Ring Battery Doorbell: Affordable, but Missing Key Features

The Ring Battery Doorbell is an entry-level option that lacks the advanced features of its pricier counterparts, such as the $229.99 Battery Doorbell Pro. At just $99.99, it offers a more budget-friendly option for consumers while still being easy to install and use. The doorbell provides clear HD video with a wide field of view, but users must pay for a subscription to view recorded video, a standard with all Ring devices. It also lacks integration with Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit.

For a more enhanced experience, consumers might consider the $79.99 Arlo Video Doorbell, which features a higher resolution and broader viewing angle, plus Google Assistant support. Despite these benefits, the Arlo doorbell also requires a subscription for recorded video access.

Design and Features: The Essentials

The Ring Battery Doorbell closely resembles its higher-priced siblings, the Battery Doorbell Plus ($149.99) and the Pro model. Measuring 4.9 by 2.4 by 0.9 inches, it’s slightly smaller than those alternatives. The device comes in Satin Nickel or Venetian Bronze finishes and includes an internal battery that can be charged via a USB-C port. The doorbell’s front features a camera, doorbell button, and microphone, with two wiring terminals and a setup button located on the back. It can be powered by existing doorbell wiring if available.

Included with the device are mounting screws, a USB-C charging cable, a mounting plate, and a plate removal tool. A wedge mounting plate is available for an additional $19.99.

The camera has a 1,440 x 1,440-pixel resolution and a 150-degree viewing angle, offering a head-to-toe view of visitors. It supports both black-and-white and color night vision, though the latter can appear slightly washed out. By comparison, the Arlo Video Doorbell offers sharper resolution at 1,536 x 1,536 pixels and a wider 180-degree viewing angle but does not feature color night vision. Meanwhile, Ring’s Battery Doorbell Plus and Pro models both enhance the resolution to 1,536p and offer additional features like dual-band Wi-Fi and motion tracking.

The Battery Doorbell can record video upon detecting motion or when the doorbell button is pressed. However, users will need a Ring Protect subscription to access these recordings. The Basic plan, at $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, offers a 180-day video history, person and package alerts, and more. The Protect Plus plan, at $10 per month or $100 per year, covers unlimited cameras and unlocks advanced features such as multi-camera live feeds.

Performance and Setup

Setting up the Ring Battery Doorbell is straightforward. After charging the battery, users can connect the doorbell to their home Wi-Fi network via the Ring app. The doorbell performed well in testing, delivering clear and colorful video. Night vision worked effectively, though the color mode was somewhat muted.

The device integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, allowing users to view live video feeds or set up routines like triggering smart lights when the doorbell is pressed. However, the doorbell does not support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant, a limitation for some users.

Final Verdict

While the Ring Battery Doorbell is a cost-effective option for those seeking basic smart doorbell functions, it lacks the more advanced features found in pricier models, such as the Battery Doorbell Pro. It works well with Alexa, offers sharp video, and is easy to install, but the lack of Google Assistant and HomeKit support may deter some users. For a slightly lower price, the Arlo Video Doorbell provides better video quality and a wider field of view, though it also requires a subscription for recorded video access.