Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. Guides
  4. Products

Ring Video Doorbell (2020) vs. Ring Video Doorbell Pro

By

Owned by Amazon, Ring produces home security and smart home gadgets, including the Ring Video Doorbell (2020 Release) and Ring Video Doorbell Pro. Both offer the ability to keep an eye on your property, but what differentiates them? We find out which product is best for you in this battle — Ring Video Doorbell vs. Ring Video Doorbell Pro.

Recommended Videos

At a glance

Ring Video Doorbell (2020 Release) Ring Video Doorbell Pro
Design Rectangular, 4.98 inches tall, 2.4 inches wide, and 1.1-inch thick Rectangular, 4.5 inches tall, 1.85 inches wide, and 0.8 inches thick
Features Live video, night vision, advanced motion detection with adjustable motion zones, two-way audio with noise cancellation, Alexa connectivity Live video, night vision, advanced motion detection with customizable motion zones, two-way audio with noise cancellation, Alexa connectivity
Specs 155-degree field of view, 1080p HD video  160-degree field of view, 1080p HD video
Price $100 retail $250 retail
Subscription Starts at $3 per month, highest tier is $10 per month Starts at $3 per month, highest tier is $10 per month
Install Requirements Runs on a rechargeable battery. Can be hardwired to an existing doorbell system or transformer for continuous charging; requires a standard doorbell system or transformer with 8-24 VAC, 40VA max, 50/60Hz. Wiring in requires a standard doorbell system or transformer with 16-24 VAC, 40VA max, 50/60Hz.
DT review n/a 4 out of 5 stars
Related

Design

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Both the Video Doorbell and Video Doorbell Pro are relatively attractive units; neither looks like a conventional doorbell, but rather each offers a minimal high-tech appearance. The standard Video Doorbell is the larger of the two options, coming in at 4.98 by 2.4 by 1.1 inches, while the Video Doorbell Pro offers a slightly slimmer body style at 4.5 by 1.85 by 0.8 inches. Neither unit is unreasonably large, but you will need more space to mount these units than a traditional push-button doorbell of the past.

When it comes to colors, you’ve got options with both the Video Doorbell and Video Doorbell Pro; both come in satin nickel and Venetian bronze, while the Pro offers two additional options — pearl and black. With the Video Doorbell, you’ll need to pick your color of choice up front, but the Video Doorbell Pro can be swapped between colors at any time thanks to its interchangeable faceplate design. Of course, both doorbells feature Ring’s signature blue light-up ring surrounding the doorbell button itself.

Installation

Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2 Back
Alina Bradford / Digital Trends

Depending on your preferred installation method, this may be a make it or break it factor. The Video Doorbell and Video Doorbell Pro can be wired into your home’s existing doorbell system with the following specifications: a maximum 40VA circuit and a 50/60Hz doorbell transformer. The Video Doorbell requires 8-24 VAC when wired, while the more advanced Video Doorbell Pro requires 16-24 VAC.

If the process of wiring in a doorbell sounds like a nightmare, the standard Video Doorbell can be run on a rechargeable battery. The doorbell is rated with normal usage to last between six and twelve months, although you may see shorter periods depending on the amount of motion your camera detects. Once the battery in your Video Doorbell needs a recharge, the Ring companion app on your smartphone will notify you with an alert.

Features and specs

Ring Video Doorbel Pro with Two-way Talk
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With a name such as the Video Doorbell Pro, you imagine this Ring offering would pack many more features than the standard Video Doorbell, but you would be wrong. Despite one model being awarded the Pro moniker, both of Ring’s video doorbell products offer many of the same features. The video cameras on the front of the two units are 1080p HD, with the Video Doorbell providing a 155-degree field of view, and the Pro model providing a slightly greater 160-degree view. Both units also feature a night vision mode when things get dark and advanced motion detection with customizable zones.

If you want to speak with your front door guest or scare off thieves, both the Video Doorbell and Video Doorbell Pro include two-way audio with noise cancellation. Additionally, you won’t need to worry about any nasty weather getting to your new gadgets; they both sport operating conditions of -5-degrees Fahrenheit to 120-degrees Fahrenheit and are rated as water or weather resistant.

Both the Video Doorbell and Video Doorbell Pro also work with Amazon Alexa; and your Echo devices can deliver an alert when someone rings your doorbell. With Echo devices that include a screen, you can even see your visitor without having to walk to the door.

Price and subscription model

Ring Video Doorbell 2nd gen on doorway
Alina Bradford / Digital Trends

The Ring Video Doorbell is listed with an MSRP of $100, while the Video Doorbell Pro is requesting you hand over $250. However, you may be able to find a Video Doorbell Pro on sale when shopping online.

Both the Ring Video Doorbell and Video Doorbell Pro can take advantage of the company’s Ring Protect service. Included with your camera are motion-activated notifications, real-time video, two-way talk, and Lifetime theft protection that will replace your doorbell for no cost if it is stolen. To take advantage of Lifetime theft protection, you will need to report the theft within 15 days of its occurrence.

For either $3 a month or $30 a year, you can add on Ring Protect Basic, which includes additional features like video history for 60 days, the ability to save and share videos, and a feature that captures snapshots throughout the day. You can take it to the next level with Ring Protect Plus for either $10 a month or $100 a year, and add even more perks like 24/7 professional monitoring (if you have a Ring Alarm), as well as an extended warranty for your Ring devices and a 10%-off discount on select products at Ring.com.

Overall winner — Ring Video Doorbell

Ring

We know that it’s odd to see the Pro model take the backseat when it comes to these product comparisons, but we couldn’t find enough of a difference between the Video Doorbell and Video Doorbell Pro to justify the price increase. Additionally, while both doorbell options share a lot of features, the Ring Video Doorbell can be powered via a hardwired installation or a rechargeable battery.

The Video Doorbell Pro is still a winner, so if you want to shell out the extra cash for things like interchangeable faceplates or slimmer overall design, we can’t blame you; it’s still a great purchase.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Michael Archambault
Michael Archambault
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Michael Archambault is a technology writer and digital marketer located in Long Island, New York. For the past decade…
Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In: Which budget security camera is best for you?
The Blink Mini 2 placed on two books.

Blink and Ring are two of the best-known security companies, and they're responsible for many of the best security cameras on the market. The Blink Mini 2 and the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In are popular choices for frugal shoppers, as they carry reasonable price tags, yet offer most of the features you'd expect from a well-rounded camera. But if you only need one, which is right for you -- the Blink Mini 2 or the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
Pricing and monthly fees

The Blink Mini 2 is one of the most affordable security cameras money can buy. It clocks in at just $40, though Blink often slashes its price to just $30. If you'd like to use the camera outside, you can bundle in the Weather Resistant Adapter for a total of $50.  The Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In is more expensive at $100, though with the launch of the Stick Up Cam Pro, it's typically available for $70.

Read more
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Wyze Cam Pan v3: Which is the better pan-tilt camera?
The Pan-Tilt mounted on a wall.

An indoor camera capable of panning and tilting is one of the best ways to improve the security of your home. These devices make it easy to capture all corners of a room with a single device, making them a cost-effective way to keep tabs on a property. The Wyze Cam Pan v3 is one of the cheapest options on the market, but Ring has recently launched its own Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam that's quickly become popular with shoppers.

But is the expensive Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam better than the Wyze Cam Pan v3? Or should you save yourself a few bucks and opt for the cheaper security camera? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more
Google Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen): which is better for your front door?
Ring Video Doorbell 2nd gen on doorway

Take a stroll through any neighborhood, and you're bound to encounter more than a few video doorbells. These nifty devices have grown in popularity over the years, with companies like Ring, Google, Arlo, and Wyze offering their own take on the hardware. But of all the products available today, few are as well-regarded as the Google Nest Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen).

These two devices are easy to install, capture high-quality footage, and bring an added layer of security to your front door. But which of the two is the better purchase -- the Nest Doorbell or the Ring Video Doorbell? Here's a look at both video doorbells to help you decide.
Design

Read more