Ring Pro Review and Comparing Ring vs Ring Pro
I finally got my hands on the newest version of Ring video doorbell, and here you can find full Ring Video Doorbell Pro Review.
Contents
Features
- HD Video – 1080p full HD
- Motion Sensor – Multi-zone motion sensor where you set up zones to track.
- Live Monitoring – You can view the live stream, finally improvement comparing to the first generation.
- Cloud Video Recording – Ability to record videos and store them up to 6 months. 30 days trial and then $3/month.
- Night Vision – Infrared LEDs help to see bright and clear at night.
Requirements
- Power: 16 – 24 VAC, with an amp rate of 1 to 1.5.
- Wi-Fi: compatible with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz up to 150 Mbps.
- Mobile Device: iOS or Android cell phone with Ring app installed.
Ring vs Ring Pro
There are many differences between ring pro vs ring doorbell models. First what you will notice it’s smaller modern design with 4 interchangeable panels so that you can match with your color house design.
Another big difference is camera resolution. Now Rind doorbell comes with full 1080p HD camera and plus infrared LEDs. Yes, you can see bright and clear at night.
Also now it supports 5Ghz wi-fi network. What does it mean for you? If you have wireless router supporting it, then you will have better speed, and fewer people will use the same frequency.
The new version comes with some negative impacts.
For example, because it does have slimmer design it doesn’t have the battery anymore, and you require to have an external power adapter to power up the doorbell.
Ring | Ring Pro | |
| Video Doorbell | Ring | Ring Pro |
| Image |  |  |
| Video Quality | 720p | 1080p |
| Field of View, degree | 180º | 160º |
| Motion Detection | Control the sensitivity on predefined motion zones. | Draw and create custom shaped motion zones. |
| Battery | Yes | No |
| Connects to existing doorbell | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connection | 2.4GHz | 2.4 + 5GHz |
| Size, in | 4.98 x 2.43 x .87 | 4.50 x 1.85 x .8 |
| Weight, g | 233 | 272 |
| Design | 3 | 4 |
| Easy Installation | 5 | 5 |
| Video Quality | 3 | 4 |
| Livestream | N/A | 4 |
| Motion Detecting | 4 | 5 |
| Night Vision | 3 | 4 |
| Audio Quality | 5 | 5 |
| Apps | 5 | 5 |
| Cloud Storage | 4 | 4 |
| Integration | 4 | 4 |
Our Rating | 3.6 | 4.2 |
| MSRP Price | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Check Price |
Below you can see day and night video images from Ring and Ring Pro video doorbells. Pro version has infrared night vision which is works perfectly, my picture below can’t really say why it’s better because I had a wall close to the doorbell and it made the picture too bright. Otherwise, I prefer clear black and white night vision in Pro version.
Daytime video: Ring doorbell on the top and Ring Pro on the bottom.
Night time video: Ring doorbell on the top and Ring Pro on the bottom.
When reviewing Ring vs Ring Pro doorbells I can see the clear winner here if you have extra budget. Pro version does everything better: video quality (day and night time), sound quality, motion detection.
Ring Doorbell Pro Review
Installation
The installation not just plug and play, but pretty simple thanks for the installation paper and video guides Ring provides which comes handy. They got rid of the battery, and now you don’t need to worry to recharge it every 6-12 months, and you will need just to connect it either to your existed doorbell or another external power device.
It also comes with advanced power kit which will help to get enough energy to power the doorbell. I installed doorbell with 16VAC 1.25 Amp power transformer and added advanced power kit in the middle between the power adapter and doorbell. You don’t need to cut any wires because Ring provides all tools to just clip wires together and doorbell will be ready for use.
Ring company also provided video installation showing how to install Ring doorbell pro in 5 minutes. I will just post the video below for your reference:
Video Quality
Ring Pro comes with full HD camera which is the nice upgrade, and many customers wanted to have better video quality because sometimes you can’t see the face of the person by your front door. The video is clear with minimal pixels showing up sometimes and small video delays (about 0.5-1 second), but I bet my Wi-Fi networks isn’t perfect, and it’s time to upgrade it.
And finally, the new version supports stream live view. You can see whats going on in from of your door in anytime, and it will record video in the cloud for future viewing.
Also, they upgraded night vision, and now it’s full infrared LED in place, and you can see at night far and clear.
The only thing I didn’t like it about the Pro version, it’s viewing angles they are a little bit smaller here probably because the size of the doorbell is slimmer and this why this couldn’t integrate the camera with 180 degrees viewing angles.
Honestly, I still prefer Skybell HD video quality because it’s crispy clear and at night you can get colorful video thanks to bright LED on the top of doorbell which makes a total difference at night.
Audio Quality
The two-way audio quality is just perfect. Not only it doesn’t have any delay, but it also has noise reducing function which is great if your house located on the busy road or area. From all doorbells I have tested, this has the best audio quality.
Compatibility with Other Devices
The new version doesn’t have any differences with the previous version because it’s all about software/app that it is using. It has the same compatibilities, and they are improving it every day.
It can integrate and work with many different smart home gadgets. You can connect to smart locks like Kevo, Lockstate, Kisi, Lockitron and go to the supported app right through the video feed and open your door. Also, You can connect to Wink and Wemo smart hub systems to turn on/off light switches and outlets.
Competitions
Main competition on the market is Skybell HD. Despite Skybell has better day/night video quality Ring Pro has better audio and software. In my testing Skybell app, multiple times stuck and weren’t able to connect to the doorbell.
Other doorbells like the first generation of Ring doorbell you can find here and August doorbell cam aren’t even close to competing with it by quality because the first generation of Ring doorbell has only 720p camera, and August model has 960p camera and also currently doesn’t support motion detecting
Pros & Cons
- HD video quality
- Better night vision
- Can setup areas track motion detection
- Live stream view
- Smaller design
- Interchangeable panels
- Support 5Ghz WiFi
- Viewing angles smaller than the first generation
- Unable to configure sensitivity of motion detection
- No battery only works with existed doorbell wires or external power
Conclusion
I hope this Ring doorbell pro review was helpful to you to decide and compare with other models. If you want to have better video and motion detecting feature, then I suggest Pro version. If you don’t want to deal with wires and prefer to charge the battery once or twice per year, then the first generation will be a good choice too.
Don’t forget to check Skybell HD vs Ring Pro vs August Doorbell article where I compared each doorbell side by side.
Let me know if you have any question regarding Ring Pro in comments below.
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Hi
Really appreciate your review
Question where does the advanced power kit mount
Also can a phone wire power it?
Thank you
Hello Louis,
This is the interesting question!
Phone line provides around 90V AC and power kit should stabilize the power and output optimal power to Ring Pro doorbell.
I didn’t test it myself and I think it’s better to contact Ring support and see what they will answer, to be safe with warranty.
Hi, Thank you for the review of the Ring Pro. Is this an IP camera? I would like to integrate this item with my home IP security cameras and add it to my multi camera display.
Hello Gordon,
Yes, Ring Pro is an IP camera.
I didn’t connect it to other camera systems, but I am sure there are diy methods available.
I will try to do it myself in future and write blog post about it.
Let me know if you able to figure out and share your results!
Thanks for the great review Casey. I bought the RING PRO doorbell while shopping at Best Buy. I usually read through reviews like this before I buy something but I’m happy that my pick this time around was exactly what I was looking for and has most of the features I’m looking for. Your review made me feel very positive about my decision so thank you for that!
My question is what video profile would I choose if I were to connect to the cameras (I also have the RING CAMERA installed out back). Very interested in doing as Gordon and others have mentioned and connecting through direct IP. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Hello David,
I am glad my review helped you.
Can you please explain what do you mean by video profile?
Video quality?
Best Regards,
Casey
does any of the door bells have a slot for SD card for internal memory?
Hello Steven,
No, doorbells don’t come with SD card slot because it will be easy to steal the card and video data on it.
This why all video stores online. Even if robbers will steal your doorbell, you still can see video online.
Hi,
Great review…this close to purchasing, but…will it hold up to Canadian winters?
Hales
Hi Hales,
Manufacturer recommends operation temperature between -5F to 120F, when Skybell HD can operate in lower temperatures: -40F to 140F
Regards,
Casey
hello Casey: We live on a private street where there is a lot of foot traffic and some cars but the street is close to the front of the house. Is there any way to control the sensitivity of the motion detector?
Thank you
DHWS
Hello DHWS,
You can control sensitivity on Ring Video Doorbell.
The Ring Pro only gives the ability to set up the motion detector zones.
If you are looking for better video quality compared to the first generation Ring doorbell then I suggest you get Skybell HD, it has motion detector sensitivity control.
Regards,
Casey
Great comparison, Casey! I received the Ring Doorbell as a Christmas gift (per my wish list) and did not know there was a newer, smaller version (Ring Pro). I am debating exchanging my Ring for the Ring Pro. I have not installed the Ring, only charged it, downloaded the app, and played with it a little inside the house to gain familiarity with the app and the features. Here is my biggest question for you: when you show your images above comparing the Ring and the Ring Pro, you show a daytime picture where the Ring Pro is much clearer and far better quliaty. However, in your nighttime picture the picture on the right (labeled as Ring Pro) lacks color and is not nearly as crisp & clean as the (Ring) picture on the left.
Is it correct the the Ring picture is the one on the left (clearer, crisper, more colorful, larger view), and the picture on the right is the Ring Pro? I’m hoping it’s a mistake and the pictures should be swapped.
Hello Michelle and thank you!
Yes, the pictures are correct.
The Ring Pro comes with infra-red night mode which is black and white like in professional security cameras.
And infra-red vision actually more crisp and will have better details in the area without external lighting because has better resolution 1080p vs 720p.
On this particular images there were external lighting from the walkway near the door and Ring (non-pro) got better image.
If you are worried about night time vision then I suggest to you to get Skybell HD, it has better night vision because of external LED very bright.
Otherwise, first generation Ring Doorbell is good beginner choice.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Casey
Hi. Thx for the great review!
After easy installation of a ring pro, the resolution sucks. It’s like blurry, like a piece of Saran Wrap is over the lens (yes, I took their protective wrap off). Is there another? Anyway, why is it so unclear as well as overt silhouetting.
Hello H A Lewis,
This is weird. Maybe your internet upload speed isn’t fast enough.
How fast is your internet upload speed?
Regards,
Casey
I’ve been using the Ring Pro for a month and after working out some early bugs, I love it. One of my early issues that people really should be aware of before purchasing this is their internet provider’s download/upload speed. I was on AT&T’s 18Mbps plan which is not a basic plan at all and my upload speed was hovering just below 1.0 Mbps. This was causing my motion detection video to cut out after only about 3-4 seconds leaving only audio for the rest of the usual 30 second video. My live video feeds were also pix-elated. After reading the Ring troubleshooting, I realized the minimum upload speed recommended is 2.0 Mbps and I was well below that. After upgrading my plan, this device is just about flawless and exactly what we wanted in a household security device. Users should really be patient if they are experiencing problems with the video. It may not be the device itself. It’s well worth it.
Hello Stevo,
Thanks for info about upload speed.
I heard about this issue, but didn’t have it because I have fast download/upload speed.
Thanks again!
Regards,
Casey
Well-done review, Casey. Thanks. I’m unsure about the adjusting motion settings on the Ring Pro compared to the original Ring device. I have two questions:
1. can I decrease or increase the range on each model?
2. can I turn on or off 6 of the motion zones on each model?
Thank you.
Thank you Robert!
Motion sensor sensitivity only adjust on regular Ring Doorbell.
And in Ring Pro you can specify with which area exactly you want to set it up.
To answer your questions:
1. Only in Ring Doorbell
2. Again only in regular Ring Doorbell. Ring Pro only will detect motions in specific areas which you will specify.
Please let me know if you have questions. And let me know which model you choose.
Regards,
Casey
In either of them , When someone rings the door is there a bell that can be in the house in case your cell is on silent?
Hello Gustavo,
Yes, you can get Ring chimes for Ring and Ring Pro.
They are wireless and you can place them anywhere in the house.
Regards,
Casey
Great review! I’m looking at Ring Pro…… BUT! What if my existing doorbell is mounted on the SIDE of the house, at a 90 degree angle from the door?
Hi Meg,
You can get one of the Ring Pro Corner Kits up to 45 degrees.
Regards,
Casey
Hello,
I have the ring now and am considering upgrading to the pro. The major problem I have with the ring is the lag time for the video to start. I can have ups come to my door leave a package and the video starts when the truck is pulling away! It just did defeats the purpose. How is the sensitivity and lag time with the pro?
Hello MeHu,
I didn’t have this issues with neither doorbells.
Remember, it all depends on your wireless network signal, internet download/upload speed.
And Ring Pro motion detector more sensitivity.
Regards,
Casey
I currently have a skybell ver 2.0. I am ready to upgrade. My question is which one had a louder speaker so the person on the porch can hear me better.
Hi Mark,
Yes, Ring Pro has loud and better audio quality than Skybell HD and of course Skybell 2.0.
Regards,
Casey
Hi
Will the ring Pro or Basic Ring effect my existing Cox Home wireless alarm system?
I have a camera from them yet it is very obscure & mounted by front door high in an area that can’t be moved-so I am thinking of installing a ring system for better facial recognition
Also~ does the ring pro or basic Ring come with a door bell chime for my inside Door bell- or do I need to hard wire it to my existing door bell for the chime to work inside?
I have a very skinny area where my doorbell is now mounted..therefore A ring Pro would fit better if it covers my existing bell area..Hope this makes sense.. I suppose I can disconnect my door bell & put the ring in a new area if possible
Thank you for your time
Hi El,
Neither of them won’t effect your wireless alarm system.
The Ring doorbell you can power up with just a battery, but Ring Pro required hard-wiring to existed doorbell.
And yes, when you hard wire it then it will work with existing chimes.
The other way is to buy Ring chimes which aren’t expensive and no need wires.
Sound like you can just get Ring Pro and wire it old wires. And yes, Ring Pro is way smaller than original model.
Regards,
Casey
I have a regular Ring doorbell (not Pro). I hate that whenever it loses connection with my Wifi, I have to unscrew the unit, dismount, bring inside, connect to USB long enough so it can reconnect to my Wifi, then go back otaide and reinstall. This is so ridiculous. Right now mine is off of my Wifi and the battery says it’s 100% charges. My question: can the Ring Pro automatically reconnect to your network, like after a power outage, for example? This is ao stupid.
Hello Marivonne,
Yes, it can.
It will reconnect automatically. It can failed sometimes as well, but you can click reconnect button from the app.
If you changed wifi password or your router then you will need to re-setup the doorbell. You don’t need to unscrew it. Just pull out the front panel and press side button.
Regards,
Casey