Ring Video Doorbell is a popular home security device that allows homeowners to monitor their front door and communicate with visitors using a video feed and two-way audio.
Since its release, Ring has introduced several versions of its video doorbell, each with its own set of features and capabilities.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different versions of Ring Video Doorbells and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Versions of Ring Video Doorbell
| Model | Video Quality | Power Source | Motion Detection | Pre-Roll Feature | Price |
| Ring Video Doorbell 1st Generation | 720p HD | Battery | Basic | No | £ |
| Ring Video Doorbell 2 | 1080p HD | Battery or Hardwired | Customizable | No | ££ |
| Ring Video Doorbell Pro | 1080p HD | Hardwired | Customizable | No | £££ |
| Ring Video Doorbell Elite | 1080p HD | Hardwired | Customizable | No | £££££ |
| Ring Video Doorbell 3 | 1080p HD | Battery or Hardwired | Customizable | No | ££ |
| Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus | 1080p HD | Battery or Hardwired | Customizable | No | £££ |
| Ring Video Doorbell 4 | 1080p HD | Battery or Hardwired | Customizable | Yes, 4 seconds | ££ |
- Ring Video Doorbell (1st Generation)
The first version of Ring Video Doorbell was introduced in 2014. It features 720p HD video, motion detection, and two-way audio.
It connects to your home Wi-Fi network and allows you to view live video feeds from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The Ring Video Doorbell 1st Generation does not have interchangeable faceplates and does not have advanced motion detection features like later models.
- Ring Video Doorbell 2
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 was introduced in 2017. It features 1080p HD video, improved motion detection, and two-way audio.
The device comes with two interchangeable faceplates (satin nickel and Venetian bronze) and has a removable battery pack for easy charging.
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 also has a customizable motion detection zone, which allows you to choose which areas you want to monitor for motion.
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro was also introduced in 2017. It features 1080p HD video, improved motion detection, and two-way audio.
The device is hardwired into your home’s existing doorbell wiring, which provides a more stable connection and eliminates the need to recharge batteries.
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro also has advanced motion detection features, including custom motion zones and motion tracking.
- Ring Video Doorbell Elite
The Ring Video Doorbell Elite was introduced in 2018. It features 1080p HD video, advanced motion detection, and two-way audio.
The device is designed for professional installation and connects to your home network via Ethernet, providing a more stable connection than Wi-Fi.
The Ring Video Doorbell Elite also has customizable motion zones and motion tracking features.
- Ring Video Doorbell 3
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 was introduced in 2020. It features 1080p HD video, improved motion detection, and two-way audio.
The device comes with two interchangeable faceplates (satin nickel and Venetian bronze) and has a removable battery pack for easy charging.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 also has dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity for improved performance and an adjustable motion detection zone.
- Ring Video Doorbell 4
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 was introduced in 2021. It features 1080p HD video, improved motion detection, and two-way audio.
The device comes with two interchangeable faceplates (satin nickel and Venetian bronze) and has a removable battery pack for easy charging.
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 also has dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity and a pre-roll feature that records the four seconds of video before a motion event is triggered.
Choosing the Best Ring Video Doorbell for Your Needs
When choosing a Ring Video Doorbell, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- Video Quality
All Ring Video Doorbells offer HD video, but the resolution varies between models. If you want the highest video quality, consider the Ring Video Doorbell Elite or Ring Video Doorbell 4.
- Power Source
The Ring Video Doorbell 1st Generation and Ring Video Doorbell 2 have a rechargeable battery pack, while the Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Ring Video Doorbell Elite are hardwired into your home’s existing doorbell wiring.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Ring Video Doorbell 4 offer both options.
If you want a more stable connection and don’t want to worry about recharging batteries, consider a hardwired model like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro or Ring Video Doorbell Elite.
- Motion Detection
All Ring Video Doorbells offer motion detection, but the capabilities vary between models.
If you want more control over the areas you monitor for motion, you may want to consider a model with customizable motion zones like the Ring Video Doorbell 2, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Video Doorbell Elite, Ring Video Doorbell 3, or Ring Video Doorbell 4.
- Pre-Roll Feature
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 is the only model that offers a pre-roll feature that records the four seconds of video before a motion event is triggered.
This can be useful for capturing important events that occur just before the motion event is triggered.
- Price
The price of Ring Video Doorbells varies between models. The Ring Video Doorbell 1st Generation is the most affordable, while the Ring Video Doorbell Elite is the most expensive.
If you’re on a budget, consider the Ring Video Doorbell 2 or Ring Video Doorbell 3, which offer a good balance of features and affordability.
In summary, when choosing the best Ring Video Doorbell for your needs, consider factors such as video quality, power source, motion detection capabilities, pre-roll feature, and price.
By considering these factors and comparing the different models, you can make an informed decision and choose a Ring Video Doorbell that meets your specific needs and preferences.
