Blink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) vs Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen)

The Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen) is the better doorbell overall. It has a higher rating, Power-over-Ethernet for a single wired run, color night vision, and works with Alexa, Home Assistant and IFTTT. The Blink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is cheaper and battery-powered but is Alexa-only and has no local storage.

Install type and integrations. The Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen) is a Power-over-Ethernet doorbell wired for both power and data and works with Home Assistant, while the Blink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a battery unit that ties in only with Alexa and IFTTT over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.

The Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen) uses Power over Ethernet, so it needs a network cable run to the door for a flush, permanent install. The Blink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) runs on 3 AA cells rated around 2 years (or optional wiring), making it the far simpler no-wiring option.

No. Both the Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen) and the Blink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) put saved video history behind a paid cloud plan, and neither has local storage. Live view and basic alerts work without a plan on each.

Buyers who can run Ethernet to the door and want a permanent, flush PoE doorbell with color night vision, multiple finishes and Home Assistant support alongside Alexa. It suits a wired-in, professional-style install.

Budget Alexa or Blink owners who want a simple battery install with long AA battery life and a low price, and who cannot run network wiring and are fine with Alexa-only integration and a cloud plan for storage.