Best Ring Camera 2025: The Complete Buying Guide
Ring makes 14 different cameras. Fourteen. That's not a product lineup—it's a choose-your-own-adventure novel where every wrong turn costs you $100+. We've tested every model in Ring's catalog to cut through the marketing noise and answer the only question that matters: which Ring camera should YOU buy? Here's our definitive guide.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure.
In This Guide
Quick Picks: Best Ring Cameras by Category
Short on time? Here are our top picks after testing every Ring camera on the market.
Ring Video Doorbell 4
The sweet spot of features, performance, and value. Pre-roll video captures what happened before the motion trigger.
Check PriceRing Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)
Unbeatable value for indoor monitoring. 1080p HD, two-way talk, and easy setup without breaking the bank.
Check PriceRing Spotlight Cam Plus
Motion-activated spotlights plus a 110dB siren make this the ultimate deterrent for driveways and backyards.
Check PriceRing Stick Up Cam Battery
Versatile indoor/outdoor camera with wireless flexibility. Perfect for renters and changing setups.
Check PriceRing Battery Doorbell Plus
Head-to-toe 1536p video captures packages at your feet. Battery-powered with no wiring needed.
Check PriceComplete Ring Camera Lineup Overview
Ring's product catalog has grown into a sprawling ecosystem. Here's every camera they make, organized by category so you can actually make sense of it all.
Ring Video Doorbells
The products that started it all. Ring doorbells replace your existing doorbell and let you see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere. They're the foundation of most Ring security setups.
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
The entry-level option. 1080p HD video, motion detection, two-way talk, and night vision. Works with existing doorbell wiring or the included rechargeable battery. It's basic, but it covers the essentials.
- Resolution: 1080p HD
- Power: Battery or hardwired
- Field of View: 155 degrees horizontal
- Best For: First-time smart doorbell buyers on a budget
Ring Video Doorbell 4
The model we recommend most. Adds Pre-Roll video that captures 4 seconds of color video before the motion event—crucial for seeing what actually triggered the alert. Quick-release battery pack means no downtime during charging.
- Resolution: 1080p HD with Pre-Roll
- Power: Removable battery or hardwired
- Field of View: 160 degrees horizontal
- Best For: Most homeowners who want reliable doorbell security
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
The head-to-toe solution. 1536p HD resolution in a 1:1 aspect ratio shows your entire porch—including packages at your feet that standard doorbells miss. If porch pirates are your nemesis, this is your weapon.
- Resolution: 1536p HD (head-to-toe view)
- Power: Battery only
- Field of View: 150 degrees horizontal, head-to-toe vertical
- Best For: Package theft prevention, seeing full-body visitors
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Ring's flagship doorbell. 1536p head-to-toe video, 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View that shows exactly where people walked, and radar-powered motion detection that's eerily accurate. Requires hardwired installation.
- Resolution: 1536p HD with head-to-toe view
- Power: Hardwired only
- Field of View: 150 degrees with Bird's Eye View
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts, large properties, maximum security
Ring Indoor Cameras
Compact cameras designed for inside your home. Monitor pets, check on kids, or keep an eye on specific rooms. These aren't weatherproof—they're meant to stay indoors.
Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)
Ring's most affordable camera, period. Don't let the price fool you—it packs 1080p video, motion detection, two-way talk, and a manual privacy cover. The perfect starter camera or addition to an existing setup.
- Resolution: 1080p HD
- Power: Plug-in only
- Privacy: Manual privacy cover
- Best For: Budget buyers, pet monitoring, baby rooms
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam
The Indoor Cam with a neck. Pan 360 degrees and tilt to follow motion automatically or manually control the view from your phone. One camera covers an entire room instead of just one corner.
- Resolution: 1080p HD
- Power: Plug-in only
- Movement: 360-degree pan, tilt control
- Best For: Large rooms, pet tracking, elderly monitoring
Ring Outdoor Cameras
Weatherproof cameras built to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at them. From basic monitoring to full-on floodlight fortresses, Ring has options for every budget and threat level.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
The versatile option. Works indoors OR outdoors, battery-powered for wireless installation anywhere. It's the Swiss Army knife of Ring cameras—not the best at any one thing, but good at everything. Read our full review.
- Resolution: 1080p HD
- Power: Battery, plug-in, or solar panel
- Weather Rating: IP65
- Best For: Renters, versatile placement, starter outdoor camera
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (Battery)
The Stick Up Cam's intimidating older brother. Two LED spotlights (400 lumens) blast intruders with light while a 110dB siren makes sure the neighbors hear about it. Active deterrence, not just passive recording.
- Resolution: 1080p HDR
- Power: Battery, plug-in, solar, or wired
- Lights: Dual LED spotlights (400 lumens)
- Siren: 110dB built-in
- Best For: Driveways, backyards, high-traffic areas
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro
The Spotlight Cam Plus with 3D Motion Detection and Bird's Eye View. Radar technology tracks exactly where someone walked on your property—displayed as a path on an overhead map. For when you need to know the whole story.
- Resolution: 1080p HDR
- Power: Battery, plug-in, solar, or wired
- Special Feature: 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View
- Best For: Large properties, detailed motion tracking
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus
The "we're not messing around" option. Two massive floodlights (2000 lumens combined) turn night into day. Hardwired for unlimited power. If you want intruders to know they've been caught on camera, this is the statement piece.
- Resolution: 1080p HDR
- Power: Hardwired only
- Lights: Dual floodlights (2000 lumens)
- Siren: 110dB built-in
- Best For: Replacing existing floodlights, maximum illumination
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
Ring's most powerful camera. Everything the Floodlight Cam Plus offers, plus 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View. Tracks visitors across your property and shows their exact path. The ultimate in outdoor security.
- Resolution: 1080p HDR
- Power: Hardwired only
- Lights: Dual floodlights (2000 lumens)
- Special Feature: 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View
- Best For: Maximum security, large properties, serious coverage
Ring Camera Comparison Table
All Ring cameras in one view. Scroll horizontally on mobile to see all columns.
| Model | Price | Resolution | Power Options | Lights | Siren | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) | $99 | 1080p | Battery/Wired | No | No | Budget doorbell |
| Video Doorbell 4 | $199 | 1080p + Pre-Roll | Battery/Wired | No | No | Best overall doorbell |
| Battery Doorbell Plus | $179 | 1536p Head-to-Toe | Battery | No | No | Package visibility |
| Video Doorbell Pro 2 | $249 | 1536p + Bird's Eye | Hardwired | No | No | Premium features |
| Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) | $59 | 1080p | Plug-in | No | No | Budget indoor |
| Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam | $79 | 1080p | Plug-in | No | No | Large rooms |
| Stick Up Cam Battery | $99 | 1080p | Battery/Plug-in/Solar | No | No | Versatile use |
| Spotlight Cam Plus | $199 | 1080p HDR | Battery/Plug-in/Solar/Wired | 400 lumen | 110dB | Outdoor deterrence |
| Spotlight Cam Pro | $279 | 1080p HDR + Bird's Eye | Battery/Plug-in/Solar/Wired | 400 lumen | 110dB | Advanced tracking |
| Floodlight Cam Plus | $199 | 1080p HDR | Hardwired | 2000 lumen | 110dB | Max illumination |
| Floodlight Cam Pro | $299 | 1080p HDR + Bird's Eye | Hardwired | 2000 lumen | 110dB | Ultimate security |
How to Choose the Right Ring Camera
With 14 cameras to choose from, analysis paralysis is real. Answer these five questions and you'll narrow it down to 1-2 options fast.
Question 1: Indoor or Outdoor?
This is your first filter. Indoor cameras aren't weatherproof and shouldn't go outside. Outdoor cameras can technically work indoors, but you're paying for weatherproofing you don't need.
- Indoor only: Indoor Cam, Pan-Tilt Cam
- Outdoor only: Spotlight Cams, Floodlight Cams
- Both: Stick Up Cam (the only true hybrid)
Question 2: Do You Have Existing Wiring?
This determines whether you can use hardwired cameras. No wiring? Battery models are your only option unless you want to hire an electrician.
- Existing doorbell wiring: Any doorbell works, but Video Doorbell Pro 2 requires it
- Existing outdoor electrical box: Floodlight Cams are an option
- No wiring: Battery-powered cameras only (Video Doorbell 4, Stick Up Cam Battery, Spotlight Cam Battery)
Question 3: How Much Deterrence Do You Want?
Some cameras hide. Others announce themselves. How visible do you want your security to be?
- Subtle monitoring: Indoor Cam, Stick Up Cam
- Visible but compact: Video Doorbells
- Active deterrence: Spotlight Cams (lights + siren)
- Maximum deterrence: Floodlight Cams (unmissable)
Question 4: What's Your Budget?
Ring cameras range from $60 to $300. Here's what each price tier gets you:
- Under $100: Basic 1080p video, essential features (Indoor Cam, Video Doorbell 2nd Gen, Stick Up Cam)
- $100-$200: Better features like Pre-Roll, head-to-toe view, or spotlights (Video Doorbell 4, Spotlight Cam Plus)
- $200+: Premium features like 3D Motion Detection and Bird's Eye View (Pro models)
Question 5: Do You Need Pre-Roll or Bird's Eye View?
These two features separate good Ring cameras from great ones.
Pre-Roll: Captures 4 seconds of video BEFORE the motion was detected. Instead of seeing someone walk away, you see them approach. Available on Video Doorbell 4 and higher.
Bird's Eye View: Uses radar to track movement across your property and displays the path on an overhead map. Shows exactly where someone walked. Available on Pro models only (Doorbell Pro 2, Spotlight Cam Pro, Floodlight Cam Pro).
Ring Protect Subscription Explained
Here's the part Ring doesn't advertise loudly: without a subscription, your camera is basically a live-view-only device. No video history, no sharing clips, no advanced features. The subscription is where Ring makes its real money—and where you unlock the actual value of these cameras.
Important: Without Ring Protect, you cannot save, review, or share video recordings. You can only view live video and receive motion alerts. For most people, a Ring camera without a subscription is practically useless.
Ring Protect Basic
Per camera
- 60-day video history
- Video saving and sharing
- Snapshot Capture
- Rich notifications (thumbnail previews)
Ring Protect Plus
Unlimited cameras
- Everything in Basic
- Covers ALL Ring cameras at one address
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring (with Ring Alarm)
- Extended warranty
- 10% off Ring purchases
Ring Protect Pro
Unlimited cameras + premium features
- Everything in Plus
- 24/7 Backup Internet (Ring Alarm Pro)
- Eero Secure network protection
- Digital Security features
Which Ring Protect Plan Should You Choose?
- One camera: Basic ($4.99/month) unless you want Ring Alarm monitoring
- Two cameras: Plus ($12.99/month) becomes cheaper than two Basic plans
- Three+ cameras: Plus is a no-brainer
- Ring Alarm owner: Plus or Pro for professional monitoring
Money-Saving Tip: Pay annually instead of monthly. Ring Protect Basic drops to $39.99/year (saves $20) and Plus drops to $129.99/year (saves $26). That's essentially two months free.
Our Top Recommendations by Use Case
Still not sure? Here's exactly what we'd buy for each common situation.
First-Time Smart Home Buyer
You've never owned a smart camera and want to dip your toes in without overspending.
Why: Covers your most important entry point without complexity. Battery or wired options. Easy setup.
Renter Who Wants Security
You need cameras that install without permanent modifications and come with you when you move.
Why: No drilling required (or optional). Battery-powered. Works inside or outside. Takes 5 minutes to relocate.
Package Theft Prevention
Porch pirates are hitting your neighborhood. You need to capture clear footage of deliveries and thieves.
Why: Head-to-toe view shows packages at your feet. 1536p resolution captures faces clearly. Pre-Roll catches the approach.
Large Property Coverage
You have a big yard, long driveway, or multiple entry points that need monitoring.
Why: Bird's Eye View tracks movement across your entire property. Solar-powered option means no wiring to outbuildings.
Pet Monitoring While at Work
You want to check on pets during the day, talk to them, and make sure they're not destroying the house.
Why: 360-degree rotation follows pets around the room. Two-way talk lets you scold them remotely. Privacy cover when you're home.
Maximum Security Setup
You want the most comprehensive coverage possible. Budget is secondary to protection.
Why: Bird's Eye View on both outdoor cameras tracks all movement. Floodlight deters intruders. Indoor cams cover entry points. Ring Protect Plus ties it all together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ring cameras work without WiFi?
No. All Ring cameras require a WiFi connection to function. Without WiFi, you cannot view live video, receive notifications, or record footage. Some models can store limited video locally during brief outages, but extended offline use isn't possible.
Can I use Ring cameras without a subscription?
Technically yes, but it's severely limited. Without Ring Protect, you can only view live video and receive basic motion alerts. You cannot save, review, or share recordings. For most people, a Ring camera without a subscription defeats the purpose of having one.
How long do Ring camera batteries last?
Battery life varies based on usage, temperature, and settings. Typical ranges:
- Light use (5-10 events/day): 4-6 months
- Moderate use (15-25 events/day): 2-4 months
- Heavy use (30+ events/day): 1-2 months
Cold weather (below 32F) significantly reduces battery life. Consider solar panels or plug-in options for high-traffic areas.
Are Ring cameras secure from hackers?
Ring has implemented strong security measures including end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits. However, no connected device is 100% hack-proof. Enable two-factor authentication, use a strong unique password, and keep firmware updated to minimize risk.
Can Ring cameras see at night?
Yes. All Ring cameras include infrared night vision that works in complete darkness. Some models also offer Color Night Vision, which produces color footage in low-light conditions (requires some ambient light source).
Do Ring cameras record continuously?
No. Ring cameras use motion-activated recording to conserve battery life and storage. They only record when motion is detected, though you can manually start Live View at any time. If you need 24/7 recording, consider wired cameras with a Ring Protect subscription and check the Snapshot Capture feature.
The Bottom Line
For most people, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 ($199.99) is the best starting point. It covers your most important entry, includes Pre-Roll video, and offers battery or wired flexibility. Add a Ring Stick Up Cam Battery ($99.99) for backyard coverage, and you've got a solid security foundation for under $300—plus whatever you're willing to pay Ring monthly to actually use the footage.
Related Guides
- Ring Stick Up Cam Review - In-depth look at Ring's most versatile camera
- Ring Outdoor Camera Guide - Compare all Ring outdoor camera models
- Ring Subscription Plans Explained - Is Ring Protect worth the cost?
- Ring vs Blink Comparison - Which Amazon camera system is better?
- Ring Solar Camera Setup Guide - Never charge your battery again
Ready to Buy?
Our top pick for most people is the Ring Video Doorbell 4. It's the perfect balance of features, reliability, and value.
Check Price on Amazon