Ring Battery Doorbell Plus Review: A Convenient, Head‑to‑Toe View for Everyday Security
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers a smart upgrade to your home’s entryway, simplifying your daily routine. It sets up quickly with a built‑in rechargeable battery—or you can hook it to your existing doorbell wiring—while delivering advanced features like head‑to‑toe video, two‑way talk, and remote control through the Ring app. Whether you want to see who’s at your door in real time or get instant motion alerts from anywhere, this sleek device helps make your front door more secure and convenient. It’s an excellent choice for both newcomers to smart doorbells and longtime enthusiasts looking to modernize their home security without a complete overhaul.
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Ring Battery Doorbell Plus Review: The Doorbell That Won’t Break the Bank
Author – Matt Whitmayer
I recently decided to give my home’s entryway a smarter makeover, and the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus immediately caught my eye. Why? Because it promises a head-to-toe view, easy installation, and a pretty fair price for what it delivers. It may not have every bell and whistle you’d find in the pricier models, but it hits that sweet spot between affordability and reliable performance—especially if you’re like me and mostly want a clear picture of who’s at your door, day or night.
My First Impression
To be honest, I was on the fence at first. After all, Ring offers multiple doorbell models, some with dual-band Wi-Fi, some with pre-roll features, and even others with broader smart home compatibility. Yet, the overwhelmingly positive feedback (and that mid-$100 price point) pushed me to try out the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus.
Right from the start, the installation was a breeze. I charged the battery via the USB-C port, attached the mounting plate with just a few screws, and snapped the doorbell into place. In no time, I was up and running—ready to answer that first “ding-dong” straight from my smartphone. Still, after a couple of days, I opted to hardwire the Ring into my existing doorbell wiring. It just seemed more convenient in the long run. *I am not suggesting to anyone that they should do this if they are unfamiliar with best practices regarding electricity).
Performance of the Ring Doorbell Plus
In day-to-day use, this doorbell does exactly what it claims. The wide 150-degree field of view gives me a full, head-to-toe look at whoever’s at my door—perfect for spotting packages or checking if the neighbor’s dog is scratching around. The HD video is sharp, colors are vibrant, and the night vision mode keeps things fairly clear after sundown.
Thanks to motion alerts, I never miss anyone or anything. I get a notification on my phone the moment there’s movement at the door—helpful for catching deliveries (or the neighborhood kids playing a practical joke). Also, two-way talk works nicely. I can quickly chat with whoever’s there, whether it’s a courier or a friend showing up unexpectedly. Although I haven’t had to use it yet, I suppose it could be used in the event someone was casing my house and get emergency services whether I’m home or away.
What Does the Future Hold?
Having a doorbell that connects so easily with my existing setup makes me wonder what else I can add next. Maybe a new smart lock to accompany it (A colleague has one of the Yale Smart Locks he’s reviewed), or some motion-activated outdoor lighting. Every additional piece of tech seems to layer on that extra bit of security and comfort. For now, though, I’m happy with how much this doorbell does right out of the box.
Technical Details of the Ring Doorbell Battery Plus
Physical & Design Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Smaller Footprint | At 4.9 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches, it maintains a compact profile that fits snugly on most door frames. |
| Battery Powered | Uses a built-in, rechargeable battery that easily detaches for charging. You can also hardwire to existing doorbell wires if you prefer. |
| Finish Options | Available in Satin Nickel or Venetian Bronze to match your home’s style. |
| Field of View | Captures a full 150-degree head-to-toe view of visitors and packages on your doorstep. |
| HD Resolution | Records and streams video in 1,440 x 1,440 HD quality, delivering sharp imagery day or night. |
* Specs obtained from in-house testing and product listings. Buy on Amazon
Connectivity, Setup & Additional Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Single-Band Wi‑Fi | Operates on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for straightforward connectivity and remote access. |
| Smart Integrations | Works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT; does not currently support Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit. |
| Two-Way Talk | Engage with visitors in real time using the built-in microphone and speaker. |
| Easy Setup | Secure the mounting plate with a few screws, snap the doorbell into place, and follow the in-app prompts to connect. |
| Motion Alerts | Receive instant notifications on your phone whenever motion is detected at your door. |
* Specs obtained from in-house testing and product listings. Buy on Amazon
Why I Chose the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
I’ve come across many video doorbells that offer fantastic features—like the Arlo Video Doorbell with a higher resolution or the Nest Doorbell with Google Assistant integration. However, those either come at a steeper cost or require setups that don’t align with my all-Alexa home.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus stood out because:
Alexa Compatibility: Fits perfectly into my Amazon-powered home routine.
It’s Affordable: At around $149.99, it hits a friendly price point.
Easy to Install: No major wiring or complicated tools required.
There are a few Drawbacks
Just like any device, the Ring Battery Doorbell has its quirks:
- Subscription Paywall: Without a Ring Protect plan, you can’t view recorded video or access some advanced features. I opted for the yearly plan ($49.99).
- No Google or HomeKit Integration: If your home is decked out with Google Home or Apple devices, this doorbell might feel a bit limited.
- Feature Limitations: For instance, you don’t get the fancy dual-band Wi-Fi or pre-roll features found in Ring’s pricier offerings.
Still, for the price, these trade-offs feel manageable—especially if you’re an Alexa user or primarily want live viewing and instant motion alerts.
What Device Will Work Best for You
If you’re someone who wants:
- A straightforward, budget-friendly solution that plays well with Alexa, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is an excellent option.
- Higher resolution and a wider viewing angle with Google Assistant integration, consider the Arlo Video Doorbell ($129.99).
- Deeper smart home integration with Apple or Google, you might look elsewhere—perhaps a Eufy model would work best.
In the end, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus strikes a fine balance of cost and convenience. Yes, some features hide behind a paywall, and it’s missing Google or HomeKit love. But if you’re an Alexa devotee and you want simple, reliable doorstep monitoring, it’s tough to beat.
Eufy Subscription Rates
| Plan | Rate |
|---|---|
| Local Storage | Free with most Eufy devices |
| Optional Cloud Storage | Approximately $2.99/month per device |
*Prices reflect rates at the time of writing. Buy on Amazon
Arlo Subscription Rates
| Plan | Rate |
|---|---|
| Arlo Secure (Essential) Plan | Around $2.99/month per camera or ~$29.99/year per camera |
| Arlo Secure Plus Plan | Approximately $9.99/month (for up to 5 cameras) or ~$99.99/year |
*Prices reflect rates at the time of writing. Buy on Amazon
Ring Subscription Rates
| Plan | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ring Protect Basic | Roughly $3/month per device or ~$30/year per device |
| Ring Protect Plus | About $10/month or $100/year for unlimited devices at one location |
*Prices reflect rates at the time of writing. Buy on Amazon
Click Here to Read the Review for the Yale August Smart Lock
Not Sold on This One? Check Out These Smart Alternatives
Arlo Video Doorbell 2K
ecobee Smart Video Doorbell Camera
eufy Security Video Doorbell E340
Blink Video Doorbell
AOSU Doorbell Camera Wireless
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