Buying guide for Best ring doorbells
For protecting your home and getting live updates on visitors, Ring doorbells are an excellent choice of smart doorbells. With a synchronized app, you can easily see who’s visiting whether you’re at home or out of the house. Ring doorbells are an investment, however, so it’s important to consider your needs when choosing from their available models.
All Ring doorbells connect to your home’s WiFi, transmit live video or record footage, and offer two-way communication. However, they vary in features like video resolution, motion detection, installation method and difficulty, and appearance. Less expensive models are usually battery powered, while you’ll have to pay more for hardwired models.
You should also consider your other smart home devices and whether your phone supports the Ring app.
We also work with industry experts to study the product categories we’re considering inside and out, and we then try out some of the top items to see if their performance meets our standards.
With all of that research, you can trust that you’ll have the information you need to choose the best products for your home.
If you’re ready to purchase a Ring doorbell, take a look at the recommendations above. If you want more general information about Ring doorbells, our shopping guide has got you covered.
We carefully note how well features such as motion detection and night vision work on each Ring video doorbell on our research list.
When deciding which Ring doorbells to recommend, we make sure to consider the most advanced and up-to-date models.
In our research, we look at both wired and wireless Ring doorbells.
Part of our search for the best Ring doorbells involves investigating how easy each one is to set up and how reliably each one uploads data to the cloud.
Camera features such as resolution, field of view, and infrared vision are important criteria for the selections on our Ring doorbell shortlist.
In an effort to help consumers find a doorbell that matches their home décor, we note the size, finish, and faceplate color of each Ring doorbell on our research list.
A dependable wireless connection is a top concern when it comes to selecting the right Ring doorbell.
We research the specifications, pros, and cons of many models in order to find the best. Whether you want a simple video doorbell or a powerful home security tool, our goal is to help you find the right product.
When assessing wireless Ring doorbells, we consider what kind of batteries are needed and how often the batteries must be replaced.
False alerts and camera delays/lags can be problematic with some video doorbells. We research the potential for these problems in our quest to find the best Ring doorbells.
How do Ring doorbells work?
You install a Ring doorbell outside your door just like you would a traditional doorbell. However, a Ring model has a built-in security camera, which provides a video image that enables you to see who’s at your door without opening it. The doorbell can alert you when someone rings the bell or if it detects motion outside your door.
With the doorbell connected to your home’s WiFi network, it can send alerts to your smartphone or tablet and let you see live video feed. Ring doorbells also feature two-way audio, so you can communicate with the person at your door through the Ring app.
And because the doorbell communicates wirelessly with your device, you don’t have to be at home to answer the door. You can talk to visitors if you’re out shopping, at work, or on vacation.
Expert Tip
If you’re worried about privacy and your Ring doorbell, look into the Ring app’s privacy settings section. Based on past user concerns, Ring now allows you to set rules around who can and can’t see your doorbell video.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Ring doorbell benefits
Convenience
A Ring doorbell allows you to screen anyone who rings your bell. You can then decide if you want to go to the door or stay on the couch.
Video record
Ring doorbells store the security camera footage. If you experience vandalism or a burglary at your home, you’ll have evidence to provide to the police.
Delivery security
A Ring doorbell enables you to see if there are packages on your doorstep even if you’re away from home. You can communicate with the deliverer via the Ring app if you need to provide instructions for placing a package in a more secure location.
Improved home security
A Ring doorbell allows you to answer your door without opening it. The doorbell also has a motion-detection feature to alert you when people are outside your door.
Expert Tip
Ring doorbells are installed using a special screwdriver tool that comes included in the box. Hang on to all of the tools included in the packaging to make repairs and upgrades easier in the future.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Key considerations
Finish/appearance
The Ring doorbell’s appearance doesn’t affect its functionality, but you probably want to choose an option that complements your home. All Ring models have a rectangular, sleek design that works with a variety of home exteriors.
Ring also offers a selection of faceplates with different finishes. Some models come with one faceplate, so you have to choose the finish you prefer when you purchase it. Other models include two or more faceplates, so you can change the look of the doorbell when the mood strikes. Ring faceplate finishes include the following.
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Satin nickel
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Polished brass
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Venetian bronze
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Antique bronze
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Black
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Cream
Installation
Ring doorbells are generally very easy to install. Most homeowners can do it themselves in less than 30 minutes. Some higher-end models require installation by an electrician.
Power source
Ring doorbells are available in models powered by battery, hardwired, or powered by Ethernet. For constant live video, your Ring doorbell must be hardwired into the existing doorbell wiring. Battery-powered models only provide live video when someone rings the bell or activates the motion sensor.
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Battery-powered Ring doorbells feature either an internal battery or a removable battery pack. Both types must be recharged periodically. You can also buy a solar charger to attach to the doorbell, so it’s continuously recharged when exposed to sunlight.
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Hardwired Ring doorbells are powered by existing doorbell wiring, with a 16- to 24-volt VAC transformer typically recommended. You never have to worry about recharging them.
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Powered over Ethernet (PoE) Ring doorbells wirelessly connect to the internet and receive power over the Ethernet connection. These hardwired doorbells require professional installation. The other end of the cable needs to be connected to a PoE-compliant device, like a power injector or a PoE network switch.
Video resolution
For your Ring doorbell to be as useful as possible, its security camera must deliver high-quality video that allows you to clearly see who is at your door. All Ring doorbells offer high-definition (HD) video, but the resolution ranges from 720 pixels to 1080 pixels. The more pixels, the higher the image quality. A Ring model with 1080p HD resolution provides the clearest image, which may make it worth the extra cost.
Expert TIp
If you’re on someone else’s porch and notice that they have a Ring doorbell, don’t forget that they record audio, so owners inside are able to both see and hear you on their devices.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Motion sensor
All Ring doorbells are equipped with a motion sensor, which alerts you if someone is moving around near your door.
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Basic motion detection enables you to adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensor to prevent false alerts when cars pass in front of your home. It also lets you choose specific areas to monitor for motion.
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Advanced motion detection offers the same features as basic motion detection, but it also allows you to create specific motion zones to protect certain areas of your property. It also provides a person-detection feature, which lets you set up alerts to notify you when certain people approach the door.
Night vision
Most homeowners are more concerned with home security after dark. Fortunately, all Ring doorbells are equipped with night vision, which utilizes infrared technology to provide clear images even in dim light.
Two-way communication
One of the most convenient features of a Ring doorbell is the ability to communicate with visitors at your door without opening it. All Ring models feature two-way talk, so you can hear and speak to visitors via the Ring app. Noise-cancellation technology enables you to hear the person talking and not traffic or other ambient noises.
Expert Tip
You can create fun holiday moments for kids using your Ring doorbell--some parents use costumes and creativity to make videos of magical visitors, like the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny, for their kids.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Ring doorbell prices
Ring doorbells range in price based on their power source and features, but they generally cost between $180 and $500.
Inexpensive
Battery-powered Ring doorbells that offer lower-end tech features usually run from $180 to $200.
Mid-range
Hardwired Ring doorbells with high-end tech features usually run from $240 to $270.
Expensive
Ethernet-connected Ring doorbells that offer higher-end tech features usually run from $470 to $500.
Tips
- Get notifications. The Ring app doesn’t have to be open on your device for you to receive an alert from your doorbell. If you’re still signed in, and you enable notifications, the app will alert you.
- Save video. With a Ring Video Recording Plan, you can save your video to your account for about 60 days. You can also download the video if you want to save it longer.
- Share access. Ring’s Shared Users function allows you to provide access to the doorbell to anyone in your household.
- Consider your climate. Weather-resistant Ring doorbells can stand up to rain and snow. However, it’s a good idea to position the doorbell where it has some protection from the elements.
- Use your warranty. Ring offers a one-year warranty on doorbell parts and lifetime purchase protection. If your doorbell is stolen, Ring will replace it for free.
FAQ
Q. Is the Ring doorbell app compatible with a variety of devices?
A. The Ring app works with version 4.0 or newer Android devices; Windows devices running Windows 10; and Apple products running on iOS 8 or newer, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
Q. How long does a Ring doorbell battery usually last on a single charge?
A. With typical usage, a Ring doorbell’s internal battery can hold its charge for up to 12 months. However, with heavy use, the battery could run low in less than six months. You’ll receive an email alert telling you that the battery is running low. The Ring app also shows a low-battery alert, along with a battery-level indicator, so you’re never caught unaware. Depending on the type of charger you use, the battery takes about four to ten hours to recharge.
Q. Are Ring doorbells compatible with smart locks?
A. Ring doorbells can work with some electric smart locks, which means you can unlock the door for trusted guests even if you’re not at home. However, Ring doorbells only work with certain smart locks, so check the product specifications to make sure that the doorbell you want works with your particular system.
