Comparing Two Popular Video Doorbell Systems: Ring and Control4

SEE ALSO: Interested in Control4 Home Automation?

 

Ring Video Doorbell Overview

Ring, bought by Amazon in 2018, manufactures several standalone video doorbells that offer the same purpose: to allow you to see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere via an integrated mobile app. As of now, homeowners can choose from six doorbells that increase in reliability and performance.

Most of Ring’s video doorbells are powered by a rechargeable battery but can also be hardwired into an existing doorbell system. These doorbells, which range from $99 to $249.99, feature single-band or dual-band wi-fi for connectivity, adjustable motion detection zones, HD video, two-way audio, up to 160-degree field of view, and cloud storage with a Ring subscription plan.

Ring also has a professional-grade video doorbell system at $349.99 that offers more reliability than their popular DIY-style solutions. The Video Doorbell Elite is hardwired via PoE (the doorbell draws power from the ethernet connection) rather than wi-fi enabled and features customizable motion detection zones, HD video, two-way audio, up to 160-degree field of view, and cloud storage with a Ring subscription plan.

 

Control4 Video Door Station Overview

Unlike most Ring solutions, which you can buy online and install yourself, the Control4 DS2 and DS2 Mini Door Stations are sold and installed only through a certified Control4 company. The DS2 Control4 Door Station is also designed to allow you to see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere via a dedicated Control4 app called Intercom Anywhere.

The Control4 DS2 models, which are tagged at just over $1,000, aren’t powered by batteries and don’t connect to your wi-fi network. Instead, you can expect exceptional reliability and performance through PoE connectivity. Control4 DS2 door stations also don’t offer cloud storage but instead can be connected to an NVR (an in-home network video recorder) for full-time recording.

Control4 DS2 door stations also offer customizable motion detection zones, HD video, two-way audio, and 145-degree field of view. But the biggest difference that separates Control4 from Ring is its seamless smart home integration and customization.

With Control4’s Intercom Anywhere app, which requires a 4Sight subscription, you can easily personalize how to respond to visitors. For example, when a delivery driver arrives at the door, you can tap a custom button within the app that disarms your alarm, turns on the porch light, and opens the garage. Another button tap secures your home again after the driver drops off the package.

Beyond front-door communication, you can use Intercom Anywhere to speak to family members or house guests within the home via your dedicated Control4 touchscreens. Time for dinner? Instantly broadcast a message from one touchscreen to the rest, from one room to another. Control4’s Intercom Anywhere keeps you connected to those inside and outside your home at all times.

 

Which Is Right for You?

If you simply want a smart doorbell solution that will let you see who's at the door, there are plenty of affordable options available from Ring and other popular DIY companies. But if you want a solution that offers superior reliability and functionality and melds right into the rest of your home automation system, the Control4 DS2 is an excellent choice.

 

We hope this blog helped narrow down your decision. Avidia is committed to helping our customers enjoy the magic of their home technology through uncompromised quality in installation and service. That means we’re here to help you find the best solutions for your needs. To learn more about our smart video doorbell offerings and other smart home solutions, contact us here or send us a live chat below. We look forward to hearing from you!