Ring vs Ring 2 vs Ring 3/3 Plus vs Ring Pro vs Ring Elite

This Ring Doorbell comparison looks at the main products on offer by the company. All of these Ring devices work effectively and reliably, but some have more advanced features for an additional cost. Our suggestions for each model and the circumstance they fit are:

• Ring Doorbell: A reliable Video Doorbell for the cheapest price.
• Ring 2: All-rounded product for those who don’t spend too much, yet need a reliable Video Doorbell that with some slightly better features over the original.
• Ring 3: A new addition to the Ring Doorbell line with marginal improvements over the Ring 2.
• Ring 3 Plus: Our recommended pick. The top choice due to its adjustable zones, Pre-roll, and easy to use wireless design.
• Ring Pro: If you want the benefits of the Ring 3 but with customizable zones and faster performance.
• Ring Elite: if you want the best Video Doorbell from Ring with a customizable and compact design, although for a higher price

Ring Doorbell Comparison Chart

Model	Ring	Ring 2	Ring 3	Ring 3 Plus	Ring Pro	Ring Elite
Design
Motion Detection	5 Selectable Zones	5 Selectable Zones	Adjustable Zones	Adjustable Zones	Customizable Zones	Customizable Zones
Camera	180° FOV Live View Night Vision 720p	160° FOV Live View Night Vision 1080p	160° FOV Live View Night Vision 1080p	160° FOV Live View Night Vision 1080p	160° FOV Live View Night Vision 1080p	160° FOV Live View Night Vision 1080p
Two Way Talk		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Pre-Roll				✔	✔	✔
Power	Battery	Hardwired or Battery	Hardwired or Battery	Hardwired or Battery	Hardwired	Hardwired Power over Ethernet
WiFi Connectivity	2.4 Ghz	2.4 Ghz	2.4 Ghz 5 Ghz	2.4 Ghz 5 Ghz	2.4 Ghz 5 Ghz	2.4 Ghz 5 Ghz
Bottom Line	Budget Option	Recommended Budget Option	Solid Features	Recommended Pick	Customizable Zones	The Best Overall
Availability	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Ring has been the pioneering force in the video doorbell market. First invented in 2012 and then pitched on Shark Tank in 2013, they have been one of the most successful business stories in the 21st century. Recently they sold out to Amazon for over $1bn, which is as strong of a vote of confidence you can get for a brand and their products. This is made clear when you compare this brand to other video doorbell manufacturers such as Skybell, which is also a solid product. This comparison showcases premium Ring devices set for different budgets. The concept is simple and amazingly effective; turn your doorbell into a camera so you can communicate with and see your front porch whenever you need to.

Features

The Doorbell is smart home compatible through its Wifi connection and the Ring app which allows it to connect to your ecosystem. The Wifi connection network type used is 2.4 Ghz, which isn’t as fast as the newer 5 Ghz used by the more recent Doorbells. A 2.4 GHz network does have a longer wireless range though.

The installation of the Ring Doorbell is straightforward although it does require some screwdriver work. The handier of people can install the device in a matter of minutes. Following that, the Ring app is free is very easy to set up and use. The device has a basic motion detector that can send alerts to your phone if there is movement on your front porch. This uses a basic preset zoning system and infrared motion detector technology.

The Ring app also lets users share videos and alerts with any other local Ring members. This rapidly notifies a neighborhood of suspicious people or activity. Push notifications are also programmed to appear when your Doorbell is rung to allow you to answer your front door wherever you are. The Ring Doorbell was one of the first products to ever achieve this remote front door access when it was invented in 2012.

The two-way talk feature allows you to talk to anyone who rings your doorbell, wherever you are. The original Doorbell records in HD 720p, the lowest quality out of Rings range. However, a 720p resolution is enough for achieving the purpose of the smart doorbell, which is to identify those at your door. The additional pixels of 1080p that the newer Doorbells have very unlikely help you better identify people on the video feed. Remember, these aren’t home videos that will be treasured, the highest quality isn’t essential.

The lense of the Ring Doorbell is wide-angled with a FOV of 180 degrees to increase the breadth of motion-detecting around your front porch. The Ring Video Doorbell is battery powered, with no hardwiring options. Night vision technology continues the use and work of the Doorbell when there is low light.

There is a charge for cloud storage with Ring’s optional recording plan. Ring offers users cloud access for $3 per month for each camera or $30/year. There is another package for $10 a month or $100 a year which includes multiple devices. This is all optional but it is highly recommended in case you need to look back at footage to identify anyone. All of Ring’s cameras have the same level of weather resistance, that is they can be used in -5 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees.

The second line in the product series, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 is a step up from the more basic model. It comes with a more powerful camera, live video option and a removable battery for recharging. This device can also be hardwired, rather just having a battery-powered option. Like its predecessor, the Video Doorbell 2 works with iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows 10 systems. If you’ve got a little extra budget behind you will want to choose this one over the original Ring Doorbell.

Features

One of the advantages of the Video Doorbell 2 is its quick-release rechargeable battery, which you can remove, and charge separately and then put it back in the camera. This is an upgrade on the older version, which required users to remove the entire device to recharge it. Many of the original Doorbells features can also be found in the Doorbell 2. This includes:

• Simple installation
• 160-degree field of view.
• 2.4 Ghz network
• Basic motion detector that can notify you if it is triggered.
• Two-way talk feature.
• Battery or hardwired.
• 6 - 12-month battery life.

The Doorbell 2 has 1080p HD Video, which is an upgrade to the first generation’s 720p HD video. As discussed with the original Doorbell, this difference is nice but not essential as 720p is a good enough quality to fulfill the task of the camera. The device comes with different mounting options and two cover plates so you can customize the look you want.Inside the box, the Video Doorbell 2 comes with a handy toolkit that includes wires, a level and more to help you get it installed. Improvements over the Ring Doorbell:

• 1080p HD video quality
• Different mounting options
• Handy toolkit included

Drawbacks

Ring decided to downgrade the field of view for this generation, which has a 160-degree horizontal angle rather than the 180-degree in their first model. The preset zones are the same as the original Ring, which doesn’t allow for much customization compared to the more advanced models, the Pro and Elite. These mean people need to be relatively close to the door before it will capture them. and the footage won’t eas wide. In practice, this won’t make much if any difference to performance.

• 160° FOV

Takeaway Points

The Ring 2 is a recommended upgrade from the original doorbell as the only loss is some FOV which won’t affect the performance of the product. There are also many advantages such as 1080p resolution and multiple mounting options. For a balance of price, reliability, and performance, the Ring 2 is a top recommendation.

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Ring Video Doorbell 2 with HD Video, Motion Activated Alerts, Easy Installation

• 1080p HD video doorbell that lets you see, hear and...
• Get notifications whenever motion is detected by...
• With Live View, you can check in on your home any time...

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Also Read: Ring vs Arlo vs Nest

Ring Video Doorbell Pro

Ring’s top of the line model, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro has a sleeker design than the first two generations but has maintained features that made the previous versions successful, including a two-way speaker, 1080p HD video camera and night vision. It also has some other improvements, including customizable zones, camera detection, and 5 GHz WiFi connectivity.

Related: Nest Hello vs Ring Pro

Features

Unlike the previous two versions, the Pro has to be hardwired into your home. There is no fiddling with battery packs. This could either be seen as negative or positive, but generally a wired connection will equal more power and higher performance.

This Doorbell offers both 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz Wifi connections. A 5Ghz Connection will be snappier in short distances. Many of the Doorbell 2 video features remain the same which includes; 1080p HD video quality, 160 degrees FOV, Live View, and Night Vision. Unlike the earlier version, the Pro has advanced motion detection capabilities and will notify you if it is activated. You can set specific zones on the app which will avoid unnecessary triggering of the camera, here is an example:

An interchangeable faceplate offers four different colors and you can change them up as much as you like. Again there is the necessary two-way audio feature with noise cancellation and a built-in microphone and speaker. Benefits of the Ring Doorbell Pro over the previous two models of Video Doorbell include:

• 5 GHz Wifi
• Wired connection
• Advanced Motion Detection
• More interchangeable color options

Drawbacks

While some users will appreciate the hardware feature, not having a removable battery pack can make for a tougher installation. The Ring website indicates it can take about 15 minutes to install for the average user.

• Tougher installation - but still no biggy

Takeaway Points

The Pro is a hardwired only Video Doorbell with a new level of speed thanks to 5 GHz WiFi. It also has customizable zones to suit your preferences. Well worth it for just a few extra bucks over the Ring 2 if you feel you would benefit from these customizable zones and advanced camera detection.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro, with HD Video, Motion Activated Alerts, Easy Installation (existing doorbell wiring required)

• 1080p HD video doorbell that lets you see, hear and...
• Get notifications whenever motion is detected by...
• With Live View, you can check in on your home any time...

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Ring Video Doorbell Elite

The Video Doorbell Elite is Ring’s top of the line device. The design is the most aesthetically pleasing and it has the capability to be the quickest and most streamlined device they make. The doorbells are similar to the Pro with a couple of extras thrown in for users willing to pay a premium. This is the most expensive and best device out of the Ring Doorbell comparison.

Features

The Elite is the most compact Doorbell. Once installed, a Video Doorbell is there to be noticed, so the more minimal and less bulky the device the better. This size reduction is one of the upgrades you pay for. Ring has achieved this by making the Elite hardwired only and having no battery option.

It has PoE (Power over Ethernet) to minimize the wires that have to be used to operate the camera. The Elite functions on Ethernet power, which makes it the speediest device from Ring. This ethernet option not only makes the Elite the quickest of the bunch, but it is also the most reliable power source and internet connection.

There are four removable faceplates, so you can alternate the look. Users can access the video live view on-demand and night vision, so you can monitor your home anytime day or night from wherever you are. The benefits of the Ring Elite over the previous models include:

Feature Comparison of Rings Video Doorbells

This table summarises best the similarities and differences between each of these Video Doorbells. The outcome of the task is the same between all products. There are far more similarities, they share the same app and abilities. There is not a huge amount to consider but there is a personal preference for choosing:

1. Sleekness and options of design
2. 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi
3. 720p or 1080p video quality
4. Wireless, Wired or PoE
5. Customization of motion detection

Similarities of Ring’s Video Doorbells

While Ring has continued to advance its doorbell technology from the first generation to the last, many of the features have remained the same between the Video Doorbell 2 and the Elite.

1. Live View & Night Vision are found in all of the Ring devices.
2. All the products require a solid Wi-Fi connection for them to work as quickly and efficiently as users would expect.
3. A user’s internet connection needs to be at least 1 or 2 Mbps for the doorbell device to function.
4. For consumers who like the doorbell chime noise, there are add-on products that will maintain the ding-dong sound, if that’s your thing.
5. Ring also offers set up and installation videos for customers who need a little extra support getting started.
6. One of the best parts of a Ring device is the free app, available with all of their video doorbells.
7. Users will also appreciate the sharing capabilities of the Video Doorbell line of products. This allows everyone in the home to use the app to monitor what is happening at the door.
8. It also allows for sharing with neighbors and other Ring users so that customers can be notified about alerts and suspicious behavior happening nearby.
9. They are all-weather resistant and withstand the same temperature range.

Differences of Ring’s Video Doorbells

One of the main differences of the Ring, Pro, Ring Doorbell 2 and Ring Elite, is the power source, with both the Elite and Pro missing the battery power of the earlier two.

1. Only the Doorbell Elite is powered by an Ethernet cable.
2. The Video Doorbell 2 with its removable battery pack is certainly an upgrade worth paying for over the first-generation device.
3. Rings products have a bulkier look than other doorbell camera devices on the market, although the Pro and the Elite are slimmer Ring devices. Ring addressed this by making the cameras hardwire only without any battery compartment.
4. The motion detection and night vision quality is more advanced in Ring 2, but this remains in the Pro and Elite devices.
5. The Pro and Elite versions of the doorbell allow the user to customize the motion detection zones, while the earlier two Ring devices only permit users to pick from preset settings.

The bottom line is that when it comes to picking the right doorbell camera users can’t go wrong with Ring devices. They are all easy to install and simple to manage with the included app. This Ring doorbell comparison shows four products spread along with a range of budgets. Ring is quite possibly the best smart doorbell product range at the moment. Amazon bought the company for over $1bn very recently which is an incredibly powerful vote of confidence. It also promises very high integration and compatibility of Rings software with future Amazon devices such as the Echo.

FAQ

This section will answer some of the main questions that are asked in regard to each of these models’ features and their comparisons.

Which Ring Doorbell is best?

This all depends on what your needs are and how much you are willing to spend. The Ring Doorbell Elite is the best when it comes to quality, especially as it is the most compact and is the speediest thanks to PoE. However, the others will arguably do as good as of a job. Whilst the design of each model is similar, there are some small discrepancies between the models designs. Which of these is best is down to personal preference. For example, PoE is the best connection but battery-powered devices are easier to set up.

Comparison of Ring vs Ring 2?

A comparison of the Ring vs Ring 2 clearly shows the newer version is of a much better quality than the original Ring Doorbell due to having Two-Way-Talk, which is a pretty essential feature. It is also a higher resolution of 1080p compared to the relatively less defined 720p of the original Ring. The Ring 2 also has more flexibility as it can be battery powered or hardwired.

Comparison of Ring vs Ring Pro?

There is no comparison between the Ring and Ring Pro as the Pro version is much more complete with custom detection zones and better video quality. As mentioned previously, the lack of Two-Way-Talk in the original is a serious old back. The Pro has to be hardwired but the original Ring can be battery powered, which is easier to set up.

Comparison of Ring 2 vs Ring Pro?

Comparing the Ring 2 and Pro shows that the newer Pro is a better model than the Ring 2 as it has some more advanced features. Included are the greater customization of detection zones and the option to connect through a 5 GHz network for faster speed. The design is also more compact and more aesthetic in our opinion. The Pro is hardwired only, whilst the Ring 2 can be battery-powered or hardwired.

Comparison of Ring Pro vs Ring Elite?

Compare the Ring Pro and Elite and you will see why the Elite takes the top spot of the Ring video doorbell series. The Ring Elite is the more advanced and higher performance model. This is mostly due to the Power over Ethernet (PoE) which allows for the snappiest performance.

Can Ring 2 be hardwired?

Yes, the Ring 2 can be hardwired, in fact, it is the only model that has the option for hardwiring or battery power.

Does the Ring Pro have a battery option?

No, the Pro only has the option to work through hardwiring. Although this may seem like a hassle it offers better performance than a battery-powered option anyway.

Does the Ring Doorbell actually Ring?

Yes, the Ring Doorbell is designed to replace this main function of ringing a bell in addition to the connected and advanced features you also get.

Is there a better Doorbell than Ring?

Ring is the most popular option of vide doorbell by quite some margin. This is due to being the pioneering brand as well as having the best performance and features. There are some other decent brands such as Skybell, but without a doubt, Ring is the market leader.

Can you have 2 Ring Doorbells?

Yes, you can and only one Ring account is needed to control these. This is also true with their other products such as Floodlight and Spotlight.

Can Ring Doorbells be stolen?

Yes, whilst Ring Doorbells offer your home extra security they can be stolen themselves. As the footage is stored on the cloud it is accessible without the device itself so you can rest assured knowing you will have footage of the criminal.

Can Ring Doorbells be hacked?

Yes, unfortunately, this has been a big news story within the last year. This is a general risk that smart devices have which can leave homes vulnerable. However, if a hacker is trying to access your video doorbell it is likely they are wanting to break into your home anyway.

What is Ring Protect?

Ring Protect is a subscription that can be paid per month or annually. It includes cloud storage and some other benefits, such as discounts on Rng devices. There are two levels; Basic and Plus, which cost $3 per month or $10 per month depending on how many cameras you have.