Video doorbells have become an essential part of modern home security, offering both convenience and peace of mind. The Ring Peephole Cam and Ring Battery Doorbell represent two distinct approaches to this technology, each designed for specific user needs and living situations.
Before we dive into the specifics, it's worth understanding what makes these devices so useful. They combine a traditional doorbell with a smart camera, two-way communication, and motion detection, all controlled through your smartphone. This means you can see who's at your door, talk to visitors, and monitor deliveries whether you're home or not.
The $129.99 Ring Peephole Cam was designed specifically for apartments and homes with existing peepholes. Released in 2019, it cleverly transforms your door's peephole into a smart security device. The installation process involves removing your existing peephole and threading the camera through the door - a process that typically takes about 15 minutes and doesn't require any permanent modifications to your door.
In contrast, the newer $99.99 Ring Battery Doorbell, released in 2024, follows a more traditional mounting approach. It attaches to your wall or doorframe using included screws or strong adhesive tape. This flexibility in mounting options makes it more versatile for different home setups, but it might not be ideal for renters who can't make permanent modifications.
The technological advancement between these models is most apparent in their video capabilities. The Peephole Cam offers 1080p HD video with a 155-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical field of view - perfectly adequate for most situations, but not cutting-edge by 2024 standards.
The Battery Doorbell shows how far the technology has come, featuring 1536p HD+ resolution (that's about 50% more pixels than 1080p) and a more symmetrical 150-degree field of view both horizontally and vertically. This "head-to-toe" view makes a real difference in practical use, especially for package monitoring and general security.
Both doorbells integrate with the Ring app and offer core features like:
However, the Battery Doorbell includes several newer features that reflect its more recent development:
The Peephole Cam does have one unique feature: knock detection. Since apartment dwellers often knock instead of ringing a doorbell, this feature ensures you don't miss visitors even if they don't press the button.
Battery life is crucial for these devices since frequent charging can be inconvenient. The Peephole Cam typically lasts 6-12 months on a charge, which was impressive for 2019 technology. Its battery is built-in and charges via a provided cable.
The Battery Doorbell uses a newer Quick Release Battery Pack system with USB-C charging. While Ring doesn't specify exact battery life, user reports suggest 3-6 months of typical use. The quicker removal system makes charging more convenient, and you can purchase additional battery packs to avoid any downtime.
Here's where things get interesting from a value perspective. The Peephole Cam, despite being older, costs $30 more than the Battery Doorbell. This premium reflects its specialized design for peephole replacement, but it's harder to justify unless you specifically need this functionality.
Both devices require a Ring Protect subscription ($3.99/month or $39.99/year) to access recorded video and advanced features. Without a subscription, you'll only have access to live viewing and basic features.
The Battery Doorbell's lower price point, combined with newer technology and more features, makes it the better value for most users. However, the Peephole Cam remains the only option for those who need to preserve their peephole functionality or can't mount a traditional doorbell.
Ring has committed to providing software security updates for at least four years after a device is discontinued. The Peephole Cam, being from 2019, should still receive updates for several years. The Battery Doorbell, as a 2024 release, has a longer runway for future features and improvements.
The decision between these two models really comes down to your specific situation:
Choose the Ring Peephole Cam if:
Choose the Ring Battery Doorbell if:
Both devices will serve you well as video doorbells, but they're designed for different use cases. The Battery Doorbell represents the better technology and value, while the Peephole Cam fills a specific niche for those who need its unique installation method.
Remember that both options require good WiFi connectivity near your front door and benefit significantly from a Ring Protect subscription. Consider these ongoing requirements when making your decision.
In the end, the best choice is the one that fits your specific living situation and security needs. Whether you go with the specialized design of the Peephole Cam or the more advanced features of the Battery Doorbell, you'll be adding a valuable layer of security and convenience to your home.
| Ring Peephole Cam Video Doorbell | Ring Battery Doorbell Video Doorbell |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $129.99 (higher price for specialized design) | $99.99 (better value with newer features) |
| Installation Type - Critical for renters vs homeowners | |
| Replaces existing peephole, no wall mounting needed | Requires wall mounting, more permanent installation |
| Video Resolution - Affects identification clarity | |
| 1080p HD (good for basic identification) | 1536p HD+ (notably better for details and evidence) |
| Field of View - Determines what you can see | |
| 155° horizontal, 90° vertical (limited vertical view) | 150° horizontal, 150° vertical (better for packages) |
| Night Vision - Important for 24/7 security | |
| Standard infrared night vision | Color night vision (better detail in low light) |
| Battery Life - Affects maintenance frequency | |
| 6-12 months, built-in battery | 3-6 months, removable quick-release battery |
| Charging Method - Convenience factor | |
| Must remove entire unit to charge | Quick-release battery pack with USB-C charging |
| Special Features - Unique capabilities | |
| Knock detection, maintains peephole function | Package detection, advanced motion zones |
| Release Date - Indicates technology generation | |
| 2019 (aging but still supported) | 2024 (newest features and longer support life) |
| Ideal User - Who it's designed for | |
| Apartment dwellers, renters with peepholes | Homeowners, general users wanting latest features |
The $99.99 Ring Battery Doorbell is generally better for most users, offering higher resolution video and newer features at a lower price. However, the $129.99 Ring Peephole Cam is the better choice if you specifically need peephole functionality or can't mount a traditional doorbell.
The main differences are installation method (peephole vs wall mount), video quality (1080p vs 1536p), and field of view (155°x90° vs 150°x150°). The Ring Battery Doorbell also offers newer features like color night vision and package detection.
The Ring Peephole Cam is specifically designed for apartments, as it replaces existing peepholes without requiring wall mounting. It's ideal for renters who can't make permanent modifications to their space.
Both doorbells require a Ring Protect subscription ($3.99/month) to access recorded video and advanced features. Without a subscription, both devices still provide live view and basic functionality.
The Ring Battery Doorbell has superior video quality with 1536p HD+ resolution and color night vision, compared to the Peephole Cam's 1080p HD and standard night vision.
The Ring Peephole Cam typically has longer battery life (6-12 months) compared to the Battery Doorbell (3-6 months). However, the Battery Doorbell's quick-release design makes charging more convenient.
Neither model can be hardwired - both are battery-powered only. If you need a hardwired option, consider other Ring models like the Pro series.
Both doorbells work with Alexa and the Ring app, allowing you to view camera feeds on compatible smart displays and receive notifications on your devices.
The Ring Battery Doorbell is better for package monitoring due to its head-to-toe 150°x150° field of view and dedicated package detection feature (with subscription).
Both models are weather-resistant and can handle typical outdoor conditions. However, neither should be directly exposed to heavy rain or extreme temperatures.
The Ring Battery Doorbell offers better value at $99.99, with newer technology and more features than the $129.99 Peephole Cam, unless you specifically need peephole functionality.
The Ring Battery Doorbell performs better in low light with its color night vision, while the Peephole Cam uses standard infrared night vision which only shows black and white footage.
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 - 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 - pcrichard.com - marketplace.ladwp.com - ae-en.ring.com - batteries4pro.com - de-de.ring.com - de-de.ring.com - careyscommunications.com
