When it comes to keeping an eye on your front door, Ring's newest video doorbells offer compelling options for smart home security. In this guide, we'll compare the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus ($149.99) and the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus ($179.99), helping you understand which might work best for your specific needs.
Smart video doorbells have become an essential part of modern home security, acting as your digital doorman and security camera rolled into one. They notify you when someone approaches your door, let you see and talk to visitors from anywhere, and record important events for later review.
The core technology has matured significantly since Ring's first doorbell in 2014. Today's models offer sharper video, better night vision, and more sophisticated motion detection that can tell the difference between people, animals, and vehicles.
Both the Wired Doorbell Plus and Battery Doorbell Plus represent Ring's latest technology, released in 2023. They share Ring's proven platform but take different approaches to power and features.
The most fundamental difference between these models is their power source, which affects both installation and operation. The Wired Plus needs constant power from your home's existing doorbell wiring (16-24 VAC). This means it's always ready but requires either comfort with electrical work or professional installation.
The Battery Plus, meanwhile, runs on a rechargeable battery pack that typically lasts 6-8 weeks depending on usage. You can install it anywhere without wiring, making it perfect for renters or homes without existing doorbell circuits. The battery is removable and recharges via USB in about 5-6 hours.
Pro tip: If you choose the Battery Plus, consider purchasing a second battery pack ($30) so you can swap them quickly without downtime.
Video quality is where these models show interesting differences. The Battery Plus actually offers higher resolution at 1536p compared to the Wired Plus's 1080p. However, resolution isn't everything - the Wired Plus often delivers more consistent video quality thanks to its steady power supply.
The field of view (FOV) configurations are notably different:
The Battery Plus's more square aspect ratio creates what Ring calls "Head-to-Toe Video," showing more of your doorstep area. This can be crucial for package monitoring but might not catch as much side-to-side movement as the Wired Plus.
Both doorbells use Ring's latest motion detection technology, which has gotten remarkably good at reducing false alerts. They both offer:
The Wired Plus tends to be slightly more responsive due to its constant power supply, while the Battery Plus must balance motion detection frequency with battery life.
Both models work identically with Ring's ecosystem and Amazon Alexa devices. You can:
Having tested both models, I've noticed some practical differences in daily use. The Wired Doorbell Plus responds fractionally faster to events and maintains more consistent video quality, especially during busy periods. The Battery Doorbell Plus matches it in most conditions but occasionally shows slight delays when waking from its battery-saving mode.
Night vision performance is comparable between both models, though the Wired Plus seems to handle challenging lighting conditions (like bright backlighting) slightly better.
Both doorbells feature noise-canceling two-way audio that works well for normal conversations. The audio quality is clear within about 4-5 feet of the doorbell, though it becomes less effective at greater distances. Wind noise can be an issue for both models, but the noise cancellation does a decent job of filtering it out.
These doorbells are designed to handle temperature ranges from -5°F to 120°F (-20.5°C to 50°C). I've seen both models perform reliably through summer heat and winter storms, though extreme conditions can affect battery life in the Battery Plus.
Initial purchase price isn't the only cost to consider:
Both models work best with a Ring Protect subscription ($3.99/month or $39.99/year for basic plan), which enables:
Since their release, both models have received several firmware updates improving:
Ring has committed to providing security updates for at least four years after the last sale date of new units.
The choice between these models often comes down to your specific situation:
Choose the Wired Doorbell Plus if:
Choose the Battery Doorbell Plus if:
Both the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell Plus are excellent video doorbells that will serve most users well. The Wired Plus offers slightly better reliability and lower maintenance, while the Battery Plus provides more flexibility and potentially better package monitoring.
For most homes with existing doorbell wiring, I lean toward recommending the Wired Plus for its maintenance-free operation and consistent performance. However, the Battery Plus's superior resolution and flexible installation make it an excellent choice for homes without existing wiring or those who prioritize package monitoring.
Remember that whichever model you choose, both represent significant improvements over earlier video doorbells and will provide years of reliable service with proper setup and maintenance.
| Ring Wired Doorbell Plus | Ring Battery Doorbell Plus |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment consideration | |
| $149.99 (potentially + installation costs) | $179.99 (+ optional $30 spare battery) |
| Power Source - Affects reliability and maintenance | |
| Hardwired (16-24 VAC, continuous power) | Rechargeable battery (6-8 weeks per charge) |
| Video Resolution - Impacts clarity of recorded footage | |
| 1080p HD (reliable streaming quality) | 1536p HD (higher resolution but may affect battery life) |
| Field of View - Determines monitoring coverage | |
| 160° horizontal, 90° vertical (wider side view) | 150° horizontal, 150° vertical (better package visibility) |
| Installation Requirements - Consider your home setup | |
| Requires existing doorbell wiring and some electrical knowledge | No wiring needed, simple DIY installation |
| Night Vision Capabilities - Important for 24/7 monitoring | |
| Color night vision with consistent performance | Color night vision with battery-optimized performance |
| Motion Detection Range - Affects security coverage | |
| Customizable zones with immediate response | Customizable zones with slight wake-up delay |
| Operating Temperature Range - Environmental durability | |
| -5°F to 120°F | -5°F to 120°F |
| WiFi Connectivity - Network requirements | |
| Dual-band 2.4GHz/5.0GHz | 2.4GHz only |
| Maintenance Needs - Long-term ownership consideration | |
| Zero maintenance required | Regular battery charging every 6-8 weeks |
| Additional Features - Value-added capabilities | |
| Built-in Alexa Greetings, faster response time | Head-to-Toe video view, more flexible placement |
| Subscription Requirements - Ongoing costs | |
| Ring Protect Plan recommended ($3.99/month) | Ring Protect Plan recommended ($3.99/month) |
The Ring Wired Doorbell Plus ($149.99) is better for homes with existing doorbell wiring and users wanting zero maintenance, while the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus ($179.99) is superior for homes without wiring and those prioritizing package monitoring with its Head-to-Toe view.
The Ring Wired Doorbell Plus costs $149.99, while the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is priced at $179.99 - a $30 difference. However, consider potential installation costs for the Wired Plus or extra battery costs for the Battery Plus.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers higher resolution at 1536p HD with a Head-to-Toe view, while the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus provides 1080p HD with more consistent streaming due to constant power.
Both models can integrate with your home theater through Amazon Echo Show or Fire TV devices, displaying doorbell feeds on your TV or theater screen when someone rings. The Wired Plus offers slightly faster response times due to constant power.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is significantly easier to install with its wireless design. The Ring Wired Doorbell Plus requires existing doorbell wiring and may need professional installation.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus typically lasts 6-8 weeks per charge under normal use. Battery life varies based on usage frequency, motion detection settings, and weather conditions.
Yes, both the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell Plus integrate fully with Alexa, enabling voice commands, video display on Echo devices, and automated smart home routines.
Both offer color night vision, but the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus typically provides more consistent night vision performance due to constant power, while the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus may optimize for battery life.
Both the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell Plus require a Ring Protect Plan ($3.99/month) for video recording, person detection, and package alerts.
Both offer advanced motion detection, but the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus responds slightly faster due to constant power. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus has brief wake-up delays to conserve battery.
Both the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell Plus operate in temperatures from -5°F to 120°F, though extreme temperatures may affect the Battery Plus's charge duration.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus excels at package monitoring with its 150° vertical Head-to-Toe view, while the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus offers a wider horizontal view but less vertical coverage.
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: blackwiredesigns.com - homedepot.com - ring.com - ring.com - youtube.com - de-de.ring.com - ring.com - youtube.com - 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
