Head-to-head · Best Video Doorbells

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) vs Ring Video Doorbell (2020 Release)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 3.6). Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is best for: Buyers with wide porches or wraparound entry steps who need maximum field of view, and who accept paying Arlo Secure for recording features. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Video Doorbells

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

4.5

1 source$49.99as of Oct 23

Buyers who care most about field of view should look at the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell 2nd Gen, which also has the squarest 1:1 framing in the category. Its 180 degree lens and HDR handling are genuinely best-in-class on wide porches, and the on-device AI is mature. Like Ring, it gates the recording features most people expect behind a subscription, here Arlo Secure, so budget for the monthly cost.

Strengths

— AI-powered detection differentiates people, vehicles, animals, and packages with low false-positive rates
— Built-in siren for direct deterrent activation
— Direct Wi-Fi connection with no hub required for the wireless model

Watch-outs

— Arlo Secure subscription at 7.99 a month required for video recording, smart alerts, and activity zones
— Two-way audio can sound thin compared to Ring or Eufy

$49.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #6 in Best Video Doorbells

Ring Video Doorbell (2020 Release)

3.6

2 sources$194as of Oct 11

Affordable entry-level option with 1080p HD video and reliable Ring ecosystem integration.

Strengths

— Affordable price point
— 1080p HD video
— Easy installation

Watch-outs

— Requires subscription for recordings, as PCMag notes
— Basic motion detection compared to Pro

$194 · Buy at newegg.com Full review →

How they stack up

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

Out-frames every other model in this roundup with a true 180 degree 1:1 lens that the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Google Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen cannot match. Falls behind the Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340 on subscription cost and night-vision color, and behind the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 on HomeKit integration.

Ring Video Doorbell (2020 Release)

Solid budget option with core Ring features, ideal for first-time smart doorbell buyers.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)	Ring Video Doorbell (2020 Release)
Resolution	1536 by 1536 (1:1 square)	—
Field of View	180 degrees diagonal	—
Power Source	Battery or hardwired (model dependent)	Rechargeable battery or hardwired
Battery Life	Up to 6 months per charge	—
Cloud Storage Subscription Required	Yes, Arlo Secure from 7.99/mo for video history	—
Local Storage	None (cloud only)	—
Ecosystem	Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings	—
Field of View Aspect Ratio	1:1 square	—
Night Vision	Color and IR	Yes
Two-Way Audio	Yes	—
Weather Rating	IP65	—
Smart Notifications	Person, vehicle, animal, package (with Arlo Secure)	—
Video Resolution	—	1080p HD
Field Of View	—	155° horizontal, 90° vertical
Audio	—	Two-way talk
Smart Home	—	Alexa, Ring App
Storage	—	Cloud (subscription required)
Weatherproof	—	Yes

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