Buying guide for best Ring doorbell
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Thanks to video doorbells, gone are the days of answering your door without knowing who’s on the other side. Ring is undoubtedly the best-known brand of these doorbells, with a line that incorporates many convenient, user-friendly features. But with so many models, finding the best Ring doorbell for your home can be a challenge.
Ring offers video doorbells that can fit nearly any type of dwelling. Some models are hardwired for more permanent installation, while others use a battery and allow for quick setup. You can find more affordable models with solid resolution and limited features or opt for a high-end Ring doorbell with top-notch video quality and more advanced technology to alert you to events like package deliveries.
To help you choose the right Ring doorbell for your home, the BestReviews Testing Lab considered both wired and battery-powered models. We researched and tested doorbells, comparing models based on their ease of installation, video quality, audio quality and smart home compatibility. Ultimately, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 earned our top spot for its crystal-clear video, color night vision and 3D motion detection that gives you the best possible view of your front door.
Expert Tip
If you’re worried about privacy and your Ring doorbell, look into the Ring app’s privacy settings section. Based on past user concerns, Ring now allows you to set rules around who can and can’t see your doorbell video.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Which is best?
Product Specifications
Camera Resolution: 1536p HD | Night Vision: Color night vision | Motion Detection: 3D motion detection with bird’s-eye view | Two-Way Audio: Two-Way Talk with Audio+ | Weather Resistance: -5 to 120 degrees, water-resistant
With top-notch video quality and a wide field of view, the Ring Doorbell Pro 2 provides some of the clearest images of your front door of all Ring models. It features 1536p HD video resolution, the highest that Ring provides for its doorbells, and a 150-degree vertical and 150-degree horizontal field of view to let you see your visitors from head to toe, as well as packages left on your doorstep. Like other Ring doorbells, it can capture video after dark, but its color night vision offers sharper details in low-light situations than previous models. It also has the same two-way audio as other Ring doorbells, but its improved Audio+ takes it up a notch with two microphones, so you can hear your guests and communicate clearly without opening your door. It can also connect to your Alexa devices, which can greet guests and take messages when you’re not home.
The Pro 2 has a sleek, streamlined design similar to previous Ring doorbell models. Its cover has Ring’s Satin Nickel finish, while the camera area is glossy black. The doorbell is highly weather resistant, so you don’t have to worry about where you place it. It is water-resistant, with an IP rating of IPX5, which means it can withstand normal rain and snow. It also operates in temperatures between -5 and 120 degrees, so you don’t have to worry about it failing in extreme temperatures.
Because it is a wired model, the Pro 2’s installation is slightly more complicated than that of battery-powered video doorbells. Mounting the doorbell is pretty straightforward with the included screws and bracket, but you’ll need to connect it to existing doorbell wiring. While it is a DIY project for many homeowners, it might be tricky if you’re uncomfortable working with low-voltage wiring. The Pro 2 supports 2.4- and 5.0-gigahertz Wi-Fi connections, making it easy to access its video feed through the Ring app. The app also allows you to quickly adjust the doorbell’s motion detection settings if it’s picking up too much activity.
Product Specifications
Camera Resolution: 1080p HD | Night Vision: Black-and-white night vision | Motion Detection: Advanced motion detection | Two-Way Audio: Two-Way Talk audio with noise cancellation| Weather Resistance: -5 to 120 degrees, water-resistant
The Ring Video Doorbell might not have all the bells and whistles of the high-end Ring models, but its solid video quality and motion detection make it one of the brand’s best values. Capturing 1080p HD video, it provides a clear view of your front door area with sharp details and colors. Its night vision doesn’t provide color video, but it still shows enough detail to see visitors in low-light conditions. It has a 90-degree vertical and 155-degree horizontal field of view, so it doesn’t offer the same head-to-toe view as the Pro 2, which could prevent you from spotting packages on the doorstep. However, its motion detection has been fine-tuned since previous models, and it focuses on motion within 5 to 15 feet of your front door to prevent false alerts. It also allows you to create privacy zones to keep it from alerting you whenever your neighbor works in their garden or gets in their car.
Like the Pro 2, the Ring Video Doorbell has two-way audio that allows you to communicate with visitors without opening the door. The noise-cancellation feature also blocks out ambient noises that might interfere with the audio. If you have a compatible smart lock, you can use the Ring app to unlock the door and let guests in when you’re away from home. When it comes to installation, the Ring Video Doorbell is more versatile than the Pro 2 because it has a built-in battery, but it can also be hardwired to an existing doorbell system for continuous charging. If you opt to use the rechargeable battery, installation couldn’t be easier — you only have to mount it to your home and connect to Wi-Fi through the Ring app to start screening your guests.
The Ring Video Doorbell has a design similar to that of other models in the line. However, the external case is available in both Satin Nickel and Venetian Bronze, so you can choose the option that best matches your home’s exterior. It is backed by a one-year limited warranty and includes a micro USB charging cable for the battery, as well as a security sticker to place on a window in your home.
Product Specifications
Camera Resolution: 1080p HD | Night Vision: Black-and-white night vision | Motion Detection: Advanced motion detection | Two-Way Audio: Two-Way Talk with noise cancellation | Weather Resistance: -4 to 104 degrees, water-resistant
The Ring Doorbell Wired is the most affordable of all the models in the Ring line. As a result, its features are somewhat limited, so it isn’t the best option for anyone who wants the latest technology. However, it provides solid images of your front door area, allowing you to screen guests without opening the door. It captures 1080p HD video with a 155-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical field of view and offers night vision that allows you to see most details after dark. The limited field of view means you might have trouble seeing packages left at your door.
As its name implies, this model requires wiring into an existing doorbell system. However, it has a Ring plug-in adapter that makes it a fairly straightforward DIY project for those comfortable working with low-voltage wiring. Installation is pretty simple overall, especially when following the walk-through instructions from the Ring app. Because it is a wired model, you never have to worry about recharging a battery or running out of power when you’re expecting visitors. With the app, you can also easily adjust the doorbell’s motion-detection features to ensure you aren’t getting false alerts. It supports a 2.5-gigahertz Wi-Fi connection, so it can easily connect to most home networks.
The Ring Doorbell Wired has a slightly different design than most other Ring models. It is smaller, measuring just 3.98 inches tall by 1.8 inches wide (other Ring doorbells are approximately 4.5 inches tall by 2 inches wide. The Wired doesn’t have a metal-finish case. Its exterior is matte black, and the camera face has a glossy black finish.
Best battery-powered Ring doorbell
Product Specifications
Camera Resolution: 1536p HD | Night Vision: Color night vision | Motion Detection: Advanced motion detection | Two-Way Audio: Two-Way Talk with noise cancellation | Weather Resistance: -5 to 122 degrees, water-resistant
Like the Pro 2, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus captures excellent 1536p HD video, but its battery-powered design means you don’t have to deal with the hassle of a wired installation. We set up the doorbell in less than 15 minutes during testing, finding the instructions in the Ring app very easy to follow. We were especially impressed by its video quality. Compared to the Ring Doorbell 3, which one tester has used for more than two years, the clarity and resolution of its live feed are notably better. Its color night vision also allowed us to see vivid details after dark, another improvement over the Ring 3 and other models featuring black-and-white night vision that can sometimes look a bit fuzzy. The 150-degree horizontal and 150-degree vertical field of view of the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus also wowed us, providing not only a clear head-to-toe view of someone standing at the door but also most of the walkway that leads to the front of the house.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus boasted highly accurate motion detection during testing. We didn’t receive any false alerts; the Ring app only sent notifications when someone approached the house. Best of all, there are only a few seconds of delay between motion detection and notification, allowing you to know what’s happening around your door in near real time. We were especially pleased with the package alert notifications, which accurately told us each time we received a delivery.
The doorbell automatically connected to our Alexa devices during testing and worked seamlessly with our Echo Dot and Echo Show 5, alerting us when someone rang the bell and allowing us to access the live feed. Testing didn’t give us enough time to fully evaluate the doorbell’s battery life, but Ring claims that it features improved battery performance compared to previous models, lasting up to three times longer.
Most durable Ring doorbell
Product Specifications
Camera Resolution: 1080p HD | Night Vision: Color night vision | Motion Detection: Advanced motion detection | Two-Way Audio: Two-Way Talk with noise cancellation | Weather Resistance: -5 to 120 degrees, water-resistant
The Ring Doorbell Pro is somewhat similar to the Pro 2, making it a solid, durable option. It costs $80 less but doesn’t offer the latest technology. Still, its 1080p HD video recording provides sharp, clear images with precise details that let you know exactly what’s going on at your door. Like the Pro 2, it also has color night vision that records clear video even in low-light situations. It features a 160-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical field of view, allowing you to see nearly all of your front-door area. Thanks to the two-way audio, you can easily communicate with guests without opening the door and use built-in Alexa greetings when you’re away from home. It can also operate in temperatures between -5 and 120 degrees, so you don’t have to worry in extreme weather.
To reduce false alerts, the Pro offers customizable motion detection that lets you block out areas that might trigger it, such as the street in front of your home. It also features pre-buffering technology to show what happened just before the motion detection was triggered, giving you a better idea of what’s happening around your home. However, like other Ring doorbells, the Pro doesn’t offer any local video storage. If you want to store video, you need a Ring subscription, and the most basic plan costs about $4 per month.
Like the Pro 2, the Pro is a hardwired model that requires an existing doorbell system for installation. It is still a suitable DIY project, though, and takes approximately 20 minutes to install. It’s also compatible with 2.4- and 5.0-gigahertz Wi-Fi connections, making it easy to connect to your home network. In appearance, the Pro is slightly narrower and thinner than the Pro 2, but it has the same Satin Nickel case, giving it a sleek, attractive look.
Expert Tip
Ring doorbells are installed using a special screwdriver tool that comes included in the box. Hang on to all of the tools included in the packaging to make repairs and upgrades easier in the future.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
How do Ring doorbells work?
You install a Ring doorbell outside your door just as you would a traditional doorbell. However, a Ring model has a built-in security camera that provides a video image, enabling you to see who’s at your door without opening it. The doorbell alerts you when someone rings the bell or if it detects motion outside your door.
With the doorbell connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network, it can send alerts to your smartphone or other device and let you see a live video feed. Ring doorbells also feature two-way audio, so you can communicate with the person at your door through the Ring app.
And because the doorbell communicates wirelessly with your device, you don’t have to be at home to answer the door. You can talk to visitors while you’re out shopping, at work or on vacation.
Ring doorbell benefits
Convenience
A Ring doorbell allows you to screen anyone who rings your bell. You can then decide if you want to go to the door or not.
Video record
Ring doorbells can store camera footage if you need it for security purposes. If you experience vandalism or a burglary at your home, you’ll have evidence to provide to the police.
However, Ring doorbells don’t provide local storage on the cameras. Instead, they only offer cloud-based storage that requires a Ring Protect subscription to access. These subscriptions typically cost $4 to $20 per month to store video footage for up to 180 days. If you don’t have a Ring Protect plan, you only have access to your doorbell’s live feed, so you won’t have any video of past events.
Delivery security
A Ring doorbell lets you see if there are packages on your doorstep even if you’re away from home. You can also communicate with the deliverer via the Ring app if you need to provide instructions for placing a package in a more secure location.
Improved home security
A Ring doorbell allows you to answer your door without opening it. You can communicate with visitors from the safety of your home through the Ring app, so you’re never at risk if you don’t recognize the person at your door.
Additionally, the doorbell also has a motion-detection feature to alert you when people are outside your door. The app provides alerts even when you’re not home, so you can monitor your property while you’re out of town. The two-way audio even allows you to scare off trespassers by announcing you’re aware of their presence.
Expert TIp
If you’re on someone else’s porch and notice that they have a Ring doorbell, don’t forget that they record audio, so owners inside are able to both see and hear you on their devices.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Key considerations
Finish/appearance
The Ring doorbell’s appearance doesn’t affect its functionality, but you probably want to choose an option that complements your home. All Ring models have a rectangular, sleek design that works with a variety of home exteriors.
Ring also offers a selection of faceplates with different finishes. Some models come with one faceplate, so you have to choose the finish you prefer when you purchase it. Other models include two or more faceplates, so you can change the look of the doorbell when the mood strikes. Ring faceplate finishes include the following:
- Satin Nickel
- Brushed Brass
- Brushed Silver
- Venetian Bronze
- Antique Bronze
- Black
Installation
Ring doorbells are generally very easy to install. Most homeowners can do it in less than 30 minutes. Battery-powered models like the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus are the easiest to install, taking approximately 15 minutes to set up. Some higher-end models like the Ring Pro and Pro 2 might require installation by an electrician, depending on whether or not you have an existing doorbell system.
To install a battery-powered Ring doorbell, start by removing the faceplate and battery so you can fully charge it. Use the included screws to mount the bracket to the wall where you want to install the doorbell. If you’re mounting it on a masonry surface, you’ll need to drill holes first. After the doorbell is mounted, reinsert the charged battery and replace the faceplate to begin screening your guests.
For a hardwired Ring doorbell with an existing doorbell system, start by turning off the power at the breaker to prevent electrical shock during installation. Remove the cover from your existing doorbell chime, and loosen the front and trans terminal screws. Connect one wire from the included jumper cable to the front terminal and the other to the trans terminal, securing them tightly. Next, disconnect your existing doorbell button, taking care to prevent the wires from falling inside the wall. Remove the faceplate from your Ring doorbell, and tighten one of the existing doorbell wires around each of the screw terminals at the back of the video doorbell. Mount your doorbell with the included screws, and then restore power at the breaker to ready it for use.
Power source
Ring doorbells are available in battery-powered, hardwired and Ethernet-powered models.
- Battery-powered Ring doorbells have either an internal battery or a removable battery pack. Both types must be recharged periodically. You can also buy a solar charger to attach to the doorbell so it can be continuously recharged when exposed to sunlight.
- Hardwired Ring doorbells are powered by existing doorbell wiring, with a 16- to 24-volt VAC transformer typically recommended. You never have to worry about recharging them.
- Powered over Ethernet (PoE) Ring doorbells wirelessly connect to the internet and receive power over the Ethernet connection. These hardwired doorbells require professional installation. The other end of the cable needs to be connected to a PoE-compliant device, such as a power injector or a PoE network switch.
Video resolution
For your Ring doorbell to be as useful as possible, its security camera must deliver high-quality video that enables you to clearly see who is at your door. All Ring doorbells offer high-definition (HD) video, but the resolution ranges from 1080 to 1536 pixels. The more pixels, the better the image quality. A Ring model with 1536p HD resolution, such as the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 or the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, provides the clearest image, which might make it worth the extra cost.
Motion sensor
All Ring doorbells are equipped with a motion sensor that alerts you if someone is moving near your door. The motion-detection range for Ring doorbells is up to 180 degrees horizontally and 30 feet from the sensor.
- Basic motion detection available in models like the Ring Peephole Camera enables you to adjust the motion sensor’s sensitivity to prevent false alerts when cars pass in front of your home. It also lets you choose specific areas to monitor for motion.
- Advanced motion detection available in models like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Battery Doorbell Plus offers the same features as basic motion detection, but it also allows you to create specific motion zones to protect certain areas of your property. It also provides a person-detection feature, which lets you set up alerts to notify you when certain people approach the door.
- 3D motion detection, available in models like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, relies on radar to determine the distance of people and other objects rather than using camera vision detection. It allows for more precise customization of motion detection zones, reduces false alerts and offers greater accuracy in low-light situations.
Night vision
Most homeowners are more concerned with home security after dark. Fortunately, all Ring doorbells are equipped with night vision, which utilizes infrared technology to provide clear images even in dim light. Additionally, some models like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 and Battery Doorbell Plus feature color night vision to deliver even sharper images in low-lighting situations.
Two-way communication
All Ring models feature two-way talk, so you can hear and speak to visitors via the Ring app. Noise-cancellation technology lets you hear the person talking and not traffic or other ambient noises.
Some models like the Pro 2 feature Ring’s most advanced audio, Audio+, to provide the sharpest, clearest audio possible. This technology uses two microphones to enhance the audio and features echo cancellation and a security siren to scare off intruders.
Expert Tip
You can create fun holiday moments for kids using your Ring doorbell--some parents use costumes and creativity to make videos of magical visitors, like the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny, for their kids.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Ring doorbell prices
Ring doorbells range in price based on their power source and features, but they generally cost between $65 and $350.
Inexpensive
Ring doorbells that offer lower-end tech and features, such as the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Wired, include basic motion detection and 1080p HD video and usually cost from $65 to $100.
Mid-range
Ring doorbells like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Ring Battery Doorbell Plus have high-end tech features like advanced motion detection and usually cost from $130 to $180.
Expensive
Ring doorbells like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 offer higher-end tech and features like 1536p HD video and 3D motion detection and usually cost $250 to $350.
Tips
- Get notifications. The Ring app doesn’t have to be open on your device for you to receive an alert from your doorbell. If you’re still signed in and enable notifications, the app will alert you.
- Save video. With a Ring Video Recording Plan, you can save your video to your account for about 180 days. You can also download the video if you want to save it for a longer period.
- Share access. Ring’s Shared Users function allows you to provide access to the doorbell to anyone in your household.
- Consider your climate. Weather-resistant Ring doorbells can stand up to rain and snow. However, it’s a good idea to position the doorbell where it has some protection from the elements.
- Use your warranty. Ring offers a one-year warranty on doorbell parts and lifetime purchase protection. If your doorbell is stolen, Ring will replace it for free.
How we analyzed
To find the top Ring doorbells, we considered all the brand’s models, including hardwired, battery-powered and Ethernet-powered doorbells. We relied on our own testing, as well as customer reviews, to evaluate each, considering features like the quality of video and audio, clarity of night vision and size of field of view. We also gave extra points to models that are especially easy to install.
FAQ
Q. Is the Ring doorbell app compatible with a variety of devices?
A. The Ring app works with version 4.0 or newer Android devices, Windows devices running Windows 10, and Apple products running on iOS 8 or newer, including the iPhone and iPad.
Q. How long does a Ring doorbell battery usually last on a single charge?
A. With typical usage, a Ring doorbell’s internal battery can hold its charge for up to 12 months. However, with heavy use, the battery could run low in less than 6 months. You’ll receive an email alert when the battery is running low. The Ring app also shows a low-battery alert, along with a battery-level indicator, so you’re never caught unaware. Depending on the type of charger you use, the battery takes about 4 to 10 hours to recharge.
Q. Are Ring doorbells compatible with smart locks?
A. Ring doorbells can work with some electric smart locks, which means you can unlock the door for trusted guests even when you’re not at home. However, Ring doorbells only work with certain smart locks, so check the product specifications to make sure that the doorbell you want works with your particular system.
Q. Does a blue light on a Ring doorbell mean someone is watching you?
A. A Ring doorbell’s center ring illuminates with a blue light when motion is detected or it is recording, so the doorbell’s owner can see you if you’re standing in front of it.
Q. What Ring doorbell features don’t require a subscription?
A. If you don’t have a subscription, Ring doorbells allow you to watch live feeds from the camera and answer doorbell notifications when they occur. The video from a doorbell won’t be stored for up to 180 days without a subscription, however, and the most basic Ring Protect plan costs $3.99 per month.
