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With security for houses becoming a priority, smart doorbells such as the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro are now common in homes. Ring has established itself in the video doorbell market for years, previously introducing the Battery Doorbell Plus and most recently the Battery Doorbell Pro. This review looks into how the Pro version distinguishes itself from the Plus and if it’s the perfect choice for homeowners wanting to improve their home defense.
Now, let’s look at the features, the installation process, and the performance to help you decide if the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is the right choice for you.
Key Features of the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is packed with several advanced features, making it a top contender for homeowners looking for both convenience and security. Here are the standout features that make this model unique:
- 1536p HD Video Resolution
- The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro records in 1536 x 1536 pixel resolution, providing high-definition video with more clarity and detail compared to many standard video doorbells.
- This resolution ensures that you can clearly identify visitors, whether they’re near the door or standing farther away.
- Pre-Roll Feature
- A feature exclusive to the Pro version (and introduced with Ring’s Doorbell 4), the pre-roll captures 4 seconds of low-resolution footage before motion is detected. This is particularly useful for capturing events that occur just before the camera detects motion, such as a delivery or a person approaching the door.
- Wide Field of View
- The doorbell boasts a 150° horizontal and 150° vertical field of view, ensuring you can capture both the floor (ideal for package detection) and the person’s head, even if they are standing right next to the door.
- The wide view is designed to cover the full front porch area, giving you a comprehensive look at visitors and deliveries.
- Low-Light Vision
- One of the newest features in the Ring ecosystem, low-light vision enables the Battery Doorbell Pro to capture full-color video even in low-light conditions, which is a significant upgrade compared to previous Ring models that would switch to infrared night vision.
- This allows for clearer video during dusk or in areas with porch lights.
- Wi-Fi Dual-Band Support
- Unlike the Battery Doorbell Plus, which only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, the Pro version can connect to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. This provides better flexibility, especially for those with modern routers and faster internet speeds.
- Quick Replies
- The Pro version comes with the Quick Replies feature, similar to the Battery Doorbell Plus. This allows you to pre-record messages that are automatically played when someone presses the doorbell, so you can communicate with visitors without having to answer in real time.
- Integration with Alexa
- Just like other Ring devices, the Battery Doorbell Pro integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa. This allows you to use voice commands to interact with the doorbell, receive alerts, and even have Alexa announce when someone is at the door.
What’s Inside the Box?
When you open the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro box, here’s what you’ll find:
- The Doorbell Unit: The main device, which includes the camera, motion sensors, and doorbell button.
- Battery Pack: The rechargeable battery pack that powers the device. This is the same as older Ring models and uses a micro USB port for charging.
- Torx Driver: A specialized tool needed for securing the doorbell to its mount.
- Chime Kit: If you choose to wire the doorbell into your existing chime, this kit includes all the necessary components.
- Mounting Hardware: Includes screws, anchors, and the corner wedge kit, which helps you angle the doorbell for better visibility.
- Instruction Manual: A detailed guide for installation and setup.
- Micro USB Cable: For charging the battery pack.
Design and Construction
The design of the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro has remained largely unchanged since the Ring Doorbell 2 (released six years ago). Here are the details:
- Shape and Materials
- The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro version retains a slim, sleek design that’s perfect for most modern homes. The device is compact and will fit well into most door frames.
- Made from high-quality materials, it looks sturdy and feels durable.
- Camera and Sensors
- The camera lens is positioned at the top of the unit, with motion sensors directly below it.
- The doorbell button is easy to press and located underneath the camera.
- Battery Pack
- The Battery Pack is removable, which means you can easily recharge it without needing to dismount the entire device. The micro-USB port allows for charging, though a wired option is also available to keep the battery topped up.
Setup Process
Setting up the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Unboxing and Installing
- After removing everything from the box, you’ll need to use the included Torx driver to mount the doorbell on your wall. You can either wire it into your existing chime or leave it as a purely battery-powered device.
- Ring App Setup
- Open the Ring app on your smartphone and select the option to set up a new device. You’ll scan the QR code on the side of the doorbell to link it to your account.
- Once connected, choose your Wi-Fi network and wait for the device to connect. It will automatically update if necessary.
- Test and Adjust
- Once set up, test the device by ringing the doorbell. The live feed should show up immediately, and you can start two-way communication via the Ring app.
- You can adjust the camera settings and motion detection settings directly from the app.
Performance and Features in Action
Here’s a closer look at how the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro performs based on real-world testing:
- Video Quality
- Daytime: The 1536p HD video is clear and detailed, offering great visibility both close to the door and farther away.
- Low-Light: The low-light vision ensures the video remains in full color even in dim conditions. This is a significant upgrade compared to earlier models that used infrared night vision.
- Nighttime: At night, the video quality is still good with the front porch lights on, but without lights, the infrared LEDs kick in, and visibility drops slightly.
- Motion Detection and Alerts
- Quick Alerts: Notifications are received almost instantly when motion is detected. Even with frequent recording settings, the doorbell sends a quick notification to your phone with a snapshot.
- Pre-Roll Feature: The pre-roll feature captures video before motion is detected, providing more context about what happened right before the motion event.
- Person and Package Detection
- The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro does a good job with person detection, immediately notifying you when a visitor is detected. It also has package detection, which alerts you when a package is left at the door. These features work in tandem to improve overall security.
- Two-Way Audio
- The two-way audio allows you to speak with visitors or delivery personnel. The sound quality is clear, and communication is seamless.
App Interface and Settings
The Ring app is user-friendly and offers extensive customization options:
- Motion Settings
- The app lets you customize motion zones, adjust sensitivity, and set up alerts for specific events (like when a package is detected).
- Smart Responses
- Set up Quick Replies to automatically respond to visitors. You can customize these responses or select from pre-recorded options.
- Chime Integration
- If you have Ring Chimes or Amazon Echo devices, the doorbell can trigger an audible chime when someone presses it. This is a convenient feature for areas where you might not hear the doorbell ring.
Pros and Cons of Ring Battery Doorbell Pro
Pros:
- High-Resolution Video: 1536p HD resolution provides clear, detailed footage.
- Low-Light Vision: Full-color video even in low-light conditions.
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Connects to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks for better connectivity.
- Pre-Roll Feature: Captures footage before motion is detected.
- Easy Integration with Alexa: Works well with Amazon Echo devices for hands-free control.
Cons:
- Design Is Unchanged: The design has stayed the same since the Ring Doorbell 2, which some users may find outdated.
- Price: The Pro version is more expensive compared to the simpler Battery Doorbell Plus.
- Limited Advanced Features: Features like Radar Detection and Bird’s Eye View are not very useful and feel like gimmicks.
Conclusion: Is the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro Worth It?
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is the unfamiliar excellent deal among all the Ring products that serve as doors at different price ranges. This high-quality video doorbell comes loaded with features such as HD video, low-light vision, dual-band wifi, pre-roll footage, and much more. Additionally, person and package detection features serve a great deal in monitoring visitors and deliveries as well.
Ring has done a fabulous job at retaining their signature design while also modernizing the doorbell. After all these years, the Pro version remains as the best battery-wielded doorbell in the market. The Ring Pro Battery Doorbell is truly powerful and among the elite video breakstoppers out there.
For those already in the Ring ecosystem, the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro version offers great integration with other Ring devices and Amazon Alexa, making it a seamless addition to your smart home setup. Despite its higher price, the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers a range of features that make it a worthwhile investment for enhancing your home security.
