Package thieves made off with $12 billion in goods in 2024.1 It’s one of the reasons more people are installing doorbell cameras.
Ring is unquestionably one of the best doorbell camera brands around. But, there are alternatives such as SkyBell, which is also DIY-friendly, streams video in 1080p resolution, and doesn’t require lengthy contracts. So, which one is better? We think Ring has a better selection of video doorbells and longer cloud storage retention, even though it requires a paid subscription. Let’s compare Ring and SkyBell side-by-side to see which one will suit you best.
Our SkyBell Slim video doorbell camera was easy to buy on the website but tricky to install to our internal wiring.
Overview: SkyBell vs. Ring
There’s no doubt that SkyBell and Ring are excellent do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions, making home security installation/monitoring quick and straightforward. If you prefer top-notch security with the convenience and ease of a DIY project, either system would be a good match.
Did You Know? Doorbell cameras such as Ring and SkyBell have two-way speakers so you can speak to visitors if you’re not home. You can access the feed and the speaker via the app so you know who you’re talking to.
Ring came with everything we needed to connect our doorbell to the internal wiring.
Before making the big decision, you should consider the following:
- Do you want a battery-powered doorbell or one that connects to the internal wiring?
- How long should video events remain accessible?
- Do you want to customize the video doorbell’s motion sensitivity?
- Is color night vision important?
- Will you integrate the video doorbell with a home security system, or will it remain a standalone device?
>> Check Out: The Best Home Security Systems of 2025
The SkyBell app lets us access a live feed any time.
Similarities: Ring vs. SkyBell
Ring and SkyBell use similar technology, and you’ll be happy to know that the image quality for both are some of the best in the business.
With each system, you’ll benefit from live streaming and cloud storage. At the same time, you’ll enjoy:
- Easy DIY installation
- 1080p HD video streaming and recording
- Motion detection to trigger activity alerts
- No lengthy contracts to sign
- Outright ownership of the equipment
- A user-friendly mobile app for remote access and controls
The SkyBell app lets us review events from the past seven days.
Did You Know? Some Ring and SkyBell doorbells have color night vision. For Ring doorbells, though, we found during testing that you’ll need to turn the feature on inside the app; otherwise, the video will appear in black and white. As for SkyBell, only the Trim II model includes color night vision.
Differences: SkyBell vs. Ring
Despite their many similarities, we’ve found some significant differences between SkyBell and Ring. For example, Ring has a more comprehensive range of video doorbells. We were also able to integrate our Ring doorbells into the Ring home security setup we tested.
On the other hand, SkyBell's key feature is its partnership with RapidSOS, which gives you a direct line to emergency services, regardless of your location. With just one tap, the app will send the vital details first responders need to assist you.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the other differences:
- SkyBell's only product is its video doorbell. Ring, in comparison, offers multiple doorbells, motion sensors, security cameras, and more with varying features.
- With SkyBell, you get free video recording that can be stored for up to seven days.
- Ring has three self-monitoring plans starting from $4.99 per month for one doorbell camera or $9.99 per month for unlimited doorbells and security cameras. Those plans all include up to 180 days of video event history.
- The SkyBell Trim II includes Face Detection, but in our testing we learned it’s different from the Nest Doorbell facial recognition. It simply detects if there’s a face in the frame but doesn’t recognize faces.
- Ring’s video doorbells come with customizable motion zones, which we found really useful for limiting false alarms. This is especially true if your front door faces a high-traffic area, e.g., a busy street.
- SkyBell doesn’t offer professional monitoring but works with security systems powered by Alarm.com, such as Frontpoint. As mentioned earlier, Ring has its own security system and professional monitoring plans.
>> Related: Our 2025 Frontpoint Review
Did You Know? The SkyBell HD features a 180-degree Field of View (FoV). This means you’ll get more visual in the frame compared to Ring’s standard FoV is 150 degrees vertical and horizontal.
Standout Features
Smart doorbells (ideally) should have useful features, and it’s important to know the details of what you’re purchasing. You’ll be surprised to find that the SkyBell doorbell viewer comes with a 1080p camera, two-way communication, color night vision, which is an excellent plus.
Our Ring Video Doorbell 3 only supports 1080p HD video, while newer Ring models offer 1536p head-to-toe HD+ resolution.
Ring, on the other hand, has even better features.
The Ring video doorbell system can integrate with a comprehensive home security system alongside a variety of other devices. Also, Ring has high-end doorbell cameras, like the Battery Doorbell Pro, which SkyBell simply doesn’t offer.
>> Keep Reading: Ring Video Doorbell Review
FYI: Video doorbells typically come in two colors — black or silver. But, the SkyBell Trim II offers bronze instead of black, which complements our brown door trim.
Power Source
Ring battery-powered doorbells have removable, rechargeable batteries and can also be hardwired to your existing doorbell system. Ring also has four wired models, including the Ring Video Doorbell Elite, which is powered over Ethernet. SkyBell can only be powered by internal wiring. If you want a particular digital doorbell chime for your SkyBell video doorbell, you’ll also need to install the Digital Doorbell Adapter, which is sold separately.
Contracts
Neither company requires you to sign a lengthy contract, which is convenient (and a bit freeing). You can buy all the equipment up front and perform the monitoring on your own. That said, if you buy SkyBell from a home security provider as part of a security system, you might have to sign a contract. Frontpoint requires a contract, for example, and so does the Brinks system we tested — another brand that offers SkyBell gear.
>> Check Out: Best Security Cameras With No Subscription
For Ring video doorbells, there’s no contract even if you sign up for Ring Alarm professional monitoring. In fact, we recommend signing up for a Ring subscription even just for the cloud storage. All plans include up to 180 days of video event history, alerts for people, packages, and vehicles, as well as live streaming.
Ring vs. SkyBell: Equipment Pricing and Plans
The price of SkyBell and Ring equipment varies depending on the product you choose. For instance, you can buy SkyBell's Slim I for $149 directly through the company. But, keep in mind that you can also find them on Amazon, which might make delivery cheaper for Prime subscribers. Also, you’ll be happy to know that there aren’t any monthly cloud storage fees.
On the flip side, the Ring Battery Doorbell is $99.99 and the Video Doorbell Wired is $49.99. With that said, you will need a Ring Home subscription to record and review any missed alerts or events. Plans start at $4.99 per month. However, you can pay yearly to save up to 20 percent or get the higher-tier plans that give any number of Ring cameras in your home 180 days of cloud storage.
FYI: For extra protection, Ring offers live video monitoring from highly trained security professionals. They’re available 24/7 and contact authorities if they detect a threat. This feature is only available on the Standard and Premium plans, and it’s an extra $99 per month on top of the subscription price.
Ring vs. SkyBell Equipment
SkyBell has two similar-looking cameras, differing mainly in design and AI features. The Slim II includes motion zones and facial recognition, features that reduce false alarms. We got a notification when our neighbor stopped by, and a different one for someone it didn’t recognize. It ended up being a lost delivery person.
Meanwhile, Ring can integrate with its home security system complete with motion detection, entryway sensors, and a keypad. Also, you can add other essentials, like cameras, smoke alarms, and more. The video doorbell viewer can be bought separately, and its price ranges from $99 to $349.
FYI: If you buy the SkyBell Slim I and Trim II via SkyBell’s website, these models won’t integrate with Alarm.com or Resideo Total Connect systems. You’ll need to buy video doorbells directly from Alarm.com or Resideo.
DIY Installation
We’ve found SkyBell and Ring are simple to install with incredibly helpful user guides, amazing customer service, and convenient mobile apps.
In the process of installing our Ring video doorbell.
With that said, you can only hardwire SkyBell video doorbells with your current doorbell’s wiring. In comparison, Ring offers both professional installation via Amazon and other third-party professionals, as well as the DIY option for battery-powered models.
FYI: When we reviewed our SkyBell camera, we also got the chime add-on. It’s an extra $40, but it’s useful if we’re upstairs and miss the doorbell ring. We recommend the first thing you do is adjust the volume, as it’s set quite loud out of the box.
Final Thoughts on SkyBell vs. Ring
If you're looking to increase your front door security, you will not go wrong with either SkyBell or Ring. Both manufacture affordable, reliable, and user-friendly video doorbells to help keep your home safe and secure.
SkyBell is ideal for those who don’t want to clutter their homes with too many electronic devices (SkyBell Trim II just works as a wired doorbell). In contrast, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is an excellent dual-powered option (works wireless and wired).
We changed a few of the settings in the SkyBell App, including the color of the glowing LED light.
Ring also provides features that SkyBell doesn’t, like professional monitoring. You’ll also get up to 180 days of video event history with a subscription, and you can integrate the video doorbell into a full home security system directly from Ring. SkyBell works only with select third-party brands, and only if you purchase your doorbell from said brands. But if you’re a budget-conscious shopper (and who isn’t these days?), we recommend checking out our guide to the best affordable security systems for other alternatives.
FAQs
SkyBell offers free video storage for up to seven days with no monthly fees. As for Ring, you’ll need to sign up for a Ring Home plan to access features and cloud storage. Ring delivers better video quality at 1536p head-to-toe HD+ video. SkyBell records in 1080p. Yes, both video doorbells are designed to handle various weather conditions. We think Ring is easier to install, as they offer battery-powered models that mount with screws or adhesive. However, the wired models from Ring and SkyBell are also easy to set up, especially if you’re replacing an old video doorbell. Ring and SkyBell offer color night vision options, so you can clearly see faces or packages day or night.
