Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) Review: The Best Wireless Video Doorbell with 1080p HD Video
The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) by Amazon is a wireless video doorbell security camera that offers advanced features to enhance your home security. With its 1080p HD video, crisper night vision, and two-way talk functionality, you can easily see, hear, and speak to anyone at your doorstep from your phone or tablet. Whether you're at home or away, this doorbell allows you to answer the door and communicate with visitors remotely. Its easy installation process and compatibility with Alexa-enabled devices make it a convenient addition to any smart home setup. Stay tuned to learn more about the impressive features and benefits of the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) in this comprehensive review.
Product Description
The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) by Amazon is a wireless video doorbell security camera that brings convenience and security to your doorstep. With its 1080p HD video, crisper night vision, and advanced features, you can easily see, hear, and speak to anyone from your phone or tablet, no matter where you are.
One of the standout features of this video doorbell is the Two-Way Talk functionality. Answer the door from anywhere using your phone or tablet, and engage in a conversation with visitors in real-time. If you're busy and unable to answer, you can save time by using the Quick Replies feature, which allows you to respond with a pre-selected message.
Stay connected and never miss a visitor or suspicious activity with the instant notifications. Receive alerts on your phone when anyone presses your doorbell or when motion is detected. This ensures that you are always aware of who is at your doorstep, providing you with peace of mind.
The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) can be powered by its built-in rechargeable battery or connected to your existing doorbell wires for constant power. This flexibility allows you to choose the option that suits your needs best. Plus, the easy, wire-free installation process makes setting up this video doorbell a breeze. Simply connect it to your Wi-Fi using the Ring app and mount it to the wall using the provided tools.
With Alexa compatibility, you can pair the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) with select Alexa-enabled devices. This enables you to receive announcements when your doorbell is pressed or motion is detected, ensuring that you never miss any important activity.
In addition to its standard features, such as instant notifications, live view, and two-way talk, the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) also offers the option to add a Ring Protect Plan. This subscription service allows you to record, review, and share the moments you may have missed. With a 30-day free trial included in your purchase, you can experience the full benefits of the Ring Protect Plan.
With over 67,313 ratings and an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars, the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is highly regarded by customers. Its easy installation, high-quality video, and reliable performance make it a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their home security.
Please note that prices and ratings mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change.
Pros and Cons
Pros
High-quality video: The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) by Amazon offers a crystal-clear 1080p HD video, ensuring you never miss any details. Whether it's day or night, you can rely on the camera to deliver sharp and vivid images, allowing you to easily identify visitors or monitor your front door remotely.
Seamless integration with Amazon Echo and Alexa: One of the standout features of this video doorbell is its compatibility with Amazon Echo devices and Alexa voice assistant. With just a simple voice command, you can view the live feed from your Ring doorbell on your Echo Show or Fire TV. This integration adds convenience and enhances your overall smart home experience.
Easy installation and setup: Setting up the Ring Video Doorbell is a breeze, thanks to its wireless design and user-friendly installation process. You don't need any professional help or complex wiring. The package includes all the necessary tools and step-by-step instructions, allowing you to have your doorbell up and running in minutes.
Cons
Limited viewing angle: Some users have reported that the camera's field of view is not wide enough to capture a 45-degree angle. This limitation may affect the camera's detection capabilities, potentially missing important events or visitors outside the designated viewing area. Users have had to create custom brackets to achieve the desired angle.
Non-removable battery: Unlike its predecessor, the 2nd generation Ring Video Doorbell does not have a removable battery. This means that when the battery runs out, you'll need to remove the entire doorbell unit to recharge it. This inconvenience may be a drawback for users who prefer the flexibility of easily swapping out batteries.
Monthly subscription fee for full functionality: To access advanced features such as video recording and cloud storage, a monthly subscription to Ring Protect is required. While the initial purchase price of the doorbell itself is reasonable, the additional ongoing cost may be a deterrent for some users who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Despite these drawbacks, the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) offers impressive video quality, seamless integration with Amazon Echo, and easy installation, making it a solid choice for enhancing your home security and convenience.
Customer Reviews
The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) has received mostly positive feedback from customers, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this wireless video doorbell security camera.
"I like the good picture, the integration with the Amazon Echo, and the ability to ring my phone when I'm away." (4 stars)
"Had to make a bracket to get a 45degree angle for correct camera detection. Discovered that this model does not have a removable battery and decided to..." (4 stars)
"As I am hearing impaired, I rarely heard the doorbell. Even more problematic is the very strange fact that, for some reason, people often ignore doorb..." (5 stars)
"I like the idea of the video doorbell more for when I'm away from home at work. It's been brilliant for that. I recently got an Alexa show and now tha..." (5 stars)
"Really easy to set up. Great picture quality. Only drawback is the monthly subscription fee which is required to capture recordings of events/visitors..." (4 stars)
"Loved every aspect of this product, its so easy to understand, the quality is more than I expected, its weight is I think a margin of its robustness,..." (5 stars)
"After suffering a nightmare of a year with a different brand of camera doorbell, I gave up and invested in this one for the front door. THIS has ever..." (5 stars)
Overall, customers appreciate the good picture quality of the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) and its integration with Amazon Echo and Alexa. The ability to receive notifications on their phones when away from home is also a popular feature. However, some customers have noted the need for additional adjustments, such as making a bracket for a 45-degree angle and the lack of a removable battery.
Another aspect that stands out is the positive feedback from customers with hearing impairments, who found the doorbell to be a helpful solution. The easy setup process and great picture quality are also mentioned positively. The only downside mentioned by some customers is the monthly subscription fee required to capture recordings.
Overall, the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) seems to be a reliable and convenient option for enhancing home security and staying connected to visitors even when away from home.
Conclusion
The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) by Amazon is a wireless video doorbell that offers impressive features to enhance your home security. With its 1080p HD video, crisper night vision, and two-way talk functionality, you can easily see, hear, and speak to anyone at your doorstep from your phone or tablet.
One of the standout features of this doorbell is the ability to answer the door from anywhere using the Two-Way Talk feature. Additionally, the Quick Replies option allows you to save time by responding with pre-selected messages when you're busy. The instant notifications for doorbell presses and motion detection ensure that you never miss an important visitor or potential intruder.
The flexibility of power options is another advantage of the Ring Video Doorbell. You can choose to power it with the built-in rechargeable battery or connect it to your existing doorbell wires for constant power. The easy installation process, which is wire-free, makes it accessible to anyone without the need for professional help.
The integration with Alexa-enabled devices is a bonus feature that enhances your smart home experience. You can receive announcements on your Alexa devices when the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected.
While the product has received positive feedback from buyers, it's worth noting that some users experienced connectivity issues, which were resolved by using a mesh Wi-Fi system.
In conclusion, the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) offers excellent security features, convenience, and easy installation. With its high-quality video, reliable notifications, and compatibility with Alexa devices, it's a great addition to any smart home. Despite the occasional connectivity issue, the positive aspects of this product far outweigh the drawbacks. Therefore, I highly recommend the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) for those looking to enhance their home security system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I install the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) by Amazon by myself?
Yes, absolutely! One of the standout features of the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is its easy installation process. You don't need any professional assistance or complicated tools. The package includes all the necessary mounting hardware and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the installation process. Most users find it a breeze to set up, and you can have it up and running in no time.
2. Is the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) wireless?
Yes, it is! The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a wireless security camera doorbell. It operates on battery power, so there's no need to worry about running wires or dealing with complicated electrical installations. The wireless design gives you the flexibility to place the doorbell wherever you want, as long as it is within range of your home's Wi-Fi network.
3. Does the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) work with Alexa?
Yes, it does! The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) seamlessly integrates with Alexa, Amazon's virtual assistant. This means you can easily control your doorbell using voice commands through any Alexa-enabled device, such as an Echo smart speaker or an Alexa app on your smartphone. You can ask Alexa to show you the live video feed from your doorbell, answer the door, or even receive notifications when someone rings the doorbell.
4. Is there a monthly subscription fee for Ring Protect?
Yes, there is a monthly subscription fee for Ring Protect, but it is optional. Ring Protect is a subscription service that provides additional features and benefits, such as cloud storage for recorded videos, advanced motion detection, and extended warranty. While the basic functionality of the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) does not require a subscription, the subscription can enhance your overall experience by allowing you to review and save recorded videos for future reference.
5. Can I use the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) if I have a hearing impairment?
Absolutely! The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is designed to cater to various needs and preferences. If you have a hearing impairment and struggle to hear the traditional doorbell, this doorbell can be a game-changer for you. With its high-quality video and two-way audio capabilities, you can see and communicate with visitors even if you can't hear the doorbell. Additionally, the integration with the Amazon Echo allows you to receive notifications on your phone, ensuring you never miss a visitor again.
