Which Ring doorbell should I get?
It’s important to consider home security in this day and age. Traditionally, home security is associated with protecting your house and belongings while you’re on vacation or out at work. However, technology is rapidly changing how home security operates. Now smart doorbells have made it possible to monitor visitors and activity no matter where you are.
Ring doorbells are a particularly innovative addition to the home security toolbelt. They allow you to monitor your home through the simple functionality of a doorbell in a brand-new way.
Smart technology like this has a massive impact on how we live our lives and are well worth the investment. But there are lots of options out there when it comes to Ring doorbells. So which one is right for you and your home?
What is a Ring doorbell?
In many ways, a Ring doorbell is just like a traditional doorbell. You mount it to the wall outside of your front door, and people can press a button to let you know they are there.
However, the difference with a Ring doorbell is that it comes with a built-in camera so you can see who is at your front door. You also don’t need to be home to see who is at the door. You can even communicate remotely with visitors through a built-in microphone on the doorbell in more advanced models.
Ring doorbells have many benefits. They allow you to monitor the security of your home from any location. They also enable you to communicate with delivery people who are dropping off a package. And because it records footage throughout the day, they are handy in case of a security incident.
How does a Ring doorbell work?
Ring doorbells are essentially a piece of smart home technology. Because of this, they need some kind of internet connection to work correctly. Basic models can connect to the WiFi, while more advanced models need to connect directly to the ethernet and need to be installed by a professional.
You’ll receive a notification on your phone or tablet when someone comes to your door. The sensor will notify you whether someone rings the bell, or the motion sensor detects movement.
At that point, you can either choose to answer the door, communicate with the person through two-way communication or ignore the visitor. If you’re not at home, you’ll still be notified of the visitor and can review footage of any interactions or incidents if needed.
Ring doorbell features
All Ring doorbells come with the following basic features:
HD camera
Two-way voice communication
Motion detector
Remote access
Weather-resistant
More advanced models allow customization or enhancement of these features along with other premium options, including:
Doorbells powered by battery, existing doorbell wiring or ethernet connection
Infrared, high-definition night vision
High-definition video
Video recordings of front door activity
Connection with other smart home technology, including the front door
Customizable zoning of motion detector
Different colors and finishes to choose from
Best Ring doorbells
Best Ring doorbell for small front yards
Ring Video Doorbell 2nd Gen: available at Best Buy and Kohl’s
Our take: Compared to other models, this version offers high doorbell and security functionality at a reasonable price.
What we like: Its customizable motion detector means you’ll only pick up motion from your small front yard or at your door.
What we dislike: Some users reported delays when opening the camera in the mobile app.
Best Ring doorbell for large front yards
Ring Video Doorbell Pro: available at Amazon and Kohl’s
Our take: Its advanced functionality captures movement in a large front yard during the day or at night.
What we like: The 180-degree camera scope and high-definition camera make it easy to capture everything in the front yard.
What we dislike: Some software updates caused glitches and technical issues in the app.
Best Ring doorbells for apartment living
Ring Peephole Cam: available at Best Buy, Wayfair and Kohl’s
Our take: This is the perfect solution for people living in apartments or renting a home.
What we like: The doorbell easily attaches over the apartment peephole from the inside of the door while still allowing the camera to record. It includes two-way communication, so you don’t have to open the door to see who’s there.
What we dislike: The motion detection is not always spot on and may occasionally generate false alerts.
Best motion detector Ring doorbell
Ring Video Doorbell 3: available at Amazon, Best Buy and Kohl’s
Our take: This Ring model has a highly customizable motion detector setting that suits any needs.
What we like: You can customize the motion detection area to only alert you of movement in specific spots. This is a perfect solution if you live in a high traffic area or front yard.
What we dislike: Sometimes there are delays on app notifications when visitors arrive.
Best battery-powered Ring doorbell
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus: available at Best Buy
Our take: This model provides a long battery life, which is easy to recharge and replace with no fuss.
What we like: It’s straightforward to remove and recharge the battery.
What we dislike: Some users reported network connectivity issues when using the app.
Most reliable Ring doorbell
Ring Video Doorbell Elite: available at Best Buy
Our take: This model provides the most advanced functionality and reliability of all the models.
What we like: When wired to a compatible smart door, you can remotely allow people into your home when needed. With professional installation, your ethernet connection powers this model, which provides the most reliable connection and the highest quality video.
What we dislike: While it has the most functionality, this is also the most expensive model. So it may not be suitable for every budget.
Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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