Ring vs. Ring Plus: Which One Reigns Supreme?

What’s in a Name?

Many home security providers such as SimpliSafe, ADT, and even Vivint typically provide just one type of video doorbell. However, Ring stands out with an impressive lineup of eight different models. Given their pioneering role in the field of video doorbells, perhaps it isn’t shocking for them to lead in variety too. Today, we’ll pit two top-tier products from their range against each other: the standard Ring Video Doorbell versus the Ring Plus model. At first glance, these titles might seem confusingly alike. Indeed, distinguishing among various Ring doorbells can prove tricky. Before diving into our head-to-head analysis, let us clarify how Ring categorizes its product line-up. The brand divides its offerings across three distinct levels based on specific designations indicated through suffixes—or absence thereof—on the models' names.

• The Ring is the basic model of the doorbell.
• The Ring Plus falls into the middle-range category.
• The Ring Pro serves as the top-tier model.

You should be aware that both versions come with options for either wired or battery-operated models. Rest assured, there isn’t much discrepancy in their features whether they’re wired or powered by batteries, and whenever necessary, we’ll inform you accordingly. For simplicity, let’s refer to the model without suffixes as the Ring and add “Ring Plus” for the second variant. With this clarified—let’s move forward!

Ring Versus Ring Plus: Key Points

Summarizing these two gadgets is quite straightforward. Naturally, the Ring Plus offers additional functionalities compared to the basic Ring model, though at a higher cost. Seems clear-cut, correct? However, this brief overview fails to provide complete insight. What specific extras does the Ring Plus bring to the table? Is the added value sufficient to warrant the premium pricing? Conversely, what essential elements might be absent from the standard Ring version? While opting for the cheaper alternative may seem appealing due to budget constraints, one must consider whether it provides adequate security. To fully address your queries, let’s delve into some specifics here. [Tips: By the way, do not get misled; the Ring Plus Video Doorbell used to go by another moniker – the Ring Pro Video Doorbell. This change occurred after the firm introduced their latest product dubbed 'Ring Pro'.]

[expert_examined title="Expert Examined" author_name="Joshua Lee, Active-duty Police Sergeant" author_img_id="50948"] "In my role as a law enforcer, I anticipate encountering doorstep surveillance recordings during nearly all our response calls nowadays. These devices have become ubiquitous enough that I advise responding officers to immediately search nearby areas for such recording systems. Often, they manage to locate footage involving the suspected individual. Personally, witnessing numerous instances where potential criminals approach an entryway, notice the doorbell cam, hesitate, and depart without incident has been commonplace. Such cameras serve effectively as straightforward crime deterrents." Learn more about Joshua Lee →[/expert_examined]

Ring versus Ring Plus: Features and Comparisons

While the Ring and the Ring Plus are different tiers of video doorbells, they’re both still manufactured by Ring, so they do have a number of similarities. No matter which Ring tier you choose, you can be sure you’re getting all of these features.

• Reliability: From the moment we held them, it was clear that both the Ring and the Ring Plus are robust and dependable gadgets. High-quality home security gear tends to have a particular solidity. Our assessments confirmed this first impression. We encountered no malfunctions, and they managed to withstand several intense thunderstorms in the region as well.
• Choice of Models: These cameras were available in two versions: wired and wireless. We understand—more decisions to be made! However, this provides additional flexibility as you choose what suits your needs best. For example, installing a video doorbell might not be practical without pre-existing wiring.
• DIY Installation: When discussing wiring, both of these video doorbells simplify the setup process considerably. For those opting for a wireless option, installing them involves nothing more than tightening a few screws. Although their wired counterparts necessitate connecting some wires, the Ring app offers clear, step-by-step guidance, making confusion unlikely. It took us around 40 minutes to install the wired Ring Plus model. While this isn’t particularly speedy, it did leave ample time for watching several March Madness games. .

[caption id="attachment_19124" align="aligncenter" width="290"] Ring Doorbell Setup [/caption]

• Motion Detection: Almost every camera relies on motion detection for triggering alerts and video recordings. The key factor lies in the sophistication of this feature. Both the Ring and the Ring Plus come with adjustable sensitivity levels and customizable detection areas. Our neighbor's cat often naps on our porch, yet we managed to minimize false alarms significantly using these options.
• App-integrated: Once more, the majority of video doorbells available today function via an accompanying application. The key consideration here is the effectiveness and user-friendliness of this app. When discussing the Ring app—which manages both Ring and Ring Plus models—the feedback has been quite positive across both criteria. This app allows you to activate or deactivate your camera, receive notifications, and review recordings effortlessly. Additionally, its design ensures ease of use; executing tasks feels like just pressing a button. As an extra benefit, the app supports both Android and iOS platforms.

[tip type="did-you-know"]You can view videos from your doorbell anytime, anywhere, provided you have cellular service. We've observed package deliveries right from our phone even when we were hundreds of miles away on vacation.[/tip]

• High-Quality Video: These two gadgets not only share similarities in their fundamental functioning, they also deliver top-notch video quality. While there are cameras available that boast even greater resolutions, the 1080p HD provided by both the Ring and the Ring Plus offers exceptionally clear visuals which should be more than sufficient for most needs.

[caption id="attachment_19124" align="aligncenter" width="439"] Ring Doorbell Motion Detection [/caption]

• Field of View: Similarly, both cameras offer a broad field-of-view ensuring that you won’t overlook any possible dangers. While they have minor distinctions, their capabilities are quite comparable. Each camera boasts a viewing angle ranging from approximately 150 to 160 degrees. Without encountering a rotating video doorbell, achieving significantly wider views seems unlikely.
• Night Vision: Outdoor video doorbells should be installed on the exterior of your house. Obviously, correct? This implies that having reliable night vision functionality is essential. Both the Ring and the Ring Plus meet this requirement effectively. No matter if you aim to spot late-night package thieves or greet visitors during an evening gathering, these video doorbells offer nighttime visuals nearly as clear as those captured during daylight hours.
• Two-Way Communication: A further resemblance between Ring and Ring Plus lies in their bidirectional communication abilities. The two-way communication of Ring—referred to as two-way talking—enabled us to converse with individuals standing at our doorstep solely through our smartphones. Frankly speaking, many contemporary doorbell cameras come equipped with this functionality; nonetheless, we continue to regard it highly for allowing us to instruct delivery personnel about the precise spot they should place our packages.
• No Local Recording: Most cameras available today offer the capability to stream live video, which is undoubtedly a crucial function. However, should you manage to spot a burglar in action, having recorded evidence to provide to law enforcement would be essential. Both of these particular models—specifically all Ring cameras—come equipped with recording capabilities. Storing this footage in the cloud necessitates a monthly fee, although such costs are generally modest. Additionally, numerous cameras on the market incorporate local storage alternatives as well. Lorex charges There are never any monthly fees, but you can record as much as you desire.
• Reasonably Priced Yes, the Ring doorbell is more affordable compared to the Ring Plus, particularly if you opt for the wired variant. However, what truly matters is that both versions of the doorbells come at reasonable price points regardless of which one you choose. Given today’s necessity for home security to safeguard your loved ones, we value how Ring maintains lower costs for such essential gadgets. Additionally, purchasing a monitoring service isn’t required; thus, if self-monitoring suits you just fine, you can acquire a doorbell without facing additional expenses later on.

[Tips type="did-you-know"] Ring provides a subscription service costing just $3.99 monthly. With this plan, customers can store videos for up to 180 days along with having access to features like capturing images, downloading footage, and sharing videos.[/Tips] [Expert_Examined Title="Expert Examined" Author_Name="Joshua Lee, On-Active Duty Police Sergeant" Author_Img_Id="50948"] "During one incident I attended, we encountered an unidentified man dressed in dark clothing attempting to approach several houses before leaving the scene. Upon stopping him, we found break-in equipment inside his bag. Later, he confessed that he intended to find a suitable house to rob; however, he hadn’t anticipated seeing so many surveillance systems installed," [/Expert_Examined] [Caption Id="Attachment_19124" Align="AlignCenter" Width="633"] Ring Doorbell Pro [/caption]

Differences Between Ring and Ring Plus

If both of these gadgets functioned identically, you would always choose the Ring due to its lower price. However, the truth is that the Ring Plus has a higher cost but includes additional features. Below is a brief comparison highlighting the main distinctions between these two products.

• Size There is merit in having conspicuous home security gear. Such equipment signals to possible intruders that you prioritize your loved ones' protection. Conversely, an oversized video doorbell can mar the aesthetic appeal of your residence. For those leaning towards making a bold statement about their home security setup, the Ring Video Doorbell would be fitting. However, ultimately, the dimensions do not affect the functionality of these gadgets.
• Lighting The Ring Video Doorbell provides color night vision, ensuring clear recordings even after dark at your entrance. Nevertheless, the Ring Plus comes with integrated LED lights which result in better quality images during nighttime. We must mention as well that Ring provides additional options including the Ring Spotlight Cam and Ring Floodlight Cam review These two cameras not only offer sharp imagery but also have the capability to deter potential intruders.
• Motion Sensor Based on the specifications for Ring cameras, both models utilize an identical fundamental motion detection technology known as Advanced Motion Detection with Customizable Motion Zones. During our testing phase, we discovered that the Plus variant demonstrated greater reliability. Similarly, our investigation revealed several reports indicating issues with the Ring Video Doorbell experiencing delays and sometimes not detecting movement at all.
• Alerts You might notice a trend – Ring Plus offers slightly superior features compared to the standard Ring Doorbell. This holds true for notifications as well. With the Ring Doorbell, you receive immediate alerts allowing you to view live streams or recorded videos if you subscribe to a monitoring service or use cloud storage. However, Ring Plus goes beyond simple alerts; they allow personalization so you understand exactly what you're about to see once you access the video feed. Upon receiving our anticipated delivery from Amazon, the notification clearly indicated this fact. While such customization isn't essential, it certainly adds convenience.
• Cost Here’s a category where the standard Ring Video Doorbell excels; it costs approximately $100 less than the Ring Plus. As they say, you often get what you pay for. However, evaluating cost doesn't just involve looking at prices alone—it's also crucial to assess the value each option provides. In conclusion, both versions of these Ring doorbells come with an array of features relative to their respective prices. Therefore, the key considerations should be which specific features will best suit your needs and how much you're willing to allocate from your home security budget.

[tip type="expert-advice"] By setting up customized alerts, you have the ability to fine-tune the notifications delivered directly to your smartphone. Nonetheless, each of the Ring devices provides an option to turn off these notifications entirely.[/tip] Ring Video Doorbell [/caption]

Ring versus Ring Plus: Expense Comparison

Almost invariably, you receive what you invest in. Given that one camera is pricier than the other, a practical approach to compare them would be discussing precisely what each offers for their respective cost. It's worth mentioning though, that various models of these doorbells exist, and pricing might vary depending on the exact model selected. To illustrate, the Ring Video Doorbell has a corded variant available for as low as $49.99. Opting instead for the wireless edition will add another $50 - $99.99 onto the price tag. In contrast, both the wired and wireless editions of the Video Doorbell Plus carry a fixed price point of $149.9. So, does this higher price bring added value?

• A slimmer profile
• Sharper color night vision
• A selection of faceplate patterns
• Dual-band Wi-Fi for quicker streaming

When budget considerations come into play, simply looking at the sticker price isn't enough. The chosen monitoring service will also impact overall costs. Self-monitoring comes with zero extra fees; you'll receive immediate notifications enabling you to review real-time feeds and react accordingly. However, if you wish to store recordings—perhaps for evidence purposes like sharing them with law enforcement—you must subscribe to a Ring Protect plan. This starts at $4.99 per month for one camera or $10 monthly for several cameras. We suggest opting for continuous professional surveillance services. These ensure constant vigilance over your property without requiring personal oversight. Such coverage through Ring typically runs about $20 each month but drops slightly to $18 annually upfront. It’s important to remember that regardless of which Ring doorbell model you select, these ongoing charges apply. Consequently, they might influence your decision between various options. Here below are updated figures reflecting current rates across Ring’s range of products, encompassing both standalone units and packages such as Ring Plus: For those seeking deeper insights, refer to our comprehensive Ring Doorbell pricing overview where details regarding energy sources used by individual models are outlined alongside promotional deals available - all data points detailed within.

Ring Video Doorbell Breakdown

Model	Retail Price
Video Doorbell Wired	$49.99
Video Doorbell Wireless	$99.99
Video Doorbell Plus Wired	$149.99
Video Doorbell Plus Wireless	$149.99

One major plus of Ring and Ring Plus video doorbells is their straightforward DIY setup process. These devices are quite simple to set up, particularly when using the battery-powered version. Additionally, this means you won’t have to incur expenses hiring someone else to do it for you. This represents an important benefit of contemporary self-installation security solutions; they remain budget-friendly due to avoiding professional installation fees. [Tips] If identifying visitors at your doorstep is what interests you, take note that Ring isn't capable of recognizing faces. However, some competitors offer this feature. Check out our comparison guide for more details. Google Nest Doorbell review And discover how Familiar Face Alerts function and how they enhance doorbell notifications. It’s quite impressive.[/tips]

How They Work

Ring video doorbells serve as valuable assets within your security setup. However, remember that these devices alone cannot constitute a comprehensive home security solution. Their scope extends merely to surveillance of your entrance area. This focus on the main entry point holds significant importance. Nonetheless, such units lack the capability to detect unauthorized access through windows elsewhere in your dwelling or attempts to check unsecured rear doors. Furthermore, standalone Ring video doorbells keep tabs solely on your doorway without taking proactive measures against detected threats. While they alert you upon identifying unusual behavior, responding appropriately remains entirely your responsibility. You must manually stream real-time visuals, analyze circumstances, and determine subsequent actions accordingly. Investing in cloud-based archiving allows viewing recorded clips. Alternatively, opting for round-the-clock professional oversight costs approximately $20 monthly. All models of Ring doorbell cameras operate similarly. Our assessments indicate that relying exclusively on a single Ring doorbell may fall short when safeguarding an entire residence. We suggest considering Ring’s broader protection options like the Ring Alarm and Ring Alarm Plus which incorporate sensor-aided safeguards along with compatible cameras. These integrated solutions offer optional professional supervision unavailable with individual doorbells or stand-alone cameras. [tips type="fyi"] The Ring Alarm serves as a user-friendly residential safety package tailored according to various household dimensions. For modest homes, anticipate spending roughly $200 for apparatus installation fees, whereas extensive residences could require over $500 yet still represent a reasonably priced choice overall. Additionally, Ring Doorbells effortlessly synchronize with this framework. Further details regarding their integration can be explored separately. Here are Ring's plans and packages .[/tips]

Do Your Homework

When safeguarding your residence and staying well-informed, always aim for excellence. Therefore, maintain precise objectives regarding what you expect from your security system. With numerous choices available, each boasting various functionalities, take care to properly install and configure your setup to prevent unnecessary malfunctions.

Is It Worth Spending Money on Video Doorbells?

A top-notch video doorbell is essential for any comprehensive home security setup. Simply being aware of who’s at your doorstep significantly enhances safety. Most intruders typically access homes through the main entrance. While adding cameras to cover your backyard and sides might be beneficial, they're optional—provided you can manage the cost. Prioritizing a video doorbell would make more practical sense. In reality, such devices not only discourage break-ins but also help monitor deliveries placed on your porch until you return. These gadgets effectively stop people from lingering around your property uninvited. Moreover, they offer additional assistance when dealing with trespassers. To sum up, integrating a video doorbell into your home improves overall security, either independently or alongside existing systems. Given their ease of installation and intuitive design, Ring products provide reliable options. With this information, selecting between the two recommended Ring models will likely become easier for you.

Ring Doorbell versus Ring Plus: Which One Comes Out On Top?

We suggest opting for the Ring Plus because it boasts superior field-of-view capabilities, includes a straightforward wired connection for enhanced reliability during operation, and provides improved night vision thanks to integrated LED lights. All these advanced features come packaged in a compact design. While it costs $50 more than the standard Ring Doorbell, those additional benefits make it well worth the extra investment if your budget allows. However, we recognize financial constraints; hence, both the $99.99 Wired Ring Video Doorbell and the $49.00 basic model remain solid choices. Even without all the bells and whistles, having some form of video doorbell will serve you better than none at all. Our experience using the second-generation Ring has been largely trouble-free, making it another viable alternative to consider. Additionally, Ring backs up its product line with a generous 30-day return policy, which helps alleviate buyer anxiety by enabling customers to select the most suitable doorbell camera based on personal preference and needs. Should you desire added functionalities beyond what the mentioned models offer, peruse through our comprehensive review list for further options tailored specifically towards enhancing security monitoring within homes. best doorbell cameras on the market.

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