Home Security

How to Choose the Best Video Doorbell for Your Home

By Ring on June 14, 2024

If you’ve been on the hunt for a video doorbell, you know that there are a lot of options out there. One of them is the perfect fit — and we’re here to help you find it.

These simple steps can help narrow down your search and reveal which Ring doorbell is the best for your situation:

1. Consider Your Lifestyle

Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, a video doorbell is a wise investment. But if your lease or homeowner’s association doesn’t allow modifications, you’ll need a non-invasive option, like a Ring Peephole Cam or a battery-powered Video Doorbell with a No-Drill Mount.

Once you know which options will work for your current home, think about how you’ll use your video doorbell. If you get frequent deliveries, for example, look for a doorbell with Package Alerts and enroll in Ring Protect, sold separately. Instead of wondering if the latest motion notification was a delivery driver, you’ll get one saying your package arrived.¹ If you travel often, you may want even more advanced features, like Alexa Greetings (requires a Ring Protect subscription, sold separately), Head-to-Toe Video, and Birds-Eye View, so you can automatically answer the door and get a complete view when you check in.

2. Set Your Budget

Before you start comparing Ring video doorbells and their features, decide how much you’re willing to spend. You can find dependable wired and wireless options for well under $100, but models with more advanced features will cost a little extra. Once you set a budget, you can find doorbells in your price range and decide which features you want.

3. Pick Your Preferred Wiring

Video doorbells come in wired and wireless forms. Here’s how to choose between the two:

When to Choose Wired vs. Wireless Video Doorbells

If you already have a traditional wired doorbell and chime at home, replacing it with a wired video doorbell makes the most sense. You can use the existing wiring to connect your upgraded device, and the chime will still sound inside if someone presses the button.

If your home doesn’t have an existing doorbell or wiring, choose a battery-powered video doorbell. While your device alone won’t make a sound indoors if someone comes by, you can connect it to a plug-in Chime, so it works just like a regular doorbell.

Wired Doorbells	Wireless Doorbells
Require wiring	Run on batteries
Can connect to an existing chime	Require a Chime to make sound indoors
Adhere with mounting screws	Can use screws or non-invasive mounting
DIY-friendly with wires involved	Simplest DIY install
Best for homeowners with existing wired doorbells	Best for rentals and homes without wiring

4. Compare Video Doorbell Features

Image of someone looking at video doorbell footage on their phone

If you can think of a feature you’d want for your video doorbell, at least one option from Ring has it. Here are some things to look for when comparing Ring video doorbells:

Resolution: Every Ring video doorbell provides HD footage with at least 1080p video quality. Some options even have HD+ 1536p resolution for a crystal clear picture.

Power source: Most Ring doorbells use a hardwired connection or rechargeable battery pack — and some models even allow for both. Video Doorbell Elite uses Power over Ethernet for the most reliable connection, making it perfect for business settings.

Video storage: With a Ring Protect subscription, sold separately, you can access past video recordings from any Ring doorbell on the Ring App.² If you have a Ring Protect Pro subscription, a MicroSD card, and a Ring Alarm Pro, all sold separately, you can also store doorbell footage locally.

Live View: From Video Doorbell Wired to Battery Doorbell Pro, all Ring doorbells offer a real-time look at what’s happening from the Ring App.

Two-Way Talk: You can use Two-Way Talk with any Ring doorbell to speak with visitors when you’re away. Wired Doorbell Pro and Battery Doorbell Pro also have Audio+, which provides a clearer sound and reduces background noise.

Field of View: Any Ring video doorbell will let you see who’s at the door, but some models have a larger field of view with Head-to-Toe video. For an even more in-depth view of the path a visitor took around your property, look for a Ring doorbell with Bird’s Eye View, which maps out an aerial view of your property.

Motion Detection: No matter which doorbell you choose, you’ll get alerts on your phone if motion is detected. If you want to customize the areas where motion is detected and reduce false alerts, consider a Wired Doorbell Pro or Battery Doorbell Pro, which use 3D Motion Detection for improved accuracy.

Night Vision: All Ring doorbells work day and night to show you what’s happening at your front door. Certain models have Color Night Vision, which can improve video clarity when it’s dark.

Aesthetics: Ring has a variety of sleek video doorbells to match your home’s vibe. If you want to customize your doorbell’s look, consider an option with interchangeable faceplates. You’ll be able to swap out the classic satin nickel for something more bold or festive.

Quick Replies: If you’re not available to answer the door, your device can play an automated message for visitors. The Quick Replies feature is available on every Ring doorbell, so renters and homeowners alike can enjoy the convenience of a built-in answering machine.

Motion Warning: For an added layer of security, select Ring doorbells can give a Motion Warning after activity is detected. Visitors will hear an automated message stating they’re on camera.

Need Help Finding the Best Ring Doorbell for Your Situation?

If you’re having a hard time choosing a video doorbell from your top picks, check out our Ring video doorbell comparison to see which option checks all your boxes, or take a quick quiz to see what we recommend.

¹ Package Alerts work best with medium-to-large shipping boxes. Envelopes, tubes, small boxes, and food deliveries may not be detected. Make sure you have Motion Detection enabled in the Ring App.