What to Consider When Buying a Doorbell Camera: Feit Electric vs. Ring
- Compatibility
- Wifi Reliability
- Ease of Use
- Cost
- Subscription Cost
- Recording options
- Wired vs. Battery
- Conclusion
Smart doorbell cameras have become a must-have for modern home security. They offer real-time video, motion alerts, and the ability to talk to visitors from anywhere. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one?
This guide breaks down the main concerns when buying a doorbell camera, using Feit Electric and Ring as examples to compare features, compatibility, costs, and functionality.
1. Compatibility with Other Devices
Your doorbell camera should work well with the rest of your smart home devices.
- Ring: Seamless integration with Amazon Alexa. Works well with other Ring cameras and devices in the Ring ecosystem.
- Feit Electric: Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa. Best if you already use Feit smart devices, though integration with other brands is limited.
Tip: Choose a brand that supports your existing smart home devices for a smoother experience.
2. Reliability and Wi-Fi Connectivity
Strong Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for any video doorbell to function reliably.
- Ring: Offers wired and battery-powered options. Generally stable, but a strong signal at the door is necessary.
- Feit Electric: Performs well with good Wi-Fi but is limited to 2.4 GHz networks, which may be more prone to interference.
Tip: Consider using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network if your front door signal is weak.
3. Ease of Use
User experience matters, especially for setup and daily use.
- Ring: Polished app with advanced settings like motion zones and quick alerts.
- Feit Electric: Simple and easy to use, but with fewer features and less flexibility.
Bottom line: Ring offers more advanced control, while Feit provides a straightforward experience for casual users.
4. Initial Cost
The upfront price varies widely between brands and models.
- Feit Electric: Budget-friendly, with some models under $100.
- Ring: Mid- to high-range pricing ($99–$200+), depending on features.
Tip: Don’t overpay for features you won’t use — but don’t skimp on reliability either.
5. Subscription Costs and Long-Term Value
Many doorbell cameras require a subscription to unlock full functionality.
- Ring: Requires a Ring Protect Plan for video recording. Starts at $3.99/month.
- Feit Electric: Offers free cloud storage for limited video history, with optional paid plans for extended storage.
Key difference: Feit gives you more free features, while Ring locks key functionality behind a subscription.
6. Free vs. Paid Recording Options
What can you access without a paid plan?
- Ring: Without a subscription, you can only access live view — no recording or playback.
- Feit Electric: Includes free basic recording (usually 24 hours of cloud storage).
If recording history is essential, choose a brand that offers what you need without forcing you into a paid plan.
7. Wired vs. Battery-Powered Doorbell Cameras
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to get a wired or battery-powered doorbell camera. The right choice depends on whether you already have an existing wired doorbell setup — and what kind of installation and maintenance you’re comfortable with.
Wired Doorbell Cameras
If your home already has a traditional doorbell with existing low-voltage wiring, you can usually install a wired doorbell camera in the same spot with minimal effort.
- Pros:
- Continuous power — no need to recharge or replace batteries
- Generally more stable performance and faster response time
- Often slimmer design since no internal battery is needed
- Cons:
- Installation may require basic electrical knowledge
- Not an option if your home lacks a doorbell transformer
Battery-Powered Doorbell Cameras
If you don’t have existing wiring — such as in older homes, apartments, or new construction without a doorbell — a battery-powered model gives you full flexibility for placement.
- Pros:
- Easy DIY installation — no wiring required
- Can be installed anywhere with Wi-Fi coverage
- Some models offer optional solar panel accessories
- Cons:
- Requires regular charging (every few weeks or months depending on use)
- May experience slight delays when “waking up” from standby mode
Ring and Feit Electric both offer wired and battery-powered options. For example, the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is battery-powered but can be connected to wires for trickle charging, while the Ring Video Doorbell Pro is a fully wired unit. Feit Electric also offers models that can be hardwired or used with built-in batteries depending on the product line.
Tip: If you’re unsure whether your home has a compatible wired doorbell, check near your front door or inside your breaker panel for a doorbell transformer (usually 16V–24V). Or, go battery-powered to keep it simple.
| Feature | Wired | Battery-Powered |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Uses existing doorbell wiring | Built-in rechargeable battery |
| Installation | Requires wired doorbell setup | Easy, no wiring required |
| Maintenance | Low — always powered | Must recharge battery periodically |
| Performance | Generally faster, more consistent | May have delay when waking from sleep |
| Placement Flexibility | Limited to wiring location | Can be placed anywhere with Wi-Fi |
| Best For | Homes with existing doorbell wiring | Renters, apartments, flexible installs |
Final Thoughts
When choosing a doorbell camera, focus on what matters most to you:
- Ring: Ideal for those who want premium features, Alexa integration, and don’t mind paying for a subscription.
- Feit Electric: Great for budget-conscious buyers who want a simple, no-subscription-required option.
By comparing compatibility, reliability, ease of use, initial and long-term costs, and recording capabilities, you can confidently select the best doorbell camera for your home.
| Feature | Feit Electric | Ring |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Lower (often under $100) | Mid-to-high ($99–$200+ depending on model) |
| Subscription Needed for Recording? | Optional – includes basic free recording | Yes – subscription required for video history |
| Free Features | Live view + limited cloud storage (24hr on some models) and local SD card | Live view only; no video history without plan |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Works with Alexa & Google Assistant | Best with Alexa & full Ring/Amazon ecosystem |
| Video Quality & Features | 1080p, basic motion detection | 1080p/4K models, advanced motion zones, person detection |
| App Experience | Simple, user-friendly but limited features | More polished, customizable, better overall UX |
| Best For | Budget-conscious users, minimal setup | Users with existing Ring devices or Alexa homes |
P.S. we use FEIT 🙂