Hello, tech enthusiasts and smart home fans. Today, I am going to bring you an in-depth comparison of Ring Doorbell 2 vs Ring Doorbell, two of the most popular smart doorbells on the market.
As someone who has personally tested both devices, I can’t wait to share my insights with you. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Power Source
First of all, we will explore how each doorbell is powered, which can be a crucial factor depending on your living situation.
| Ring Doorbell 2 | Ring Doorbell Pro |
|---|---|
| The Ring Doorbell 2 offers dual power options. You can either use its rechargeable battery or connect it to your existing doorbell wiring. This flexibility is a good for renters or those who are not comfortable with electrical work. | The Ring Doorbell Pro offers dual power options. You can either use its rechargeable battery or connect it to your existing doorbell wiring. This flexibility is good for renters or those who are not comfortable with electrical work. |
Video Quality
Next, let’s focus on the video quality of each device, a feature that can significantly impact your user experience.
| Ring Doorbell 2 | Ring Doorbell Pro |
|---|---|
| The Ring Doorbell 2 provides video in 1080p HD, which is pretty standard these days. It’s clear enough to see who’s at the door and even spot any packages left on your porch. | The Ring Doorbell Pro takes it a step further with a resolution of 1536 x 1536. This means you’ll see the best details, making it easier to identify faces and even read license plates. |
Aspect Ratio
Now, let’s talk about the aspect ratio, which affects how much of the area in front of your door you can see.
| Ring Doorbell 2 | Ring Doorbell Pro |
|---|---|
| The Ring Doorbell 2 gives you a widescreen view of your front porch, which is great for seeing a broad area in front of your home. | The Ring Doorbell Pro goes beyond that by offering a square aspect ratio. This allows you to see more of the vertical space, which is great for spotting packages left at your doorstep. |
Field of View
The field of view is another important factor that determines how much area your doorbell camera can cover. Let’s see how each model fares.
| Ring Doorbell 2 | Ring Doorbell Pro |
|---|---|
| In terms of field of view, the Ring Doorbell 2 offers a 160-degree horizontal view and a 90-degree vertical view. This gives you decent coverage of your front porch. | In terms of field of view, the Ring Doorbell Pro offers a 160-degree horizontal view and a 90-degree vertical view. This gives you decent coverage of your front porch. |
Motion Detection
Motion detection is crucial for security. Let’s compare how each doorbell handles this feature.
| Ring Doorbell 2 | Ring Doorbell Pro |
|---|---|
| The Doorbell 2 uses a basic infrared sensor to detect movement, which is effective but can sometimes result in false alerts. | The Pro version uses camera-based motion detection, resulting in more accurate alerts and fewer false alarms. |
Audio Features
Two-way audio is a standard feature in smart doorbells, but let’s see if there’s anything that sets these two apart.
Both doorbells offer two-way communication, but the Pro version includes noise cancellation, making your conversations much clearer.
Connectivity
Connectivity is key for any smart device. Let’s see how these doorbells connect to your home network.
| Ring Doorbell 2 | Ring Doorbell Pro |
|---|---|
| Connects via Wi-Fi but only supports the 2.4GHz band. | Supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, offering potentially faster and more reliable connectivity. |
Design and Aesthetics
Design might be subjective, but it’s worth comparing how each doorbell looks.
| Ring Doorbell 2 | Ring Doorbell Pro |
|---|---|
| The Doorbell 2 is a bit bulkier, mainly because it has to accommodate a battery. | The Pro version sports a sleeker and more modern look, better suited for contemporary homes. |
Installation
Ease of installation can be a deciding factor for many. Let’s see how user-friendly each model is.
| Ring Doorbell 2 | Ring Doorbell Pro |
|---|---|
| Installation is relatively straightforward, and the battery option makes it even easier. | Requires wiring, which might take a bit more time and expertise. |
Price
Last but not least, let’s talk about the cost.
| Ring Doorbell 2 | Ring Doorbell Pro |
|---|---|
| Generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. | Comes at a premium due to its advanced features. |
A Quick Overview: Ring Doorbell 2 vs Ring Doorbell Pro
| Feature | Ring Doorbell 2 | Ring Doorbell Pro |
| Power Source | Battery or Hardwired | Hardwired Only |
| Video Quality | 1080p HD | 1536 x 1536 Resolution |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 (Widescreen) | 1:1 (Square) |
| Field of View | 160° Horizontal, 90° Vertical | 160° Horizontal, 100° Vertical |
| Motion Detection | Basic (Infrared Sensor) | Advanced (Camera-Based) |
| Audio Features | Two-Way Audio | Two-Way Audio with Noise Cancellation |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) |
| Design | Bulkier (Battery Compartment) | Sleeker and More Modern |
| Installation | Easier (Battery Option) | Requires Hardwiring |
| Price | Generally Cheaper | More Expensive |
My Personal Take
After reading through numerous forums and customer reviews, it’s clear that the Pro version is generally favored for its advanced features.
However, the Doorbell 2 also has a loyal following, particularly among those who value its installation flexibility.
Personally, if I had to choose, I’d go for the Pro version. The enhanced video quality and advanced motion detection are features I wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Ring Doorbell 2 and the Ring Doorbell Pro boils down to what you value most. If it’s flexibility and ease of installation, the Doorbell 2 is your best bet.
But if you’re after advanced features and are willing to go the extra mile for installation, the Pro version is definitely worth considering.