Skybell HD vs. DoorBird

Screen your visitors with a smart doorbell!

Having a smart doorbell allows you to communicate and see anyone outside your home, without having to open the door.

Not only that, some models come with cool features like night vision, motion detection, and even smart home integration.

Today we’ll be looking at DoorBird vs. SkyBell HD, and the unique features they both have. So whether it’s smart home integration your prefer that SkyBell has, or DoorBird’s flexible power options, you will find a doorbell that will suit you.

So let’s get right to it and check out the pros and cons of both models.

Feel free to use our navigation system below to skip to any part you prefer.

Skybell HD vs. DoorBird — Things in Common

  • Live-View on Demand – Both SkyBell HD and DoorBird have a live view on-demand technology that allows you to see anyone from your smart device in clear HD resolution. Offering you an extra layer of security for you and your home.

  • Night Vision – Same goes for night time too! The night vision technology allows you to easily see what’s going on even during late hours. So you won’t have to worry anymore about hearing strange noises throughout the night, as you can check it out from the comfort of your bed. Even if it turns out to be nothing more than a raccoon rummaging through the bins.

  • Motion Detection – Keep your packages safe with motion detection technology. You will receive instant alerts straight to your smart device if any suspicious activity is detected, wherever you may be.

  • Two-Way Audio – Now you don’t even need to open the door when talking with a caller. Both SkyBell HD and DoorBird have two-way audio technology, which allows you to effectively communicate with anyone who is outside your door.

  • Zoom – Need a closer look? Both smart doorbells have the zoom feature, that could come in really handy when trying to identify the culprit who smashed your flowerpot.

  • Field of View – A field of view is basically the amount of coverage your smart doorbell has of the outside of your home so It’s crucial that your smart doorbell can cover as much space as possible. Luckily both SkyBell HD and DoorBird have an impressive field of view of 180 degrees.


Skybell HD vs. DoorBird — Differences

Skybell

  • Difference #1: Power Options – It’s important to always check what type of installation will be required for your future smart doorbell, as that can save you valuable time when it comes to setting it up.

    While both SkyBell HD and Doorbird can be hardwired into your existing doorbell system, it’s important to know the type of transformer is required for the installation. The DoorBird requires a 15 V DC transformer, while SkyBell HD offers more flexibility by having multiple options of 10-36 VAC, 10VA or 12 VDC transformer types.

    However, DoorBird also provides the Power over Ethernet option, which offers an even stronger and more reliable internet connection. It’s also easy to set up, as you’ll only need a single Cat5e/Cat6 ethernet cable, and maybe a Power over Ethernet Adapter as well.

    If you don’t like the idea of wires or if you tend to move around frequently, it’s a good idea to take a look at a battery-powered option such as the . It’s easy to set up and take off whenever you wish, ideal for renters.

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  • Difference #2: Subscription Plan – The good news is that SkyBell HD provides you with a whopping 7-day free storage plan. This is great for those of you who just want a doorbell that records video history without the added hassle of a subscription plan.

    While DoorBird also offers free storage for the 20 most recent visitor and motion events, if you wish to bump that up to 7 days, you subscribe to the Cloud Recording Pro, for which you’ll need to pay an annual fee of 48 USD. The plan also includes support for an unlimited number of event recordings, as well as the ability to download and view them as you wish.

    Yet SkyBell HD definitely comes out ahead with it’s no cost 7-day free storage feature.

  • Difference #3: Web App – While both smart doorbells have the app support for both Android and iOS. DoorBird also comes with the option of using a web app. Which can be very handy if you don’t have your smart device with you, or if you tend to spend more time in front of your computer.

    Unfortunately, SkyBell HD doesn’t have the web app feature available.

  • Difference #4: Alexa – You can also have hands free control over your SkyBell HD smart doorbell. When using the Echo Show, you have the ability to ask Alexa to answer your door, play a chime or even make an announcement. How cool is that? Apart from Alexa, SkyBell HD is also compatible with, Link Interactive, LiveWatch, Alarm.com, Nest, Alexa, and Echo, to name a few.

  • Difference #5: IFTTT – SkyBell HD is also compatible IFTTT, which allows you to create simple scripts or ‘recipes’ for your smart doorbell to follow. For example, you can set Alexa to record videos of your front door, or you can have your smart lights blink blue when the doorbell is pressed, plus many more commands that you can take advantage of.

  • Difference #6: Design – In terms of design, SkyBell HD definitely provides us with a more modern look with its round dimensions of 2.8″ x 2.8″ x 0.9″, which is quite small when compared to the more traditional DoorBird’s measurements of 6.18″x 2.95″x 1.38″.

    SkyBell HD is available in two finishes, Steel Grey, or Bronze. While DoorBird has also a Steel Grey finish or White Polycarbonate.

  • Difference #7: Running Temperature – If you reside in a country that experiences extreme weather conditions particularly during the winter months, it’s important that you own a smart doorbell that can face both extreme cold as well as heat. Luckily SkyBell HD is pretty resilient with the ability to withstand temperatures ranging from -40° to +60°. While DoorBird is less resilient with extreme weather with its ability to bear temperatures of -20° to +40° C.


Skybell HD vs. DoorBird — Comparison Chart

DoorBird SkyBell HD
Resolution 720p HD 1080p/720p HD
Power Options Hardwired or Power
over Ethernet
Hardwired only
Compatible Doorbell Transformers 15 V DC
(power 110 - 240  VA C)
10-36 VAC, 10VA or 12 VDC
Field of View 180° horizontal, 90° vertical 180 degrees
Night Vision Yes Yes
Alexa No Yes
IFTTT No Yes
Compatible Networks 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n
or Ethernet network,
with DHCP
2.4 GHz 
Zoom Yes Yes
Motion Detection Yes Yes
Live-View Yes Yes
Two-Way Audio Yes Yes
Running Temperature -20° to +40° C -40° to +60° C
Web App Yes No
Subscription Plan Yes Free 7-day storage
Dimensions 6.18″x 2.95″x 1.38″ 2.8″ x 2.8″ x 0.9″
Finish 2 Finishes Available 2 Finishes Available

Skybell HD vs. DoorBird — Accessories

DoorBird-on-a-wall

Now that we have gone over both smart doorbells, let’s take a look at the type of accessories they both offer.

With SkyBell HD you can opt for a wall or wedge mount, which can come in handy during the installation process.

You can also include a digital adapter which will make your digital door chime compatible with SkyBell. The installation process itself easy, and takes less than 10 minutes.

While for DoorBird you can include a door chime, which can be placed on the wall or the ceiling in your home. It will allow you to hear the bell, without having to hardwire the original setup.


Skybell HD vs. DoorBird — Our Thoughts

Skybell HD Doorbell

At the end, when it comes to SkyBell HD vs DoorBird, it really depends on how you want your smart doorbell to fit in your home.

While both smart doorbells provide basic features such as motion detection, two-way audio, night vision, and app control, SkyBell HD takes it a step further by offering home integration, as well as the ability to withstand more extreme temperatures. All that, while costing far less than DoorBird.

The most attractive feature of DoorBird is its ability to be powered by PoE, which does offer a much more reliable and steady connection for your doorbell. So if that’s what you wish for your smart doorbell, then Doorbird is a good choice.

Otherwise, with its free subscription plan, and budget-friendlier price, we feel that SkyBell HD comes out on top of the two.

Last update on 2024-03-27 at 23:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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