Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wireless: Our Top Pick
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The Arlo video doorbell offers excellent video quality and a wide field of view to see everything happening outside your door. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and even HomeKit in the right circumstances.

Pros:
- Excellent vertical field of view
- High-quality video
- Wired version is HomeKit compatible

Cons:
- Doorbell must be removed to charge battery
- No 5GHz Wi-Fi
- No HomeKit compatibility for wireless version

Ring Video Doorbell 4: A great alternative
Your high-quality 1080p video

The Ring Video Doorbell (4th generation) is great for monitoring a wide porch. It integrates well with Echo devices to show you who's at the door, and with a subscription, you can access up to six months of video history.

Pros:
- High-resolution video
- Compatibility with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Quick release battery

Cons:
- Not the best vertical field of view
- More expensive
- Only comes in one color as standard

To compare these two popular smart video doorbell models, the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell and the Ring Video Doorbell (4th generation), let's look at their price, specs, and availability.

The Arlo Video Doorbell launched in early 2020 and originally cost $149.99/£179.99. It is currently available directly from Arlo for $99.99/£90.00. The wireless version can be found on Amazon for $99.99, and the wired version is available on Amazon for just $60. It comes in black or white.

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 was released in 2021 and initially cost $199/£179. It is currently available from Ring for $159.99/£139.99 and can also be found on Amazon for $159.99. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 is only sold in silver, but additional faceplates in different colors can be purchased separately.

Let's compare some key specs:

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wireless:
- Video resolution: 1536x1536
- Wi-Fi connectivity: 2.4GHz
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Field of View: 180 degrees diagonal
- Dimensions: 47 x 143 x 37 mm
- Live View: Yes
- Two-way conversation: Yes
- Advanced Motion Detection: Yes
- Night Vision: Yes

Ring Video Doorbell 4:
- Video resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Wi-Fi connectivity: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Battery: Rechargeable, removable
- Field of View: 160 degrees horizontal, 84 degrees vertical
- Dimensions: 128 x 62 x 28 mm
- Live View: Yes
- Two-way conversation: Yes
- Advanced Motion Detection: Yes
- Night Vision: Yes

Installation:
- The Arlo Video Doorbell comes in two models, with the wireless version being easier to install as there are no cables involved. However, you need to remove the whole doorbell to charge the battery.
- The Ring Video Doorbell 4 has a quick-release rechargeable battery, making charging easier. It can also be continuously charged by plugging it in.

Video quality and field of view:
- The Arlo Video Doorbell has a maximum resolution of 1536 x 1536 with HDR video. Its field of view is slightly narrower than advertised but still offers a good view of your doorway.
- The Ring Video Doorbell 4 has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 with HDR video. It has a wider horizontal field of view but a narrower vertical field of view.

Features:
- Both doorbells require a subscription for full functionality. The Arlo Secure and Ring Protect Basic plans offer similar features such as cloud video history and person notifications. Arlo offers more specific motion detection, while Ring offers a longer video history.

Smart home compatibility:
- Both doorbells integrate well with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to communicate with your doorbell through smart speakers. The Arlo Video Doorbell also works with Google Nest Hub.

In conclusion, the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is a more budget-friendly option with added smart home integration through Apple's HomeKit compatibility. It offers excellent video quality and a wide field of view. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 is a great alternative with high-resolution video, compatibility with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, and a quick-release battery. It offers a wider horizontal field of view. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.