Which Ring Video Doorbell is best? This is how every model compares in 2024
Amazon-owned Ring sells a wide range of video doorbells, each featuring a quality camera with a wide field of view, microphone, speaker, and Wi-Fi for answering the door from anywhere in the world.
They all perform the same basic task, with the Ring smartphone app alerting you when the buzzer is pressed and opening a two-way video call. But as of October 2024, there are no fewer than eight different models of Ring doorbells to choose from, plus a range of accessories. Prices range from under $50 to over $300.
This GearBrain guide has been written to help you determine which Ring Video Doorbell is best for your budget and smart home.
Updated Overview of Ring's Video Doorbell Lineup
Ring has significantly updated its video doorbell lineup, retiring several older models and introducing new and upgraded versions. Below is an updated guide to Ring’s current offerings, including wireless and wired video doorbells, with the latest features and enhancements.
Wireless Video Doorbells
Ring’s wireless video doorbells are designed to work without wiring but can also be connected to existing doorbell wiring for continuous power. These devices can be mounted anywhere, connect to your home Wi-Fi, and provide video surveillance and two-way communication via the Ring app.
Ring currently offers three primary wireless video doorbell models, including the newly upgraded Ring Video Doorbell Plus. Specialized devices like the Peephole Cam and the Elite model are available for those requiring more advanced setups. Though some users might still own one of the older models or if you see one on sale on eBay, we have left Alistair's input on these older models in this article.
Wireless Video Doorbells
We are starting with Ring's battery-powered video doorbells. Your existing Doorbell wiring can power these if you so wish, but their real purpose is to work entirely wirelessly. You attach it to your door or wall, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and away you go.
Ring currently sells four versions of its wireless doorbell – and they all look almost identical, despite their prices spanning from $100 to $200, or even $250 when bought with the company's Chime Pro.
Video Doorbell – $99.99
First, the cheapest and simplest offering. This device has a camera, microphone, and speaker for creating a two-way video call between your smartphone and whoever presses the button. Released in 2020, it is available in black or silver and has a built-in battery, meaning you must detach the doorbell and plug it in to recharge it.
Alternatively, it can be hardwired to existing doorbell wires for power. The camera records 1080p Full HD color video, which can be set up to notify you when motion is detected, thus acting as a security camera and a doorbell. It can be controlled from the Ring app and also from Alexa devices like Echo smart speakers and displays. The former announces when someone is at the door, and the latter shows a live video feed on its screen.
This doorbell camera has a viewing angle of 155 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically. All Ring doorbells have infrared night vision for clear footage after sunset.
Finally, this model (all current Ring doorbells apart from the Video Doorbell Wired) has a system called Quick Replies, where you can play a range of recorded messages when the buzzer is pressed.
Buy on Amazon
Video Doorbell 3 – $199.99 (Update - Discontinued)
Next, and for a hefty $100 more, we have the Video Doorbell 3. This also shoots in 1080p Full HD and has motion detection, but importantly it has a rechargeable battery that can be removed. That way, you can swap between a pair of batteries when they run dry (although only one is included in the box).
Battery life for Ring doorbells varies greatly depending on how often they are used and your motion detection settings. 'Between weeks and months' is the catch-all estimate, as it can vary greatly.
The camera of this doorbell has a slightly larger viewing angle of 160 degrees horizontal and 90 degrees vertical. It also benefits from dual-band Wi-Fi, which the cheaper model misses out on, and interchangeable face plates for changing the color and a kit for mounting in a corner, such as between your door and a wall.
Unlike the cheaper model, this one can be attached to your existing doorbell chime (if you have one). Remember, Ring doorbells only alter you through the app as standard, so this could be useful if you have a pre-existing chime in your home. Otherwise, you can buy a new chime from Ring that plugs into a wall outlet and connects to the doorbell wirelessly.
Buy on Amazon
Video Doorbell 3 Plus – $199.99 (Update: This doorbell has been discontinued)
For $20 more Ring will sell you the Video Doorbell 3 Plus. This is almost identical to the regular 3, but has a feature called Pre-Roll, which records four seconds of video before motion is detected.
That way, you can view an extra few seconds of footage that could be useful if there is a disturbance like an attempted break-in, vehicle theft, or anything else where evidence might be required. It should be noted that this pre-roll video is recorded in black-and-white only, then footage recorded in the normal way (after the motion has happened or the bell has been rung) is in color.
We think this feature justifies the extra $20 cost, especially when already spending $180. But it might be hard to find a Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus since the company is not promoting it anymore on their site.
Ring Video Doorbell Plus (formerly Video Doorbell 4) – $159.99
Update: The Ring Video Doorbell Plus, previously known as the Ring Video Doorbell 4, offers improved features over its predecessor. The key upgrade is the color Pre-Roll video feature, which captures four seconds of footage before a motion event is detected, giving users a more comprehensive view of what triggered the alert. The Video Doorbell Plus has 1080p HD video, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a removable battery pack for easy charging.
For example, if you are alerted via the Ring app and open the camera feed to see a delivery driver, you can tap to play a pre-recorded message asking them to leave the package on the doorstep. The quick reply can also invite them to record a message.
Ring describes it as an answering machine for your front door. While this might not seem useful if you are at home, remember how the Ring app lets you answer from anywhere in the world—so asking for parcels to be left with your neighbor could be really useful. The Video Doorbell Plus can also be bought with the Chime Pro, which acts as an audible chime and Wi-Fi signal extender, for $149.99 MSRP.
Buy on Amazon
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro - $229.99
As with Ring's wireless doorbells, the cheapest model is significantly more expensive than the next most affordable model. For $170, buyers of the Video Doorbell Pro get a video doorbell that works with an existing wired chime and has Ring's Quick Replies system, as mentioned earlier. The estimated installation time is just five minutes, making it one of the simplest smart home devices. The Video Doorbell Wired and Video Doorbell Pro have a field of view of 155 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically.
Wired Video Doorbells
Next, we have Ring's wired video doorbells. These are priced from $60 to $350 and are powered by existing doorbell wiring instead of a battery. This means they are slimmer than the other models and always have a power supply, with no battery charge level to keep an eye on.
Video Wired Doorbell – $49.99
This doorbell represents great value for money, thanks to its slim and smart design, 1080p Full HD video recording, motion detection and alerts, Alexa integration, and even Ring's Pre-Roll video feature.
The only downsides are an inability to work with an existing doorbell chime (so you'll need to buy a plug-in one from Ring if you want an audible chime), and a lack of the Quick Replies system. Ring estimates the doorbell can be installed in just 15 minutes.
Buy on Amazon
Video Doorbell Pro – $169.99 (Update: This 1st gen Video Doorbell Pro has been discontinued)
As with Ring's wireless doorbells, the cheapest model is significantly more expensive than the next most affordable model. For $170, buyers of the Video Doorbell Pro get a video doorbell that works with an existing wired chime and has Ring's Quick Replies system, as mentioned earlier.
The estimated installation time here is just five minutes, making it one of the simplest smart home devices around. Both the Video Doorbell Wired and Video Doorbell Pro have a field of view of 155 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically.
Buy on Amazon
Ring Video Doorbell Plus (Wired) - $149.99
The Ring Video Doorbell Plus Wired offers a range of advanced features, including 160 degree Field of View, HD video with night vision for clear day and night monitoring. It provides motion alerts with video previews to see what’s happening before answering and supports two-way talk and quick replies for easy communication. It also includes built-in Alexa greetings, allowing visitors to hear a personalized message, and offers customizable privacy settings to control what your camera sees. Plus, it works seamlessly with Alexa for hands-free control and added convenience.
Video Doorbell Pro 2 – $229.99 (Update: Video Doorbell Pro 2 is now called Ring Video Doorbell Pro)
Next, and with another considerable price jump, is the Pro 2. This has improved audio quality, a higher video resolution of 1536p, a more advanced motion detection system, and two features, Bird's Eye View and Head to Toe Video.
The former of these plots is each visitor's path as they walk to and from your front door. These dotted lines are added to the recorded video to see more clearly if any visitor took a suspicious route to the door or returned later but didn't ring the bell for whatever reason. Head to Toe video is possible thanks to the Doorbell Pro 2 having a field of view that is 150 degrees vertically and horizontally, making it easy to see parcels left by the door. (Read our full review of Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 here.)
Buy on Amazon
Video Doorbell Elite – $349.99
Finally, Ring's current flagship is the Doorbell Elite which costs a full $100 more than the next best option. This is a serious investment considering how Ring doorbells with the same basic functions start at just $70. The Elite is offered in satin nickel, pearl white, Venetian, and satin black, thanks to interchangeable face plates. It is the only Ring with a power-over-Ethernet connection (alongside Wi-Fi). That way, it can be used in a large home where the Wi-Fi network might not cover the front door.
The camera is 1080p Full HD and has a viewing angle of 160 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically. As with other Ring doorbells, the device also has advanced motion detection and customizable motion zones. In short, you are paying a premium here for the quality finish of the device and the Ethernet connection.
Ring Peephole Cam - $129
At the beginning of 2023, Ring announced it was bringing back the Ring Peephole Cam, a smart peephole that works best in apartments or townhouses, as a smart video doorbell. The new updated Ring Peephole Cam comes with all the video doorbell features you know and love but is installed over the existing peephole on your door. Peephole Cam features a 1080p HD camera, night vision, Two-Way Talk, and Knock and Motion Detection. Setup is quick and seamless, and installation takes minutes without any permanent modifications, which is perfect for renters. Ring Peephole Cam is available in the U.S. on Ring.com and Amazon.com for $129.99.
Summary of Ring’s Updated Product Line
- Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus have been discontinued.
- Ring Video Doorbell 4 has been renamed and upgraded to Ring Video Doorbell Plus, which features color Pre-Roll video.
- The Ring Video Doorbell Pro has been replaced by the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, with improved resolution and features.
- The Ring Peephole Cam and Ring Elite remain available for specialized use cases.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable wireless option, a high-end professional system, or a discreet peephole camera for apartment living, Ring has a variety of choices to suit your home security needs. With Alexa integration, advanced motion detection, and easy-to-use mobile controls, these video doorbells offer convenience and peace of mind at every price point.
Read More:
- Top 5 questions to ask before buying your first smart video doorbell
- How to ask Alexa to answer your Ring Video Doorbell Pro
- 7 of the best smart video doorbells for your front door
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