Ring Battery Doorbell
Score: 72/100
Arlo Essential 2K
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Arlo Essential Security Camera 2K 2nd Gen is a battery-powered, indoor-outdoor camera offering 2K video, a 130° field of view, 12× digital zoom, color night-vision spotlight, two-way audio and an integrated siren. It provides up to four months of battery life, USB-C charging and optional solar or base-station storage, and works with Google Home and Alexa. While it offers impressive video quality and smart features, users should be aware of the subscription requirement and potential WiFi connectivity issues.
The Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen) is an entry-level, battery-powered video doorbell featuring Retinal 2K video resolution and a 140-degree head-to-toe field of view. It offers wireless flexibility with optional hardwiring capabilities, making it suitable for renters or those seeking a simple DIY installation without complex wiring. While it provides clear daytime video and smart alerts, users should be aware of the subscription requirement and potential WiFi connectivity issues on 2.4 GHz networks.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
140 degreesbest | 130 degrees | |
— | 120 daysbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Storage Options | Cloud | Cloud/Local |
Software & Integration(1) | ||
Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa | Alexa/Google Home |
Power & Battery(2) | ||
Power Source | Battery/Hardwired | Battery |
Battery Life (days) | days | 120 days |
Audio(1) | ||
Built-in Siren | false | true |
Features(1) | ||
Activity Zones | false | true |
Lighting(1) | ||
Built-in Spotlight | false | true |
Camera(1) | ||
Field of View (degrees) | 140 degrees | 130 degrees |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen) for its streamlined 2K video upgrade and value-driven design, noting the clarity provided by Retinal 2K resolution and 6x zoom. While experts highlight the ease of installation and reliable phone integration, they caution that it trails the Pro model in precision due to the lack of radar detection and dual-band WiFi support.
Everyday consumers commonly praise the device for its quick, minutes-long setup and clear daytime video quality, which effectively aids in tracking deliveries and visitors. The wireless nature of the doorbell is particularly valued by renters and apartment dwellers for its installation flexibility. However, recurring complaints focus on rapid battery drain during heavy use, occasional WiFi connectivity drops on 2.4 GHz networks, and frustration with false motion alerts caused by the absence of advanced zoning features.
“in minutes”
“clear daytime video”
“impressive video quality”
Professional reviewers commend the Arlo Essential 2K camera for its high-resolution video, color night-vision spotlight and the innovative automated privacy shield, describing it as an impressive, intelligent home-security option. However, they caution that the need for a subscription to unlock full cloud features and the limitation to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi make it less competitive against dual-band rivals.
Everyday owners repeatedly praise the camera's straightforward setup, sharp 2K footage and the long-lasting battery, noting that motion alerts and the siren work well for deterring unwanted activity. Recurring frustrations center on faster-than-expected battery drain under heavy use, the requirement of a paid plan for cloud storage, and occasional Wi-Fi connectivity hiccups due to the single-band radio.
