Ring offers eight video doorbell models, each with unique features and varying prices. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which Ring doorbell suits your needs.
Key Features Common to All Ring Doorbells
- Core Features: Two-Way Talk, Quick Replies, Motion Zones.
- Smart Integrations: Works with Alexa devices (e.g., Echo Show, Fire TV).
- Subscription Plan:
- Without subscription: Live view only.
- With Ring Protect Plan ($5/month or $50/year): Cloud video storage, person/package alerts, and advanced features.
- No Apple Home or Google Home integration.
Main Differences Between Ring Models
Power Source:
- Battery-Powered: Great for homes without wiring. Removable batteries allow easy charging.
- Wired: Requires doorbell wiring for continuous power and may ring existing chimes.
Video Aspect Ratio:
- 16:9: Wide view but may miss the heads of visitors or packages on the ground.
- Square (Head-to-Toe Video): Provides a top-to-bottom view for spotting packages or taller visitors.
Doorbell Chimes:
- Most models can ring wired chimes when hardwired.
- Some models (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell Wired) need a separate Ring Chime ($35-$60).
Ring Models Overview
1. Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
- Price: ~$100.
- Power Source: Battery or wired.
- Video: 1080p HD, 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Performance: Excellent video quality, fast response time.
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users needing good performance.
2. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
- Price: ~$180.
- Power Source: Battery or wired.
- Video: 1536p HD+ with square Head-to-Toe Video.
- Performance: Strong response time, decent video quality.
- Ideal For: Users needing a clear top-to-bottom view and advanced features.
3. Ring Battery Doorbell Pro (Newest Model)
- Price: ~$250.
- Power Source: Battery or wired.
- Video: 1536p HD+, square aspect ratio.
- Special Features:
- 3D Motion Detection: Accurate motion sensing with radar.
- Bird’s Eye View: Tracks movement on a satellite map.
- Pre-Roll Video: 4 seconds of footage before motion detection.
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts who want premium motion features.
4. Ring Peephole Cam
- Price: ~$130.
- Power Source: Battery only.
- Video: 1080p HD, 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Special Features: Fits apartment door peepholes; knock detection.
- Ideal For: Renters or apartment dwellers.
5. Ring Video Doorbell Wired
- Price: $50–$70.
- Power Source: Wired only.
- Video: 1080p HD, 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Performance: Excellent video quality but slower response time.
- Ideal For: Homes with wiring looking for a slim, budget option.
6. Ring Wired Doorbell Plus
- Price: ~$150.
- Power Source: Wired only.
- Video: 1080p HD, 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Special Features: Pre-Roll Video (6 seconds of color footage before motion detection).
- Ideal For: Users wanting pre-roll functionality without going over budget.
7. Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (Formerly Pro 2)
- Price: ~$250.
- Power Source: Wired only.
- Video: 1536p HD+, square aspect ratio.
- Special Features:
- 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View.
- Advanced Pre-Roll Video.
- Alexa Greetings: Smart responses for visitors.
- Ideal For: Advanced users wanting wired reliability and premium features.
8. Ring Video Doorbell Elite
- Price: ~$350.
- Power Source: Power-over-Ethernet (POE).
- Video: 1080p HD, 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Special Features: Ethernet connectivity for enhanced reliability.
- Ideal For: Homes with POE setups or large-scale smart home integrations.
Top Picks by Use Case
- Best Budget Option:
-
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) – Affordable with solid performance.
-
Best Battery-Powered Option:
-
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus – Top-to-bottom view and good video quality.
-
Best Wired Option:
-
Ring Video Doorbell Wired – Slim, affordable, and great video quality.
-
Most Advanced Features:
-
Ring Wired Doorbell Pro – Premium motion detection and Alexa integration.
-
Best for Renters:
- Ring Peephole Cam – Easy to install without permanent changes.
How Experts Test Video Doorbells
- Response Time: Speed of alerts and live feed loading.
- Video Quality: Clarity during the day and night.
- Smart Features: Person detection, package alerts, and compatibility.
- Data Privacy & Security: Protection against hacking and misuse.
The Takeaway
- The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is the best all-around option for most users due to its affordability, solid performance, and versatility.
- For advanced features like 3D Motion Detection and Pre-Roll Video, choose the Battery Doorbell Pro or Wired Doorbell Pro.
Pick the Ring doorbell that matches your home setup, budget, and desired features to make your front door smarter and more secure.
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