🔐 How to Choose the Right Smart Video Doorbell: DoorBird vs Ring vs Hikvision

And why opening gates with your doorbell might just be a must-have

 

Smart doorbells have come a long way. What started as a handy way to see who's at your front door has grown into a full-blown part of the modern smart home — giving you not just visibility, but real control over who gets in.

 

At Dwelligence, we’ve worked with all kinds of systems — from plug-and-play options to fully integrated smart home setups — and one question we’re asked more and more is:

 

“Can I open my gate or door remotely when someone rings the bell?”

 

Great question. Because not every video doorbell can do that out of the box, in fact only a very few can. Let’s break down how three popular brands — DoorBird, Ring, and Hikvision — stack up when it comes to smart access, control, and overall usability.

 
Title

🚪 Real Control: Can You Actually Open Something?

 

🔵 DoorBird

 

One of the standout features of DoorBird is its built-in relay(s) — which means it can open an electric gate or door strike with the push of a button, directly from the app. No additional smart locks or subscription services needed. For more complex setups, additional relays can be added to control multiple entry points.

  • Compatible with electric gates, electric strikes, and garage doors
  • Built for integration with pro-level home control systems like Control4, ELAN, Crestron & RTI
  • Offers local network operation — no cloud dependency for basic control (with optional Indoor Station A1101)
  • Optional keypad models support keycodes for trades, guests, and family
  • Comes in a range of premium all-metal finishes, from stainless to powder-coated black and brass
  • Includes an online configurator to design your intercom layout and finish before purchase

Whether you're a DIY smart home enthusiast or working with a home automation installer, DoorBird offers flexibility without locking you into a closed ecosystem.

 

🟠 Ring

 

Ring is widely known and super popular for its user-friendly app and seamless setup. However, it’s very much a consumer product — and that shows when it comes to access control.

  • No built-in relay for direct gate or strike control
  • Compatible mainly with smart locks (via Alexa)
  • No professional-grade home automation integration
  • Requires cloud service for most functionality
  • Plastic build, limited colour/finish options

It’s a great option if you’re after simple, app-based notifications and basic front door monitoring — but for more serious access control, it may fall short.

 

⚫ Hikvision

 

Hikvision has a solid reputation in the CCTV and security space, and their intercom systems reflect that. Some models do offer relays for door control, but the setup is generally geared toward commercial or apartment applications.

  • Relay functionality available, but setup can be complex
  • Better suited for integration with Hikvision’s own ecosystem
  • Interface and apps can feel technical for everyday users
  • Looks more industrial than residential in many cases

If you’re already running Hikvision gear and need a compatible intercom, it might make sense. But for standalone installs or elegant home integration, it can be a bit of a stretch.

 
Title

🛠️ Why Built-in Relays Make a Difference

 

A doorbell that talks to your phone is cool. A doorbell that opens your gate or door while you’re on holiday? Even better. That’s where built-in relay control comes in. With DoorBird, for example, you can:

  • Answer a visitor at your gate while you’re interstate
  • Remotely open a garage, front door, or service gate for deliveries or trades
  • Auto-close entries after a timer expires
  • Create temporary keycodes for one-time access

It’s not just convenience — it’s smart security, especially for homes with multiple access points or long driveways.

 
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🏁 Quick Comparison Table


 

Feature

DoorBird

Ring

Hikvision

Built-in relay to open gate/door

✅ Yes

❌ No

⚠️ Some models

Electric gate/strike compatibility

✅

❌

⚠️ With setup

Pro home automation support

✅ Control4, ELAN, RTI, Crestron

❌

⚠️ Limited

Offline/local network support

✅

❌

⚠️ Partial

Range of colours & finishes

✅ All-metal, multiple finishes

❌ Few

⚠️ Basic

Design-your-own configurator

✅ Online tool

❌

❌
Title

💰 Price vs Value

  • DoorBird: Higher upfront investment, but it’s built to last. Designed for homes where quality and security matter. You’re paying for engineering, not ads.
  • Ring: Cheap to buy, but ongoing cloud costs add up. Also, limited flexibility means you might upgrade sooner than you think.
  • Hikvision: Fair pricing, especially if bundled with their camera systems. But usability can be hit-or-miss.

Winner: DoorBird – You get what you pay for. It’s the last doorbell you’ll need.

 

📱 App Experience

  • DoorBird: Clean and professional. Fast notifications, remote unlock, visitor logs, and multi-device support. Might not have the flashiest UI, but it’s rock solid.
  • Ring: Very user-friendly and flashy. Great for simple needs. But if you want more control over access or events, it’s limited.
  • Hikvision: Functional, but not very intuitive. A bit more technical and not as polished for everyday users.

Winner: Depends – Ring is great for basic users. DoorBird wins for power users and reliability.

 
Title

🔒 Privacy & Security

  • DoorBird: German privacy standards mean your data stays yours. No forced cloud storage or third-party snooping.
  • Ring: Owned by Amazon. Enough said. Your video is stored in the cloud, and there have been concerns about data access and sharing with authorities.
  • Hikvision: Security-grade gear, but Chinese government ties make some users uneasy about where data goes.

Winner: DoorBird – Peace of mind, built in.

 
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🧠 Final Thoughts

 

If you’re after a straightforward, app-based doorbell with video notifications, Ring is a familiar and affordable choice.


If you’re already invested in Hikvision’s ecosystem or working on a multi-unit building, their intercom systems might be a logical fit.

 

But if you’re planning a custom home, a renovation, or just want serious control over who gets in and when, it’s worth exploring what DoorBird offers. The built-in relays, premium finishes, and integration flexibility give it a real edge — not just as a doorbell, but as part of your home’s access strategy.

 

 

🛒 Explore DoorBird at Dwelligence

 

Check out our full DoorBird range here, and if you're unsure which model fits your setup, reach out. We’ll help you figure it out — no upsells, no jargon, just the right advice.

 

Real tech. Real control. Real smart.