The Ring Doorbell Buyer's Guide

A Ring Video Doorbell is an easy and effective way to enhance the security of your home. This buyer’s guide will help you select the right Ring Video Doorbell for you.

Note: If you already have a Ring Doorbell in your Home and are consulting this guide to look for an upgrade, click here to find out what Ring Doorbell you have and get the right accessories.

Home checklist

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing your Ring Video Doorbell. This home checklist contains the important considerations you’ll need to think about when purchasing and installing your Ring Video Doorbell. The rest of this buyer’s guide will go into more detail about each of these factors.

• • Home modifications: What kind of modifications can you make on your home? This may depend on things like whether you own or rent.
  • Power supply: Do you have an existing doorbell or separate power supply you can use to run your Ring Video Doorbell, or will you require a battery-powered device?
  • Cost: All Ring Video Doorbells are competitively priced for the features they offer, with different options that match your needs and budget.
  • Feature set: What features are important to your individual circumstances?
  • Installation: Some Ring Video Doorbells are known for their easy installation and maintenance while others may require a bit more handiness or even professional installation. 
  • Network speed: High speed internet (2mbps) is required for all Ring Video Doorbells. 

The rest of this article will go over each of the available Ring Video Doorbells in relation to the Home Checklist. It will also provide a list of each model’s technical specifications.

Ring Video Doorbells - Click on a model:

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) 

The original Ring Video Doorbell offers an excellent array of features at a very competitive price.

Home modifications:

• Renters: If you rent your home, depending on your renter’s agreement and the configuration of your home and front door, a Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) might be for you. If you are not able to drill holes into your external walls, you can purchase the No-Drill Mount for Video Doorbell (2nd Generation).
• Homeowners: If you own your home, you have much broader options which makes the original Ring Video Doorbell a perfect starter kit. It’s very easy to install, low cost and can be the first part of a home security and automation suite when combined with other Ring products. 

Our Support Centre has more details about Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation).

Power supply: Ring Video Doorbell offers different power options, depending on your home and the amount of DIY you want to do during installation.

• Battery: Battery power is the simplest power option available for Ring Video Doorbell. Simply put the doorbell up, charge it, and go. That being said, going with this option will require you to occasionally remove the device to recharge it.
  
• Hardwired: You can wire Ring Video Doorbell into an existing doorbell system or a low-voltage transformer for continuous power.
  • Note: Low voltage systems such as Ring Video Doorbell require lower voltage to operate than the typical power source supplies. So, if the power source in your wall outputs 120 volts, a low voltage lighting transformer can drop the voltage to just 12 or 24 volts. 
• Solar: Using the Ring Solar Charger.
• Mains: Via Ring's Plug-In Adapter (2nd Gen).

See our online Support Centre for more information about Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation). 

Cost: If you’re on a budget, the original Ring Video Doorbell is for you. It’s one of our most affordable Video Doorbells but has a powerful array of features.

To purchase Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation), click here. 

Feature set: If you’re considering Ring Video Doorbell, the following lists some of the most practical features of the device. 

• 1080p HD resolution image: See who’s at your door before you open it!
• Mobile notifications: By using the free Ring app, you’ll receive mobile alerts that let you know when someone’s at your front door.
• Motion Detection: Advanced Motion Detection with Customizable Motion Zones.
• Live View and two-way audio: Talk to your visitors before you open the door and  talk to visitors before you open the door, even if you’re not home.
• Night Vision: To keep an eye on your home, even in the dark. 
• Privacy zones: Put your neighbors' worries to rest with privacy zones.

Installation: Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) has one of the easiest installation processes of any of our products: charge it up, put it up and you’re ready to go.

Find out more about installing your Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) with an existing doorbell here.

Ring Video Doorbell 3

Ring Video Doorbell 3 is one of our most versatile doorbells and the start of enhanced security around your entire property. With Ring Video Doorbell 3, you’ll always be connected to your home, so you can watch over your property and answer the door from anywhere. It also has enhanced resolution and a huge array of features that make it suitable for almost any home security situation.

Home modifications:

• Renters: If you rent your home, depending on your renter’s agreement and the configuration of your home and front door, a Ring Video Doorbell 3 might be for you. If you are not able to drill holes into your external walls, you can purchase the No-Drill Mount for Ring Video Doorbell 3, 3 Plus and 4.
• Homeowners: Ring Video Doorbell 3 is very easy to install, has a variety of power options, and for its lower price, can be the first part of a home security system when combined with other Ring products.

Our Support Centre has more details about Ring Video Doorbell 3.

Power supply: Ring Video Doorbell 3 offers different power options, depending on your home configuration and the amount of DIY you want to do during installation.

• Quick Release Rechargeable Battery: Battery power is the simplest power option available for Ring Video Doorbell 3. Simply put the doorbell up, charge it, and go. That being said, going with this option will require you to occasionally recharge the device, meaning it will be offline for a few hours unless you buy a spare Quick Release Battery Pack.
• Hardwired: You can wire Ring Video Doorbell into an existing doorbell system or a low-voltage transformer for continuous power.
  • Note: Low voltage systems such as Ring Video Doorbell require lower voltage to operate than the typical power source supplies. So, if the power source in your wall outputs 120 volts, a low voltage lighting transformer can drop the voltage to just 12 or 24 volts. 
• Solar: Using the Ring Solar Charger.
• Mains: Via Ring's Plug-In Adapter (2nd Gen).

Cost: Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a bit costlier than the original Ring Video Doorbell but comes with a more powerful array of features including 1080p HD video, night vision and Customizable Motion Zones. 

To purchase Ring Video Doorbell 3, click here. 

Feature set: If you’re considering Ring Video Doorbell 3, the following lists some of the most practical features of the device. 

• 1080p HD resolution image: See who’s at your door before you open it.
• Mobile notifications: By using the free Ring app, you’ll receive mobile notifications that let you know when someone’s at your front door.
• Motion detection: Advanced Motion Detection with Customizable Motion Zones.
• Live View and two-way audio: Talk to your visitors before you open the door and scare away thieves even if you’re not home.
• Night Vision: To keep an eye on your home, even in the dark.
• Privacy zones: Put your neighbors' worries to rest with privacy zones.
• Dual-band connectivity: Connect to a 2.5 GH or 5 GHz network for visual clarity or data savings.

Installation: The best thing about installing Ring Video Doorbell 3 is that it's relatively easy considering the array of security features offered by the device. Run Ring Video Doorbell 3 off its own Quick Release Battery Pack, use the Solar Charger or, with some simple DIY, connect it to a transformer, an existing doorbell or your mains.

Ring Video Doorbell 4

Ring Video Doorbell 4 is the next generation of Ring Video Doorbells. In addition to new video features such as Color Pre-roll, Video Doorbell 4 boasts enhanced dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wifi connectivity, improved energy efficiency, better screw strength and Quick Replies.

Home modifications:

• Renters: Ring Video Doorbell 4 is a bit more expensive than the original Ring Video Doorbell, but the security offered by Ring Video Doorbell 4 is worth the investment for many renters. If you are not able to drill holes into your external walls, you can purchase the No-Drill Mount for Ring Video Doorbell 3, 3 Plus and 4.
  
• Homeowners: If you own your own home and you're looking for a simple install while still getting a device loaded with security features, Ring Video Doorbell 4 is your best bet. It can be powered by a transformer, an existing doorbell, or its own batteries while boasting new features such as Colour Pre-Roll, Advanced Motion Detection and dual-band connectivity.
  

Our online Support Centre has more details about the Ring Video Doorbell 4.

Power supply: Ring Video Doorbell 4 offers different power options, depending on your home and the amount of DIY you want to do during installation.

• Quick Release Rechargeable Battery: Battery power is the simplest power option available for Ring Video Doorbell 3. Simply put the doorbell up, charge it, and go. That being said, going with this option will require you to occasionally recharge the device, meaning it will be offline for a few hours unless you buy a spare Quick Release Battery Pack.
• Hardwired: You can wire Ring Video Doorbell into an existing doorbell system or a low-voltage transformer for continuous power.
  • Note: Low voltage systems such as Ring Video Doorbell require lower voltage to operate than the typical power source supplies. So, if the power source in your wall outputs 120 volts, a low voltage lighting transformer can drop the voltage to just 12 or 24 volts. 
• Solar: Using the Ring Solar Charger.
• Mains: Via Ring's Plug-In Adapter (2nd Gen).

Cost: Ring Video Doorbell 4 is more expensive than the original Ring Video Doorbell or the Ring Video Doorbell 3, but it includes a powerful array of features.

To purchase a Ring Video Doorbell 4, click here.

Feature set: If you’re considering Ring Video Doorbell 4, the following lists some of the most practical features of the device. 

• 1080p HD Resolution image: See who’s at your door before you open it.
• Mobile notifications: By using the free Ring app, you’ll receive mobile notifications that let you know when someone’s at your front door.
• Customizable Motion Zones: Visitors don’t have to Ring the bell to start the video process and porch pirates are caught when they trigger the device’s recording functions. (As with all of our doorbells, Live View is available for everyone while recorded videos are only available for Ring Protect plan subscribers.)
• Live View and two-way audio: Talk to your visitors before you open the door and scare away thieves even if you’re not home.
• Infrared Night Vision: To keep an eye on your home, even in the dark. 
• Privacy zones: Put your neighbors' worries to rest with privacy zones.
• Dual-band connectivity: Connect to a 2.5 GH or 5 GHz network for visual clarity or data savings.

Installation: The best thing about installing the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is that it's incredibly easy, relative to the array of security features offered by the device. Run the Ring Video Doorbell 4 from its own Quick Release Battery Pack or with some simple DIY, connect it to your existing doorbell system, a transformer or your mains.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is Ring's premium doorbell with 3D Motion Detection, enhanced Head-to-Toe HD+ Video, Audio+, Bird'Eye View, and Alexa Greetings (for Ring Protect subscribers).

Home modifications:

• Renters: If you rent your home and are unable to open up a wall or drill holes, Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 may not be right for you as it requires being wired into an existing power supply. That being said, if your landlord does allow you to do installation, you may find that the power of Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is right for you.
  • If Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 isn't suitable, why not look at Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation), 3 or 4, which come with rechargeable batteries and can attach to a No-Drill Mount.
• Homeowners: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a perfect option for homeowners looking for a powerful array of features. It takes a bit of DIY knowledge or a professional installer, but is the perfect centerpiece for a home security and automation system, when combined with other Ring products.
  

Power supply:

Plug-In Adapter: Installation using the included Plug-In Adapter is the simplest, quickest and most affordable way to provide power to your Video Doorbell Pro 2 from a standard electrical socket.

Hardwired: Video Doorbell Pro 2 comes with everything need for installation using your existing doorbell wiring or a transformer.

See our online Support Center articles for more information:

• Installing your Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with a Plug-In Adapter

Cost: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 costs more than Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) and Ring Video Doorbell Wired, but it comes with a more powerful array of features including Advanced Pre-Roll, a Plug-In Adapter included, an ultra-slim design and four interchangeable faceplate included. 

To purchase Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, click here. 

Feature set: If you’re considering Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, the following lists some of the most practical features of the device. 

• 1536p HD resolution image: See who’s at your door before you open it.
• Mobile notifications: By using the free Ring app, you’ll receive mobile alerts that let you know when someone’s at your front door.
• 3D Motion Detection: Use radar technology to precisely identify where and when a motion event begins. The radar sensor measures the distance and angle of objects in front of the camera, allowing for more specific motion detection alerts.
  
• Live View and two-way audio: Talk to your visitors before you open the door and scare away thieves even if you’re not home.
• Night Vision: To keep an eye on your home, even in the dark. 
• Ultra-slim design
  
• Bird's EyeView: An aerial map view of motion events in front of your doorbell that clearly shows the path that visitors take when visiting your property.
• Alexa Greetings: Enable Alexa Greetings to greet visitors, take messages, and provide specific instructions on where to leave packages.

Installation: Since Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 requires being hooked into a power supply, it will take a bit of DIY acumen to properly set up. Once completed, however, the Video Doorbell Pro 2 will be ready to protect your home.

Ring Video Doorbell Elite

Ring Video Doorbell Elite is a professional-grade, flush-mounted smart doorbell hardwired with Power over Ethernet.

Home modifications:

• Renters: If you rent your home, you may not have permission to make drill the holes or do the electrical work that Ring Video Doorbell Elite requires. That makes Ring Video Doorbell Elite impractical for most renters as it requires being wired into an existing power supply as well as professional installation.
• Homeowners:  Ring Video Doorbell Elite requires hardwiring into an existing power supply, drilling holes into walls and professional installation. It is a perfect option for homeowners looking for a powerful array of features and reliable video service without the hassle of dealing with rechargeable batteries. It takes some DIY knowledge or a professional installer, but is the perfect centre piece for a home security system when combined with other Ring products.
  

Our online Support Centre has more details about Ring Video Doorbell Elite.

Power supply: Ring Video Doorbell Elite is run by Power over Ethernet. The same hardwired connection that gives you completely reliable video service also gives you completely reliable power. This means you’ll never have to worry about the battery running out of power, and you'll get the best, fastest video relay available. 

Cost: As with any piece of premium installed security gear, Ring Video Doorbell Elite is more expensive than Ring Video Doorbell Pro but includes a powerful array of features including 1080p HD video, night vision, and Customisable Motion Zones as well as an ultra-slim, installed design, Power over Ethernet, and four Interchangeable Faceplates included in the box to match your front door and your style. 

To purchase Ring Video Doorbell Elite, click here. 

Feature set: If you’re considering Ring Video Doorbell Elite, the following lists some of the most practical features of the device. 

• 1080p HD resolution image: See who’s at your door before you open it.
• Mobile notifications: By using the free Ring app, you’ll receive mobile alerts that let you know when someone’s at your front door.
• Customizable Motion Zones: Visitors don’t have to ring the bell to start the video process and porch pirates are caught when they trigger the device’s recording functions. (As with all of our doorbells, Live View is available for everyone while recorded videos are only available for Ring Protect plan subscribers.)
• Live View and two-way audio: Talk to your visitors before you open the door and scare away thieves even if you’re not home.
• Infrared Night Vision: To keep an eye on your home, even in the dark. 
• Ultra-slim design
• Four Interchangeable Faceplates included
  
• Power over Ethernet 
• Privacy zones: Put your neighbous' worries to rest with privacy zones.
• Dual-band connectivity: Connect to a 2.5 GH or 5 GHz network for visual clarity or data savings.

Installation: Ring Video Doorbell Elite’s installation will require some DIY skills or professional installation since it requires being connected to a power supply and the running of an Ethernet cable. Once completed, though, Video Doorbell Elite will be ready to protect your home.

Ring Doorbell Wired

The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is Ring's smallest, most affordable doorbell. The Video Doorbell Wired offers 1080p HD video with night vision and two-way audio with noise cancellation.  

Home modifications:

• Renters: If you rent your home, you may not have permission to do the electrical work that Ring Video Doorbell Wired requires. That makes Ring Video Doorbell Wired impractical for most renters as it requires being wired into an existing power supply.
• Homeowners : Ring Video Doorbell Wired requires hardwiring into an existing power supply. It is a perfect option for homeowners looking for a powerful array of features and reliable video service at an affordable price. It takes some DIY knowledge or a professional installer, but is perfect for people looking for home security system on a budget.
  

Our Support Center has more details about Ring Doorbell Wired.

Power supply: Ring Video Doorbell Wired is powered by your home power supply. This means you’ll never have to worry about the battery running out of power.

Cost: The cost of Ring’s Doorbell Wired is one of the best values in Ring's line-up when considering the powerful array of features available in the unit. If you're on a budget but still need a solid element for home security, the Ring Doorbell Wired is just what you're looking for. 

To purchase Ring Doorbell Wired, click here.

Feature set: If you’re considering Ring Doorbell Wired, the following lists some of the most practical features of the device. 

• 1080p HD resolution image: See who’s at your door before you open it.
• Mobile notifications: By using the free Ring app, you’ll receive mobile alerts that let you know when someone’s at your front door.
• Motion detection: Advanced Motion Detection with Customizable Motion Zones.
• Night Vision: To keep an eye on your home, even in the dark. 
• Live View and two-way audio: Talk to your visitors before you open the door and scare away thieves even if you’re not home.
• Privacy zones: Put your neighbor’s worries to rest with privacy zones that ensure that your neighbor’s door can remain private.

Installation: Ring Video Doorbell Wired's installation will require some DIY skills or professional installation since it requires being connected to a power supply. Once completed, though, Video Doorbell Wired will be ready to protect your home.