Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: Ultimate Security – Excellent Value
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus represents a significant step forward in wireless home security, combining robust features with unparalleled ease of installation. This innovative device offers a comprehensive view of your entryway, ensuring you never miss a package delivery or an unexpected visitor.
It’s designed for homeowners and renters alike who seek a reliable, high-definition video doorbell without the hassle of complex wiring. We’ll delve into every aspect of this device, from its impressive video capabilities to its smart home integration, helping you decide if it’s the right security solution for your property.
Quick Summary: Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (Based on 16193 reviews)
Price: $99.99 USD (as of review date)
Key Pros:
- Head-to-Toe HD+ Video: Provides an expanded, comprehensive view of your entire doorstep, crucial for package monitoring.
- Easy Wireless Installation: Battery-powered design eliminates the need for existing doorbell wiring, making setup quick and hassle-free.
- Reliable Motion Detection: Advanced, customizable motion zones and person detection reduce false alerts and focus on what matters.
- Two-Way Talk: Clear audio communication allows seamless interaction with visitors from anywhere.
Key Cons:
- Ring Protect Subscription: Essential for accessing video recordings and advanced features, adding to the long-term cost.
- Battery Recharging: Requires periodic recharging, which means brief downtime unless a spare battery is purchased.
Table of Contents
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus Overview
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus stands out in the crowded smart doorbell market as a versatile and user-friendly security device. It’s designed to provide comprehensive surveillance of your front door, offering peace of mind whether you’re home or away. This model specifically addresses common pain points associated with traditional doorbell cameras, primarily the reliance on existing wiring.
As a battery-powered unit, it offers unparalleled flexibility in placement. You can install it almost anywhere around your entryway, from the main front door to a side entrance or even a gate, without needing to run new electrical lines. This makes it an ideal solution for renters, older homes without doorbell wiring, or anyone looking for a quick and simple DIY installation.
At its core, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus captures high-definition video of anyone approaching your property. Its standout feature, Head-to-Toe HD+ Video, ensures that you get a complete picture, literally from the top of a person’s head down to their feet. This expanded vertical field of view is critical for seeing packages left on the doorstep or identifying visitors fully, not just their torso.
Beyond visual capture, the doorbell integrates advanced motion detection capabilities. It can differentiate between people and other movements, thanks to its customizable motion zones and person detection technology. This significantly reduces the number of irrelevant alerts you receive, focusing only on events that genuinely warrant your attention, thereby enhancing its practical utility in daily life.
Two-Way Talk functionality is another essential component, allowing you to converse with visitors in real-time through the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. This feature is invaluable for instructing delivery drivers, greeting friends, or even deterring unwanted guests. The audio quality is generally clear, providing effective communication regardless of your location.
The device operates on a removable, rechargeable battery pack, which is designed for extended life between charges. This quick-release battery allows for easy swapping with a fully charged spare (sold separately), minimizing downtime. This thoughtful design element ensures continuous protection, even during charging cycles, which is a significant advantage for continuous security monitoring.
Integration with the broader Ring ecosystem is seamless. If you already own other Ring devices, such as indoor cameras, security systems, or smart lights, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus will fit right in. All your Ring devices can be managed from a single app, creating a unified security network for your home. This ecosystem approach provides a holistic view of your property’s security.
For those new to smart home security, the Ring app is intuitive and easy to navigate. It provides access to live view, recorded events (with a Ring Protect Plan), device settings, and communication features. The user-friendly interface ensures that even technologically less-savvy individuals can effectively manage their home security from their mobile device.
Ultimately, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is more than just a doorbell; it’s a comprehensive security tool that offers convenience, flexibility, and robust monitoring capabilities. Its battery-powered nature and advanced video features make it an attractive option for a wide range of users seeking enhanced front-door security without the complexities of wired installations.
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus Key Features & Specs
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is packed with features designed to enhance your home security and provide a seamless user experience. Understanding these core functionalities and specifications is key to appreciating its value and how it stands apart from competitors.
Head-to-Toe HD+ Video
This is arguably the most significant upgrade in the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus. It offers 1536p HD+ video resolution with an expanded vertical field of view. This means you can see visitors from head to toe and also monitor packages left directly on your doorstep, a critical improvement over standard horizontal views.
The increased resolution ensures clearer, more detailed images, making it easier to identify faces or read labels on packages. This comprehensive perspective significantly reduces blind spots, providing a more complete picture of activity at your front door compared to previous Ring models or some rivals.
Advanced Motion Detection with Customizable Zones
The doorbell features highly responsive motion detection that can be tailored to your specific needs. Users can define custom motion zones within the camera’s field of view, focusing alerts only on areas of interest, such as your walkway or porch, and excluding busy streets or sidewalks.
Furthermore, the inclusion of person detection helps to filter out irrelevant motion events caused by pets, vehicles, or swaying trees. This intelligent filtering ensures that you receive notifications only when a human presence is detected, significantly reducing false alarms and notification fatigue.
Two-Way Talk with Noise Cancellation
Communicate clearly with anyone at your door using the built-in microphone and speaker. The Two-Way Talk feature allows for real-time conversations directly through the Ring app. This is incredibly useful for communicating with delivery personnel, greeting guests, or even warning off suspicious individuals.
Enhanced noise cancellation technology helps to minimize background distractions, ensuring that your conversations are crisp and easy to understand for both parties. This makes the interaction feel more natural and effective, even in noisy environments.
Removable, Rechargeable Battery Pack
Powering the device is a quick-release battery pack, offering the convenience of wireless operation. This battery is designed for long-lasting performance, typically providing several weeks to a few months of usage depending on activity and settings. Its removable nature means you can easily swap it out for a fully charged spare (sold separately) to ensure continuous operation.
Recharging is simple via a standard micro-USB cable. The battery status is always visible in the Ring app, allowing you to monitor power levels and plan recharges effectively. This eliminates the need for professional installation or complex wiring, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi Connectivity
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. This dual-band capability offers greater flexibility and potentially more stable connections, especially in homes with congested 2.4 GHz networks or where the doorbell is further from the router. The 5 GHz band can provide faster data transfer for video streaming, leading to smoother live views.
Reliable Wi-Fi is crucial for consistent performance, ensuring that motion alerts are delivered promptly and live video streams without interruption. The dual-band support helps to mitigate common wireless connectivity issues that can plague smart home devices.
Weather-Resistant Design
Built to withstand the elements, the doorbell features a robust, weather-resistant casing. It’s designed to operate reliably in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, from scorching summers to freezing winters, and through rain, snow, or sleet. This durability ensures consistent performance year-round, protecting your home regardless of the climate.
Night Vision
For round-the-clock surveillance, the doorbell includes infrared night vision. This technology allows the camera to capture clear black-and-white video in low-light or complete darkness. This ensures that your property remains monitored and secure 24/7, providing essential visibility during nighttime hours when security is often most critical.
Ring Protect Plan Integration (Optional Subscription)
While the doorbell functions to a basic degree without a subscription, a Ring Protect Plan unlocks its full potential. This optional subscription service provides cloud storage for video recordings, allowing you to review, save, and share events. It also enables advanced features like person-only alerts and rich notifications.
Without the plan, you can still view live video and receive motion alerts, but you won’t be able to access recordings of past events. The subscription significantly enhances the utility of the device, turning it into a powerful archival security tool.
These features collectively make the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus a highly capable and appealing choice for modern home security. Its blend of advanced video, smart detection, and user-friendly design addresses the core needs of contemporary homeowners and ensures comprehensive front-door monitoring.
Pros & Cons
Every product has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is no exception. A balanced look at its advantages and disadvantages will help you make an informed decision about whether it aligns with your security needs and expectations.
Pros of the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
- Exceptional Head-to-Toe HD+ Video: The 1536p HD+ resolution combined with the expanded vertical field of view is a major advantage. It ensures you capture every detail, from the faces of tall visitors to packages placed at their feet. This comprehensive view is invaluable for monitoring deliveries and identifying individuals accurately.
- Effortless Wireless Installation: As a battery-powered device, the installation process is incredibly straightforward. There’s no need for complex wiring, drilling through walls for power, or hiring an electrician. Most users can have it up and running in minutes, making it perfect for DIY enthusiasts, renters, or homes without existing doorbell wiring.
- Reliable and Smart Motion Detection: The advanced motion detection system, featuring customizable motion zones and person detection, is highly effective. It significantly reduces the nuisance of false alarms, ensuring that you are only alerted to relevant activity. This intelligent filtering saves time and prevents unnecessary distractions.
- Clear Two-Way Audio Communication: The integrated microphone and speaker provide clear two-way communication with visitors. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, you can speak to anyone at your door as if you were home. The noise cancellation feature further enhances audio clarity, making conversations smooth and understandable.
- Long-Lasting, Swappable Battery: The quick-release rechargeable battery offers impressive longevity, often lasting several weeks on a single charge. The ability to swap out a depleted battery for a fully charged spare (purchased separately) ensures continuous protection, minimizing downtime and maintaining uninterrupted surveillance.
- Seamless Ring Ecosystem Integration: For users already invested in Ring’s smart home security ecosystem, the Doorbell Plus integrates flawlessly. It works in harmony with other Ring cameras, alarms, and accessories, all controllable from a single, intuitive app. This creates a unified and comprehensive security system for your entire property.
- Robust Weather Resistance: Designed to withstand diverse environmental conditions, the doorbell is built to last. Its durable, weather-resistant casing ensures reliable operation through heat, cold, rain, and snow, providing consistent security coverage year-round without performance degradation.
Cons of the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
- Mandatory Ring Protect Subscription for Full Features: While the doorbell works for live view and basic alerts without a subscription, accessing video recordings, person-only alerts, and rich notifications requires a Ring Protect Plan. This recurring cost can add up over time and is a significant factor for budget-conscious users. Without it, the device’s utility is somewhat limited.
- Battery Recharging Downtime: Although the battery life is good, it still requires periodic recharging. If you don’t have a spare battery, your front door security will be offline for several hours during the charging process. This can be an inconvenience and a potential security gap if not managed properly.
- Potential for Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues: Like all wireless smart devices, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus relies heavily on a stable Wi-Fi connection. In homes with weak Wi-Fi signals, interference, or distance from the router, users might experience delays in notifications, choppy live video, or even disconnections. While dual-band helps, it’s not a complete guarantee.
- Occasional False Alerts: Despite advanced person detection, no system is perfect. Environmental factors like strong sunlight, shadows, or even large insects can sometimes trigger motion alerts. While significantly reduced from older models, occasional false alarms can still occur, requiring user discretion.
- Limited Local Storage Options: Unlike some competitors, Ring devices primarily rely on cloud storage (via Ring Protect Plan). There are no options for local storage via an SD card or network-attached storage (NAS). This means if you cancel your subscription, you lose access to all recorded footage, which might be a deal-breaker for some users prioritizing data privacy or avoiding recurring fees.
Weighing these pros and cons is crucial for determining if the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is the right fit for your home security strategy. Its strengths in video quality and ease of installation are significant, but the reliance on a subscription and battery management are important considerations.
Who Should Buy the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus?
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus caters to a broad spectrum of users, thanks to its versatile design and powerful features. Identifying your specific needs and living situation will help determine if this particular model is the ideal choice for your home security setup.
Renters and Apartment Dwellers
This demographic benefits immensely from the battery-powered, wireless nature of the Doorbell Plus. Since it doesn’t require hardwiring, renters can install it without modifying their property’s existing electrical system, avoiding lease violations or complex installations. It’s easily removable and transportable, making it a perfect security solution for temporary living situations.
For those in apartments, the Head-to-Toe view is particularly useful for monitoring package deliveries that might be left outside your door, a common concern in multi-unit buildings. The simple setup means enhanced security without permanent commitments.
Homeowners Without Existing Doorbell Wiring
Many older homes, or even some newer ones, might lack existing low-voltage doorbell wiring. For these homeowners, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is a godsend. It eliminates the expensive and often intrusive process of running new wires, offering a quick and clean installation alternative.
Instead of hiring an electrician, you can easily mount this doorbell yourself, saving both time and money. It provides modern smart doorbell functionality to homes that otherwise would require significant modifications.
Individuals Seeking Easy DIY Installation
If you’re not particularly handy or simply prefer a hassle-free setup, the Doorbell Plus is an excellent option. Its battery operation means no electrical knowledge is required, and the mounting process typically involves just a few screws. The Ring app guides you through the entire setup, from pairing to customizing settings.
This ease of installation means you can have your new security device operational within minutes of unboxing. It’s perfect for those who want immediate security without the complexities often associated with smart home tech.
Those Prioritizing a Comprehensive View of Their Doorstep
The Head-to-Toe HD+ Video is a game-changer for anyone concerned about package theft or needing a full view of their entryway. If seeing the entire person, from head to feet, and any items on the ground is important to you, this doorbell delivers.
This feature is especially valuable for e-commerce frequenters who receive many deliveries. It ensures you can clearly see who is at your door and what they might be leaving or picking up, providing crucial evidence in case of theft or dispute.
Existing Ring Ecosystem Users
If you already own other Ring devices, such as a Ring Alarm system, Ring cameras, or Ring smart lights, adding the Doorbell Plus is a natural progression. It seamlessly integrates into your existing Ring app, allowing you to manage all your security devices from one centralized platform.
This integration creates a cohesive and more powerful security network, where devices can work together (e.g., your doorbell detecting motion and triggering an indoor camera to record). It simplifies management and provides a unified security experience.
Individuals Seeking Enhanced Motion Detection
If you’ve been frustrated by constant false alerts from older motion sensors or basic doorbell cameras, the Doorbell Plus’s advanced motion detection is a major draw. Its customizable motion zones and person detection technology are designed to minimize irrelevant notifications.
This smart filtering ensures that you only receive alerts for human activity, reducing notification fatigue and making your security system more effective and less intrusive. It’s ideal for those living on busy streets or with active front yards.
Budget-Conscious Buyers Looking for Good Value
While there’s an optional subscription, the initial price point of the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers excellent value for the features it provides. For under $100, you get HD+ video, two-way talk, and robust motion detection in a wireless package. This makes it an accessible entry point into smart home security for many.
When considering the cost of professional installation for wired alternatives, the DIY nature of this battery doorbell further enhances its value proposition. It provides powerful security features without breaking the bank upfront.
In summary, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing ease of installation, comprehensive video coverage, and smart, reliable motion detection. It particularly shines for renters, homes without existing wiring, and those already part of the Ring ecosystem.
FAQ about Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, providing clear and concise answers to common concerns and inquiries.
Q1: What is the typical battery life of the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus?
The battery life of the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus varies significantly depending on usage, motion detection frequency, and local weather conditions. On average, users can expect the quick-release battery pack to last between two to four weeks on a single charge.
In high-traffic areas or with frequent Live View usage, the battery may deplete faster. Conversely, in quieter environments with optimized motion settings, it could last even longer. Ring recommends checking the battery status in the app regularly to avoid unexpected downtime.
Q2: Does the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus require a subscription?
No, a subscription is not strictly required for the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus to function. You can still receive motion alerts, view live video, and use the Two-Way Talk feature without a Ring Protect Plan.
However, to access video recordings of past events, person-only alerts, rich notifications, and to save or share clips, a Ring Protect Plan subscription is necessary. This subscription significantly enhances the doorbell’s utility and is highly recommended for a complete security experience.
Q3: How does Head-to-Toe HD+ Video benefit me?
Head-to-Toe HD+ Video provides an expanded 1536p HD+ vertical field of view, which is a major advantage. This means you can see a person from head to toe, ensuring you don’t miss crucial details like facial features or clothing.
More importantly, it allows you to clearly see packages left directly on your doorstep. This is invaluable for monitoring deliveries and preventing package theft, as you get a complete picture of who is at your door and what they are doing.
Q4: Is the installation of the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus difficult?
The installation of the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is designed to be very easy and user-friendly, making it suitable for DIY installation. Since it’s battery-powered, there’s no need for complex wiring or electrical knowledge.
The process typically involves charging the battery, mounting the doorbell to your wall with the included screws, and connecting it to your home Wi-Fi network via the Ring app. The app provides step-by-step instructions, making the setup process quick and straightforward for most users.
Q5: Can I connect the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus to other smart home devices?
Yes, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus integrates seamlessly with other Ring devices, such as Ring Alarm, Ring cameras, and Ring smart lights, all managed through the same Ring app. This allows for a unified security ecosystem.
It also works with select third-party smart home platforms, most notably Amazon Alexa. You can receive announcements on Echo devices when someone rings the doorbell or motion is detected, and even view the live feed on compatible Echo Show devices, enhancing its smart home capabilities.
Q6: What is the main difference between this and other Ring battery doorbells?
The primary distinguishing feature of the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus compared to other Ring battery-powered models (like the original Ring Video Doorbell 2nd Gen) is its Head-to-Toe HD+ Video. This offers a significantly wider vertical field of view and higher 1536p resolution.
This enhanced perspective is crucial for seeing packages on the ground and getting a more complete view of visitors. While other models offer good horizontal views, the ‘Plus’ model excels in capturing the full vertical context of your entryway.
Q7: How does the motion detection work, and can I customize it?
The motion detection on the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus uses advanced infrared sensors and video analysis. It’s highly customizable through the Ring app. You can define specific motion zones, drawing shapes on your camera’s view to focus on particular areas, like your pathway or porch, and exclude busy streets.
Additionally, it features person detection, which uses AI to distinguish human shapes from other moving objects, significantly reducing false alerts from pets, cars, or swaying trees. You can also adjust motion sensitivity and frequency of alerts to suit your environment.
Q8: Does the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus have night vision?
Yes, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is equipped with infrared night vision. This feature automatically activates in low-light conditions or complete darkness, allowing the camera to capture clear black-and-white video footage.
This ensures that your property remains monitored and secure 24/7, providing essential visibility and recording capabilities even during the darkest hours. The night vision quality is generally good enough to identify individuals and activity.
Final Verdict
After a thorough examination of its features, performance, and user experience, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus emerges as an outstanding choice for modern home security. Its blend of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design makes it a highly compelling option for a wide range of consumers.
The standout Head-to-Toe HD+ Video is a genuine game-changer, providing a level of visual context that many competitors, and even previous Ring models, simply cannot match. This ensures that you’re always aware of everything happening at your doorstep, from visitors to package deliveries, significantly boosting your peace of mind.
The ease of wireless installation is another major highlight. For renters, homeowners without existing wiring, or anyone who prefers a DIY approach, the battery-powered design removes significant barriers. You can have this powerful security device up and running in minutes, without the need for professional help or complex electrical work.
Furthermore, the intelligent motion detection, complete with customizable zones and person detection, is highly effective at minimizing false alerts. This means fewer unnecessary notifications and more focus on what truly matters, making your security system more efficient and less intrusive in your daily life.
While the reliance on a Ring Protect Plan for video recording storage is a consideration, the value provided by the subscription (cloud storage, advanced alerts) is justifiable for many users seeking comprehensive protection. The occasional battery recharging downtime is a minor inconvenience that can be mitigated with a spare battery.
In conclusion, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus delivers exceptional value for its price. It offers a robust set of features, superior video quality, and unparalleled ease of installation, making it an excellent investment for enhancing your home security. Whether you’re starting your smart home journey or expanding an existing Ring ecosystem, this doorbell is an impressive addition.