Ring Video Doorbell Buying Guide: Which Model Is Best for You? | Digital Trends

Ring has a variety of different video doorbells for smart home security. These devices let you see and talk to anyone at the door via an app. This gives smart home fans plenty of options, but it also makes choosing among them plenty tough. We break down the differences so you can decide which one is right for you.

Ring entirely revamped its standard doorbell with the new 2nd gen model. As a result, it has some of the most modern features while also being the most affordable option, vastly outclassing the previous model (but still looking about the same).

On this unit, you’ll find a 1080-pixel camera with a 155-degree field of view, plus two-way audio options, motion sensors, and night vision features. A lot of the technology is upgraded too: There’s an additional motion zone, and motion zones are easier to customize. The night vision functions work better, and the mic has noise cancellation to enable easier conversations. Alexa voice compatibility is also included.

Ring also made the doorbell easier to mount with a new design on the back to make sure users will have no problems setting it up. There’s a built-in rechargeable battery to manage, but the option to hardwire the doorbell remains.

Bottom line: The new Ring Video Doorbell is a great improvement over the old model while offering the same basic functions. At $100, it’s also quite affordable — making it a great recommendation for the average home.

Ring Video Doorbell 3

The Doorbell 3 is about twice as expensive as the new Ring Video Doorbell 2nd gen, but does it offer twice the value? Well … not really. The biggest difference is compatibility with the 5GHz band for dual-band routers and a more durable design. It also comes with a “quick-release” battery pack that makes recharging easier. Otherwise, most of the specs are about the same.

Oh, and all customers should also know there’s a “Plus” version of the Doorbell 3. It’s about $30 more and includes what Ring calls “Pre-Roll” technology, which can show you four seconds of footage before the motion sensor is activated, giving you a clearer idea of what’s going on.

Bottom line: It’s baffling that the Doorbell 3 is twice as much as the standard model, with few changes beyond a better battery pack and 5GHz support — we suspect this model may be in for a price drop in the future. If you want this model, it may be wise to consider the Plus version, as Pre-Roll options may be useful for certain businesses or keeping a closer eye on your porch.

The Pro model begins to differ more significantly from the Doorbell and Doorbell 2: There’s no battery option for this model, since it’s designed to be hardwired right into the existing doorbell wiring. That leaves fewer options for placement, but you also don’t have to worry about replacing a battery. Alexa functionality also means you can view the video right from an Amazon Echo Show.

You also have a dual-band option, allowing you to run the doorbell on the 5GHz band of your Wi-Fi router. There’s a beautiful new slim design that fits into the background more easily, and four faceplate options in satin nickel, pearl white, Venetian, and satin black.

Other features are largely the same as the Doorbell 3. The camera is 1080p, with a 160/90-degree field of view. The connection still takes 2 Mbps. The motion detection acts much the same, but has more sophisticated software that analyzes the zones users create for signs of activity. Customizable zones allow you to pinpoint motion detection for more accurate results, too.

In our review of the Pro model, we noted that Alexa functionality makes the unit more compatible with Amazon Fire and Echo Show devices. Yet, the unit’s construction remains a little plasticky.

Bottom line: The upgrades make this Ring doorbell the best option for homes if you don’t mind paying the higher price. The only exception is if you don’t have any current doorbell wiring. In that case, you should weigh the costs of installation to see if it’s worth it. Otherwise, go with the original Doorbell or Doorbell 2.

The petite Elite model is very similar to the Pro version, except for two main areas. First, the doorbell is even slimmer than before. Second, it cannot utilize the existing doorbell wiring. Instead, it uses the Power over Ethernet protocol via an Ethernet cable to get energy. If you’re willing to install an Ethernet cable, you have more placement options.

Bottom line: The Elite is twice the price of alternatives. However, you get a more reliable connection (Power over Ethernet). Ethernet may make installation more versatile, but it’s also likely to make it more expensive (unless your doorbell already has an Ethernet cable).

Ring is a leader in smart home doorbells and security cameras for a reason. But with the extensive range of options available, it can be tough to navigate the purchasing process. Weighing price points, battery life, power sources, and other customization options can make your head spin. Thanks to our roundup, you can get a better idea of what unit will work best for your existing setup, budget, and home layout. Whatever option you pick, Ring is an excellent option for making your smart home even smarter.

Video doorbells are still a fairly new technology, with more homes without than with them. But the world of home delivery and the rising of so-called ‘porch pirate’ predators that are looking to steal your goods right of your doorstep, these doorbells are becoming more common.

In their different incarnations and plans, ring doorbells can do everything from just enabling users to see a picture of who is at their doorstep to serving as a security system that records surveillance video of your front porch. The ability to record requires a monthly subscription plan, so make sure to factor in those costs before you head to the store.

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