When comparing August Doorbell Cam vs Ring Video Doorbell, the Slant community recommends Ring Video Doorbell for most people. In the question“What are the best smart doorbell cameras?” Ring Video Doorbell is ranked 24th while August Doorbell Cam is ranked 25th. The most important reason people chose Ring Video Doorbell is:
The Ring is very easy to set up and mount, but takes that to a whole new level by including all the tools you will need to get the device mounted and set up.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Live streaming
The August Doorbell Cam allows you to get a live video feed whenever you open the app.
Pro August lock integration
If you're already using an August Lock as a smart home door lock, the August Doorbell Cam integrates extremely well with it, and allows you to use the same app to monitor who's at your door, as well as lock and unlock your door within the same screen.
Pro Included toolkit and mounting guide
The Ring is very easy to set up and mount, but takes that to a whole new level by including all the tools you will need to get the device mounted and set up.
Pro Great viewing angles
The Ring's camera is equipped with a 180 degree sensor, which allows you to capture more of the area around your door as opposed to a regular camera. The increased field of view is similar to videos shot on a GoPro.
Pro Advanced motion detection
The Ring allows you to set zones for motion detection, allowing you to only get alerts if there is motion in a specified area around your door.
Pro Free replacements
If your device is stolen, Ring will provide you with a new one at no cost.
Pro Multiple sources of power
The Ring allows you to use the regular power from your existing doorbell, but also gives you the option to use the included rechargeable battery instead, in the event you don't have a regular doorbell connection. The battery is said to last for one year, and the app gives you notifications when it is low.
Cons
Con Unclear whether motion detection is supported
August's marketing material and advertisements for the device claim to support motion detection. Recent verified reviews, as well as Amazon customer reviews, state that the feature has not yet been activated, but will be in an upcoming software update. So that's something to keep in mind.
Con Prevalent delays and lag
Customers have reported that the August Doorbell Cam chokes, even on good internet connections, and tends to have a few seconds of delay from when the bell is pushed, to the user being alerted.
Con Low viewing angles
Where its competitors provide a higher viewing angle, the video from the August Doorbell Cam provides a more narrow viewing angle, similar to the video one would get off a smart phone.
Con Not full HD
The August Doorbell Cam comes equipped with a 960p camera, which provides a better quality compared to the Ring, but pales in comparison to the SkyBell HD.
Con Video recording requires a subscription
In order to save video clips, you have to pay a monthly or yearly fee.
Con Single source of power
The August Doorbell Cam can only be powered by an existing doorbell's power connection, so if you're current set up doesn't have traditional power for a doorbell, you are out of luck.
Con No full HD support
The camera on the Ring is a 720p camera, which means that it does not support full HD resolutions, and the quality isn't quite up to the mark.
Con Complete battery drain results in device reset
Customers have reported that, if you're running the ring on battery power, and you fail to charge it before the battery goes completely flat, the device will disconnect itself from your network and you will have to go through the setup process again.
Con Changes to motion settings require physical confirmation
If you make a change to the settings or preferences in regards to the motion sensors areas, you are required to physically ring the doorbell to confirm and save the changes, thus making changing your settings from anywhere other than your home impossible.
Con No live streaming or manual activation
The Ring's camera is only activated when the doorbell is pushed or it detects motion. Users can not go in to the app and activate the camera manually, which is a major drawback and missing feature.
Con Video Recording requires a subscription
In order to save videos every time your doorbell is rung or the device detects motion, you will have to buy a subscription of US $3 a month or US $30 a year.
Con Setup requires you to access a button behind the device
Make sure to set up the device and make sure its working before adjusting and mounting it, as the setup requires you to press a button that is located behind the device, thus requiring you to dismount the device to press it.