When it comes to securing your front door with smart technology, Ring offers two distinctly different approaches with the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro and the Ring Peephole Cam. Let's dive into how these devices compare and which might be right for your situation.
Smart doorbells have revolutionized home security by combining traditional doorbell functionality with modern features like HD video streaming, two-way communication, and motion detection. These devices act as your first line of defense, letting you see and speak with visitors whether you're home or away.
The technology has evolved significantly since Ring's first doorbell in 2014. Today's models offer enhanced resolution, better night vision, and sophisticated motion detection that can tell the difference between people, animals, and vehicles.
The Ring Wired Doorbell Pro requires hardwiring into your existing doorbell system, using 16-24 VAC power. This permanent installation provides reliable, continuous power but needs some basic electrical knowledge or professional installation. The upside? Once installed, you'll never worry about charging batteries.
In contrast, the Ring Peephole Cam installs in minutes by simply replacing your door's existing peephole. It's powered by a rechargeable battery pack that typically lasts 6-12 months. This design is particularly clever for apartments or rental properties where permanent modifications aren't allowed.
The Wired Pro stands out with its 1536p HD+ resolution and impressive 150-degree field of view in both horizontal and vertical planes. This higher resolution means you can zoom in on details like package labels or facial features while maintaining clarity.
The Peephole Cam offers good but more basic 1080p resolution with a 155-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical field of view. While still HD quality, you'll notice less detail when zooming in compared to the Pro.
Here's where we see a significant difference. The Wired Pro features color night vision when there's sufficient ambient light, plus standard infrared night vision in complete darkness. The Peephole Cam only offers basic infrared night vision, which means everything appears in black and white.
The Wired Pro showcases Ring's latest technology with 3D Motion Detection and Bird's Eye View. This system uses radar to create a top-down map showing the path visitors took when approaching your door - it's particularly useful for understanding movement patterns around your property.
Both devices offer motion alerts and two-way talk, but the Wired Pro includes advanced features like:
The Peephole Cam includes a unique knock detection feature, helpful for doors where visitors might knock instead of ring. However, it lacks the advanced motion features of its premium sibling.
Both doorbells work with Ring's ecosystem and Amazon Alexa devices. You can view live feeds on Echo Show displays or Fire TVs, and get notifications through the Ring app. The Wired Pro offers slightly more sophisticated integration options due to its advanced features.
The Wired Pro at $249.99 represents a premium investment but offers leading-edge features and permanent installation. Ring has committed to software security updates until at least 4 years after the device is last sold new.
The Peephole Cam at $129.99 provides excellent value for renters or those wanting a simpler solution. While it lacks some advanced features, it covers the basics well and offers unmatched flexibility for temporary installations.
Since its release, the Wired Pro has received several firmware updates improving motion detection accuracy and adding features like Quick Replies. The Peephole Cam, released more recently, builds on Ring's experience with battery-powered devices to offer improved battery life and more reliable wireless connectivity.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these devices:
Both devices excel in their intended use cases. The Wired Pro represents Ring's premium offering with advanced features and permanent installation, while the Peephole Cam offers a clever solution for renters and those wanting flexibility.
For apartment dwellers or renters, the Peephole Cam's design is genuinely innovative, offering smart doorbell features without modification requirements. Homeowners looking for the most advanced features and best video quality will find the Wired Pro's premium features worth the higher price tag.
Remember that both devices require a Ring Protect subscription to access recorded video and advanced features, which adds to the long-term cost but provides valuable security features.
Whichever model you choose, both represent significant upgrades over traditional doorbells and offer peace of mind through enhanced home security and convenience.
| Ring Wired Doorbell Pro | Ring Peephole Cam |
|---|---|
| Resolution - Higher resolution enables better detail recognition and digital zoom | |
| 1536p HD+ (superior for identifying faces and details) | 1080p HD (good for general monitoring) |
| Field of View - Wider angles show more of your entryway | |
| 150° horizontal and vertical (excellent coverage) | 155° horizontal, 90° vertical (limited vertical view) |
| Power Source - Affects reliability and maintenance needs | |
| Hardwired (never needs charging, always on) | Battery powered (requires charging every 6-12 months) |
| Night Vision - Critical for 24/7 monitoring | |
| Color + infrared (better detail in low light) | Basic infrared only (monochrome night vision) |
| Motion Detection - Impacts alert accuracy and features | |
| 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View (precise tracking) | Basic motion detection (standard sensitivity controls) |
| Installation Requirements - Consider your living situation | |
| Requires existing doorbell wiring and permanent mounting | Fits existing peepholes, no permanent modification |
| Smart Features - Affects daily usefulness | |
| Alexa Greetings, Quick Replies, Pre-roll video | Basic two-way talk, knock detection |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $249.99 (premium features, permanent solution) | $129.99 (budget-friendly, flexible installation) |
| Weather Resistance - Durability factor | |
| -20°C to 50°C operating range, weatherproof | Standard weather resistance, door-mounted protection |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity - Affects video quality and reliability | |
| Dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz (better connection options) | 2.4GHz only (adequate for most users) |
| Ring Protect Plan Requirements - Ongoing costs | |
| Required for video recording and advanced features | Required for video recording, fewer premium features |
The Ring Wired Doorbell Pro is better for homeowners wanting premium features and highest video quality, while the Ring Peephole Cam is ideal for renters needing a non-permanent solution. The Wired Pro offers superior 1536p resolution and advanced motion detection.
Yes, both the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro and Ring Peephole Cam can display video feeds on Fire TV devices or other smart displays in your home theater. The Wired Pro's higher resolution provides better viewing quality on large screens.
The Ring Wired Doorbell Pro offers superior night vision with both color and infrared capabilities, while the Ring Peephole Cam only provides basic infrared night vision.
The Ring Wired Doorbell Pro requires existing doorbell wiring (16-24 VAC), while the Ring Peephole Cam is battery-powered and requires no wiring, making it perfect for apartments.
The Ring Wired Doorbell Pro provides superior 1536p HD+ video quality compared to the Ring Peephole Cam's 1080p resolution, offering better detail and zoom capabilities.
The Ring Peephole Cam battery typically lasts 6-12 months between charges, while the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro doesn't require batteries as it's hardwired.
Both devices work with Alexa, but the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro offers additional features like Alexa Greetings, while the Ring Peephole Cam provides basic Alexa integration.
The Ring Peephole Cam is specifically designed for apartments, requiring no permanent installation, while the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro needs permanent mounting and existing wiring.
Yes, both the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro and Ring Peephole Cam require a Ring Protect subscription for video recording and advanced features.
The Ring Wired Doorbell Pro features advanced 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View, while the Ring Peephole Cam offers basic motion detection with knock sensing.
The Ring Wired Doorbell Pro costs $249.99, while the Ring Peephole Cam is more affordable at $129.99.
Both the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro and Ring Peephole Cam can stream to multiple devices including smartphones, tablets, computers, and compatible smart displays.
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: bestbuy.com - surveillance-video.com - youtube.com - security.org - de-de.ring.com - ring.com - target.com - bestbuy.com - abt.com - blackwiredesigns.com - youtube.com - ring.com - samsung.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
