Ever wonder who’s at your door when you’re not home? Or maybe you’ve had packages stolen right from your porch. These common worries can keep you up at night. That’s where a smart doorbell, like the Ring Video Doorbell, comes in handy.
But picking the perfect Ring model can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different ones, each with its own cool features. You might be asking yourself: Which one has the best camera? Does it need to be wired or battery-powered? Will it work with my internet? It’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed trying to figure it all out.
In this post, we’re going to break down the different Ring Video Doorbells. We’ll explain what makes each one special, so you can find the one that fits your home and your needs perfectly. Get ready to make choosing your Ring doorbell a whole lot easier!
Top Ring Video Doorbell Recommendations
- See more at your home or business — Get 66% more vertical coverage with the latest version of Ring’s best-selling Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), now featuring Head-to-Toe Video.
- Built-In Battery — Battery Doorbell includes a built-in battery, which charges with a convenient USB-C charging port. To recharge, simply detach your doorbell from the wall and connect to the included charging cable.
- Install in a snap — Charge it up, click into place, and stay connected right from your phone.
- Connect to who’s there — See and respond to activity with Live View & Two-Way Talk.
- Stay in the know — Receive real-time alerts on your phone when motion is detected.
- See more at your home or business — Get 66% more vertical coverage with the latest version of Ring’s best-selling Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), now featuring Head-to-Toe Video.
- Built-In Battery — Battery Doorbell includes a built-in battery, which charges with a convenient USB-C charging port. To recharge, simply detach your doorbell from the wall and connect to the included charging cable.
- Install in a snap — Charge it up, click into place, and stay connected right from your phone.
- Connect to who’s there — See and respond to activity with Live View & Two-Way Talk.
- Stay in the know — Receive real-time alerts on your phone when motion is detected.
- Video Doorbell Wired captures 1080p HD video with two-way talk, advanced motion detection, standard 2.4 GHz connectivity and customizable privacy settings.
- Real-Time Notifications - Know about visitors with alerts sent straight to your phone. To hear audio notifications in your home, pair with a Ring Chime, compatible Alexa device, or select the Video Doorbell Wired + Chime bundle. Note: the doorbell will not sound your existing chime.
- Advanced Motion Detection - Know when someone’s at your front door before they ring your doorbell.
- Night Vision with sharp contrast - You’ll never miss a detail — even in the dark.
- Hardwired Power - Video Doorbell Wired installs using your existing doorbell wiring and the included tool kit for around-the-clock power and peace of mind.
- See more of who’s there – Battery Doorbell Plus with Head-to-Toe HD+ Video gives you an expanded field of view so you can see more of who’s at your door.
- Stay in the know even at night – Enjoy motion detection, privacy zones and see who stops by at night with Color Night Vision.
- Person + Package Alerts — Know when a package is delivered with alerts that notify you when your package is detected within a specified zone or a person is spotted. Ring Protect subscription required (sold separately).
- Convenient power – Powered by a Quick Release Battery Pack for quick and easy recharging.
- Easy install – Easily setup by connecting your Battery Doorbell Plus to wifi through the Ring app and mounting with the included tools.
- Capture it all with Retinal 4K video — See your home or business in the ultimate clarity with Retinal 4K.
- Zoom in up to 10x — Catch details at a distance with up to 10x Enhanced Zoom.
- See, hear and speak to visitors on camera — With Live View & Two-Way Talk with Audio+, you’ll be able to interact with who’s there in real time, right from your phone.
- Tailored detection for more exact alerts — 3D Motion Detection pinpoints motion on your property so you’ll receive more precise alerts and fewer interruptions.
- True color, even in low light — With Low-Light Sight, just a little ambient light gives you true color video. In total darkness, your camera switches to crisp black-and-white to keep details sharp.
- This bundle contains two Ring Battery Doorbells (Venetian Bronze)
- See more at your home or business* — Get 66% more vertical coverage with the latest version of Ring’s best-selling Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), now featuring Head-to-Toe Video.
- Built-In Battery* — Battery Doorbell includes a built-in battery, which charges with a convenient USB-C charging port. To recharge, simply detach your doorbell from the wall and connect to the included charging cable.
- Install in a snap* — Charge it up, click into place, and stay connected right from your phone.
- Connect to who’s there* — See and respond to activity with Live View & Two-Way Talk.
- Capture it all with Retinal 2K video — See every detail of your home or business in full view — powered by Retinal 2K. (Video quality may vary based on internet bandwidth and device temperature.)
- Zoom in 4x — Catch details at a distance with up to 4x Enhanced Zoom.
- True color, even in low light — With Low-Light Sight, just a little ambient light gives you true color video. In total darkness, your camera switches to crisp black-and-white to keep details sharp.
- Know the moment something moves — Get instant mobile alerts when your camera senses activity with Motion Detection.
- Video Descriptions — Know what's up at a glance with notifications that describe exactly what's happening when motion is detected. (A compatible Ring subscription is required. For customers in Illinois: Video Descriptions is not available on Ring devices due to specific state legislation.)
- Hear when someone's there — Receive notifications when motion is detected by your cameras or someone rings your doorbell.
- Real-time alerts, clear as a bell — With an upgraded speaker, get notified throughout your home with louder, clearer alerts.
- Set up in a snap — Simply plug Chime (3rd Gen) into a standard wall outlet for easy setup.
- Sleek, elegant design — Curved edges and slim profile create a modern look that fits your space.
- Customizable sound profiles — Personalize tones, volume, and snooze settings.
The Smart Way to See Who’s at Your Door: A Ring Video Doorbell Buying Guide
Ring Video Doorbells give you eyes on your front porch, even when you’re not home. They let you see, hear, and speak to visitors right from your phone. Choosing the right one can feel like a big decision, but we’re here to help you make it easy.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out a Ring Video Doorbell, keep these important features in mind:
- Video Quality: Most Ring Doorbells offer HD video. This means you can see clear pictures of who’s at your door. Some newer models have even better video, like 1080p HD or even 1440p HD. Higher numbers mean sharper images.
- Field of View: This is how much the camera can see. A wider field of view lets you see more of your porch and sidewalk. Look for a wide angle, usually around 160 degrees or more.
- Night Vision: This feature lets you see clearly even when it’s dark outside. Most Ring Doorbells have infrared night vision, which shows everything in black and white.
- Two-Way Talk: This lets you hear visitors and talk back to them through your phone or tablet. It’s great for telling delivery people where to leave a package or for greeting friends.
- Motion Detection: Ring Doorbells can sense movement. You can set them to alert you when someone walks by or stops in front of your door. You can even adjust the motion zones to only get alerts for specific areas.
- Power Source: Ring Doorbells can be hardwired into your existing doorbell wires or powered by a rechargeable battery. Battery-powered ones are easier to install if you don’t have doorbell wires.
- Connectivity: They connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal where you plan to install it.
Important Materials and Build
Ring Video Doorbells are built to last outside. They are usually made from sturdy plastic that can handle different weather conditions. Look for models that are weather-resistant, often with an IP rating. This means they can stand up to rain, snow, and heat without breaking.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your Ring Video Doorbell work better or worse.
- Wi-Fi Signal Strength: A strong Wi-Fi signal is super important. If your Wi-Fi is weak where the doorbell is, the video might be choppy, or you might not get alerts on time.
- Lighting Conditions: Good lighting makes for better video. If your porch is very dark, night vision will be more important.
- Installation Location: Placing the doorbell at the right height ensures it captures faces clearly. Too high or too low can make it hard to see.
- Ring App Updates: Ring regularly updates its app. These updates often add new features and improve performance, making your doorbell work better.
- Subscription Plans: While the doorbell works without one, a Ring Protect Plan gives you access to recorded videos. Without it, you can only see live video.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a Ring Video Doorbell is pretty simple. Once it’s set up, you get notifications on your phone when someone is at the door or when motion is detected. You can then open the Ring app to see live video, talk to the person, or check recorded footage.
Here are some ways people use them:
- Package Delivery: See when your packages arrive and even tell the delivery person if you need them to leave it somewhere specific.
- Visitor Screening: See who is at your door before you open it. This can give you peace of mind.
- Deterring Crime: The visible camera can discourage potential burglars.
- Checking on Pets or Family: Get a quick peek at what’s happening at your front door.
- Welcoming Guests: Greet friends and family remotely before they even ring the bell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ring Video Doorbells
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: The main Key Features include good video quality (like HD), a wide field of view, clear night vision, two-way talk, motion detection, and how it’s powered (battery or wired).
Q: Do I need Wi-Fi for a Ring Video Doorbell?
A: Yes, all Ring Video Doorbells need a Wi-Fi connection to send video and alerts to your phone.
Q: Can I see who is at my door at night?
A: Yes, most Ring Video Doorbells have night vision that lets you see clearly in the dark.
Q: How do I power my Ring Video Doorbell?
A: You can power it using your existing doorbell wires or by using a rechargeable battery pack.
Q: What is a “Field of View”?
A: The Field of View is how much the camera can see. A wider field of view lets you see more of your porch and sidewalk.
Q: Do I need to pay for a subscription to use my Ring Video Doorbell?
A: You can use the live view and motion alerts without a subscription. However, to save and review recorded videos, you need a Ring Protect Plan.
Q: Are Ring Video Doorbells weatherproof?
A: Yes, most Ring Video Doorbells are built to withstand various weather conditions like rain and heat.
Q: Can I talk to people at my door with a Ring Video Doorbell?
A: Yes, the two-way talk feature lets you hear and speak to visitors through the Ring app on your phone.
Q: How easy is it to install a Ring Video Doorbell?
A: Installation is usually straightforward. Battery-powered models are very easy, while wired ones might require connecting to your existing doorbell wires.
Q: Can I use Ring Video Doorbells even if I don’t have a smartphone?
A: No, you need a smartphone or tablet with the Ring app to receive alerts, see video, and use the two-way talk feature.