Both Blink and Ring video doorbells are systems owned by Amazon, with each brand fulfilling a different niche. While Ring is, undoubtedly, Amazon's flagship home security tech brand, Blink offers a more budget-friendly way to start building your smart home.
So, which is best? 'I've tested both the latest Ring and Blink video doorbells pretty extensively in my own home,' says Livingetc's editor Hugh Metcalf, 'and while the price of the Blink system is definitely tempting, I've got to give it to the Ring for its enhanced functionality.'
Of course, that's just one opinion, and there are plenty other factors that might sway you in one direction or the other. Price, is undoubtedly one of the biggest, but with the Blink retailing for $29.99 this Amazon Prime Day, and the Ring for $49.99, there's not much between them right now. How much you actually care about other features is also important — after all, there's no point paying more for something you won't use.
We break down the differences between them below, and give our expert advice on how these models compare to the best video doorbells and best wireless doorbells.
We recommend buying the Blink model with the Sync Module 2 bundle — especially if you're not wiring in your doorbell. It's just $5 more for Prime Day, and increases its functionality dramatically.
For a slightly more elevated look than it's standard silver faceplate, we like this Venetian Bronze design — it has the same discount applied this Prime Day, too.
My advice on comparing the two Amazon video doorbells is based on our Ring video doorbell 4 review and our Blink video doorbell review, along with my experience as a professional reviewer who has tested out all kinds of smart home tech for publications including Top Ten Reviews, Expert Reviews and Tech Radar.
That means I'm a dab hand at breaking down the jargon surrounding home tech's features and digesting exactly what's written on the listing page means for how you use a device practically.
Blink vs Ring Doorbell: The bottom line
Ring doorbells stand out for their user-friendly interface and quick setup, making it an excellent choice for those seeking convenience. While both doorbells offer similar basic features, Ring simplifies access to additional add-ons. The chime is an extra expense, but Ring's doorbells are more functional without the need for a smartphone, and the wireless models are easier to keep charged.
On the other hand, Blink doorbells win on affordability. The model is significantly cheaper than Ring's models, offering basic functionality at a lower cost. Also, Blink's monthly subscription is more budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for those looking to save.
Blink vs Ring Doorbell: Design
Curb appeal is something we take seriously here at Livingetc, and it's understandable to want to make sure your video doorbell looks good. It's the first thing visitors see when they show up at your home, their first interaction with your design. So, it needs to make a good first impression.
Aesthetically-speaking, the design of the Ring isn't our favorite of all video doorbells. It's less sleek than many, and makes a feature of the faceplate when not in the black colorway, which means it stands out, rather than fading into the background. The Ring Video Doorbell series, including the 2nd Gen, Doorbell 3, and Doorbell 4, has a recognizable silver rectangular shape with a blue glowing light at the center. The 2nd Gen model stands out with its 'Venetian Bronze' faceplate, allowing for easy customization. The series' weather-resistant casing and compact build house a high-definition camera, motion detectors, and a two-way audio communication system, all integrated to maintain the device's aesthetic appeal.
For
- Sleek and modern, with easy customization options for faceplates
Against
- Wired model is slimmer, but offers fewer customization options
Blink wins out on with a sleeker, more minimalist aesthetic. The Blink Video Doorbell stands out with its subtle design. It comes in black or white, offering a discreet yet stylish appearance. The minimalist casing houses advanced technology, including a strategically positioned camera and a motion-activated LED ring. The device's wire-free installation, powered by two AA batteries, ensures easy setup and flexibility in placement.
For
- Slimmer, more subtle design that is less detracting from your door or porch
Against
- Currently available only in black or white, limiting color options
- Winner: Blink
Blink vs Ring Doorbell: Features
Standard Ring doorbells can be used wirelessly or connected to existing doorbell wiring, while the Pro models and the Ring Video Doorbell Wired don't run on battery life. So, if you don't want to pay for professional installation, you must go for the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Gen models.
Charging is pretty simple, though the 2nd Generation Ring doesn't have an easy-eject button for the battery pack, so it must be removed entirely from the door when it runs low.
Video is 1080p Full HD with two-way communication and night vision, and all Ring Doorbells work seamlessly with Alexa smart assistants.
Local storage is not an option, and cloud storage requires a Ring Protect subscription at $39.99 per year or $3.99 monthly. You will also need to pay extra if you want a chime other than your mobile device—essential if you don't always have your phone with you—with the Ring Chime Pro costing $59.99.
For
- Offers high-quality 1080p Full HD video with two-way communication and night vision
Against
- Local storage is not an option, and cloud storage requires a Ring Protect subscription
The Blink Video Doorbell can be used wirelessly or fitted with existing wiring. The difference is that the battery power comes from 1 x AA lithium batteries rather than a charging pack like Ring's wireless doorbells. These, therefore, need to be changed periodically, which is a small extra cost.
The video is also 1080p Full HD with two-way communication and night vision, and the Blink Video Doorbell works brilliantly with Alexa.
If you're not wiring the doorbell, you must purchase a Blink Sync Module to use live view and in-the-moment two-way communication (though both are available without the Sync Module whenever the doorbell is pressed). Still, this module can be used with a USB drive to store footage locally to avoid paying the $3 monthly fee for cloud storage.
For
- 1080p Full HD video quality and two-way communication
Against
- If you're using the doorbell wirelessly, you'll need to change the 1 x AA lithium batteries periodically
If image and audio quality are high on your agenda, we tested both the Blink and Ring video doorbell cameras out in the same settings. Audio was comparable for both, and you can see the quality in difference of recorded view from the screenshots below.
Ring's field of view is slightly larger, and image quality just fractionally crisper than Blink's.
- Winner: Ring - there are no two ways about it. It offers a slightly better experience, a compatible external chime, and more features without a wired connection. But it does this with a lot of additional costs, and even if you go all out with Blink, it'll still cost far less upfront (and monthly after that). Both have HD video and night vision and are completely Alexa compatible.
Blink vs Ring Doorbell: Pricing & availability
There are currently six widely available models of the Ring Video Doorbell, each with something a little different to offer. The Ring Protect subscription will set you back $39.99 per year.
Blink currently only has one video doorbell available, which is currently priced at $49.99 on Amazon. That's cheaper than any of Ring's offerings, with a subscription cost of $30 a year. It has just been released in the UK, but the US market has had it for a while, and plenty of other Blink products, such as indoor and outdoor security cameras, work well with it.
- Winner: Blink - if you're being price conscious, that is.
Blink vs Ring Doorbell: Our verdict
Choice and ease of use. You'll want to go for this if you just want something you can have ready to use almost straight away. While the basic features of both doorbells are similar, Ring makes it a lot simpler to access all of the extras and add-ons you could want. The chime is an extra cost, but the doorbells are generally more useable without needing to be tied to a smartphone. The wireless models are also slightly easier to keep charged.
Affordability. The Blink Video Doorbell is currently almost half the price of Ring's oldest model and more than $200 cheaper than its most advanced. I really don't think you're sacrificing too much for that price cut, especially if you just want a doorbell with basic functionality. Its monthly subscription is also slightly cheaper.
FAQS
Are Blink and Ring on sale for Amazon Prime day?
Given that the Blink and Ring doorbell are both Amazon products, it's perhaps unsurprising than both are on sale for Amazon Prime Day, which runs between the 16th and 17th July this summer.
For the latest deals you can head over to the Amazon website if you are looking to get your hands on the Ring or Blink doorbell.
