Ring vs Ecobee Cameras

If you’re looking to boost home security, one of the most significant ways to do that would be by buying security cameras. But there are various home security cameras on the market with multiple features. Two significant options are Ring and Ecobee cameras.

Ring was established in 2013 with its revolutionary video doorbell. They’ve since expanded to offer indoor security cameras and other equipment for your home security system, but the Ring video doorbell remains a popular product. Ecobee was founded in 2007 in Canada and has won several awards in the technology field. Let’s look at what these providers can offer you.

Ring vs Ecobee: What do they have in common?

• Smart home integration: Ring and Ecobee are compatible with Amazon Echo.
• Smoke alarms: While Ring and Ecobee don’t make dedicated smoke detectors, they make listeners who can send you a notification if the alarm sounds are detected.
• Motion detection: High-quality motion sensors are provided by both.
• Camera quality: Camera quality is excellent, with 1080p HD quality available.
• Mobile app: Mobile apps are available on iOS and Android for both providers. The Ecobee app has a better rating on the app store.
• Field of view: Ring and Ecobee offer a 180-degree field of view.
• Indoor cameras: Ring and Ecobee offer indoor cameras.
• Professional monitoring: Ring and Ecobee offer professional monitoring for a similar price per month.
• Cloud storage: You’ll need to purchase a cloud storage plan to store your recorded videos. This starts at $5 a month with Ecobee and $10 monthly with Ring.

Ring vs Ecobee: What are their differences?

• Smart thermostat: Ecobee has released the Ecobee smart thermostat. Ring is compatible with some smart thermostats but doesn’t have a dedicated thermostat in its range.
• Outdoor cameras: Only Ring offers outdoor cameras.
• Discounts: Ecobee offers discounted refurbished products to help customers save money.
• Night vision: Since Ecobee only offers indoor cameras, they don’t offer night vision.
• Apple Homekit: Ecobee is compatible with Apple’s security Homekit; users can store their encrypted video files in iCloud, where they can be easily accessed via iPhone.
• Third-party compatibility: Ring is compatible with some Honeywell security equipment.

Ring: What you need to know

Ring was launched in 2013 with the support of a Kickstarter campaign. First, it took the market by storm with its video doorbell. Ring offers more nowadays, from traditional security cameras to smart lighting. Let's take a look at what they have to provide you with.

Installation

If you're looking for a smooth installation process, you should consider the wire-free cameras, as they offer the most straightforward installation.

The wired systems can be tricky to get right, but you can succeed with some patience or a tradesman. Depending on your location, you could ask Amazon for a quote.

Equipment

Ring offers a large array of equipment or compatibility with it. Some equipment available from Ring includes:

• Keyless door locks
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Smart video doorbells
• Outdoor cameras
• Indoor cameras
• Lighting.

The base package includes:

• Base station
• Keypad
• 5 contact sensors
• 2 motion detectors
• Range extender

Home automation

Ring is relatively easy to incorporate into a smart home ecosystem, including smart lighting, window sensors, smoke detectors, video doorbells, and carbon monoxide sensors. There isn't much third-party automation beyond Alexa, though.

Pricing

• Equipment costs: Ring's basic alarm package starts at $199, with a more extensive premium system being $589. If you need to, you can buy items on an a la carte basis.
• Monthly costs: You don't need to pay a monthly fee, but if you want a monitored system, you'll pay $10 monthly.

Nerd pros

• Indoor and outdoor cameras: Ring offers a vast selection of cameras designed for indoor and outdoor use, with built-in motion sensors.
• Affordability: For $199, you'll receive a 5-piece set from Ring; you can also add on professional monitoring and additional paid storage.
• Professional monitoring option: If you don't want the responsibility of monitoring your security system, Ring can take care of it for just $10 a month.

Nerd cons

• Limited package options: Ring doesn't offer mix-and-match or customizable packages.
• Video storage fees: If you want to keep your videos stored, you'll need to sign up for a cloud storage plan.

Ecobee: What you need to know

Ecobee first became known for its smart thermostat, but a few years after its inception in 2007, it began offering comprehensive smart security systems. Let’s look at everything Ecobee has to provide you with.

Installation

Ecobee installation varies; the Ecobee SmartCamera has an easy installation process, requiring you to drill a hole and attach your mount to the wall. It can take over 45 minutes to get up and running. However, if installing the premium Ecobee smart thermostat, you may want to hire a professional to assist you. Comprehensive guides are available on the Ecobee website, and you can always call their customer service line for extra help.

Equipment

Ecobee offers a variety of equipment, including:

• Smart cameras with voice control
• Smart sensors for doors and windows
• Wi-Fi thermostat
• Voice-controlled smart thermostat
• Switch + Smart speaker

Home automation

Ecobee has an excellent little range of home automation equipment, including a smart speaker and dedicated smart thermostats. While third-party integrations are limited, they can be used with Amazon’s Alexa.

Costs

• Equipment costs: One camera costs from $99.99 to over $200 for a premium smart thermostat with voice control.
• Monthly costs: Monthly costs are low and flexible; you don’t have to commit to a long-term contract. You don’t have to pay for Ecobee Haven, but it will limit your capabilities if you don’t. You can pay just $5 a month, but you can only store video footage from one camera versus multiple and can’t access professional monitoring. You might as well pay $10 a month and get the most out of your system - including RapidSOS response.

Nerd pros

• Professional monitoring: Pro monitoring is available for just $10 a month.
• Voice control: With either Siri or Alexa as your voice assistant, you’ll be able to control your security system easily.
• Smart home integration: Ecobee has excellent smart thermostats and compatibility with several If This Then That (IFTTT) products, including Apple Homekit, allowing you to design your own smart home ecosystem.
• Refurbished products: Ecobee offers official, certified refurbished products to help you save up to 60% off of your usual purchase price.

Nerd cons

• Installation: There’s no professional installation, but it’s pretty complex for a DIY system. It’s a good idea to hire a contractor to install your system if possible.
• No environmental sensors: Ecobee doesn’t offer environmental sensors.
• No cellular monitoring: Since there’s no cellular monitoring or backup, you’re vulnerable to power cuts and other issues.

Ring or Ecobee?

Ring and Ecobee cameras are high-quality 1080p HD, and you’ll be able to access home monitoring for a very reasonable monthly fee. Ecobee is a great provider of smart home products with a good warranty. Still, they’re not the most comprehensive provider as they don’t offer environmental sensors, cellular monitoring, or outdoor cameras. Ring offers outdoor cameras and compatibility with some environmental sensors, though. Aside from that, both providers offer similar services at a very similar cost.