Smart video doorbells have transformed from simple notification devices into sophisticated security hubs. Today's offerings from Ring represent this evolution perfectly, with the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus ($179.99) and Ring Battery Doorbell ($99.99) showcasing different levels of this technology.
Before diving into specific differences, it's important to understand what makes a video doorbell "smart." These devices combine a traditional doorbell with a security camera, two-way communication, and internet connectivity. They alert you when someone approaches your door and let you interact with visitors remotely through your smartphone.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus stands out with its 1536p HD video resolution - that's about 50% more pixels than standard 1080p. This higher resolution matters when you're trying to identify faces or read package labels. The Plus model also introduces a game-changing 150° vertical field of view, which means you can see packages left right at your doorstep.
The Ring Battery Doorbell delivers 1080p resolution, which is still perfectly serviceable for most users. However, its more limited vertical field of view means you might miss seeing packages placed close to your door.
Both models feature motion detection, but there are important differences:
The Plus model's enhanced detection means fewer false alerts from things like passing cars or swaying trees. This might seem minor, but it makes a huge difference in daily use - nobody wants their phone buzzing constantly for irrelevant motion.
The Plus model offers enhanced color night vision, producing more natural-looking footage in low light conditions. The standard model's night vision is black and white but still effective for basic monitoring.
Both doorbells use rechargeable batteries, but power management has improved significantly in the Plus model:
The quick-release battery system in both models means you can swap batteries without removing the entire doorbell - a thoughtful design feature that makes maintenance much easier.
Both doorbells integrate seamlessly with Amazon's Alexa ecosystem and other Ring devices. You can:
The Plus model's higher resolution video looks noticeably better on larger Echo Show displays.
The Ring app experience is identical for both models, offering:
However, the Plus model's advanced features mean more customization options within the app.
Both doorbells are designed for DIY installation, requiring about 15-20 minutes to set up. They can be:
The mounting process is identical, using included brackets and security screws.
Both devices require a Ring Protect subscription ($3/month or $30/year) to access recorded video and advanced features. Without a subscription, you'll only have:
In daily use, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus consistently outperforms its standard counterpart in several key areas:
However, the Ring Battery Doorbell remains a solid performer for basic monitoring needs.
When considering the $80 price difference:
Ring typically supports their devices with software updates for several years. Both models are currently receiving regular updates, but the Plus model's hardware gives it more room for feature expansion through software updates.
The choice between these doorbells ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus represents the latest in video doorbell technology, with superior video quality and advanced features justifying its higher price. The Ring Battery Doorbell offers excellent value for those who need basic but reliable video doorbell functionality.
For most users, the standard model provides sufficient features for basic security and convenience. However, if package security is important or you want the best possible video quality, the Plus model's premium features justify the additional investment.
Remember that both models require the same subscription costs for recorded video, so the price difference is purely in the hardware. Choose based on your specific security needs and how much you value the advanced features of the Plus model.
| Ring Battery Doorbell Plus | Ring Battery Doorbell |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial Investment Cost | |
| $179.99 | $99.99 |
| Video Resolution - Impacts ability to identify faces and read package labels | |
| 1536p HD (50% more detail than standard HD) | 1080p HD (standard quality, sufficient for most uses) |
| Field of View - Determines how much of your doorstep you can see | |
| 150° horizontal, 150° vertical (full head-to-toe view) | 155° horizontal, 90° vertical (limited package visibility) |
| Night Vision - Critical for after-dark monitoring | |
| Color night vision with enhanced clarity | Standard black and white night vision |
| Battery Life - Affects maintenance frequency | |
| 6-8 months typical use | 3-4 months typical use |
| Motion Detection - Impacts alert accuracy and false notifications | |
| Advanced AI with customizable zones, better accuracy | Basic motion detection with simple zone customization |
| Package Detection - Important for delivery monitoring | |
| Enhanced accuracy with head-to-toe view | Basic detection with limited low-angle visibility |
| Video Processing - Affects image quality in challenging conditions | |
| HDR with advanced image processing | Standard dynamic range |
| Two-Way Audio - Quality of visitor communication | |
| Enhanced noise cancellation | Standard two-way audio |
| Weather Resistance - Durability in outdoor conditions | |
| -20.5°C to 50°C operating range | -20.5°C to 50°C operating range |
| Storage Options - Access to recorded footage | |
| Requires Ring Protect subscription ($3/month) | Requires Ring Protect subscription ($3/month) |
| Smart Home Integration - Compatibility with other devices | |
| Works with Alexa, Ring ecosystem, advanced features | Works with Alexa, Ring ecosystem, basic features |
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers superior 1536p HD video compared to the Ring Battery Doorbell's 1080p resolution. This higher resolution makes a noticeable difference when viewing doorbell footage on larger home theater displays or when you need to zoom in for detail.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus costs $179.99, while the Ring Battery Doorbell is priced at $99.99, representing an $80 difference for the upgraded features.
Yes, both the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell can be viewed on TVs and projectors through Fire TV devices or Echo Show displays. The Plus model's higher resolution provides noticeably better quality on larger screens.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus features enhanced color night vision, while the Ring Battery Doorbell uses standard black and white night vision. The Plus model performs better in low-light conditions.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus typically lasts 6-8 months on default settings, while the Ring Battery Doorbell needs charging more frequently, usually every 3-4 months.
Yes, both the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell integrate with Alexa, allowing voice commands and video display on Echo Show devices.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus has superior package detection due to its head-to-toe 150° vertical view, while the Ring Battery Doorbell has a more limited 90° vertical view that might miss packages placed close to the door.
Both the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell require a Ring Protect subscription ($3/month) to access recorded video and advanced features.
Yes, both the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell can be battery-powered or hardwired to existing doorbell wiring.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus features advanced AI motion detection with better customization options, while the Ring Battery Doorbell offers basic motion detection with simpler zone settings.
Both the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell are weather-resistant and operate in temperatures from -20.5°C to 50°C.
For most users, the Ring Battery Doorbell provides sufficient features at a better value. However, if you want superior video quality, especially for viewing on larger screens, or need better package detection, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is worth the extra investment.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: tomsguide.com - se-en.ring.com - consumerreports.org - linkdhome.com - se-en.ring.com - ae-en.ring.com - wave-electronics.com - bestbuy.com - pcrichard.com - verizon.com - androidpolice.com - sa-en.ring.com - ring.com - pcrichard.com - marketplace.ladwp.com - batteries4pro.com - de-de.ring.com - de-de.ring.com - careyscommunications.com
