Article updated on May 15, 2024 at 3:00 AM PDT
Don't let Ring's long list of video doorbells overwhelm you: Save the time and start with our top recommendations. best apartment doorbell camera
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Does the Ring doorbell have two-way audio, motion detection and other key features? Are you willing to pay for a Ring subscription to get features like video storage and object detection?
Does the doorbell have any problems with latency and alerts? Can it be positioned close enough to your Wi-Fi network?
Does the Ring camera on the doorbell show a clear image with the right resolution for easy live viewing?
Are you happy with Ring doorbells that are largely limited to Amazon Alexa compatibility?
Over the last few years, Amazon has been busy updating (and sometimes renaming) its Ring doorbell cameras. With so many changes happening, it might be hard to decide on the best Ring video doorbell for your home. To help you make the right choice, we’ve stayed on top of all the changes by testing the latest doorbell products Ring produces to keep tabs on the best picks. Currently, the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro sits atop the list with all the latest features Ring has to offer, including Bird's Eye views, custom motion zones and solid battery life supplied through a removable battery pack.
We're also picking other Ring video doorbells from our tests, including much more affordable options and a fascinating choice for apartment dwells, all up to date with the latest information and pricing. Additionally, Ring has options available if you’d prefer to use your existing doorbell wiring and ditch the battery-powered doorbell setup. Take a look at our best video doorbell list and best outdoor cam guide to check out other brands like Nest and Arlo in addition to Ring.
Note: Ring has come under criticism for its privacy policies in the past. As a result, the company has now removed an option that allowed police to request video footage from the company for any reason. It's a privacy improvement that makes Ring's policy more similar to Google and other security companies.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro prior to our full installation.
The latest Ring doorbell also has some of its best features, including a particularly large field of view and built-in options to manually charge the slip-out battery or connect the doorbell to a constant source of power. The motion detection is backed by the best Ring video features too, including 3D detection and Bird’s Eye Views that, when set, provide tracked paths that moving objects took while in view. It also has extra features like Quick Replies you can set for premade instructions as well and standards like two-way audio and night vision (in color for this model).
The resolution is also an interesting upgrade that only the latest Ring doorbells have, offering “HD+” 1536p video for a bit of extra detail. The traditional Ring caveats still apply: Smart home compatibility is primarily limited to Alexa, and object recognition or video storage will require a Ring Protect plan.
Our review also found that the doorbell is a bit bulkier and lacking some of the compact durability of similar models like the Google Nest doorbell. But in all, this large, powerful cam is Ring’s best option, especially for those looking for excellent video that captures a broad area in the front of their home.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro prior to our full installation.
This older Ring doorbell combines affordability with a nice array of features. Like our top pick, it can be used either as a battery model or wired into existing doorbell power depending on your placement. The HD video is very competent with a field of view that’s great for a doorbell without reaching the broad angles of our top pick.
Once again, object detection and video storage are supported with a Ring Protect plan, and quick reply options are included if you’d rather not use the two-way audio at all. It’s a great middle-of-the-road pick for a Ring doorbell with a price low enough to help those looking to save money.
The Plus model is an effective combination between the expensive new Battery Pro and the older, more affordable second-gen Video Doorbell. It includes the high-end features like HD+ resolution and an extra large field of view while keeping the price low by cutting features like the Bird’s Eye view.
The result is a very well-rounded video doorbell for people who want something more than a budget model but don’t want to spend too much.
Those looking for a cheap video doorbell that will save them money -- while offering all the benefits of a Ring Protect plan and similar features -- can’t do much better than this wired model. It still includes all the important basics like night vision, two-way audio and a healthy field of view. However, you will need to place it where your existing doorbell is, which can limit some of your options.
You don’t need to live in an apartment to use the Ring Peephole Cam, but it’s specially designed for people in apartments or those who don’t have room for a doorbell. It really can act as a digital doorway peephole in the traditional sense, but the real value comes from all the video doorbell features you get in such a compact package.
Those features include a surprisingly large field of view for such a small device, two-way audio communication and motion detection with adjustable motion zones. The HD cam is battery powered with Ring’s quick-release battery, which makes installation especially easy. There’s even a feature that detects knocks if you’re not at home to hear them.
Ring's motion zones help increase accuracy, among other benefits.
When you're looking for a video doorbell, the most important question isn't "Which one is best?" so much as "Which one is best for me?" All of Ring's video doorbells perform well -- and all of them come from the same company, with the same troubling history of facilitating video sharing with police. Not all of them will be ideal for you.
Video doorbells should have key features like night vision, two-way audio and motion detection. Those are more or vital parts of this type of security camera. Then several other features are also very important for doorbell management, including object detection to spot alerts about packages, and video storage so you can keep the recorded clips rather than just relying on live views.
Amazon’s Ring is an Alexa-focused brand, which is great for those who have Echos or Echo Shows that let them look through the doorbells’ live views. However, you won’t have other smart home compatibility here outside of Alexa apps or devices.
Latency is particularly important for video doorbells because you want the doorbell to detect movement quickly and alert you in a timely way so you can check the door or retrieve a package ASAP. Object recognition is good, but it can often slow down reaction times for the doorbell. Speedy recording and alerts are important for overall quality of life.
Doorbells are often exposed to direct sunlight, but many others are installed under porches, near shady trees and in all sorts of other settings. It's important that the camera has night vision and can handle any of these scenarios so you don't get stuck with a nonfunctioning product that can't see faces under a porch.
Have an apartment? Ring's Peephole model still allows you to protect your front door.
Testing to determine the best of the best in video doorbells is similar to how we test any other home security camera . For this article, we went through setup, installation and performance of multiple Ring video doorbell models. That included plenty of experiments to see how motion detection and object recognition work, as well as evening tests to experiment with the night vision features. We also put features like two-way audio to the test to check on clarity, and review video clips to see how storage and retrieval work, among other factors.
Unlike other home security cameras, placement for video doorbells is very limited. You can place it where your previous doorbell was or pick a side of your door. Too far away from your door and the video doorbell loses much of its usefulness. You'll also need to follow the height direction. For most video doorbells including Ring, that means placing the doorbell about four feet from the base of the door so it gets a good view of people and packages alike.
If your Ring doorbell isn't hardwired, the battery charge will typically last between six and 12 months, depending on the frequency of use and motion activations. You will receive an alert via the Ring app when the battery is getting low.
When charging your Ring doorbell's battery, be sure to let it sit until fully charged, if possible, as doing so can help prolong the life of the battery.
A monthly subscription isn't required to use your Ring device, but there are three protection plans available if you'd like additional video storage and features. The lowest tier, which starts at $5 per month, adds important features like object recognition and video storage. The highest tier is designed more for whole Ring Alarm systems and won't be necessary if you're only getting a doorbell.
Most Ring doorbells are powered by a rechargeable battery or have a battery backup, so losing power to your home shouldn't disrupt power to your device. Still, a power outage may affect your Ring device if your router loses power and the Wi-Fi connection is lost.
Ring focuses on DIY devices and systems that don’t require any kind of monitoring to use. On their own, Ring video doorbells don't offer professional home monitoring. However, if you install a Ring Alarm system, you have the option of choosing the Ring Protect Pro plan, which includes 24/7 home monitoring as part of its services.
camera doorbell without wifi Neighbors is a separate Ring app that's connected to the Ring app you use to control devices like doorbells. It's more of a community-focused, social app. You can share videos with people in your community, get alerts from videos others share in return and similar activities. Some people like the extra assurance it provides since they can get notifications about residential crime or other happenings.