Deciding between Eufy, Ring, and Arlo for your doorbell isn’t a trivial matter, as each has its own strengths and quirks. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed choice.
The Doorbell Dilemma: Eufy, Ring, and Arlo Face-Off
In the bustling world of smart home security, video doorbells have become indispensable. They offer an extra pair of eyes on your front door, provide motion detection, enable two-way audio communication, and crucially, record activity on your porch. But which brand truly delivers the best experience? Let’s peel back the layers.
Video Quality and Resolution
When it comes to seeing who’s at your door, clarity is paramount.
Eufy cameras generally impress with their resolution. Many Eufy models record at 2K, providing a sharper, more detailed image, even when you zoom in. Some higher-end Eufy cameras even approach 4K quality. This means you’re more likely to make out fine details like faces or vehicle registration plates from a distance. The Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340, for instance, offers 2K clarity for its main camera and 1080p for a secondary downward-facing camera designed for package monitoring.
Ring largely sticks to 1080p HD video for most of its cameras, though certain models, such as the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, offer 1536p resolution. While 1080p is perfectly adequate for most users, I’ve found that the image quality can appear somewhat blurry or noisy, particularly when zooming in or in low-light conditions, compared to Eufy’s sharper output. Ring does employ HDR technology on some models to help balance images in challenging bright or dark environments.
Arlo prides itself on superior video quality, offering 2K and even 4K options. The Arlo Video Doorbell 2K, for example, delivers 2K resolution (1944 x 1944). In my testing, the difference in quality was noticeable in daylight, making it easier to pick out details, though the distinction was less pronounced at night.
Storage Options and Subscription Fees
This is often the deal-breaker for many, and it’s where these brands diverge significantly.
Eufy champions local storage, which is a big win for privacy and avoiding ongoing costs. Many Eufy cameras support microSD card storage, typically up to 128GB. For more extensive storage, models compatible with the HomeBase (such as HomeBase 3/S380) can support full-size hard drives for up to 16TB of local storage. This means your video recordings stay on your device or in your home, rather than on an external cloud server. Eufy does offer optional cloud storage plans, starting from £2.99 per month for a single camera, but these are not mandatory for core features or smart AI capabilities.
Ring primarily operates on a cloud-first model, which means a subscription is generally required to access most features, including video recording and viewing history. Without a subscription, you’re limited to live feeds and basic alerts. Ring Protect plans vary, with the basic plan costing around £3.99 per camera per month (or £30/year) for 60-180 days of video history. This reliance on cloud storage can lead to higher long-term costs.
Arlo also requires a subscription, known as Arlo Secure, to unlock most of its useful features, including video storage and advanced detection. Plans for a single camera start at around £8 per month, increasing for unlimited cameras or higher-tier features like emergency response services. While Arlo provides sophisticated features, these come at a higher recurring cost.
Motion Detection and AI Features
Effective motion detection and smart AI can significantly reduce false alarms and provide more relevant alerts.
Eufy excels here by offering many smart features without a subscription. Its on-device AI can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles, reducing irrelevant notifications. Some models also feature facial recognition to identify familiar faces and provide alerts for package deliveries or removals. This local AI processing means faster responses and greater privacy. However, some users have reported that Eufy’s motion capture can be slow, occasionally missing fast-moving subjects, and that AI can still trigger false alarms from things like cats or strong winds.
Ring offers similar AI-powered features, such as person and package detection, and customisable motion zones to reduce false alarms. However, nearly all of these advanced features are tied to a paid Ring Protect subscription. Ring also has unique features like “Bird’s Eye View” on some advanced cameras, which uses radar to track movement paths, but again, these are subscription-dependent.
Arlo is noted for its advanced object detection, capable of distinguishing between people, vehicles, animals, and packages. This level of precision helps to prevent constant, unhelpful notifications. While Arlo’s smart recognition is generally considered responsive and reliable, like Ring, many of these advanced features are locked behind its subscription plans.
Smart Home Integration
The ability of your doorbell to communicate with other devices in your smart home ecosystem is a key consideration.
Eufy offers compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control and viewing live feeds on smart displays. Crucially for some, certain Eufy models also support Apple HomeKit Secure Video, enabling secure cloud storage through iCloud and Siri control. This multi-platform support makes Eufy a versatile choice, especially for Apple users. However, its integration capabilities are generally more limited compared to Ring’s broader ecosystem, lacking extensive Z-Wave device compatibility or cellular backup options.
Ring boasts seamless integration with Amazon Alexa, given it’s an Amazon-owned brand. You can use voice commands to view live footage, receive notifications on Echo speakers, and even automate tasks via Alexa Routines. Ring also offers better third-party support than Blink, connecting with devices like Schlage and Yale smart locks or Chamberlain garage door openers via Z-Wave. However, Ring does not natively integrate with Apple HomeKit or Google Home as comprehensively as some other brands.
Arlo stands out as the “king” of smart home compatibility, integrating with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. This broad compatibility makes Arlo highly versatile, especially if you have a mixed smart home ecosystem. You can set up custom automations via Apple HomeKit or Samsung SmartThings and use IFTTT for personalised rules.
Installation and Ease of Use
No one wants to spend hours trying to figure out how to install a security camera.
Eufy generally provides a straightforward DIY installation process. Many Eufy doorbells offer flexible installation options, allowing for either battery power or hardwired connection. Battery-powered models are easy to place and don’t require existing wiring. The Eufy Video Doorbell E340, for instance, has a quick-release battery for easy charging. However, some users have noted issues with the Eufy app’s user interface, finding it less polished or sometimes buggy, and experience occasional delays in live view or notifications.
Ring offers DIY-friendly installation for both wired and wireless options. Many models, like the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, have a removable battery for easier recharging. The Ring app is generally considered powerful with extensive customisation options. However, some Ring doorbells have non-removable batteries, requiring the entire unit to be taken down for recharging. A notable issue for some Ring users is that the app can block access when a VPN is active, forcing users to pause their VPN to check the doorbell.
Arlo installation is typically DIY, but some higher-end models may involve a base station, adding a touch more complexity compared to Blink or even Eufy’s simpler setups. Arlo offers both wired and wireless solutions, though the battery life for their wireless cameras (around 3-6 months) is generally shorter than Blink’s. A significant historical issue with Arlo doorbells has been video and audio quality problems during live calls initiated by a doorbell press, leading to pixelated video, choppy audio, or dark screen overlays, despite clear recordings otherwise. Attempts to remedy this through resolution changes, network adjustments, or even unit replacements often proved unhelpful.
Privacy and Security
In the realm of home security, privacy is just as critical as the security it provides.
Eufy has historically positioned itself as a privacy-focused brand, emphasising local storage and data encryption. However, in late 2022, a controversy arose when it was discovered that Eufy cameras uploaded images and facial recognition data to cloud servers, even when local storage was selected, and some feeds were accessible via unencrypted web links. Eufy has since taken steps to address these issues, implementing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for all camera feeds and updating its web portal for better security. Despite improvements, some users still express distrust due to the initial lack of transparency. Eufy explicitly states they do not share user data with police without a warrant or court order.
Ring has faced several significant privacy controversies, including a former employee spying on users and security weaknesses that allowed hackers to access cameras and harass families. The company was fined by the FTC in 2023 for failing to implement adequate security protocols. Ring has also been criticised for sharing recorded videos with law enforcement without user permission, raising concerns about surveillance. Since Ring’s model relies heavily on cloud storage, Amazon has full access to recorded videos unless users manually delete them. Ring does offer end-to-end encryption, but enabling it disables other camera features.
Arlo has stated that they do not provide user data without a warrant or court order. However, similar to other brands, if you opt for their cloud storage and advanced features, your data is subject to their privacy policies. I haven’t found specific widespread privacy scandals for Arlo in the provided sources comparable to Ring or Eufy’s 2022 incident.
After dissecting the features, benefits, and drawbacks of Eufy, Ring, and Arlo doorbells, it’s clear that no single brand is a one-size-fits-all solution.
For those who prioritise privacy, local storage, and avoiding monthly subscription fees, Eufy stands out. Its higher video resolution, free AI features, and direct control over your footage offer significant long-term value, even with the higher upfront cost for some models. Whilst there have been past privacy concerns, Eufy has addressed these, and the emphasis on local data remains a strong selling point for many. However, be mindful of potential app quirks or occasional motion detection lags.
If your home is already deeply integrated into the Amazon Alexa ecosystem and you value a wide range of devices with professional monitoring options, Ring is likely your best bet. Its robust third-party compatibility and well-developed app make for a very connected smart home experience. Just be prepared for the recurring subscription costs and be aware of their privacy track record, which has drawn considerable scrutiny.
Finally, if top-tier video quality (including 4K), broad smart home compatibility (including Apple HomeKit), and advanced object detection are your primary drivers, Arlo is a strong contender. However, this premium experience comes with a higher price tag and, like Ring, requires a subscription to unlock most of its useful features. It’s also worth noting the historical issues with video and audio during doorbell calls.
Ultimately, my choice leans towards Eufy for the sheer value of its subscription-free model and commitment to local storage, which aligns with my own preference for data ownership. However, for a fully-fledged, professionally monitored security system, Ring certainly offers a more expansive package, provided you’re comfortable with the associated costs and cloud reliance.
