Smart doorbells have become essential home security devices, offering far more than just a way to know when someone's at the door. Today, we'll compare two of Ring's popular models to help you make an informed choice between the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus and the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro.
Modern video doorbells combine several technologies: HD cameras, motion sensors, two-way audio, and internet connectivity. These devices serve as your first line of home security, letting you see, hear, and speak to visitors whether you're home or away. But not all video doorbells are created equal, and choosing between wired and battery-powered models involves important tradeoffs.
The most fundamental difference between these models lies in their power source, which affects both installation and performance.
The Ring Wired Doorbell Plus requires connection to your home's existing doorbell wiring (16-24 VAC). This permanent power source offers several advantages:
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro runs on a rechargeable battery pack, offering:
Both doorbells deliver excellent video quality, but there are notable differences:
The Battery Pro's higher resolution and expanded vertical coverage make it superior for package detection and full-person viewing. Its HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology also handles challenging lighting conditions better, reducing both glare and dark spots.
This is where the Battery Pro really shines with its advanced features:
The Battery Pro's radar-based 3D Motion Detection can determine precise distance and movement patterns, reducing false alerts significantly. The Bird's Eye View feature creates an overhead map showing visitors' paths across your property - particularly useful for security monitoring.
Both models support:
However, the wired connection of the Plus model generally provides more reliable connectivity and faster response times for live view and notifications.
Both the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell Pro are priced at $149.99, but total cost of ownership differs:
Both devices require a Ring Protect subscription ($3.99/month or $39.99/year) to access recorded video and advanced features.
The Battery Pro, released in 2024, represents Ring's latest technology, incorporating advanced features like radar-based motion detection and improved video resolution. The Wired Plus, while slightly older, benefits from Ring's mature wired doorbell technology, offering reliable performance and regular software updates.
In practical use, both doorbells excel at their core functions, but each has distinct advantages:
Choose the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus if:
Choose the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro if:
Both doorbells offer excellent value at their price point, but they serve different needs. The Wired Plus excels as a reliable, maintenance-free option, while the Battery Pro offers superior technology and flexibility. Your choice should primarily depend on your installation preferences and whether you value advanced features over absolute reliability.
For most homes with existing doorbell wiring, the Wired Plus provides the best balance of features and convenience. However, if you're interested in the latest technology and don't mind charging batteries occasionally, the Battery Pro's advanced features make it a compelling choice.
Remember that both devices require good WiFi coverage and benefit from a Ring Protect subscription to access their full feature set. Consider these ongoing requirements when making your final decision.
Ring Wired Doorbell Plus | Ring Battery Doorbell Pro |
---|---|
Price - Base cost before installation | |
$149.99 | $149.99 |
Power Source - Affects reliability and maintenance | |
Hardwired (16-24 VAC) - never needs charging | Rechargeable battery - 3-6 months per charge |
Video Quality - Impacts clarity of visitor/package identification | |
1080p HD - good for most situations | 1536p HD+ - noticeably sharper image |
Field of View - Determines how much you can see | |
160° horizontal, 90° vertical - wider view | 150° horizontal/vertical - better head-to-toe coverage |
Motion Detection - Affects alert accuracy | |
Basic customizable zones | Advanced 3D radar detection with Bird's Eye View |
Night Vision - Critical for after-dark monitoring | |
Color night vision with standard LEDs | Color night vision with zonal infrared LEDs - reduced glare |
Installation Time - Consider additional costs | |
15 minutes (professional recommended if no existing wiring) | 5 minutes (DIY-friendly) |
WiFi Connectivity - Affects performance and reliability | |
Dual-band 2.4/5GHz - more stable due to wired power | Dual-band 2.4/5GHz - may vary with battery level |
Additional Features - Extra capabilities | |
Basic pre-roll video | Package detection, head-to-toe video, pre-roll video |
Maintenance Requirements - Long-term considerations | |
None after installation | Battery charging every 3-6 months, possible replacement after 2-3 years |
Operating Temperature Range - Environmental durability | |
-5°F to 120°F - more reliable in extreme temps | -20°F to 120°F - battery life may vary with temperature |
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers superior video quality (1536p vs 1080p) and advanced motion detection features, while the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus provides more reliable performance with zero maintenance. Your choice depends mainly on whether you prefer advanced features or reliability.
The Ring Wired Doorbell Plus requires existing doorbell wiring (16-24 VAC), while the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro can be installed anywhere with its battery power option.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro features superior 1536p HD+ resolution compared to the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus with 1080p HD. The Pro also offers better HDR performance for challenging lighting conditions.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro typically lasts 3-6 months per charge, depending on usage and weather conditions. The Ring Wired Doorbell Plus never needs charging.
Both offer color night vision, but the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro features advanced zonal infrared LEDs that reduce glare. The Ring Wired Doorbell Plus uses standard LEDs but maintains reliable performance due to constant power.
Both models can integrate with Alexa-enabled devices, allowing you to display video feeds on compatible smart TVs or home theater screens. They work equally well for this purpose, though the Pro's higher resolution may look better on larger displays.
Both the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell Pro are priced at $149.99, though total cost of ownership differs due to installation and maintenance requirements.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro features advanced 3D radar-based motion detection and Bird's Eye View, offering significantly better accuracy than the basic motion zones of the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus.
Both the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell Pro require a Ring Protect subscription ($3.99/month) to access recorded video and advanced features.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is easier to install, taking about 5 minutes with no wiring required. The Ring Wired Doorbell Plus takes around 15 minutes and may require professional installation if you don't have existing wiring.
Both models are weather-resistant, but the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus tends to be more reliable in extreme temperatures due to its constant power supply. The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro's battery performance can be affected by very cold or hot weather.
The Ring Wired Doorbell Plus has a wider horizontal field of view at 160° compared to the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro's 150°, but the Pro offers better vertical coverage for head-to-toe video.
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 - reviewed.com - blackwiredesigns.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - pcrichard.com - abt.com - sa-en.ring.com - target.com - staples.com - ae-en.ring.com - the.gearbrain.com