Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell vs Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen)

The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) wins overall, with dual-band Wi-Fi 6, free customizable motion zones, automatic replies and sharper 2K HDR video. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is cheaper and adds Google Home and SmartThings support, but most of its extra alert types need an Arlo Secure subscription.

What works without paying for a subscription. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) keeps live view, two-way talk, motion notifications and motion zone customization free, while the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell requires an Arlo Secure plan to view or record anything at all once its trial period ends.

The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen), which connects over dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi 6 and shoots 2K HDR video with color night vision. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is 2.4GHz-only and tops out at 1080p HD with black-and-white night vision.

The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell works with Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant and IFTTT. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) supports Alexa, Home Assistant and IFTTT, but not Google Home or SmartThings. Neither supports Apple HomeKit or Matter.

Buyers who want stronger Wi-Fi, sharper 2K HDR video and free customizable motion zones and automatic replies, without needing everything to depend on a subscription.

Buyers on Google Home or SmartThings who want the lower price and are already committed to paying for an Arlo Secure subscription, since nearly every useful feature, including live view after the trial, depends on it.