Before we even begin to compare All-New Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite, let us clarify something. There’s been confusion between different generations of Ring Stick Up Cams. Late 2018 Ring released All-New Gen 2 Ring Stick Up Cam Battery and Ring Stick Up Cam Wired
So here’s what actually happened, Ring rebranded Gen 2 Ring Stick Up Cam Wired
And instead of the Gen 2 Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, Ring offers the All-New Gen 3 Ring Stick Up Cam //. All three Gen 3 Ring Stick Up Cams are pretty much the same camera with different power options. They all have a compartment for the battery pack and a Micro USB port for either a plug-in adapter or solar panel. It’s just if you buy the , you get a solar panel with it, and if you get the , you’ll get a micro USB charging cable instead. You get the idea.
So today, we’ll be comparing the All-New Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite. There are a lot of great features that these three smart cameras have in common. But generally, the rebranded Ring Stick Up Cam Elite (aka Gen 2 Ring Stick Up Cam Wired) has a slight edge in pretty much every metric: it takes everything that’s great about the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery & Plug-In and gives it a bit of an upgrade.
So, let’s get into the details about the differences and similarities between the Ring Stick Up Cams Gen 3 and Elite.
The Short Version:
Ring Stick Up Cam Elite = dual-band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), better field of view (150°H x 85°V), advanced motion detection, custom motion zones, Power over Ethernet support, Micro-USB AC Plug.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery & Plug-in & Solar = 2.4 GHz only, smaller field of view (110°H x 57°V), standard motion detection, no motion zones, battery/solar/Micro-USB AC Plug powered.
All-New Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite — Differences
Difference #1: WiFi – The first main difference when comparing the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery/Plug-in vs. Elite is their WiFi support. The Elite model has dual-band WiFi that can connect to both 2.4 GHz or 5GHz WiFi networks. Plus, the support for both frequencies allows the camera to stream full 1080p video without overloading your network.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery/Plug-in/Solar only supports 2.4 GHz WiFi, which can cause streaming issues if the bandwidth is overloaded.
Difference #2: Power Options – As the names suggest, the biggest difference between the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-In vs. Solar vs. Elite is the way that they are powered.
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery uses a rechargeable battery pack which allows for flexible placement. And just like other smart battery-powered cameras, the Ring Stick Up Cam battery life is around 3 to 6 months depending on the usage. If you’re planning to stick your camera outside, you better opt in for the Ring Stick Up Cam Solar since it comes with a Solar Panel for continuous charging by the sun. It’s a great option to have available if you’re going to be using the cameras for the exterior of your home, as you won’t really have to worry about charging your battery packs at any point in time. Also, you can always get the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-in which comes with a Micro-USB cable for constant AC power. No matter which option you’ll opt in first Battery, Plug-in, or Solar, you’ll always be able to switch to a different power source by buying different accessories for power supply
The Elite model, on the other hand, can be powered with a Micro-USB AC Plug which is pretty standard as far as technology goes, but the more notable power option is Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE allows your Ring Stick Up Cam to receive both power and an internet connection from a single Ethernet cord, which reduces the amount of wires you have to deal with. This can be a godsend in apartments or homes where space is at a premium, and it definitely looks more aesthetically pleasing as well.
You may be wondering, “why use Ethernet when I can just use WiFi?” The truth is, even the strongest WiFi connections are going to be inherently slower and less reliable than a wired connection, and with something as important as home video monitoring, it’s extra important to have a stable connection 24/7. That’s not to say that your average home WiFi network will have a problem with Ring cameras, but when you already need to plug in the camera with a cord, why not kill two birds with one stone and transmit power and reliable internet through a single cord?
Take a look at our What is Power Over Ethernet? article to learn more about the benefits of PoE and how you can use it to make your home less cluttered and more efficient.
It’s difficult to say which option is “better” when it comes to power. Ring Stick Up Cam Elite is definitely a little less flexible in placement since you’re going to need to plug it in somewhere, but the PoE gives a more stable connection and reliable power source all in one. On the other hand, a solar-powered Ring Stick Up Cam can be placed pretty much wherever you please with no reliance on a hardwired connection. Just make sure the sun reaches it.
The best option is really going to depend on what you’re looking for. Personally, we feel like the Ring Stick Up Cam Elite’s power options are the best for both indoor and outdoor cameras, and the Battery model’s for the exterior of your home.
Difference #3: Field of View – While the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery/Plug-in/Solar might be a little bit more convenient to place outside, it doesn’t do quite a good job at monitoring a wide distance with just a 110-degree horizontal and 57-degree vertical field of view. The Ring Stick Up Cam Elite is significantly better with a 150-degree horizontal and 85-degree vertical field of view.
Difference #4: Motion Detection – One aspect of the Ring Stick Up Cams that make them more intelligent than more traditional security cameras is their motion detection. There are two types of motion detection systems that Ring uses in their cameras: Standard and Advanced.
Standard motion detection uses passive infrared sensors, and this technology is featured in all battery-based products. The technology is intended for low-power consumption in order to preserve battery, although Ring’s three sensor system is designed to be heavily customizable and functional.
Advanced Motion Detection, on the other hand, uses a camera to detect motion rather than using heat signatures like the battery models. This technology uses more power but offers a much wider lineup of features in exchange.
The Passive Infrared Motion Detectors (PIR) of the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery/Plug-In/Solar are formed in an array of three sensors that each detect a bit more than a third of the total coverage area. The PIRs look for heat, and won’t trigger if the signature is too small, allowing you to avoid false alarms from your chihuahua or cat. However, the technology is not perfect, so you might end up with a false alarm when your huge Great Dane walks across the video feed. However, you do have the options to control the sensors’ range and sensitivity using the Ring App if you find your sensors are a little too jumpy.
The Advanced Motion Detection system uses the output of the camera for motion detection and is equipped with a capable “human detection” system that reduces the incidence of false alarms. Using a combination of face and body-shape analysis, the Elite Cam can distinguish a human using more than just size. One other notable feature of this detection system is the ability to set specific “zones” for the camera to monitor. This allows you to stop motion detection on heavily-trafficked areas like public paths or roads to avoid getting spammed by useless alerts.
While the Elite cam uses Advanced Detection and the Battery/Plug-in/Solar cam uses Standard protection, there are some Ring products like the Floodlight Cam and Spotlight Cam Wired that will use both to provide more comprehensive detection. The extra-wide coverage of the passive sensors will trigger the lights whenever motion is detected, and the advanced detection will determine whether the movement is human.
Ultimately, it’s clear that the Ring Stick Up Cam Elite is a little bit more capable when it comes to motion detection. The heat detection of the passive sensors on the Battery/Plug-in/Solar model is just a little less accurate. Plus, those heat sensors would do a pretty terrible job at detecting white walkers when winter comes. It’s safe to say that we’d heavily advise the Night’s Watch to opt for the Elite Cam’s Advanced Motion Detection if they’re looking for some extra coverage on the Wall!
Difference #5: Color – Lastly, the Ring Stick Up Cams have different availabilities when it comes to color. The Elite model has white & black options available, while the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery/Plug-in/Solar come only in white finish.
All-New Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite — Comparison Chart
| All-New Ring Stick Up Cam Gen 3 | Ring Stick Up Cam Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Video resolution | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| Frames per Second | 30 FPS | 30 FPS |
| Video Format | H.264 | H.264 |
| On-Demand Live View | Yes | Yes |
| Record Live View | Subscription Required | Subscription Required |
| Field of View | 110° horizontal, 57° vertical | 150° horizontal, 85° vertical |
| Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| Power | | Micro-USB AC Plug or PoE |
| Optional Power Source | Solar Panel | No |
| Battery Life | Battery: 3-6 months Solar: indefinitely | N/A |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Detection | Standard | Advanced |
| Motion Zones | Areas | Custom |
| Person Detection | No | Yes |
| Facial Recognition | No | No |
| Sound Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz |
| Requires a Base Station | No | No |
| Siren | 110 dB built-into camera | 110 dB built-into camera |
| 24/7 Recording | No | No |
| Local Backup Storage | No | No |
| Cloud Storage | Subscription Required | Subscription Required |
| Review, Share, & Save | Subscription Required | Subscription Required |
| Instant App Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| App Support | Android, iOS, Web | Android, iOS, Web |
| Weather-resistant | Yes (Indoor/Outdoor) | Yes (Indoor/Outdoor) |
| Amazon Alexa | Echo Show, Echo Spot | Echo Show, Echo Spot |
| Google Assistant | No | No |
| IFTTT | Yes | Yes |
| Stringify | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -5°F to 120°F | -5°F to 120°F |
| Dimension | 3.8 x 2.4 x 2.4 in | 3.8 x 2.4 x 2.4 in |
| Color | Black/White | White |
All-New Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite — Things in Common
Video Quality – One of our favorite aspects of all the Ring Stick Up Cams is the video quality. Unlike the original stick up cams which recorded in 720p, both Ring Stick Up Cams Gen 3 and Elite record in 1080p HD at 30 frames per second. That bump in quality can make all the difference when it comes to identifying people in the feed, which is the perfect solution for finally catching that notorious package thief!
Plus, these cameras use H.264 motion-compensation-based video compression that allows most home internet connections to support three or four cameras without a drop in speed.
Live View – With either camera, you’ll have access to an on-demand live view through the Ring app at any time. If you’d like the ability to record footage while live viewing, you’ll need a subscription — but at just $3 USD per month, we see no reason to pass on those extra features!
Zoom – Something catch your eye off in the distances? Both the Elite and Gen3 models feature digital zoom so you can focus in for a more detailed view.
Two-Way Audio – Two-Way Audio comes standard on both models, which allows you to both listen in and communicate directly through the camera. It’s surprisingly handy, and perfect for scolding a potential package thief or even just telling your furry friends to get off the couch!
Night Vision – Night time is when you need home security the most, and the Ring Stick Up Cam Elite and Gen 3 alike will record crisp, clear video — day or night.
Siren – Ring cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your home security, but their utility extends beyond simple recording as well. With a 110 dB siren built into both the Gen 3 and Elite models, you can scare off intruders and alert your family to potential danger through the Stick Up Cams themselves.
Storage – Cloud storage for your Stick Up Cam is available with a subscription known as Ring Protect. There are two tiers of Protect Plans: Basic, and Plus.
Ring Protect Basic is the perfect option for homes with just one or two cameras, as it activates video recording and sharing for individual Ring Doorbells and Cameras. All recorded video will be stored to your Ring Account online for up to 60 days, so you can view and share your videos whenever you please for up to two months. The best part of this plan is the price: costing just $3 per month per device.
If you have multiple cameras in your home or want some extra security features added in, you may want to opt for Ring Protect Plus. It’s only marginally more expensive at $10 per month, and includes video recording and sharing for unlimited Ring Doorbells and Cameras in your home, as well as 24.7 professional monitoring with cellular backup for a Ring Alarm system and more.
Ring Protect Plus is a no-brainer if you have more than 3 cameras in your home since you’ll be saving money up front, but its real value is in the features it adds through the company’s security system — allowing you to add in the extra protection of sensors. Take a look at our Ring Alarm Review for a full breakdown of what the company’s fully-featured home security system has to offer.
Weather-resistant – One of the coolest parts of the Ring Stick Up Cam is that both the Gen 3 and Elite models are weather-resistant. While some other brands sell specific models for the exterior of your home, you can use the same camera in your living room or on the porch and enjoy the same great protection wherever you need it most.
Amazon Alexa – Since Amazon actually owns Ring, it would make sense that both models work seamlessly with Amazon Alexa. The cameras work particularly well with Echo Show 5, and connecting the two together is extremely easy. Just add in your Ring Video Doorbell or Ring camera into the Alexa app, and instantly unlock the ability to control your smart tech using voice commands. Plus, the Show will allow you to watch your camera feed directly on the device themselves.
One thing to keep in mind is that you won’t be able to talk to visitors through the Echo Show, but it’s still a great option for keeping an eye on your cameras.
IFTTT & Stringify – Last but not least, both the Gen 3 and Ring Stick Up Cam Elite support both IFTTT and Stringify. Both of these platforms are incredibly powerful trigger marking platforms that allow you to set up all sorts of conditions that make your smart technology work better together. For example, you could do things like flash the lights when motion is detected, or perhaps turn on the cameras when you’re headed out to work. Check out the full list of supported commands here.
All-New Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite — Accessories
For the Ring Stick Up Cam Elite, there are really no accessories worth mentioning. You’ll get everything you need in the box itself and be ready to go with just that single purchase. Just make sure you have an Ethernet cable on hand if you’d like to take advantage of that handy power over Ethernet feature. Ring will send you the PoE adapter, so no need to worry about that.
The only thing you might want to invest in for the Ring Stick Up Cam Gen 3 is the optional Solar Panel so you don’t have to worry about changing the battery pack and get an alternative power supply. But again, it all depends which Gen 3 Ring Stick Up Cam you decide to opt-in first — , , or .
All in all, though, pretty much everything you need to outfit your home with some quality video monitoring is included up front.
All-New Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite — Our Thoughts
When comparing the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite, we feel pretty strongly that the Elite model is the better option. While the and offer more flexible placement since it’s not limited by wires, you end up sacrificing some quality in other areas due to the need to conserve power.
One of our favorite aspects of the Elite model is the inclusion of Power over Ethernet, which is a great feature for stability and also gives the camera enough power to add in some useful extra features like Advanced Motion Detection.
If you’ve tried out the Power over Ethernet feature and find yourself enjoying the convenience, we’d also recommend checking out the Ring Elite Video Doorbell. It’s a little bit pricey, but it supports PoE and offers a large variety of smart features for a low subscription price.
- Ring Alarm Review | JCA
- Ring Spotlight vs. Floodlight | JCA
- New Ring Stick Up Cam vs. Arlo Pro | JCA
- What is Power Over Ethernet? | JCA
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 17:58 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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