what ring doorbell should i get
Choosing the right Ring doorbell depends on your setup, budget, and needs like battery life or advanced features. As of early 2026, newer models like the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus stand out for most homes, balancing value and performance.
Top Recommendations
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is the best all-around pick for versatility—it works with battery or wiring, offers 1536p HD video, a 150° field of view for head-to-toe coverage, package detection, and color pre-roll (up to 4 seconds before motion). Priced under $150, it's ideal if you want reliable motion alerts without constant recharging.
For budget buyers, the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) delivers solid 1080p video and 150° view at under $100, with easy DIY install—great if you're renting or testing the waters.
Wired fans should go for the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 , featuring radar- based people detection, superior 1536p resolution, and no battery hassles, though it's pricier (around $250).
Key Model Comparison
Here's how top models stack up based on recent reviews:
| Model | Best For | Price | Power | Video | Field of View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Doorbell Plus | Overall use | <$150 | Battery/Wired | 1536p HD | 150° |
| Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) | Budget | <$100 | Battery/Wired | 1080p | 150° |
| Pro 2 | Premium wired | <$250 | Wired | 1536p HD | 150° |
| Wired (2nd Gen) | Ultra- budget | <$50 | Wired | 1080p | 155° |
Factors to Consider
- Power Source : Battery models (like Plus) suit wireless installs; wired ones avoid recharges but need doorbell wiring.
- Features : Look for pre-roll, privacy zones, and 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi in mid-tier options—older Ring 3/3 Plus are discontinued.
- Subscription : All need Ring Protect for video storage ($5+/month).
- Install : Most are DIY in 15 minutes; Pro models may need tweaks.
Forum Buzz & Trends
On Reddit and reviews, users rave about the Battery Doorbell Plus for porch package theft prevention, but some note battery life drops in cold weather—pair with solar if needed. "Switched from Ring 3 to Plus; pre-roll is a game-changer for catching porch pirates," one user shared. Older Pro models still hold up for apartments.
TL;DR : Get the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus unless you're on a tight budget (go 2nd Gen) or prefer wired premium (Pro 2). Check Ring's site for deals.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.