tldr; The Ring Video Doorbell is a nifty little guardian angel for your front door, offering a clear view of who’s knocking, day or night. Despite a few hiccups in its performance, it’s a solid addition to your smart home setup, especially if you’re a fan of unexpected guests or late-night pizza deliveries.
Tech Specs
- 1080p HD video quality
- Two-way audio with noise cancellation
- Infrared night vision
- Customizable motion detection zones
- Wireless or wired power options
- Weather-resistant design
- Works with Alexa
- Dimensions: 4.98 in x 2.43 in x .87 in
What We Loved (and What Made Us Meh)
Here’s what had us doing the happy dance:
- Easy installation process
- Clear video and audio quality
- Customizable motion detection is a plus
- Two-way audio feature is convenient
- Night vision works like a charm
- Alexa compatibility is a nice touch
And here’s what had us pulling our hair out:
- Occasional delayed notifications
- Subscription required for video recording
- Short battery life if you go the wireless route
- Video sometimes lags
- Audio can be choppy in noisy environments
- Doesn’t play well with other smart home systems
The Ring Doorbell has a lot going for it. It’s like having your own personal doorman who never takes a break (or asks for a raise). The 1080p HD video quality is crisp and clear, ensuring that you’ll recognize Aunt Edna right away, even if her visit is unexpected.
Installation was a breeze, even for those of us who break into a sweat at the thought of using a screwdriver. You can either wire it into your existing doorbell setup, or go wireless and place it wherever your heart desires (just remember to keep it within your Wi-Fi range).
The customizable motion detection zones are a great feature, especially if you live on a busy street. You can adjust the sensitivity to avoid being bombarded with notifications every time a car drives by. Plus, the infrared night vision works like a charm, ensuring you’ll never miss a late-night guest (or pesky raccoon).
On the flip side, the Ring Doorbell isn’t without its flaws. We experienced occasional lag in the video, and the audio was sometimes choppy when there was a lot of background noise. Plus, we were a bit miffed to discover that you have to pay for a subscription if you want to record videos.
The battery life was also a bit disappointing if you opt for the wireless installation. We had to recharge it more frequently than we would have liked. And while it’s compatible with Alexa, it doesn’t play well with other smart home systems, which could be a deal-breaker if you’re fully invested in another ecosystem.
Overall, while the Ring Doorbell has its drawbacks, its benefits outweigh the negatives. If you’re in the market for a reliable video doorbell, the Ring is worth considering, especially if you’re a fan of impromptu visitors or nocturnal wildlife.
Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
While the Ring Doorbell is an above-average performer, it’s not without its flaws. Its strengths lie in its video quality and ease of use, but its occasional lags and required subscription for recording hold it back from a higher score.
Would we buy it?
Despite its drawbacks, we’d still consider it a worthy addition to our smart home setup. It’s not perfect, but it’s a reliable extra set of eyes on our front door.
Value for Money
Considering its features and performance, we’d say the Ring Doorbell offers decent value for money, especially if you value peace of mind over a flawless performance.