What's the difference between the SkyBell HD and the Ring Pro?
We get asked this question a ton from our readers. So we put together this comparison guide to answer exactly that.
You'll get our top pick based on over 53 hours of testing these two doorbell cameras in real-world conditions.
Skybell HD vs Ring Pro Key Differences
The key differences between the SkyBell HD and the Ring Pro doorbells are their field of view, monthly subscription fees, design, and specific technical features. The HD has a circular shape feature, whereas the Ring Pro is shaped way more like a traditional doorbell.
Both video doorbell pro models have a wide field of view, but the SkyBell gives you an extra 20 degrees that go a long way.
The SkyBell also has a color night vision, whereas the Ring only features black and white night vision. One advantage the Ring does have is customizable motion zones allowing you to focus live motion detection on various zones that matter best.
Based on overall reviews, the two video doorbells have the best specs to offer, including two-way live audio. Still, the better video quality, motion detection, and color night vision features make the SkyBell HD a way better option.
Comparison Table
| - | SkyBell HD | Ring Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | 7.1 cm circumference | 11 cm in length |
| Video Quality | 1080P | 1080P |
| Night Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Live View | Yes | Yes |
| Zoom Option | Yes | Yes |
| Field of View | 180° | 160° horizontal (90° vertical) |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Motion Zones | No | Yes |
Quick Overview
SkyBell & Ring Pro Design
The Ring Pro takes first when it comes to design features. Because it is shaped way more like traditional doorbells, it is easier to install and replace your old unit. The circular puck shape of the SkyBell HD can make it more challenging to install in tighter spaces such as against corners and may require some rewiring and repositioning to fit correctly.
Another advantageous feature the Ring has are interchangeable faceplates making it better to customize the unit. The SkyBell only offers two color options, brushed aluminum, and dark bronze.
Winner: Ring Pro
Ease of Use
The SkyBell HD was easier to use during testing for a variety of reasons, including:
- More stable WiFi connection
- Easy to use app
- Free video storage
With the Ring video doorbell, we had a few issues connecting the WiFi and then having it drop out. When this happens, we didn't receive any notification or alert that someone was at the door until the unit would reconnect.
Having to subscribe to video storage is also a hassle. It's nice to be able to connect the SkyBell to free cloud storage without any extra steps.
Winner: SkyBell HD
Ring Pro vs SkyBell -Video Quality
The SkyBell HD has way better video quality than the Ring Pro. While both night vision cameras have quality features that are capable of recording in 1080p HD, the SkyBell can capture motion video at 30 frames per second. In contrast, the Ring Pro only captures 15 frames per second (FPS).
This refers to the number of individual frames, or still pictures, which the camera is capable of capturing in a single second. The higher the FPS, the less laggy looking the images will be, even at night.
Therefore, the HD offers you a cleaner video plus the 1080p resolution feature, which can create a big difference when it comes to night vision security footage.
Winner: Skybell HD
Related Review With 1080p Camera: Scout vs Simplisafe
Field of View
When testing the SkyBell HD vs Ring Pro features, one of the first things we did was set both up to see how large of an area the camera could pick up, also known as the field of view. The HD has a field of view of 180 degrees to cover wide zones, whereas the Ring Pro can only see motion within 160 degrees. That 20 degrees can create a difference in certain instances and may even leave a blind spot around your front door that isn't protected. This feature is especially helpful at night.
Winner: Skybell HD
Recommended Article: What's the Best PTZ Security Camera?
SkyBell & Ring: Silent Mode
Based on our reviews, both doorbells with cameras have a silent mode feature, which can be handy for various reasons. The silent mode allows you to turn off the camera's doorbell chime so that it will only send a notification or alert and won't ring at your home.
This can be handy, for example, if you have children that may be napping or if you just don't want a loud alert going off while you're at home.
Winner: Tie
Response Time
The SkyBell again is the winner when it comes to response time. Unlike a traditional home security system that relies on outside motion monitoring, the response time feature with video doorbells refers to the time it takes you to receive a free motion notification.
With the SkyBell, you get almost instant motion notifications unless there is a disruption with your WiFi service. The Pro has received many complaints from customer reviews that it can take up to seven seconds to receive motion notifications.
During our motion testing reviews, the most we had to wait was three seconds, which was still longer than the SkyBell.
Winner: SkyBell HD
"Often, the phone notifications arrive well after the doorbell rings or motion is detected, or the app refuses to initiate an active connection to the doorbell camera for so long the person has already left before video starts up. WiFi strength on my Ring is good, and the response time seems to be quite different from one device to another"
- Red, Verified Customer Review
Stability of Ring Pro vs SkyBell HD
When comparing the Ring Pro vs SkyBell HD models, we wanted to see which one was more stable at holding a WiFi signal. While in our reviews, both were easy to connect and get set up, we found the Pro had some issues staying connected. The HD dropped out a few times as well but less often than the Ring.
Winner: SkyBell HD
Monthly Fees
The SkyBell HD does not charge any monthly fees, whereas the Pro requires that you pay either monthly or annual subscription fees. With the HD, you get to store free video on their cloud storage service for seven days before it is deleted. The upside is this is entirely free. To do anything more than live video access with the Ring Pro, you will need to pay.
Subscription fees for the Ring Pro:
- One Doorbell Camera - $3/month or $30/year per
- Unlimited Doorbell Cameras - $10/month or $100/year (Lifetime warranty and 10% off purchases on ring.com)
Winner: SkyBell HD
Installation Process
This was the one area where the Ring won out over the HD. Because of the circular shape features of the HD, it may not fit perfectly where your old doorbell was. The Ring Pro, on the other hand, is probably shaped more like your existing doorbell, which makes it easier to install without needing to make too many adjustments.
Both units were easy enough to install without the need for additional help. But, the Ring Pro was slightly more installation-friendly.
Winner: Ring Pro
Smart Home Integrations
Both video doorbell cameras can integrate with smart devices such as Amazon Echo or the Google Assistant. The Ring is a bit better in this category, though, because it allows you to pull up the smart doorbell motion video feed.
Winner: Ring Pro
Related Posts:
Features and Accessories
The SkyBell comes with two free quality accessories that allow you to customize the unit and makes the installation process easier.
The first is a free wedge to help even out the installation surface, such as on slanted siding or similarly uneven zones or high surfaces. It also comes with a free digital doorbell adapter allowing you to use your original doorbell chime.
The Ring Pro, on the other hand, comes with four different face plates as well as different wedges to help better angle the unit. There is also a more robust ecosystem for Ring accessories, including a solar-powered video doorbell pro mount and various high range extenders.
Winner: Ring Pro
SkyBell vs Ring Mobile App
Both Ring, SkyBell, and other smart doorbells have mobile apps that allow you to monitor from your phone. When it comes to the Ring video doorbell vs SkyBell App, SkyBell offers a better interface.
It is a bit cleaner, and we found it to be more stable when connecting to the actual doorbells. SkyBell has lower ratings in both the Google Play and Apple App store (1). But, we are attributing this to the higher number of users Ring has. The Ring app has over 50,000 high ratings in both app stores, while the SkyBell app has around 500 in both (2).
Winner: SkyBell HD
Motion Detection
The Ring has a better motion sensor with greater motion sensitivity hands down. You can set it up to work with specific motion zones. This allows you to select which areas or zones you want the camera to focus on so you can avoid having your doorbell ring from people walking their dogs.
Winner: Ring Pro
Weather Conditions
When looking at SkyBell vs Ring night vision cameras, both doorbells can withstand severe weather conditions. The HD, however, can function in more extreme conditions. The two smart doorbells are rated for the following operating temperature:
- SkyBell - Between -40 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 65 degrees Celsius)
- Ring Pro - Between -5 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 to 50 degrees Celsius)
- Both work in rain, snow, wind, etc.
Winner: SkyBell HD
Related Posts:
Winner: Ring Pro Doorbell or SkyBell HD?
When it comes to SkyBell HD vs Ring Pro, we think the HD is the better choice.
Both smart doorbells are good at what they do, but the image quality is better with the HD, which we think outweighs the extra motion detection features of the Ring Pro. The HD has color night vision and is more consistent with the WiFi connection out of all the doorbells with camera attachments we reviewed.
SkyBell doorbell offers a simple app, which makes it easier to control the video doorbell.
For a camera with a doorbell, SkyBell is one of the best that we've tested and can be a good addition to your home security system.
SkyBell HD
Our #1 Recommendation
- 1080p HD Video
- Easy access video footage from the cloud
- Intuitive smartphone app
- 5x Zoom Capabilities
