’s a bit hard to compare the working abilities of these two doorbells. It won’t be surprising if I’d say that Ring and Skybell are on par when it comes to working abilities.
- Battery Use – Here’s where Ring wins BIG. Ring has an built-in battery that is rechargeable and also works with a wire (the one your old doorbell uses). On the other hand, Skybell doesn’t have batteries and it’s not what we call a “wireless doorbell”. In order to activate Skybell, you’ll have to connect it to a wire system and if you don’t have one, you’ll have to wire your home. So, the decision is up to you.
- Looks And Quality – Both of these doorbell are really, really good in terms of looks. Ring comes in four colors and it nearly matches any type of home. The design of Ring is attractive and looks modern, safe and hi-tech. The quality of the product is high and I’ve rarely seen someone that has talked badly about this doorbell. Skybell comes in two colors, white and black, it looks nice and has a “non-attention seeking” expression. As for the quality of Skybell, it’s good but mostly, it receives mixed reviews. Some people are satisfied with its features and overall quality and some talk really badly about it.
- Cloud Recording – Ring has an awesome feature called “Cloud Recording” which enables you to record any type of activity happening outside your home (that in the field of view of Ring). If you don’t have time or you’re in the middle of something important and can’t see whose standing next to your door, you can simply record the video, store it in the cloud and later, view the full vid. Plus, you can watch video in the app or on Ring’s website. As for Skybell, for now, there isn’t anything like “recording function” that enables you to record the outside activity. The only way to record is to take a snapshot from your phone or take video of the screen with another phone.
- On-demand video – Both of the doorbells have an “on-demand video” feature. If someone has been standing at your door for more than 10 seconds, the motion sensor will activate and a notification will popup and ask whether you want to start a video or an audio stream.
- Multiple Accounts – Skybell boasts with an awesome feature. It allows several users to access Skybell application. For example, if you don’t live alone and you’d like for your family members to have access to Skybell, you can simply let them have it.
Full Details Of Skybell VS Ring
We compared all features of both doorbells and made comparison table below:
| Name Of The Doorbell | Ring | Skybell |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Video Doorbell | Ring | SkyBell |
| Is It iOS & Android Compatible? | Yes | Yes |
| Does It Have Wi-Fi Support? | Yes | Yes |
| Two-Way and One-Way Video | Yes | Yes |
| Does It Support Cloud Recording? | Optional | No |
| Are Motion Sensors Included? | Yes | Yes |
| Image Quality | HD/720p | VGA/(640×480) |
| Does It Have Night-Vision? | Yes | Yes |
| Camera Field of View | 180 | 120 |
| On-demand Video | Yes | Yes |
| Silent Doorbell Mode | No | Yes |
| Is It Dual Powered? | Yes | No |
| Is It Weather Resistant? | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions Of The Product | 0.87 x 2.43 x 4.98 | 0.8 x 2.8 x 2.8 |
| Easy Set-Up | Yes | No |
| How Many Colors Are Offered? | 4 | 2 |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
| Suggested Price | $$$ | $$$ |
| Want To Read More? |  | |
| Check Price | | |
Last Words
For the last time, let’s sum up the comparison of Skybell and Ring.
Generally, Ring has more positive reviews and satisfied customers. 99% of the reviews are “recommended to buy” and literally, everyone praises its features.
With its awesome features and incredible design, Ring is the top-rated and the best-seller wireless doorbell. No doubt, it clearly deserves its #1 spot.
But if you’re still willing to purchase Skybell, don’t think too much. It’s a great doorbell with great features.
The product has a lot of room for improvement and after some time, it definitely has the potential to steal the #1 spot from Ring and claim it with pride.
If you’re still struggling and can’t make a decision, once again check the comparison chart and make a wise decision.
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Paul says
Hi George, I think you should revise your review if you haven’t already, sky bell has come a long way- 1080p 180 degree view and free cloud recording. Ring is 720p and cost 3.00 bucks a month the for recording. Rings battery only last a couple of months with regular use.. And when it’s hard wired sometimes it burns out. I am an AV integrator and I have ring at my house. It works through wifi and only works about 50% of the time and can lag. Someone rings the doorbell and by the time you get the alert, they are walking away. All of my customers say the same- FYI I have over 30 ring devices installed to date.
Joel says
I purchased a brand new in the box skybell that had come from the game show “The Price is Right.” I sold the item on eBay. Once my customer received he was unable to get the brand new bell to work. The customer wrote to me and I told him to try calling the company’s customer service. After a few days he reached back out to me and said they told him the unit was defective. I told the man to return the item and I would refund him. Upon receiving the item it was still clearly brand new. I then called customer service and spoke to an agent there by the name of Erica. Erica asked me where I got the item and I told her I had purchased it from an auction house that has a contract deal with the game show “The Price is Right.” The auction house sells their excess inventory from the game show. She thought that was neat and asked me to send photos, including the box, of the skybell. I did while on the phone with her. Erica wrote back to me the next morning:
“Upon review of the pictures of your SkyBell, we have been able to determine that your SkyBell is actually our first generation SkyBell – the Version 1. There was a time when we had a lot of these Version 1 devices stolen, and because of this they have been deactivated. This is why the device will no longer power up. Because of this, we will be happy to offer your customer Timothy B——, an exclusive offer for the SkyBell HD, which we will contact him in regards to.”
I had already refunded my buyer and told Erica that so I wasn’t quite sure why they were bringing him back into this? I immediately wrote back to Erica and told her that as per our conversation my buyer had been refunded already by me because the item didn’t work. I still wasn’t certain why he had called in several times and it wasn’t till I called in they realized it didn’t work because they had deactivated the units.
After sending the email I called in to make sure the HD unit hadn’t been shipped yet. I spoke to Kyle. Kyle told me how much I’d like the HD unit and not to worry that they would send it to me instead. I was informed by him that he would send me an email shortly to confirm that. I was thinking how great the customer service was at this company! Well when I got the email I was informed that my customer was going to get a $60 rebate on buying a new unit. Again, why do they keep bringing up my customer who I already refunded? Ohhhhhhhh…. You guys are using me as a lead to sell a guy another one of your items and leaving me on the hook with a unit that you deactivated. Their excuse was I bought the unit on eBay. I wrote back informing then AGAIN that no the unit was brand new in the box and I did not buy it from eBay. I would like a working unit as I had been promised by their customer service staff.
I received a final email back from Melinda telling me they would be reaching out to my customer (again using me as a lead) to offer him a $60 discount and that I purchased the unit from an auction site so they wouldn’t help me. Not sure why they keep saying I did that when I never did say I did. It seems the company will continuously change the story in order to not help you. I intend to press legal charges against them as I am disgusted by their service. I have a brand new unit that they deactivated and they won’t assist me in any way other than to let me know they are going to try and sell one to the guy I sold mine to on eBay.
I urge you to save your money and not buy one of their products. Their customer service is inept and I think their practices are shady if not crooked.
Narib Wons says
Sorry about your situation but why didn’t you return the unit to the place where you bought it? You over complicated the situation between your customer and SkyBell. If your customer returned the item to you and you refunded the money then your customer is no longer a part of the problem or resolution. Simply stated you should have told SkyBell you purchased a unit from TPIR and it was DOA. No other he said or she said’s are relevant. I would call SkyBell and ask to start over with a new case.