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As you know, different CCTV brands usually offer varying features and capabilities. And in this review, we’ll compare Ring vs Canary to see which standalone security camera will be more worthwhile to invest in today.
While you might be hearing about Canary for the first time, it’s almost a decade old. And similar to Ring, it only deals with WiFi wireless security cameras.
Verdict: The 5 Reasons Ring Cam is our Pick
- Ring Cams have a two-way talk for free
- Ring cameras have custom motion zones for free
- Ring security cameras can record in full color at night
- Ring has cheaper options of indoor & outdoor cameras
- Ring security cameras have flexible & affordable plans
Ring vs Canary: An Overview on the Features & Specs of the Security Cameras
Here’s a quick summary of two outdoor security camera systems from both companies
Should I Get Ring Security Camera
- Connect your Ring camera with Alexa then enable announcements to be alerted when motion is detected....
- Lets you see, hear and speak to visitors from your phone, tablet and PC.
Do you want to monitor an area incapable of wiring? If yes, Ring is one of the brands with an array of battery-powered security cameras you can consider.
As of now, the brand has four major camera series and at least eight variations you can use at home or office. But unlike a rival brand like Eufy or Wyze, none of the Ring devices have a built-in local storage option.
Some of the other pros & cons of Ring security camera include:
Pros
- It has a built-in motion sensor
- Can record in full color at night
- Has multiple deterrence features
- Offers person-only detection mode
- Includes hands-free control with Alexa
- It supports audio recording & two-way talk
Cons:
- You’ll need to pay for most features
- Lacks continuous viewing & recording
- It’s a relatively low recording frame rate
Should I Get Canary Security Camera
- AWARD-WINNING TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN: Trusted by over a million users & over 10,000 first responders...
- OUTDOOR INDOOR WIFI CAMERA: 24/7 watch live HD, weatherproof, wire-free & wired, motion alerts,...
Canary is another brand you can consider if you’d like to monitor an area with no wired power. Of course, it doesn’t have many battery cameras as Ring, but the option available might come in handy in some situations.
As of video quality, Canary security cameras currently support up to the standard 1080p HD resolution. Then, you can also get audio recording and two-way “intercom” conversation, provided you have a subscription.
Some of the other pros & cons of the Canary Security camera are:
Pros
- It has a built-in motion sensor
- Some cameras have a built-in siren
- Supports person detection mode
- Offers continuous live streaming
- Includes both mobile app & web interface
- It can pair with Alexa & Google Assistant
Cons:
- It lacks continuous recording
- Requires a debit/ credit card to complete set up
- You’ll also need to pay for storage & most features
Ring vs Canary: Comparing the Features & Capabilities of the Security Camera
Pricing
Like any other brand, Ring and Canary offers their security cameras at varying prices. However, Ring pricing’s relatively more flexible as you can get an indoor-only camera for fifty bucks and the weather-resistant Stick-Up Cam at $99.99. Then, the more advanced spotlight security cameras for active deterrence can cost as high as $200 each.
On the other hand, Canary offers indoor security cameras at $99 to $150. Then, the outdoor camera available at the moment (Canary Flex) goes for $199 for the device-only option or $285 for the device + 1YR premium cloud.
Winner: Ring as it has some cheaper options for indoor & outdoor security camera
Design
First up, both Ring and Canary have almost all of their security cameras designed here in the US but assembled in China. It’s the trend of most manufacturers today, anyways.
As for the question of the best security camera design, the point goes to Ring again. The first reason for this is that the brand has more options for water-resistant and battery-powered cameras. Then, you can also install the Ring Floodlight Cam to continue monitoring your property in full color at night.
In the case of Canary, neither of the available security cameras have a built-in spotlight or floodlight to enhance the nighttime recording. Then, there’s only one weather-resistant option you can mount outdoors without issues.
That said, though, the Canary Pro Indoor camera has proprietary Home-Health technology, featuring built-in sensors to monitor air quality, humidity, and temperature. But again, many of us already have devices for such tasks in our homes.
Winner: Ring as it has more options of weather-resistant and spotlight security cameras.
Video Quality
Unfortunately, neither Ring nor Canary has security cameras that can record beyond 1080p HD resolution. Of course, it may be understandable from the limitations of wireless signals, but Eufy and Arlo do record in clearer 2K HD quality.
So, while the 1080p HD is still enough for general monitoring, Ring and Canary has no doubt slacked off on the development area.
Winner: None as both security camera brands record up to 1080p HD
Night Vision:
Ring security camera’s the clear winner in this part since you can opt to record in either black & white or full color at night. Its line of Spotlight Cams has a built-in spotlight that outputs at least 300 Lumens of brightness. Then, the Floodlight security cameras illuminate the area with up to 2000 lumens of brightness, which is similar to some of the best outdoor security lights.
On its end, Canary has none of the security cameras with built-in lighting. So, you can only get infrared (black & white) night vision, which, to be honest, is still good to tell there’s a person on your property. But not the greatest when you want to tell apart a person or the color of the car used as a getaway by the burglars.
Winner: Ring as it delivers both colored & infrared night vision.
Audio Functions
In this part, both Canary and Ring have security cameras with two-way audio and sound recording. However, we’ll still give the points to Ring as the audio functions are more reliable. How?
Well, recently, Canary ended the previously free 24-hour roll cloud plan and also pushed various camera features behind a paywall. Amongst these features include a two-way talk and audio recording. Thus, rendering the cameras almost useless for the users not willing to pay the Premium Service subscription.
As for Ring, the audio recording is the only complication as you must have an active Protect plan. But the two-way talk is one of the features you get on the free basic plan (no monthly subscription).
Winner: Ring as you’ll get the two-way audio feature at no cost at all.
Active Deterrence
Well, the Canary Pro and 90% of Ring Cams have a built-in siren that you can activate to deter uninvited guests. You can activate the audible alarm either manually from the mobile app or automatically after detecting movements.
Even so, Ring security cameras also have built-in spotlights or floodlights that are also great for deterrence. So, the brand is a much better option in case the siren feature fails or when you want to use both features.
Oh, don’t forget Ring also offers the two-way talk feature at no cost. So, you can also shout at the potential burglar, including with the Stick-Up Cam that has no spotlights or siren feature.
Winner: Ring as the camera has both siren and motion-activated spotlights, plus free two-way talk
Smart AI Detection
If you can remember, both Ring and Canary were amongst the options on our list of the best motion sensor security camera with intelligent detection. The two utilize the PIR motion sensor for advanced detection, plus have person detection and customizable motion (zones) detection.
Even so, Ring requires you have an active Protect plan to get the person-only alerts and recording mode. The free access option only gives access to advanced PIR detection, customizable motion zones, and Home/ Away control modes. But, of course, it’s still better than Canary. Why?
Well, Canary requires you have a premium subscription to get alerts or recordings from customized motion zones and or person-only mode. Also, you’ll need an active subscription plan to use the custom control modes (Home/ Away).
Winner: Ring security cameras as motion zones and Home/ Away control mode are free
Continuous Video Recording
Unfortunately, Ring and Canary cameras only record by activity (after detecting movements). So, you’re likely to miss some key burglary moments that continuous recording security cameras like Wyze will have at no additional cost.
Winner: None as both Ring and Canary security cameras only record after detecting movements
Video Storage options
If we had done this review earlier, Canary would have been the winner in this part. Late last year, the old customers who were still getting the free 24-hour cloud storage got an email that they’ll need to start paying for the recording. Mind you, the free STARTER plan (as it was called) ended in 2017/ 2018 for new customers.
So, Canary now, just like Ring security cameras, doesn’t have free storage option since they also don’t have MicroSD support. You have to pay a monthly/ yearly subscription plan to get motion-activated recordings you can use in the event of an incident.
Here’s a summary of the Ring & Canary cloud-subscription plan structure.
| Canary Cloud Plan | Ring Protect Cloud Plans | |||
| Plan Name | Premium | Ring Basic | Ring Plus | Ring Pro |
| Single-Month Price | $9.99/ device | $3/ Device | $10/ All Devices | $20/ All Devices |
| Yearly Price | $99/ device | $30/ Device | $100/ All Devices | $200/ All Devices |
| 24/7 Watch Live | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Video History | 30 Days | 60 Days | 60 Days | 60 Days |
| Video Sharing | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Person-Only Alerts | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Extended Warranties | YES (one extra year) | NO | YES (Lifetime) | YES (Lifetime) |
| Discount on Products | N/A | NO | YES | YES |
| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | NO (sold separately) | NO | NO | YES |
Winner: Ring security camera as the cloud plans are more flexible and budget-friendly
Smart Home Integration
Integration to your smart home ecosystem is another area Ring and Canary security cameras could have shared the point. However, Ring (as an Amazon subsidiary) is a bit dicey when it comes to compatibility with Google Assistant devices. So, the only sure option to enjoy hands-free control will be with the Echo Show and other Alexa-enabled devices.
Canary is also one of the security cameras that work with Alexa devices. But unlike Ring, you can also pair with Google Home devices without a hassle.
Winner: Canary security camera as it pairs with both Alexa and Google devices without a hassle.
Our Pick
If we’re to be fair, both Ring and Canary have been great security cameras since the time the companies began operating. Canary could have been even better from the free Starter cloud plan that they were offering.
But as of today, the New York-based brand no longer offers this Starter plan. And to make it worse, all new customers can only get the two-way audio after subscribing to the Premium plan.
So, the Ring security camera is our favorite pick since the two-way audio, custom motion zones, and Home/ Away control modes are all free to access.
Nonetheless, the company (Ring) is still far behind its rivals like Arlo or Eufy, especially on video quality. So, hopefully, they’ll step up and introduce 2K cameras soon or even give us one product line with free local storage.
