Smart video doorbells have revolutionized home security, transforming the simple doorbell into a powerful monitoring device. These devices combine HD cameras, two-way audio, and smart notifications to give homeowners unprecedented control over their entryway security. Let's compare two popular options from Ring: the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and the Ring Peephole Cam.
The most significant difference between these devices lies in their installation methods. The $179.99 Battery Doorbell Plus follows a traditional approach, requiring mounting to your home's exterior. While not complex, it does involve drilling holes and some basic DIY skills.
In contrast, the $129.99 Peephole Cam offers an innovative solution - it simply replaces your door's existing peephole. This design brilliantly addresses the needs of renters and apartment dwellers who can't modify their entryways. The installation takes about 10 minutes and requires no tools beyond what's included in the box.
Video quality shows a clear generational gap between these devices. Released in 2023, the Battery Doorbell Plus brings 1536p HD video (also called 1.5K) to the table. This higher resolution provides notably sharper images compared to the Peephole Cam's 1080p, especially when zooming in to read package labels or identify faces.
The field of view also differs significantly:
The head-to-toe view of the Battery Doorbell Plus proves particularly valuable for package monitoring, as you can clearly see deliveries left at your doorstep. This feature alone might justify the price difference for frequent online shoppers.
Both devices use rechargeable batteries, but their approach to power management differs:
Battery Doorbell Plus:
Peephole Cam:
Real-world battery life varies significantly based on motion detection settings and frequency of use. The Battery Doorbell Plus, despite its higher resolution, manages power efficiently through customizable motion zones and adjustable sensitivity settings.
Both doorbells include Ring's core smart features:
However, the Battery Doorbell Plus adds several advanced features:
The Peephole Cam includes unique features specific to its form factor:
The Battery Doorbell Plus supports dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), while the Peephole Cam only works with 2.4GHz networks. This difference matters in areas with heavy WiFi interference, as 5GHz typically provides more stable video streaming.
Both devices require a Ring Protect subscription to record video:
Without a subscription, you can still:
Ring typically provides software updates for at least four years after a product's last sale date. The Battery Doorbell Plus being newer (2023 release) likely means longer support compared to the Peephole Cam (2019 release).
Consider the Battery Doorbell Plus if:
Choose the Peephole Cam if:
The Battery Doorbell Plus represents Ring's latest technology, offering superior video quality and advanced features. However, the Peephole Cam's innovative design serves a specific market perfectly - renters and apartment dwellers who need security without modification.
For most homeowners, the Battery Doorbell Plus justifies its higher price through better video quality and more advanced features. However, if you're renting or need a no-modification solution, the Peephole Cam remains an excellent choice that doesn't require compromising on core functionality.
Remember that both devices require ongoing subscription costs for recording capabilities, so factor this into your long-term budget calculations. Whichever model you choose, both represent significant upgrades over traditional doorbells and provide valuable peace of mind through enhanced entryway monitoring.
| Ring Battery Doorbell Plus | Ring Peephole Cam |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment cost | |
| $179.99 | $129.99 |
| Video Resolution - Affects ability to identify faces and read packages | |
| 1536p HD (sharper details at distance) | 1080p HD (good for close-up viewing) |
| Field of View - Determines how much you can see | |
| 150° horizontal and vertical (full head-to-toe view) | 155° horizontal, 90° vertical (limited package visibility) |
| Installation Method - Important for renters vs owners | |
| Requires mounting bracket and possible drilling | Simple peephole replacement, no modifications needed |
| Power Options - Affects maintenance needs | |
| Removable battery pack or hardwired option | Built-in battery only, must remove device to charge |
| Battery Life - Determines maintenance frequency | |
| ~30 days with typical use | 6-12 months claimed |
| WiFi Connectivity - Impacts video streaming reliability | |
| Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) | 2.4GHz only |
| Night Vision - Critical for evening security | |
| Color night vision with enhanced HDR | Standard infrared night vision |
| Special Features - Unique capabilities | |
| Pre-roll video, package detection, advanced motion zones | Knock detection, traditional peephole function, privacy zones |
| Weather Resistance - Durability considerations | |
| -20.5°C to 50°C operating range | Standard weather resistance (specs not published) |
| Release Date - Indicates technology generation | |
| 2023 (newer technology) | 2019 (older generation) |
| Subscription Requirements - Ongoing costs | |
| Ring Protect needed for recording ($4/month minimum) | Ring Protect needed for recording ($4/month minimum) |
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is better for homeowners wanting superior video quality and package monitoring, while the Ring Peephole Cam is ideal for renters or apartment dwellers who can't modify their entryway.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus costs $179.99, while the Ring Peephole Cam is priced at $129.99, a $50 difference.
Yes, both the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Ring Peephole Cam can display video feeds on smart TVs or home theater displays through Alexa integration or Ring apps.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers superior 1536p HD video compared to the Ring Peephole Cam's 1080p resolution, providing clearer images and better detail.
Both the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Ring Peephole Cam require a Ring Protect subscription (starting at $4/month) for video recording features.
The Ring Peephole Cam is easier to install as it simply replaces an existing peephole, while the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus requires mounting and possible drilling.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus typically lasts about 30 days per charge, while the Ring Peephole Cam claims 6-12 months of battery life.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers better package visibility with its head-to-toe view, while the Ring Peephole Cam has a more limited vertical field of view.
Yes, but the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus features color night vision with enhanced HDR, while the Ring Peephole Cam uses standard infrared night vision.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi bands, while the Ring Peephole Cam only works with 2.4GHz networks.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus can be hardwired to existing doorbell wiring, while the Ring Peephole Cam is battery-powered only.
The Ring Peephole Cam is specifically designed for apartments and rentals, requiring no permanent modifications, making it a better choice than the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus for apartment dwellers.
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 - tomsguide.com - ring.com - blog.bestbuy.ca - bestbuy.com - abt.com - ring.com - homedepot.com - security.org - cnet.com - en.wikipedia.org) - community.tp-link.com - cnet.com
