Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 vs Ring Video Doorbell Wired

Buy the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 if you want to avoid subscriptions: it records to microSD with 7 days of free cloud and works with Apple HomeKit. Buy the Ring Video Doorbell Wired if you want the cheapest, well-proven entry into Ring on existing wiring and don't mind paying Ring Protect for saved video.

Storage and power. The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is hardwired-only with no local storage, needing Ring Protect to save clips, while the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 records free to microSD, runs on battery or wired power, and adds Apple HomeKit.

Yes, the Ring Video Doorbell Wired is the more affordable and better-reviewed of the two, which is a big part of its appeal as a first Ring doorbell. But factor in the ongoing Ring Protect cost for video history, since it has no free local storage like the Aqara G4.

The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4. It stores footage on a microSD card and includes 7 days of free cloud, so no plan is required. The Ring Video Doorbell Wired has no local storage and needs a Ring Protect subscription to keep recordings.

Apple households and anyone wanting subscription-free local recording with battery-or-wired flexibility, plus custom ringtones, voice changing and automatic replies. It is the pick for avoiding monthly fees and getting HomeKit.

Budget-focused, first-time Ring buyers who already have doorbell wiring and live in the Alexa and Echo ecosystem, and who are fine paying Ring Protect for video history and smart alerts.