What is the Ring Video Doorbell? A Complete Breakdown

The Ring doorbell camera pioneered the video doorbell category in 2013. Its wifi-enabled system transforms a standard house doorbell into an advanced smart home security device. Ring offers real-time video monitoring, two-way talk, customizable motion alerts and cloud storage. Here‘s a detailed overview of Ring doorbells‘ key features, performance, costs and comparisons in 2024.

How Ring Doorbells Work

Ring devices install over your existing doorbell in minutes. They connect via wifi to enable remote access from your smartphone, tablet and PC. When someone presses the button or triggers the motion sensor, the Ring sends a phone notification. You can then initiate a video call with the visitor or use pre-recorded quick responses. If you miss an event, the video recording gets stored in the cloud.

Diagram showing how the key components of a Ring doorbell camera work together

Ring captures video in 1080p HD quality with infrared night vision. Its wide 150° field of view covers most door areas without blind spots. Live view and recorded clips are accessible remotely through the Ring app (iOS, Android) or web dashboard.

Advanced integration with smart speakers like Alexa and services like IFTTT allows automated actions like flashing lights when the doorbell rings. Overall, Rings blend security, convenience and smart home connectivity.

Ring Video Doorbell Features

Here are the notable features that make Ring doorbell cameras useful:

Video

• 1080p HD live streaming
• Infrared night vision
• 150° wide field of view
• 8x digital zoom

Audio

• HD two-way talk
• Adjustable microphone & speaker

Alerts

• Customizable motion zones
• Doorbell press notifications
• Phone call alerts

Smart functionality

• Connects with Alexa, Echo Show, Google Home
• IFTTT integration for automations
• Works offline too

Power

• Hardwired models
• Removable rechargeable battery models
• Solar panel charging accessory

How Good Are Ring Doorbell Cameras?

Ring stands out for giving DIY homeowners an easy entry into video monitoring at relatively affordable pricing. Independent testing shows excellent high-def video quality and motion detection capabilities.

According to JD Power‘s 2022 Smart Doorbell Satisfaction Study, Ring ranks #1 in overall customer satisfaction. It performs consistently well in criteria like doorbell reliability, smart features, video quality and value.

Ring scored 897 out of 1000 points – 43 points above the category average. 65% of surveyed Ring owners considered themselves "delighted" versus an average of 48%. This demonstrates strongconsumer happiness despite cheaper competing models from Google Nest and Arlo.

Ring doorbell earns top satisfaction scores compared to other smart video doorbells (Source)

Reviewers highlight excellent night vision reach, wide field of view, and an easy-to-use mobile interface allowing quick live view check-ins. Two-way talk performs well above cheaper rivals.

Potential downsides are lack of local storage requiring a cloud plan, and questionable partnerships with law enforcement departments for surveillance purposes.

Cost Breakdown: Ring Video Doorbell Models and Prices

Ring offers multiple video doorbell models at different price points. Lower-end models have basic security features while higher-end options add better video quality and smart functionality.

Here is a comparison of the latest Ring doorbells (as of early 2023) with their retail pricing and keyattributes:

As shown, prices range from a basic $65 wired model up to a $350 premium option with multiple cameras suited for businesses. The most popular Ring doorbell sells for around $140.

You can often find these models discounted $30-50 at major retailers like Amazon and BestBuy, especially during seasonal sales events.

Do You Need a Subscription for Ring Doorbells?

A paid subscription plan is not required, but strongly recommended to get the most out of your Ring doorbell.

Without a plan, you only get basic real-time monitoring features:

✔ Live video stream

✔ Motion notifications

✔ 2-way talk

❌ NO video recording

❌ NO video history access

A plan enables cloud storage and smarter security:

✔ 30-60 days video history

✔ Rich notifications with replay

✔ Video sharing

✔ Alarm monitoring

For most homeowners who want access to video evidence in case of incidents, a plan is worth the recurring fee.

How Much Does Ring Video Storage and Monitoring Cost?

If you want access to recorded video history beyond just instant live streaming, Ring offers optional monitoring subscription plans:

Ring Protect Basic:

• $3 per month ($30 per year)
• 60 day video history
• Video sharing

Ring Protect Plus:

• $10 per month ($100 per year)
• 60 day video history
• Video sharing
• Extended warranties

Ring Protect Pro:

• $20 per month ($200 per year)
• 60 day video hsitory
• Professional monitoring
• Alarm system features

For context, that‘s less than 10 cents per day for basic storage and sharing. However, costs add up over years especially if you have multiple cameras. Nest and SimpliSafe offer free tier options albeit less history.

Many homeowners choose the Basic or Plus plan for storing and accessing important video evidence if needed. But advance monitoring capabilities make the highest Pro tier enticing for those wanting maximum home security.

How Many False Alerts Do Ring Cameras Get?

While motion alerts are a core feature, false alerts from irrelevant movement can quickly become a nuisance. Ring uses AI and analytics to cut down on false alerts. Customizable motion zones and sensitivity settings give users more control too.

According to surveys, Ring owners experience a relatively low rate of false notifications compared to brands like Nest. However, where your camera is mounted, surrounding environmental factors and motion settings impact this.

• On average, expect around 3 false notifications per week if tuned properly
• Hard-mounting to a wall rather than overhangs increases accuracy
• Adjusting the motion zone and range settings removes most false alerts
• Avoid pointing at areas with frequently moving objects like trees

user tips to reduce false alerts from their Ring doorbell camera*

How Long Does Ring Video Storage Last?

Ring subscriptions give you access to recorded video history in the cloud for a limited rolling period:

• Ring Basic Plan stores recordings for up to 60 days
• Ring Plus/Pro Plans store recordings for up to 60 days

Keep in mind storage duration is shared by all cameras on your account. Adding more cameras reduces the available history for each.

For archiving important footage beyond 60 days, you need to manually download event clips to your phone or computer. This preserves video evidence like porch theft beyond what Ring deletes from the cloud automatically.

How Good is Ring Doorbell Battery Life?

Ring claims its removable rechargeable batteries last anywhere from 6 to 12 months on average under normal use. This makes hardwired models seem unnecessary for some homeowners.

Expected battery lifespan depends heavily on usage and environmental factors:

• More motion events drains faster (high traffic areas)
• Extreme hot or cold weather reduces lifespan
• More live view check-ins via the app drain faster

Real-world usage times reported by Ring owners varies widely but averages 2-8 months:

• Light usage: lasts 8-12 months
• Moderate usage: lasts 5-8 months
• Heavy usage: lasts 2-4 months

Frequent recharging is inconvenient. Strategically limiting motion alerts and live views can extend time between charges. Overall, Ring batteries deliver reasonable but not exceptional performance.

What Makes Ring Doorbells So Popular?

Between 2016 to 2022, sales of Ring doorbell cameras have grown over 2,500% demonstrating massive consumer appetite. What‘s driving adoption?

Value: Ring cameras cost $100-$350 for a complete security system versus professional installations running $500+.\
Simplicity: Easy DIY setup in under 30 minutes with no wiring hassles or need for hub.\
Smart Features: Integration with Alexa, automation routines and dual-band wifi keeps usage seamless.\
Awareness: Amazon‘s marketing and word-of-mouth referrals gave Ring mass market visibility.

While there are some privacy controversies around Amazon ownership, Ring solved very real problems around affordable, easy-to-use home surveillance. It effectively took a category historically limited to tech enthusiasts and made it accessible to everyday homeowners.

Constant incremental improvements around high-quality video, intelligent motion detection, long battery performance and greater inter-connectivity with other smart devices has also boosted their capabilities and satisfaction ratings.

Conclusion

Ring pioneered the video doorbell category and continues leading as of 2023. Its wire-free DIY setup, 1080p HD video, customizable motion alerts, and integration with popular smart speakers and routers makes security monitoring simple yet powerful.

Subscription plans add costs but unlock the full utility like video history access and professional monitoring.

For most homeowners, Ring presents an easy path to 24/7 front door security. While new competitors like Nest Hello, Arlo, and Logitech offer unique strengths in areas like free storage or local backup, Ring‘s end-to-end solution remains hard to beat.