Smart doorbells let you see who's at the door from your phone - useful for security and deliveries. But which one should you actually buy?
The Key Players
Ring (Amazon)
The most popular, owned by Amazon.
Models:
- Ring Video Doorbell (basic): ~£90
- Ring Video Doorbell Plus: ~£140
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: ~£200
Nest (Google)
Google's option, integrates with Google Home.
Models:
- Nest Doorbell (battery): ~£180
- Nest Doorbell (wired): ~£180
Eufy
The no-subscription alternative.
Models:
- Eufy Video Doorbell (battery): ~£150
- Eufy Video Doorbell (wired): ~£150
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ring | Nest | Eufy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | £90 | £180 | £150 |
| Subscription needed? | For full features | For full features | No |
| Subscription cost | £35-£100/year | £60/year | Free |
| Local storage | No | No | Yes (base station) |
| Battery option | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video quality | 1080p-1536p | 960x1280 | 2K |
| Person detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Package detection | With sub | Yes | Yes |
| Integration | Alexa | Google Home | Both |
The Subscription Issue
This is the hidden cost nobody talks about.
Ring
Ring Protect Basic: £35/year or £3.49/month
- 180-day video history
- Video sharing
- Snapshot capture
Without subscription:
- Live view only
- No saved videos
- No activity history
Reality: Ring without subscription is almost pointless. Budget for £35/year minimum.
Nest
Nest Aware: £60/year or £6/month
- 30-day video history
- Activity zones
- Familiar face recognition
- 24/7 video (wired only)
Without subscription:
- 3-hour video history
- Basic notifications
- Limited features
Reality: Nest's free tier is more usable than Ring's, but you'll probably want Aware eventually.
Eufy
No subscription needed.
- Local storage on HomeBase
- Full features included
- Video history depends on your storage
Reality: You buy it once and that's it. The main selling point.
Video Quality
Ring
- Base model: 1080p
- Plus/Pro: Up to 1536p (better than full HD)
- Good in daylight, decent at night
Nest
- 960x1280 (portrait orientation)
- HDR for better contrast
- Night vision good
Eufy
- 2K resolution (highest)
- Best detail for identifying faces
- Good night vision
Winner: Eufy on pure resolution, but all are good enough to see who's at the door.
Battery Life
All battery models need recharging periodically.
Ring: 6-12 months typically Nest: 2-6 months (more variable) Eufy: 4-6 months
Factors that drain faster: cold weather, lots of motion, frequent live views.
Wired option: If you have existing doorbell wiring, hardwired versions never need charging.
Installation
DIY Difficulty
All three can be DIY installed.
Battery versions:
- Mount bracket
- Attach doorbell
- Connect to app
- Done
Wired versions:
- Turn off power
- Remove old doorbell
- Connect wires
- Mount new doorbell
- Test
Skill level: If you can use a screwdriver, you can install the battery version. Wired is slightly more involved but still manageable.
Where I Come In
People call me when:
- They want it done quickly
- Wiring looks complicated
- Wall is difficult (brick, stone)
- They want it done right first time
Typical installation: 30-60 minutes, £60-£80.
Smart Home Integration
Ring + Amazon
Works with Alexa and Echo devices. "Alexa, show me the front door" on Echo Show.
Nest + Google
Works with Google Home. "Hey Google, show me the front door" on Nest Hub.
Eufy
Works with both Alexa and Google (limited). Also HomeKit.
Bottom line: Match your existing ecosystem.
Privacy Considerations
Ring: Data stored on Amazon servers. Some controversy over police partnerships in US.
Nest: Data stored on Google servers. Google knows a lot already.
Eufy: Local storage option. Less cloud dependency. Better for privacy conscious users.
My Honest Recommendation
Best Overall: Eufy
Why: No subscription, good quality, local storage. You buy once and own it.
The caveat: Slightly less polished app than Ring.
Best for Alexa Users: Ring
Why: Seamless Amazon integration if you're already in that ecosystem.
Remember: Budget £35-100/year subscription.
Best for Google Users: Nest
Why: Works beautifully with Google Home.
Remember: Budget £60/year subscription.
What About Cheap Options?
There are £30-50 doorbells on Amazon from unknown brands.
Pros:
- Cheap
Cons:
- Security concerns (where's your video going?)
- Poor app support
- May stop working when company disappears
- Build quality issues
My advice: Spend a bit more for a reputable brand. This is a security device.
5-Year Cost Comparison
| Doorbell | Purchase | 5yr Subscription | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Basic | £90 | £175 | £265 |
| Ring Plus | £140 | £175 | £315 |
| Nest Doorbell | £180 | £300 | £480 |
| Eufy | £150 | £0 | £150 |
Eufy wins financially by a mile.
What You Need for Installation
Battery version:
- Drill (for mounting holes)
- Appropriate wall fixings
- Screwdriver
- Phone/WiFi for setup
Wired version:
- Above, plus:
- Existing doorbell wiring
- Voltage tester
- Wire strippers (possibly)
Want a doorbell installed? I fit all brands across Exeter. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.
