You get all kinds of wireless doorbells that are easy to install and use. Some offer more than just the basics and can be seen as security devices that help you monitor your front door when you are not at home. Ring Wireless Doorbells do just this, they provide you with video communication and connectivity to devices, like your smartphone, tablet or PC. If you go onto Amazon and view the Ring Doorbell products, they all look much the same and seem to offer exactly the same features. This is, understandably, very confusing. With such a great difference in prices, you may be wondering what the difference is between the various models.
Which Ring Doorbell is the Best?
A cursory examination doesn’t seem to suggest that there’s much difference between the various Ring Doorbell models. One would obviously assume that the more expensive models offer you more. This comparative review of the various Ring models should clarify things for you.
Is it really worth paying so much for the Ring Elite or the Ring Pro, when you could buy the base model for around a hundred bucks? I’m going to help answer this question for you. Ring wireless doorbells are amongst the best that you can get. So which ever model you choose, you can be sure that you’re buying a quality product. It’s simply a matter of choosing the correct product for your needs and the one that best suits your budget.
You’ll notice that all the Ring Doorbells have certain features in common. I’ll list these before reviewing and comparing the various options.
Basic Ring Features:
As you can see, even the most basic features, common to all Ring Doorbells, are quite sophisticated. Now let’s see how they compare. You can determine what you’re actually getting for your money and decide which is the most worthwhile.
Important - With a Ring Doorbell purchase you will get the following included with no additional costs, Alerts, Custom Motion Detection, Interaction with visitors with your smartphone, tablet or PC and video on demand.
With a subscription fee of $3/Month or $30/Annually, you will get the added features like - Access to video recording of visitors or events for upto 60 days on Ring Cloud from the date of the recorded videos. Ability to share or review at a later time. This can be important especially if you would like to known about visitors who you had missed because you could not check immediately due to the unavailability of a phone or device near you, no connection due to no Wi-Fi or data issues, busy in a meeting and other daily life situations.
1. Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell
The entry level Ring Video doorbell can actually compare to range-topping products from other brands. So, when compared to other Ring products, this model may seem to be quite basic. But it’s actually a very capable video doorbell with very handy features.
This is a small, nifty unit, measuring 4.98” X 2.43” X 0.87”. DIY installation is as simple as it gets. This model can be completely wireless, using batteries for power and will probably take less than 5-minutes to install.
If using batteries seems like more trouble than its worth, you can connect it an 8-24 VAC hardwired power source. This will require a bit more time and effort to install, but then you’ll never have to worry about checking and changing batteries.
The 720P HD camera provides a clear image that can be accessed by any Android or iOS device via an App. It is also compatible with Mac and Windows10. Adjustable motion sensors allow the system to alert you when there is movement close to the unit and with infrared nighttime vision, you can see what’s going on in the dark.
You’re able talk to, and listen to anyone who rings your doorbell from anywhere, using your mobile device. This model does not have a built-in microphone or speakers and can only communicate from one Wi-Fi device to another. This slim elegant unit comes in a range satin metallic finishes and is supplied as a kit that is ready for DIY installation.
2. Ring Doorbell 2
The next generation Doorbell 2 shares the Wi-Fi connectivity of the base model with a few enhanced features. It is slightly larger, but still a slim device, measuring 5.05” X 2.5” X 1.08”. DIY installation is as simple as the previous Ring model in this review. In as little as five-minutes anyone with basic DIY skills can install the Ring 2 and it has the option of battery or 8-24 VAC hardwired power.
So what are you getting for the extra money that you’re paying? This model has an improved 1080P HD, wide angle camera with a 160-degree field of view. You have larger, clearer image that can be viewed from your mobile device or PC.
It also has a built-in microphone and speakers, so you can speak directly to the person at your door without them needing a Smartphone. As an additional feature, it has Live View. This allows you to access the video and audio feed from your mobile device at any time. You can check on your home when you’re out and about using the app
Essentially, you’re getting a better camera and easier communication with the enhanced security assurance of being able to access the camera at any given time. It also has interchangeable face plates, so can change the look of the doorbell and an easy to replace battery, whereas the base model has an internal battery which is more complicated to replace.
3. Ring Video Doorbell Pro
Along with the features included in the Ring Doorbell 2, like the wide angle HD camera and live view, the Ring Doorbell Pro adds to the convenience and ease of use. It also has a greater variety of customizable looks with a wide choice of interchangeable face plates.
The ultra-slim design is superbly elegant and only measures 4.5” X 1.85” X 0.8”. Though you need to take note that this model does not offer a wireless (battery) installation. You’ll need a regular doorbell, hardwired power supply. This model requires a 16-24 VAC hardwired transformer and could take a little longer to install if you don’t have an existing doorbell power supply that matches this voltage.
Along with improved styling, this model also offers advanced motion detection and the optional Echo Dot. This is a remote wireless control station that operates anywhere around the home. It eliminates the need for a smartphone (or similar device) when you’re at home and is compatible Alexa.
4. Ring Video Doorbell Elite
As the ultimate in home doorbell and security in one unit, the Ring Elite is obviously their most expensive option. You get all the features of the Doorbell Pro and this model takes elegance and durable design a step further. The Ring Doorbell Elite installs to any standard junction box and may require professional installation as it is more sophisticated than the rest.
The major difference, when comparing the Ring Elite to the Ring Pro, is the inclusion of Ethernet connectivity. This is a hardwired installation that supplies power to the unit and allows for a direct internet connection.
So you have the benefit of the usual Wi-Fi connection and a hardwired internet connection. The real benefit of the Ethernet connection is that it will never loose signal, Wi-Fi can, at times, be less reliable.
5. Ring Video Doorbell 3
Ring have recently introduced an upgrade to the extremely popular Ring Doorbell 2. The new Ring Doorbell 3 model looks very similar to the previous generation. New features and upgraded Wi Fi connectivity have taken the next generation ring video doorbell to the pinnacle of home security and communication.
As with the previous model, the Ring Doorbell 3 has a high-definition (1080P) camera for the best image. It also has the same video on demand feature and two-way talk. You have the convenience of the Ring App, offering a host of useful remote functions, and the option to join the Ring Protect subscription plan. You can now link your Ring Doorbell to Alexa.
Improvements to the new Ring Doorbell 3 start with a greatly improved Wi Fi connection. The old model, which was the best for its time, utilized a 2.4 GHz Wi Fi connection. The new model allows for dual band 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz connection. Motion detection and privacy zones have been improved and you also have the advantage of audio privacy.
Installation and ease of use has been improved, saving you time and hassle. The Ring Doorbell 3 kit includes interchangeable face plates and a convenient corner kit, for more versatile mounting positions. The battery pack can be removed in seconds for recharging.
Naturally, the new improved Ring Doorbell 3 costs more the previous generation Ring Doorbell. Though, the advantages speak for themselves.
6. Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
The Ring Doorbell 3 is seen by many as the best video doorbell. There are many reasons for this – HD video, excellent dual band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) Wi Fi connection, and state of the art monitoring, with improved motion detection. It is probably one of the best for audio and zone privacy.
Taking the best, most advanced video doorbell and making it even better may seem like attempting the impossible. Well, the Ring engineers were prepared to step up to the challenge and developed the ultra-sophisticated Ring Doorbell 3 PLUS.
Looking at the Ring Doorbell 3 and Doorbell 3 PLUS doesn’t reveal any difference. They both have customizable face plates and the new improved removable battery pack. They share the same great 1080P resolution, which was greatly appreciated on the previous generation Doorbell 2.
The real difference between the Ring Doorbell 3 and Ring Doorbell 3 PLUS will only become evident after using it for a while. The advanced PLUS model has a unique feature called Pre-Roll. This allows you to rewind the video feed to before the sensor was activated, providing a useful security observation advantage.
It’s clear that Ring Doorbell will stop at nothing in providing the best innovation and technology. This is what the Ring Doorbell 3 represents. The crowning glory of video doorbell technology.