Ring Doorbell Camera Guide 2025: Every Model Compared

Someone's at your door. Are they a delivery driver with your package, a neighbor borrowing sugar, or someone with less wholesome intentions? With over 10 million Ring doorbells installed across American homes, the answer is usually just a glance at your phone away. But here's the catch: Ring now offers six different doorbell cameras ranging from $64.99 to $249.99. Choosing the wrong one means either overpaying for features you'll never use or missing capabilities you'll regret not having. We've tested every single model. Here's exactly which one you should buy.

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Quick Recommendations

Short on time? Here are our top picks based on months of real-world testing:

The Complete Ring Doorbell Camera Lineup

Ring's doorbell camera family has grown considerably since the original Kickstarter campaign back in 2013. Today, you've got options ranging from budget-friendly to feature-packed premium. The key differences come down to three things: power source (battery vs. wired), video quality, and advanced detection features. Let's break down what each model offers.

Wired vs. Wireless: The Fundamental Choice

Before diving into specific models, you need to answer one question: do you have existing doorbell wiring?

• Battery-powered doorbells install in minutes with no wiring required. Perfect for renters, new construction without doorbell wiring, or anyone who doesn't want to mess with electrical work. The tradeoff? You'll need to recharge every few months.
• Wired doorbells tap into your existing doorbell wiring (8-24V AC). Once installed, they're maintenance-free. The video can be slightly more responsive since they're not conserving battery power. But installation requires basic electrical work.
• Hardwired options like the Pro 2 offer the most advanced features but require professional installation with specific power requirements.

Ring Doorbell Camera Comparison Chart

Here's how every Ring doorbell camera stacks up against the competition. Scroll horizontally on mobile to see all columns.

Ring Video Doorbell Wired Review

Here's the thing about the Ring Video Doorbell Wired: it does 90% of what the expensive models do at a third of the price. You get the same 1080p video quality, the same motion detection, the same two-way audio, and full integration with Alexa and the Ring ecosystem. What you give up is battery power (it must be hardwired), the slightly wider field of view of premium models, and advanced features like Pre-Roll and head-to-toe video.

For most people? Those tradeoffs are completely fine. If you have existing doorbell wiring and don't need to see packages at your feet, this is genuinely all the doorbell camera you need.

Ring Video Doorbell 2nd Gen Review

The Ring Video Doorbell 2nd Gen is where most people should start. It's the sweet spot of the lineup: affordable enough that you won't feel buyer's remorse, capable enough that you won't feel like you're missing out. The dual power options (battery or wired) mean it works whether you're a renter who can't touch electrical or a homeowner with full doorbell infrastructure.

Battery life is legitimately impressive. In our testing, moderate use (10-20 motion events daily) yielded about 4-5 months between charges. That means pulling the battery twice a year, which takes all of 30 seconds. If you hardwire it to existing doorbell wiring, you'll never think about power again.

Battery Life Expectations

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus Review

This is the Ring doorbell camera we recommend to most people, and it's not close. The Battery Doorbell Plus finally solves the biggest complaint about video doorbells: the inability to see packages left at your feet. That head-to-toe 1:1 aspect ratio is a game-changer for anyone who gets regular deliveries.

Think about it: traditional doorbells show you a visitor's face and torso. Great for identifying who's there, useless for seeing whether they're picking up or dropping off a package. The Battery Doorbell Plus shows everything from their head to their shoes, including whatever they're holding or leaving behind. When porch piracy costs Americans over $8 billion annually, that extra visibility pays for itself quickly.

Why Head-to-Toe Video Matters

The 1:1 aspect ratio isn't just a spec sheet number. In real-world use, it means:

• Package verification: See exactly what was delivered and where it was placed
• Porch pirate evidence: Capture the full body of anyone stealing packages
• Pet visibility: Finally see your dog's excitement when you check who's at the door
• Child safety: See kids who might be too short for standard camera views
• Detailed clothing descriptions: Help police with full outfit details if needed

Ring Video Doorbell 3 Review

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 occupies an awkward middle ground. It's better than the 2nd Gen in some ways (5 GHz Wi-Fi support, slightly wider field of view, improved motion zones) but costs $80 more while still lacking the head-to-toe video of the Battery Doorbell Plus at only $30 less.

That said, if your 2.4 GHz band is congested (common in apartment buildings with dozens of overlapping networks), the 5 GHz support can meaningfully improve video streaming reliability. The "near zone" motion detection also helps reduce false alerts from street traffic, which is valuable if your doorbell faces a busy sidewalk.

Our honest take? Unless you specifically need 5 GHz support and want to save $30 versus the Battery Doorbell Plus, there's not a compelling reason to choose this model in 2025.

Ring Video Doorbell 4 Review

Pre-Roll is the Video Doorbell 4's party trick, and it's genuinely useful. Here's how it works: the camera continuously records low-power video in a buffer. When motion triggers a recording, it includes the 4 seconds before the trigger. This means you see someone approaching your door, not just standing there after they've arrived.

Why does this matter? Without Pre-Roll, you might see a package sitting on your porch but miss how it got there. Or you might catch someone walking away but never see their face as they approached. Pre-Roll fills in those gaps.

The catch: the pre-roll footage is black and white and lower resolution than the main recording. It's useful context, not crystal-clear evidence. And at $219.99, you're paying a significant premium for this feature when the Battery Doorbell Plus (at $149.99) offers head-to-toe video that many users find more valuable.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 Review

The Video Doorbell Pro 2 is Ring's flagship, and it shows. This is the only doorbell in the lineup with true 3D motion detection - radar technology that creates a virtual map of your front area and tracks exactly where motion is happening. Combined with Bird's Eye View (an overhead map showing motion paths), you can see not just that someone approached, but exactly how they moved across your property.

Is it overkill for most homes? Probably. But for large properties, homes with complex front layouts, or anyone who takes security seriously, the additional situational awareness is remarkable. You'll know whether that motion alert was someone walking straight to your door or lurking around the side of your house.

3D Motion Detection Explained

Traditional motion detection uses passive infrared (PIR) sensors. They detect heat changes and trigger when something warm moves through their field. The problem: they can't tell the difference between someone on your property and someone on the public sidewalk.

The Pro 2's radar-based 3D detection works differently. It maps your space in three dimensions and can precisely determine where motion occurs. This means:

• Precise boundaries: Only alert when motion crosses onto your property
• Path tracking: See the exact route someone took across your yard
• Reduced false alerts: Ignore cars, sidewalk traffic, and animals more effectively
• Works in any weather: Radar works through rain, fog, and snow

Installation Requirements

Here's the Pro 2's biggest limitation: it requires hardwiring with a 16-24V AC transformer. Most older doorbell systems use 16V, which is the minimum. If your transformer is only 10V or 12V (common in homes built before 1990), you'll need to upgrade it. This isn't difficult but may require an electrician if you're not comfortable with basic electrical work.

Ring Doorbell Camera Installation Guide

Whether you're going wireless or hardwired, Ring doorbell installation is surprisingly straightforward. Here's what to expect.

Battery-Powered Installation (15-20 minutes)

1. Download the Ring app and create an account (or sign in to existing)
2. Charge the battery fully before starting - the included USB cable takes about 5 hours
3. Scout your location: 4 feet above ground is ideal, with a clear view of the approach
4. Install the mounting bracket using the included screws (wood, masonry, or stucco hardware included)
5. Snap the doorbell onto the bracket - it clicks securely into place
6. Complete setup in the app: Connect to Wi-Fi, adjust motion settings, test the chime

Hardwired Installation (30-45 minutes)

1. Turn off power to your existing doorbell at the circuit breaker
2. Remove your old doorbell and note which wires connect to which terminals
3. Check your transformer voltage - must be 8-24V AC (16V+ recommended for Pro 2)
4. Install the mounting bracket and route wires through
5. Connect the wires to the terminals on your new Ring doorbell (polarity doesn't matter)
6. Attach the doorbell to the mounting bracket
7. Restore power and complete setup in the Ring app
8. If using with existing chime: Follow app instructions to add the Pro Power Kit (included with Pro 2)

Optimal Mounting Position

• Height: 48 inches (4 feet) above the ground is ideal for most models
• Angle: Point slightly downward if mounted higher than 4 feet
• Orientation: Avoid direct sunlight hitting the lens (causes glare and false motion)
• Wi-Fi signal: Check signal strength in the Ring app before drilling - should be "Good" or better
• Weather protection: Under an overhang is ideal, but all Ring doorbells are weather-resistant

Ring Protect Subscription: Do You Need It?

Every Ring doorbell camera works without a subscription. You'll get live view, two-way talk, and real-time motion alerts for free. But to actually save and review video recordings, you'll need Ring Protect. Here's the breakdown:

Our recommendation: Ring Protect Basic at $3.99/month is worth it for most users. Without it, you're essentially using a $100+ device at half its capability. The ability to review what happened after a motion event is the whole point of having a video doorbell. If you have multiple Ring cameras, Plus at $10/month covers everything and adds professional monitoring.

Which Ring Doorbell Camera Should You Buy?

After testing every model, here are our clear recommendations:

Buy the Ring Video Doorbell Wired ($64.99) if:

• You have existing doorbell wiring and want the cheapest entry point
• Budget is your primary concern
• You don't receive many packages or the standard view is sufficient
• You want a small, discreet doorbell camera

Buy the Ring Video Doorbell 2nd Gen ($99.99) if:

• You need battery power (no existing doorbell wiring)
• You're a renter who can't modify electrical systems
• You want flexibility without the premium price
• Standard 1080p video quality is sufficient for your needs

Buy the Ring Video Doorbell 4 ($219.99) if:

• Pre-Roll video (seeing what happened before motion trigger) is important to you
• You've had issues with missing the beginning of events
• You want battery flexibility with premium features

Buy the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 ($249.99) if:

• You want the absolute best Ring has to offer
• 3D motion detection and Bird's Eye View appeal to you
• You have a large property or complex front layout
• You're comfortable with hardwired installation (or will hire it out)
• Minimizing false motion alerts is a priority

Related Guides

• Complete Ring Outdoor Camera Guide - Compare all Ring outdoor camera models
• Ring Stick Up Cam Review - The versatile indoor/outdoor option
• Ring Subscription Plans Explained - Is Ring Protect worth it?
• Ring vs Nest Doorbell - How Ring compares to Google's alternative