1. All-new Ring Battery Doorbell — Now with 66% more coverage, Head-to-Toe Video, Live View with Two-Way Talk, and Motion Detection & Alerts (2024 release), Venetian Bronze
The All-new Ring Battery Doorbell 2024 offers easy installation and sharp video quality, but some features require a subscription, and it lacks integration with Google and HomeKit. Comprehensive long-term user reviews are limited.
Key Features
- Video Quality: 1440 x 1440 HD with head-to-toe view.¹ ³ ⁶
- Motion Detection: Advanced with customizable zones.¹ ³ ¹²
- Two-Way Audio: Functional with noise cancellation.¹ ¹²
- Field of View: 150° horizontal and vertical.¹ ¹²
User Experience and Sentiment
- Installation is praised for its simplicity, often described as taking just minutes.
- Video quality is generally sharp, though color night vision is noted as “washed out.”¹
- Motion alerts are instant, but some users report issues with motion detection sensitivity.
- Two-way audio is functional, but not highlighted as a standout feature.¹ ³
Subscription and Integration
- Subscription required for recorded video access and advanced features, which some users find limiting.¹ ³ ⁶
- Alexa integration works well, but lacks support for Google Assistant and HomeKit.¹ ³ ⁶
- App experience is intuitive, with features like live view and customizable quick replies.¹ ³ ⁶
Battery Life and Charging
- Battery life varies significantly, with reports ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months, heavily influenced by settings and environment.¹⁵ ¹⁶
- Cold temperatures and high activity can reduce battery effectiveness.¹⁶
- Charging is straightforward, but no specific data on charging time is provided.¹⁴
How it Compares
- The Arlo Video Doorbell offers higher resolution and a wider field of view, but also requires a subscription.¹
- The Reolink PoE Doorbell is praised for local recording and no subscription fees, though it has integration issues.¹⁹
Bottom Line
The All-new Ring Battery Doorbell 2024 is a solid choice for users seeking easy installation and sharp video quality, but be prepared for subscription costs to access full features. Its lack of integration with Google and HomeKit may be a drawback for some. Long-term reliability data is limited, so consider this if durability is a concern.
https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Video-Doorbell-Wired/dp/B08CKHPP52/
The Ring Video Doorbell Wired offers a budget-friendly option for home security with features like HD video, two-way talk, and motion detection, though it requires a subscription for video storage and lacks compatibility with existing chimes. User reviews highlight its ease of installation and good video quality, but some concerns about privacy and long-term reliability remain unaddressed.
Key Features
- Video Quality: 1080p HD resolution with night vision.¹ ² ³
- Motion Detection: Customizable zones, but requires fine-tuning to avoid false alarms.¹ ⁶
- Two-Way Talk: Clear audio with noise cancellation.² ³
User Sentiment and Experiences
- Users generally find the Ring Video Doorbell Wired to be a great value, appreciating its affordability and functionality.⁹
- Installation is often described as straightforward, though it requires bypassing existing chimes and may need additional purchases like the Ring Chime.² ¹⁶
- Some users report privacy concerns due to Ring’s partnerships with law enforcement, which may deter privacy-conscious buyers.⁸
Installation and Setup
- Installation is typically easy, taking about 15 minutes, but may require additional time if purchasing a Ring Chime.² ¹⁵
- The device is slightly wider than standard trim, which may affect the neatness of installation.¹⁶
- Users recommend consulting an electrician if uncomfortable with electrical work, as the installation involves working with low-voltage wiring.¹⁵
Performance and Reliability
- Video and audio quality are generally praised, though some users note that motion detection can be overly sensitive and may require adjustments.¹ ¹⁴
- Long-term reliability is not extensively covered, but some users report issues with the internal battery and capacitor over time.¹⁸
- The device does not support 5GHz Wi-Fi, which may limit connectivity options for some users.⁹
How it Compares
- Compared to the Lorex 4K Wired Video Doorbell, the Ring offers a lower resolution but integrates well with Amazon Alexa.¹⁹
- The Google Nest Doorbell (wired) offers better smart home integration and free event recording for up to 3 hours, but at a higher price point.¹⁹
Bottom Line
The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable video doorbell with essential features like HD video and two-way talk. Its ease of installation and integration with Alexa make it a convenient option, though potential buyers should consider the need for a subscription for video storage and the lack of compatibility with existing chimes. Privacy concerns and long-term reliability issues should also be weighed before purchase.
3. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus | Head-to-Toe HD+ Video, motion detection & alerts, and Two-Way Talk (2023 release)
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2023 release) offers impressive HD+ video quality and a wide field of view, but its reliance on a subscription for many features and mixed user reviews may be drawbacks. Unfortunately, detailed long-term reliability data is not available.
Key Features
- Video Resolution: 1536p HD+ with color night vision.¹ ² ³
- Field of View: 150 degrees horizontal and vertical, providing a “head-to-toe” view.¹ ² ³
- Battery: Removable and rechargeable, with reports of lasting up to 4.5 months.¹ ⁸
Video Quality and Motion Detection
- The doorbell provides superb video quality, described as vibrant and detailed, though some users noted a slight fisheye effect.¹ ⁴
- Advanced motion detection with customizable zones is available, but some features require a subscription.¹ ² ¹²
- Users have reported delays in recording after motion detection, which could be problematic for capturing quick events.¹⁰
Two-Way Talk and Smart Features
- The device includes two-way audio with noise cancellation, enhancing communication clarity.¹²
- Smart home integration is limited to Amazon Alexa, with no support for Google Assistant or HomeKit.¹ ²
- Many features, such as package detection and advanced motion alerts, require a Ring Protect subscription.¹ ² ⁴
Battery Life and Charging
- Users report battery life exceeding expectations, with some achieving up to 4.5 months on a single charge.¹⁵
- The battery is easy to charge, with a quick-release mechanism for convenience.¹⁴ ¹⁵
Price History Overview
- The price has varied significantly, with the lowest recorded at $99.99 and the highest at $179.99.¹⁶
- Current pricing is at the lower end of this range, reflecting potential market adjustments.¹⁶
How it Compares
- The Blink Video Doorbell offers a lower resolution and lacks advanced alerts, but it is more affordable and has a longer battery life.²⁰
- The Eufy Security E340 provides a similar vibrant image but requires a subscription for some features, similar to the Ring.⁴
Bottom Line
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is a solid choice for those seeking high-quality video and a wide field of view, but be prepared for the subscription costs to unlock its full potential. Its battery life and ease of use are commendable, though the reliance on a subscription for key features may deter some users. Long-term reliability remains uncertain due to limited data.
4. Blink Video Doorbell + 1 Outdoor 4 smart security camera (4th Gen) with Sync Module 2 | Two-year battery life, motion detection, two-way audio, HD video, Works with Alexa
The Blink Video Doorbell + 1 Outdoor 4 smart security camera offers a budget-friendly option with easy setup and reliable alerts, but it faces challenges with connectivity and motion detection reliability. User reviews highlight both positive and negative experiences, and while the product is generally well-received for its price, some performance trade-offs exist.
Key Features
- Resolution: 1080p for both the doorbell and camera.¹ ⁴ ⁵
- Field of View: 135 degrees for the doorbell, 143 degrees for the camera.¹ ⁴ ⁵
- Battery Life: Up to two years, depending on usage.¹ ³ ⁵
User Reviews and Sentiment
- Users appreciate the easy setup and long battery life, with the doorbell installation taking about 5 minutes.¹ ⁴ ⁹
- Connectivity issues are frequently reported, with some users experiencing difficulties syncing devices or maintaining a stable connection.⁹ ¹¹
- Motion detection is a common concern, with reports of inconsistent performance and limited detection range.⁹ ¹¹
Performance Details
- The video quality is generally praised, with good resolution during the day and decent night vision, though it can be fuzzy beyond 20 feet.² ³ ⁵
- The Blink Outdoor 4 camera offers customizable motion sensitivity, but some users find the motion detection unreliable, especially at night.² ⁹
- The Blink Video Doorbell performs expected functions like motion detection and two-way talk but lacks standout features.⁴
Battery Life and Connectivity
- The battery life is a strong point, with claims of up to two years, though some users report needing replacements more frequently in high-traffic areas.¹ ⁹ ¹¹
- Connectivity issues are noted, with some users experiencing delays in live view access and problems with the sync module.⁹ ¹²
Long-term Reliability and Issues
- Long-term reliability is questioned, with reports of cameras going offline and requiring resets.¹¹
- Users express mixed experiences with the Blink app, citing lag and occasional incompatibility with Alexa.⁹ ¹²
Bottom Line
The Blink Video Doorbell + 1 Outdoor 4 smart security camera is a cost-effective choice for basic home security needs, offering easy installation and good video quality. However, potential buyers should be aware of connectivity and motion detection issues, which may affect performance. For those seeking a more robust security solution, exploring other options might be beneficial.
5. Certified Refurbished Blink Video Doorbell | Two-way audio, HD video, motion and chime app alerts and Alexa enabled — wired or wire-free (Black)
The Certified Refurbished Blink Video Doorbell offers a budget-friendly option with features like two-way audio, HD video, and Alexa integration, but it has mixed user reviews and potential issues with motion detection and battery life. Unfortunately, specific price history for the refurbished model is not available, and long-term reliability data is limited.
Key Features
- Resolution: 1080p HD video.¹ ¹⁴
- Audio: Two-way audio confirmed.¹⁴
- Motion Detection: Custom motion zones available, but no person, package, or vehicle detection.¹⁴
- Smart Home Compatibility: Amazon Alexa enabled.¹⁴
User Sentiment and Experience
- Mixed Reviews: Users appreciate the ease of setup and value for money, but some report unreliable motion detection and mandatory subscriptions for full functionality.³
- Motion Detection Issues: Some users experience delays in recording and limited detection range (6-8 feet).³
- Subscription Requirement: Full functionality requires a subscription, which has frustrated many users.¹¹
Battery Life and Installation
- Battery Concerns: Battery life is often shorter than advertised, with reports of needing replacements every 3-6 weeks, even when hardwired.¹⁷
- Installation: The wireless setup is straightforward, but the wired version’s installation process is not well-documented.¹⁶
Refurbished Unit Considerations
- User Feedback: Refurbished units have mixed reviews, with some users experiencing technical issues and lack of customer support.³
- Warranty: Comes with a 90-day limited warranty, but long-term reliability is uncertain.²
How it Compares
- The Arlo 2K Video Doorbell offers higher resolution and wider smart home compatibility but requires a subscription for cloud storage.¹⁹
- The Google Nest Doorbell (2nd gen) provides free smart notifications and better performance but has a lower resolution and limited field of view.¹⁹
Bottom Line
The Certified Refurbished Blink Video Doorbell is a cost-effective choice for basic home monitoring, especially if you prioritize Alexa integration and ease of setup. However, potential buyers should be aware of the subscription requirements for full functionality and the mixed user reviews regarding motion detection and battery life. If long-term reliability and comprehensive security features are priorities, exploring other options might be beneficial.