With all the versions of SkyBell doorbells out there — 2.0, HD, Trim Plus, Slim, Trim Pro, Max, and the list goes on — finding out which one is best for your home can be nearly impossible. So in this article, we’ll look specifically at the SkyBell HD vs. SkyBell Trim Plus, though we will touch upon other SkyBell doorbells to give you a more well-rounded idea of SkyBell doorbells.
About SkyBell Video Doorbells
SkyBell is one of the first companies to offer smart video doorbells — a fantastic solution for keeping an eye out on the visitors at your doorstep. It all started with the SkyBell 1.0, which was later upgraded to the SkyBell 2.0 and finally to the SkyBell HD. All three of these doorbells share a similar round-shape design, whereas their features differ quite a bit (as to be expected with version upgrades). Having better video quality, full color night vision, and a lot more, the SkyBell HD has some of the best specs to look for. Check out our take on SkyBell 2.0 vs. SkyBell HD for a detailed comparison review.
Besides a familiar round-shaped design, SkyBell also offer a few Slimline doorbells: the SkyBell Trim and SkyBell Trim Plus. Just as their names suggest, the doorbells are slim enough to fit perfectly on even the slimmest of door trims and door frames. The SkyBell Trim Plus is slightly better than the standard Trim model with 1080p HD video and full-color night vision on Trim Plus vs. 720p video and IR Black/White night vision on the Trim.
Several home security companies use SkyBell Slimline as their go-to video doorbells. Though sometimes with limited functionality. For example, Alarm.com offers the SkyBell Slim doorbell (Trim version) which works only with the Alarm.com app (subscription required). Whereas Honeywell sells the SkyBell Slim (Trim Plus) and it doesn’t differ from the SkyBell Trim Plus since it offers the same functionality, has no subscription fees, and works with the SkyBell app.
This type of integration with different security systems shows their high demand. Though, on the other hand, it can be quite misleading when making a purchase. So, make sure to double-check before buying.
SkyBell HD vs. SkyBell Trim Plus — Things in Common
At first sight, the SkyBell HD and SkyBell Trim Plus look totally different, though they do share a lot of features. In fact, the SkyBell Trim Plus is much like a slimmer version of the SkyBell HD. Both doorbells require hardwired power to work and feature 720p/1080p video resolution, two-way audio, on-demand live view, motion monitoring, and multi-user support.
The two doorbells also feature quiet mode — you can turn off your home’s doorbell chime from the app so it won’t bother you when you’re looking to rest.
What makes SkyBell HD and SkyBell Trim Plus unique?
The doorbells are the only ones to survive harsh temperature conditions; only SkyBell can work between -40 and 140℉, which is beyond impressive. For example, SkyBell’s fiercest competitor Ring can only operate in temperatures as low as -5℉.
SkyBell doorbells are also unique with their full color night vision, unlike other doorbells which only offer black & white night video recordings.
Furthermore, both the SkyBell HD and SkyBell Trim Plus offer free cloud storage. Just like with Arlo Cameras, you get 7 days of cloud storage for free, which means you can always look seven days back into activity history and check your recordings. Forget about subscription fees and never miss a visitor by simply replaying your archived videos.
Free cloud storage is a huge advantage. You can use your SkyBell HD and SkyBell Trim Plus to their full power right out of the box, unlike other doorbells that hook you up on a monthly plan. The only downfall (if you could call it a downfall) is that you can’t get more than the free 7-day cloud storage. SkyBell doesn’t offer a paid subscription for more cloud storage. Though, based on our experience, 7 days of storage is more than enough to check or download your video clips.
So, are there any differences between SkyBell HD vs. SkyBell Trim Plus? Yes, but just a few, so let’s go over them now.
SkyBell HD vs. SkyBell Trim Plus — Differences
- Difference #1: FPS (Frames Per Second) – While both the SkyBell HD and Trim Plus offer HD video with up to 1080p and 5x zoom, the two doorbells differ in FPS (frames-per-second). FPS refers to the speed at which a camera can capture video. Generally, the higher the FPS the better.
The SkyBell HD offers 30 FPS while the SkyBell Trim Plus offers 15 FPS.
How important is that? In this case, very important. Ask any gamer, they know the pain: The fewer FPS you get, the more laggy (the fewer frames) the video gets — And 1080p can’t save the situation. If someone moves fast in front of the camera, you’ll have a lesser chance to identify a person with the SkyBell Trim Plus. Whereas with the SkyBell HD and it’s double the amount of FPS, you get an overall better view to the action.
- Difference #2: Design – Let’s put it straight, the SkyBell HD doesn’t really look like a doorbell with its round shape and SkyBell lettering on the button. The SkyBell Trim Plus, with its rectangular shape, looks more like a traditional doorbell.
The SkyBell HD is 2.8″ in diameter whereas the SkyBell Trim Plus is only 1.44” wide and 4.8” in height. So depending on your door trim or frame, these dimensions should help you choose the doorbell that fits better.
SkyBell HD vs. SkyBell Trim Plus — Comparison Chart
| SkyBell HD | SkyBell Trim Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 720p/1080p HD | 720p/1080p HD |
| Frames per Second | 30 FPS | 15 FPS |
| Field of View | 180 degrees | 180 degrees |
| Zoom | 5x zoom | 5x zoom |
| Night view | Full color night vision up to 15ft. | Full color night vision up to 15ft. |
| Motion Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Live View Motion Triggered | Yes | Yes |
| Live View On Demand | Yes | Yes |
| Silent Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Color Night Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Power Options | Hardwire to existing doorbell kit only | Hardwire to existing doorbell kit only |
| Operating Temperature | between -40 and 140℉ | between -40 and 140℉ |
| Web App | No | No |
| Size | 2.8″ x 2.8″ x 0.9″ | 1.44″ x 4.8″ x 1.13″ |
| Colors | Brushed Aluminum, Oil Rubbed Bronze | Brushed Aluminum, Oil Rubbed Bronze |
SkyBell HD and Trim Plus Accessories
If you have a digital doorbell chime, one that uses a speaker to play a variety of sounds, then this SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter is a must. The adapter will make your digital door chime compatible with SkyBell HD or Trim Plus doorbells. Check out this SkyBell video for a detailed explanation on its use-case and installation instructions.
And if you want to improve the viewing angle of the SkyBell HD, check out the SkyBell Doorbell Camera Wedge Plate. The plate provides up to 15-20% more viewing angle in any direction, which really lets you get the most out of the SkyBell’s 180-degree field of view.
The SkyBell’s product line is about to have a new family member this year — the SkyBell Plug-in Camera. It’s a portable camera that you can plug into an outlet for constant power and flawless performance. The new camera has the look and feature set very similar to the SkyBell HD.
SkyBell HD vs. SkyBell Trim Plus — Our Thoughts
Both SkyBell HD and SkyBell Trim Plus are powerful doorbells with their 1080p, 180-degree field of view, two-way audio, and 7-day free cloud storage. The doorbells will survive in the harshest of outdoor conditions and deliver full-color in both day & night video to your smartphone.
If you’re choosing between the SkyBell HD vs. SkyBell Trim Plus, you’re basically choosing between FPS and design. With the SkyBell HD’s 30 frames-per-second recording, you’ll get a better video quality. Whereas with the SkyBell Trim Plus’s slim design, you’ll get a perfect fit for your door frame. So, basically, just go with whichever feature is more important to you.
Last update on 2024-04-23 at 14:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Can you run slim plus in 720 hd for better fps?
Yeah! You can definitely try! 🙂
Thanks for the comparison and review! I went with the Slim Plus for the purpose of being able to install it where my existing button is at on my door frame. I wish it had 30 fps but I’ll take the trade-off for the aesthetics. I also wish it was compatible with digital chimes out of the box. They should at least include the adapter since none of their products work without it on digital chimes.
If I discontinue my Alarm.com subscription, will my Skybell Trim become useless? Can it be used with another app?
Hi Chris! It looks like the doorbell will not work standalone and can only be used with Alarm.com app.
However, if I were you, I’d try to connect it to the Skybell app and check if it works. Depending on which version of Skybell Trim you have, it actually might work!
Good luck and let us know how it goes 🙂
This product should be buyer beware. If the installation doesn’t work right away, good luck trying to get it to work consistently with customer support (or lack thereof). I had a digital doorbell where I moved, so I had to buy an adapter for this. The installation instructions are all for the old adapter, which can’t be bought directly from the company anymore. I changed my router so it would pair easier and even had an electrician put in a new transformer that would give it enough power based on what support from Skybell suggested. After paying for the product, I have almost doubled the price of the purchase trying to troubleshoot so it will consistently work without any luck. Customer support is the worst I have ever experienced, you can’t talk to them live and when you phone them, you will be on hold and then sent to voicemail. If you email them or phone, you’ll hear back at earliest the next day, usually when you are at work, and then you have to start the process all over. I love the idea behind this piece of tech, but would highly discourage anyone from buying this product to save yourself a headache with the difficult installation (multi-step) and lack of customer service.