One of the most underrated challenges of tiny living—especially if you are off-grid or in a van—is privacy. When someone knocks, you are often inches away from the door. There is no "peeking through the curtains" without being seen.
Modern security meets rustic design.
This is where the smart doorbell becomes the "missing manual" for security. It allows you to vet visitors from your phone without ever getting out of bed or stopping your build. But in a tiny house, you have unique constraints: limited power, no hardwiring, and often, a metal or wood exterior that hates being drilled into.
Today, we're putting the two giants—Ring and Blink—head-to-head to see which one actually belongs in a tiny home.
1. The Power Challenge: Solar & Battery Drain
In a tiny house, every watt counts. Most smart doorbells are designed for suburban homes with 24V transformers. For us, battery efficiency isn't just a convenience—it's a requirement for staying off-grid. As we explored in our Smart Technology Guide, "vampire loads" can kill a small battery bank overnight.
- Blink Video Doorbell: The clear winner for energy. It runs on two AA lithium batteries and can last up to two years because it only wakes up when it detects motion.
- Ring Battery Doorbell: Uses a proprietary rechargeable pack. It's more powerful but needs recharging every 1-3 months, depending on traffic.
The best budget-friendly, low-power option for builders who don't want to worry about power draw.
Check Price on Amazon2. The Connectivity Problem: Wi-Fi vs. Metal Siding
Many modern tiny houses use corrugated metal or steel siding for durability. Warning: Metal is a Faraday cage. It can block your Wi-Fi signal before it reaches the doorbell. To fix this, you may need a high-gain router or a dedicated outdoor range extender.
3. Mounting Without Damage
If you have high-end cedar siding or are renting a parking spot, you don't want to drill holes. We recommend using No-Drill Adhesive Mounts. They provide a "rental-friendly" security layer that stays secure at 70mph on the highway but leaves zero residue when removed.
