Ring Video Doorbell’s Chime alerts you to visitors the old-fashioned way

By Krystle Vermes May 13, 2015

ring video doorbell adds chime to alert you visitors — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tired of getting off the couch to see who’s visiting you when the doorbell rings? That’s the beauty of a video doorbell: You can find out who’s on the stoop before you leave the comfort of the cushion. The Ring Video Doorbell lets you see who’s at the front door with your smartphone and its camera. But there’s just one problem: The Ring doesn’t actually sound like a doorbell. Instead, it relies purely on your smartphone to alert you to visitors.

This June, the company will release Chime to complement the Ring Video Doorbell. Chime is a speaker designed to make a sound when you have a visitor, even when your phone is in another room. All it needs is a connection to your Wi-Fi network and an outlet. Taking a nap? You can disable it whenever you prefer not to be disturbed.

Recommended Videos

With a wide-angle HD camera, the Ring Video Doorbell gives you a clear view of the person standing at your door. It also has motion-detecting sensors to trigger mobile alerts whenever anyone is near the device. Two-way speakers and a built-in microphone allow you to chat with anyone at the door without having to stop what you’re doing.

However, the true benefit of this little device may be the extra security it provides to homeowners. Even when you’re away from your house, you can access the Ring Video Doorbell and its video stream through the app. If you really want to see what’s going on while you’re out, the Cloud Recording feature lets you film your surroundings when the motion sensors detect activity. Afterward, you can instantly review the footage or share it with others.

With an order of a Ring Video Doorbell (which starts at $199), you can preorder Chime for a discounted price of $20. At the moment, the device’s Cloud Recording service is free, but it will increase to $3 per month or $30 per year beginning June 2015.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Krystle Vermes is a professional writer, blogger and podcaster with a background in both online and print journalism. Her…

Smart Home

Ring Video Doorbell buying guide: Which is best for you?

Ring Video Doorbell Wired

Ring makes some of the best video doorbells, and it's not uncommon to see many of the company's products during a quick stroll through your neighborhood. The company has come a long way over the past few years, and its catalog is now bursting with video doorbells for you to choose from. Along with traditional wired models, there's also a robust selection of battery-powered models -- some of which are rated to last well beyond six months before needing a recharge.

But which Ring Video Doorbell is best for you? From powerful, security-first devices to those with easy installation processes, here's a look at the best Ring Video Doorbells.

Smart Home

How to install a Ring Video Doorbell at your home or office

A Ring Video Doorbell 4 mounted near a home's front door.

One of the main reasons Ring Video Doorbells are so popular is their simple installation process. Installing the wired models requires a bit of DIY know-how, but getting its battery-powered models up and running doesn't require much more than a screwdriver and your smartphone. In fact, there's a good chance you can have your Ring Video Doorbell out of its box and onto your porch in less than 30 minutes.

The installation steps vary from product to product, though most walk you through the process via the accompanying mobile app. But if you're curious about the process, here's a look at how to install a Ring Video Doorbell. This guide largely relates to the Ring Video Doorbell 2, though you'll find that most products in the Ring catalog follow a similar procedure.
Prep
There are three things you need to get out of the way before installing your new doorbell.

Smart Home

Do you need a subscription for a Ring doorbell or camera?

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

Anyone shopping for a DIY home security system has probably stumbled upon Ring. The company has an ever-growing lineup of cameras and video doorbells that are consistently ranked among the best available -- and since they're easy to set up and offer tons of functionality, it's no surprise they're so popular.

One thing to keep in mind when looking at Ring products is that you'll be on the hook for more than just the sticker price. Ring offers a monthly subscription service known as Ring Protect. Many of the best features for its cameras and video doorbells are locked behind this subscription plan, meaning owners who don't sign up will be missing out on important functionality.