Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) vs Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen) comparison

Updated July 2026

Data from Amazon and official Google and Ring sites.

2026 verdict

There is no real contest between a discontinued doorbell and a current one: the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) sweeps this comparison, beating the Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen) on owner rating, storage, alert range and custom ringtones. The Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen) is no longer purchasable new and brings nothing to the table in this pairing, though its Power over Ethernet wiring and color night vision were solid features in their day. With 2K HDR video, on-device detection for people, packages, animals and vehicles, and a wide head-to-toe field of view, the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) is simply the modern, sensible choice, while the Elite only makes sense for owners keeping an existing unit running.

Winner

Google

Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)

15% OFF

$152.32

$179.99

Buy on Amazon USA

Ring

Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen)

Price unavailable right now

Feature	Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)	Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen)	Winner
Rating	4.4	4.3	Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)
Storage	Internal, Cloud	Cloud	Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)
Alerts	Motion, People, Packages, Animals, Vehicles, Familiar Faces	Motion, People, Packages	Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)
Outdoor Custom Ringtone	YES	NO	Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)
Indoor Custom Ringtone	YES	NO	Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)
Warranty	1 year	1 year	Tie
Connectivity	2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi	2.4 GHz WiFi, Ethernet	Tie
Integrations	Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant	Alexa, Home Assistant, IFTTT	Tie
Customizable Motion Zones	YES	YES	Tie
Voice Changing	NO	NO	Tie
Automatic Replies	NO	NO	Tie

Winner

Google

Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)

15% OFF

$152.32

$179.99

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Rating: 4.4
+ Storage: Internal, Cloud
+ Alerts: Motion, People, Packages, Animals, Vehicles, Familiar Faces

Ring

Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen)

Price unavailable right now

- Rating: 4.3 vs 4.4
- Storage: Cloud vs Internal, Cloud

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) or Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen)?

The Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) wins outright, with a higher owner rating, deeper storage, broader alerts and custom ringtones. The Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen) has no advantages in this comparison and is no longer sold new.

What is the biggest difference between them?

Generation and availability. The Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) is a current model with 2K HDR video and on-device smart alerts. The Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen) is an older, discontinued model limited to 1080p and subscription-based alerts.

Is there any reason to still consider the Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen)?

Only if you already own one or specifically need its Power over Ethernet wiring, which is handy where Wi-Fi signal at the door is unreliable. Otherwise the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) outperforms it in every measured category here.

Does the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) need a subscription?

Not for basic use. It gives free on-device people, package, animal and vehicle alerts plus several hours of stored clips, with Nest Aware needed only for continuous 24/7 history and familiar-face recognition.

Who should buy the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)?

Any current buyer, especially those wanting sharp 2K HDR video and reliable free smart alerts with existing doorbell wiring.

Who should buy the Ring Video Doorbell Elite (1st Gen)?

Essentially no one shopping new; it suits only existing owners who need Power over Ethernet support and are not looking to upgrade.

More Doorbells