Ring has established itself as a leader in the video doorbell market, offering a wide array of options to suit different needs and budgets. Navigating their product line, especially when you’re just starting out with smart home security, can feel overwhelming. This guide focuses on a direct comparison between two of Ring’s popular entry-level models: the basic Ring Video Doorbell (available in wired and battery versions) and the slightly upgraded Ring Video Doorbell Plus (also in wired and battery options).
Both the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Plus offer core functionalities like motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision, making them solid contenders for securing your front door. While the price difference isn’t massive – the Ring Video Doorbell ranges from $49.99 to $99.00 depending on wired or battery, while both Ring Video Doorbell Plus models are priced at $149.99 – understanding the nuances between them is crucial to making the right choice for your home.
One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for a wired or battery-powered doorbell. Ring simplifies this by categorizing their doorbells as either “Wired Doorbells” or “Battery Doorbells” on their website. Within these categories, suffixes like “Plus” indicate feature tiers, with “Plus” representing a step up from the base models.
For this Comparing Ring Doorbells guide, we’ll focus on the “non-suffixed” Ring Video Doorbell and the “Plus” options, allowing for a clear comparison of the entry-level and mid-tier offerings. While the Ring Video Doorbell Plus undeniably boasts more features, the standard Ring Video Doorbell holds its own as a more budget-friendly alternative. The key question we’ll answer is which doorbell provides the best value and security for your specific needs.
FYI: It’s worth noting that the Ring Video Doorbell Plus was previously known as the Ring Pro Video Doorbell. Ring rebranded it when they introduced a new, higher-end “Ring Pro” model.
Deciding between these two models can be tricky because they share a significant number of features, being products from the same reputable manufacturer. You might be tempted to automatically choose the “Plus” version, assuming it’s simply superior. However, the standard Ring Video Doorbell has its own merits, particularly its lower price point. This comparison aims to demystify the differences and similarities, helping you determine which Ring doorbell best suits your home security requirements and budget.
Pro Tip: While Ring doorbells are excellent for identifying who’s at your door, they lack facial recognition capabilities. If facial recognition is a priority, consider exploring alternatives like the Google Nest Doorbell. Our Google Nest Doorbell review details how their Familiar Face Alerts feature can enhance your doorbell’s smart capabilities.
Expert Examined
From Joshua Lee, Active-duty Police Sergeant
“From a law enforcement perspective, I am now expecting to see doorbell video footage on most of our calls for service. They are so common now that one of the first things I instruct officers to do is canvas the area looking for doorbells and video cameras. Most of the time, the officers can find some type of video footage of the suspect. As a police officer, I see countless videos of possible suspects walking up to someone’s door, looking at the doorbell camera, and then walking away without attempting to do anything. Doorbell cameras are a great way to easily deter crimes.” Read more about Joshua Lee
Key Similarities Between Ring Doorbell and Ring Doorbell Plus
When comparing ring doorbells like the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Plus, it’s important to first acknowledge their shared strengths. Both models provide a solid foundation for front door security, inheriting Ring’s reputation for reliability and user-friendliness. Regardless of which model you choose, you’ll benefit from these core features:
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Reliability: Ring products are known for their durability and robust construction. Both the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Plus feel substantial and well-built, designed to withstand various weather conditions. During testing, both models performed consistently without noticeable glitches or bugs.
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Choice of Wired or Battery Models: Flexibility is key, and both the Ring and Ring Plus are available in both wired and battery-powered versions. This allows you to select the installation option that best fits your home’s existing setup and wiring. Having this choice makes installation significantly easier for a broader range of homes.
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Easy DIY Installation: Ring emphasizes user empowerment, making home security accessible to everyone through DIY installation. Both doorbells come with clear, step-by-step instructions, and video tutorials are also available for added guidance. While wired installations require basic wiring knowledge, the process is generally straightforward. Installation for both models typically takes under an hour.
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Motion Detection and Customization: Motion detection is a fundamental feature of any video doorbell, and both Ring models excel in this area. They offer customizable motion zones, allowing you to define specific areas for motion alerts and privacy zones to exclude areas from triggering alerts. This customization is particularly useful in busy environments, reducing unwanted notifications from street traffic or neighbors.
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App Integration: Controlling your Ring doorbell is seamless through the Ring app, available for both Android and iOS devices. The app serves as your central command center, enabling you to arm and disarm the doorbell, receive alerts, view live feeds, and review recorded video footage, regardless of your location.
Did You Know? Ring’s app-based control allows you to monitor your front door from virtually anywhere with cell service. You can even receive package delivery notifications while you are miles away on vacation, providing peace of mind and enhanced home awareness.
- High-Quality 1080p HD Video: Both the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Plus capture video in 1080p HD resolution. This industry-standard resolution ensures clear and detailed video, both for live viewing and recorded footage. The 1080p quality is sufficient for easily recognizing faces and identifying details at your doorstep.
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Wide Field of View: A wide field of view is crucial for comprehensive front door monitoring. While a full 180-degree view is theoretically the maximum, few doorbells achieve this. Both Ring doorbells come close, offering a wide perspective. The wired Ring Video Doorbell Plus provides a 160-degree view, the battery version offers 150 degrees, and the standard Ring Video Doorbell splits the difference with a 155-degree field of view. These differences are minimal in practical use, making field of view a shared strength.
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Night Vision: Reliable night vision is essential for 24/7 home security, as a significant portion of security threats occur at night. Both doorbells offer effective night vision, enabling you to see clearly even in low-light conditions. While night vision quality might not match daytime clarity due to the inherent limitations of nighttime recording, both models provide sufficient visibility to identify individuals and events at your doorstep after dark.
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Two-Way Communication: Two-way audio, or two-way talk, is a standard feature in modern video doorbells, and both Ring models include it. This feature allows you to speak with visitors at your door remotely via the Ring app on your smartphone. Whether you’re giving delivery instructions or deterring unwanted visitors, two-way communication adds a layer of convenience and security.
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Cloud Storage (No Local Recording): While live viewing is a standard feature, recording and storing footage is vital for security purposes. Ring doorbells rely on cloud storage for video recording. This requires a Ring Protect subscription, which involves a monthly fee. While some competitor brands offer local storage options like microSD card recording (e.g., Lorex), Ring’s cloud storage provides convenient access to recordings from anywhere.
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Affordable Price Point: Both the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Plus are positioned as reasonably priced options in the video doorbell market. The standard Ring Video Doorbell is particularly budget-friendly, especially the wired version. Considering the essential security features they offer, both models represent good value. Furthermore, the option to self-monitor without mandatory subscription fees makes them even more accessible.
Did You Know? Ring’s cloud storage plans are competitively priced, starting at just $4.99 per month. This basic plan provides 180 days of video history, along with features like video downloading and sharing, offering a cost-effective way to store and manage your doorbell footage.
Expert Examined
From Joshua Lee, Active-duty Police Sergeant
“I once responded to a call where an unknown male wearing a black mask was walking up to doors and then walking away. We stopped the male who had burglary tools in his backpack. He later admitted that he was looking for a home to burglarize but did not expect to see all the cameras.”
Ring Doorbell Pro: This image shows a Ring Doorbell Pro (previous name of Ring Doorbell Plus), emphasizing its sleek design and its role as a visible security deterrent.
Key Differences Between Ring Doorbell and Ring Doorbell Plus
Despite their similarities, significant differences emerge when comparing ring doorbells like the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Plus. These distinctions can influence your decision based on your specific priorities and needs:
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Size and Design: The Ring Video Doorbell is noticeably bulkier than the Ring Video Doorbell Plus. While a larger size might project a sense of robust security to some, others might prefer the slimmer, more discreet profile of the Ring Video Doorbell Plus for aesthetic reasons. However, the size difference is purely cosmetic and doesn’t impact the core functionality of either device.
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Nighttime Lighting and Video Quality: While both offer night vision, the Ring Video Doorbell Plus utilizes built-in LED lighting to enhance nighttime video quality. This LED illumination typically results in brighter, clearer, and more detailed nighttime footage compared to the standard Ring Video Doorbell’s color night vision, especially in very dark environments.
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Motion Detection Performance: Both doorbells feature Advanced Motion Detection with Customizable Motion Zones. However, in practical testing, the Ring Video Doorbell Plus tends to exhibit slightly more reliable motion detection. Some users have reported instances of motion detection lag or missed events with the standard Ring Video Doorbell. The “Plus” model generally offers more consistent and responsive motion sensing.
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Smart Alerts: Both doorbells provide instant motion alerts to your smartphone. However, the Ring Video Doorbell Plus offers enhanced alert customization. This includes features like Person Alerts and Package Alerts (depending on subscription), which can differentiate between types of motion events and provide more specific notifications. While basic alerts are sufficient for general awareness, smart alerts on the “Plus” model provide a more refined and informative notification experience.
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Price Difference Breakdown: The most tangible difference is the price. The Ring Video Doorbell is significantly more affordable, especially the wired version, which can be around $100 cheaper than the Ring Video Doorbell Plus. This price difference reflects the additional features and slightly improved performance of the “Plus” model.
Pro Tip: Customizable alerts, available on the Ring Video Doorbell Plus, allow you to fine-tune your notifications to receive only the most relevant alerts. Both models also offer the option to disable notifications entirely if you prefer a less intrusive experience.
Cost Analysis: Ring Doorbell vs. Ring Doorbell Plus
When comparing ring doorbells by cost, it’s essential to consider not just the initial purchase price but also potential ongoing expenses. Both the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Plus are available in wired and wireless (battery) versions, with varying retail prices.
Here’s a breakdown of typical retail prices:
Ring Video Doorbell Breakdown
| Model | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| Video Doorbell Wired | $49.99 |
| Video Doorbell Wireless | $99.99 |
| Video Doorbell Plus Wired | $149.99 |
| Video Doorbell Plus Wireless | $149.99 |
The extra cost for the Ring Video Doorbell Plus brings several enhancements, including:
- Slimmer design
- Enhanced color night vision with LEDs
- Choice of faceplate designs
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (in some Plus models) for potentially faster streaming
Beyond the doorbell cost, consider cloud storage subscription plans. While self-monitoring (receiving alerts and live viewing) is free, recording and storing video requires a Ring Protect plan. A basic plan for a single camera starts at $4.99 per month, while a plan covering multiple cameras is around $10 per month. Ring also offers professional monitoring plans, starting at approximately $20 per month, providing 24/7 monitoring and emergency response services.
These subscription costs apply to both Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Plus, so they are a factor to consider regardless of which model you choose.
A significant advantage of both Ring doorbells is their DIY installation. This eliminates professional installation fees, making them more cost-effective overall, especially compared to professionally installed security systems.
How Ring Doorbells Enhance Home Security
Ring video doorbells are valuable components of a home security strategy. They focus on securing your front porch, a critical entry point for many homes. While they are not comprehensive security systems on their own, they provide a significant layer of protection and awareness.
A Ring doorbell acts as a visible deterrent to potential burglars and package thieves. It allows you to see and speak with visitors remotely, whether you’re home or away. Motion detection alerts you to activity at your door, and recorded footage can be crucial evidence in case of incidents.
For broader home security, Ring also offers comprehensive security systems like Ring Alarm and Ring Alarm Pro. These systems integrate seamlessly with Ring doorbells and cameras, providing whole-house protection with sensors, professional monitoring options, and integrated camera functionality.
FYI: Ring Alarm systems are DIY kits, offering affordable and scalable home security. Equipment packages start around $200 for smaller homes and can scale up for larger properties. Ring Doorbells integrate seamlessly into these systems, creating a unified security ecosystem. More information about Ring’s plans and packages is available here.
Do Your Homework
Choosing the right video doorbell involves careful consideration of your security needs and budget. Clearly define your expectations for a surveillance system and research the features that are most important to you. With numerous options available, thorough research ensures you select a system that meets your specific requirements and provides reliable home protection.
Are Video Doorbells Worth the Cost?
Investing in a video doorbell is a worthwhile step in enhancing home security. Knowing who is at your door, whether you are home or away, significantly improves your safety and peace of mind. The front door remains a primary entry point for intruders, making doorbell cameras a highly effective security measure.
Beyond security, video doorbells offer practical benefits like package monitoring and deterring porch loitering. They can function as standalone security devices or integrate into larger security systems for comprehensive protection. Ring’s user-friendly interface and easy installation make their doorbells accessible to a wide range of homeowners.
Ring Doorbell vs Ring Plus: So Which is Better?
After comparing ring doorbells, our recommendation leans towards the Ring Video Doorbell Plus for most users. Its enhanced features, including a wider field of view, potentially more reliable wired connection, superior night vision with LEDs, and a slimmer design, justify the slightly higher price for those who can afford it.
However, the standard Ring Video Doorbell remains a highly capable and budget-friendly option. The wired Ring Video Doorbell, in particular, offers excellent value at its lower price point. A video doorbell with fewer features is still significantly better than having no video doorbell at all. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a proven performer, offering reliable basic security features.
Ultimately, the “better” doorbell depends on your individual needs and budget. Ring’s 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to try either doorbell risk-free to determine which best suits your household.
If you’re seeking even more advanced features or exploring options beyond Ring, our guide to the best doorbell cameras offers a broader perspective on the market.
