Ring vs EZVIZ Cameras

If you want to upgrade your home security, one of the simplest, best ways is with a new security camera. But there are various cameras and home security companies to choose from. Two great options are Ring and EZVIZ.

Ring was launched in 2013 with a video doorbell but has since expanded to include a variety of offerings.

EZVIZ also launched in 2013 with a variety of equipment, including Wi-Fi cameras, wired options, and NVR offerings. They also offer cloud storage through their video cloud service platform, EZVIZ Cloud. The EZVIZ app provides instant alerts and lets customers view live and recorded videos.

Ring vs EZVIZ: What do they have in common?

• Mobile app: Each provider has a great app that can send you push notifications if a motion detector is triggered.
• Weatherproof: Ring and EZVIZ outdoor cameras are weatherproof so they can survive in all climates.
• Smart home options: Ring and EZVIZ have similar smart home options; for example, you can integrate Amazon Alexa with both, allowing you to use voice control for your security system.
• Night vision: Ring and EZVIZ cameras come with color night vision capabilities.
• Two-way talk: Two-way audio is an excellent feature offered by both providers.
• Video quality: Crisp, clear video quality is offered by both security systems.
• Indoor cameras: Indoor and outdoor security cameras are offered by Ring and EZVIZ.
• Easy installation: Flexible DIY installation is offered by both providers.

Ring vs EZVIZ: What are the differences?

• Professional monitoring: Professional monitoring is available via Ring for just $10 per month. EZVIZ doesn’t offer professional monitoring services.
• Reputation: EZVIZ has a poor rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Ring has an A+ accredited rating.
• Pricing: EZVIZ undercuts Ring on pricing, charging just $5.99 per month for additional storage options and up to 25% less for its floodlight camera.
• Local storage: EZVIZ cameras have SD card slots for increased local storage options.

EZVIZ: What you need to know

EZVIZ was launched in 2013 and has quickly built a reputation as an affordable provider with quality hardware. EZVIZ is a flexible provider that doesn’t require long-term contracts; let’s take a look at what EZVIZ can do for you.

Installation

It’s relatively easy to install your new EZVIZ camera - most come with base mounting equipment to fix them to a wall or other surface. Wireless and wired options are available, and if you need extra help, you’ll need to rely on the customer service line to provide support.

Equipment

EZVIZ offers an array of home security cameras and accessories. EZVIZ offers around ten different indoor cameras, including battery-powered and hardwired cameras. Including doorbell cameras, there are more than a dozen outdoor security cameras.

If you’re looking for a cheap upgrade, the best security camera offered by EZVIZ is the CIC 730p indoor camera, which costs around $20. It’s reliable with a crisp picture and compatible with a MicroSD card.

Equipment offered by EZVIZ includes:

• Indoor and outdoor cameras
• Air purifiers
• Smart lights
• Pet cameras

Home automation

EZVIZ doesn’t offer large amounts of third-party integrations, and the only meaningful If This Then That (IFTTT)/Z-wave integration is Amazon Alexa. But EZVIZ does provide a dedicated line of smart home products, including smart thermostats, lights, air purifiers, and vacuum cleaners.

Pricing

• Equipment costs: EZVIZ cameras are affordable, with individual cameras being sold for just $20.
• Monthly fees: If you use local storage, you won’t have to pay a monthly fee. It’ll cost you at least $5.99 per month if you want to purchase additional cloud storage.

Nerd pros

• Costs: EZVIZ is one of the cheapest providers.
• Flexibility: There are no long-term contracts required for EZVIZ.
• Variety: You’ll have many cameras, including wire-free smart doorbells and hardwired variations.
• Motion sensors: Advanced motion sensors come with customizable motion zones and accurate person detection technology.

Nerd cons

• Reputation: EZVIZ has a poor rating with the BBB.
• Video storage limits: While they offer cloud storage, it will cost you (plans start at $5.99 a month), and there’s no free cloud storage option (beyond a free 30-day trial) as with some other camera brands. While you have the opportunity to use an SD card, for some, they don’t provide enough storage, and the cloud storage service is only available in certain areas.
• No professional monitoring: You can’t access professional monitoring with EZVIZ.

Ring: What you need to know

Ring shot to prominence ten years ago with a successful Kickstarter campaign; following unprecedented success with a video doorbell, Ring expanded to offer extensive security systems, with smart lighting, smoke alarms, and traditional security equipment offered. Let's look at what they have to offer

Installation

Your installation will depend on the equipment you need - a Wi-Fi camera is quite straightforward to install; you can plug and go. But wired systems are more complex, relying on some skill and patience (or an independent tradesman). Depending on where you live, you can ask Amazon for a quote, but professional installation isn’t a standard service.

Equipment

Ring offers some equipment and compatibility with others, such as Honeywell equipment.

One of the most popular Ring cameras is the Ring video doorbell, which comes with night vision, Alexa compatibility, crisp footage, and advanced encryption. But there are an array of options, including:

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

The base package includes:

• Base station
• Keypad
• Five contact sensors
• Two motion detectors
• Range extender

Home automation

Ring can comprise a central role in your smart home ecosystem. It’s compatible with various window sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and more. Still, there's no real third-party automation (beyond Amazon Alexa).

Pricing

• Equipment costs: Ring's basic package begins at $199, and a premium kit is available for under $600. Individual cameras are available for $99.
• Monthly costs: You can pay for monitoring at $10 per month or $100 per year.

Nerd pros

• Indoor and outdoor cameras: Ring offers a vast selection of cameras designed for indoor and outdoor use, with advanced built-in motion detection.
• Refund Policy: You can return your Amazon Ring camera within 30 days if you’re not happy with it.
• Affordability: For less than $200, you can receive a 5-piece security kit from Ring, with optional paid storage and monitoring.
• Professional monitoring option: Ring provides affordable monitoring for just $10 monthly.

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.

Ring or EZVIZ?

If you’re looking for a basic plug-in security system or a video doorbell, you can’t go wrong with a basic Ring video doorbell. But if you’re looking for a dedicated smart home system, you can consider EZVIZ with the extra accessories and smart appliances. You should be mindful of the poor reputation they have, though. If you need customer service, you’ll be glad you chose Ring.