Ring Video Doorbell 2 Review: A Reliable Guardian for Your Digital Doorstep
Remember when checking who's at your door meant peeking through a tiny peephole or pulling back curtains? Those days are long gone. The evolution of home security has brought us smart doorbells, and the Ring Video Doorbell 2 stands as a testament to this transformation.
I've found that this device isn't just about seeing visitors - it's about creating a digital reception area for your home. With features like two-way audio and 1080p HD video, it's like having a personal doorman who never takes a break. But does this $169 investment really deliver the peace of mind it promises?
Ring Video Doorbell 2: A Smart Home Security Essential
Looking for a versatile video doorbell that balances security and convenience? The Ring Video Doorbell 2 delivers essential features that make it a practical choice for modern homes. This smart device captures clear 1080p HD video with a generous 160-degree field of view, ensuring comprehensive coverage of your entryway.
One of the standout features is its flexible power options. You can either use the rechargeable battery pack or hardwire it to your existing doorbell wiring - making it adaptable to virtually any home setup. The DIY installation process is straightforward, adding to its appeal for homeowners.
While it may not be the latest model in Ring's lineup, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 delivers reliable performance with essential features like two-way audio and infrared night vision. However, it's worth noting that advanced features like person detection and free cloud storage require a Ring Protect subscription.
The device does have some limitations compared to newer models, such as the lack of advanced motion detection and activity zones. Despite these constraints, its core functionality provides effective home monitoring and visitor communication capabilities that many homeowners will find more than sufficient for their needs.
Design & Build Quality
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 features a two-part design with a glossy black upper section housing the camera and a customizable lower portion. It comes with two interchangeable faceplates - Venetian (matte black) and Satin Nickel (silver) - letting you match your home's style easily.
While the design is simple and sleek, with a slim silver rectangle beneath the black camera housing, it is bulkier than some competing models like the Ring Pro. The backlit ring button adds a modern touch, making it easy for visitors to spot at night.
The flexibility of swappable faceplates is particularly valuable if you plan to redecorate or move to a new home. You'll notice a clean, straightforward appearance that works well with various home styles, though the overall size might be more prominent than some homeowners prefer.
Key Features
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 delivers crisp 1080p HD video with a wide 160-degree view that lets you see visitors from head to toe. The camera includes HDR sensors that help capture clear details, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Night vision is impressive, with infrared LEDs that can see up to 30 feet in darkness. The motion detection system is practical, offering customizable zones to reduce false alerts from cars or swaying trees.
The doorbell is designed to operate in temperatures from -5° to 120°F, making it reliable in various weather conditions. The two-way audio works well for conversations with visitors, while the Ring Always Home app makes it easy to check your door from anywhere. You can even watch live video on your TV through Amazon Fire TV Stick or Echo Show.
Smart home integration is a strong point - the doorbell works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, making it a versatile addition to any connected home setup.
Performance
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 delivers reliable performance with its WiFi connectivity (802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz), requiring a minimum 2 Mbps internet speed for smooth operation. The motion detection system works effectively, though it's recommended to run the video quality test to identify any signal strength issues that might affect performance.
The battery life is a key consideration - even hardwired installations rely on battery power as a backup. You can easily monitor battery levels through the Ring app, which also allows you to adjust motion settings to balance between security coverage and battery conservation.
The device handles temperatures from -5°F to 120°F, making it suitable for various climates. The customizable alert settings help avoid unnecessary notifications, while the Shared Users feature enables family members to access, save, and share important video clips. For optimal performance, users should regularly fine-tune their motion and alert preferences based on their specific security needs.
User Experience & Feedback
The Ring Video Doorbell 2's reliability and ease of use consistently earn positive feedback from homeowners. The upgraded 1080p video quality delivers clear footage, while the notification system proves remarkably efficient with response times averaging just 2.6 seconds. Users particularly appreciate the straightforward DIY installation process and durable construction.
The subscription requirement emerges as a common point of discussion among users. While basic features function well independently, accessing advanced capabilities like person detection and cloud storage requires the Ring Protect plan at $4.95 monthly. Some users express concerns about the missing thumbnail previews in notifications and limited package detection capabilities due to the camera's positioning.
Despite these considerations, most users find the Ring Video Doorbell 2 offers exceptional value at its sub-$100 price point. The combination of consistent performance, user-friendly interface, and robust smart home integration capabilities makes it a practical choice for everyday home security needs.
Subscription & Cost
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 costs $169, positioning it as a mid-range option in the smart doorbell market. While the device offers basic live viewing without extra charges, most key features require a Ring Protect subscription plan to function.
The Ring Protect Basic plan runs $3 monthly or $30 yearly for a single device, providing 60-day video recording and sharing capabilities. For homes with multiple Ring devices, the Protect Plus plan costs $10 monthly or $100 yearly, covering all your Ring equipment, including security cameras and alarm systems.
It's important to understand that without a subscription, functionality is significantly limited. You'll miss out on essential features like push notifications, recorded clips, and home/away modes. Ring offers a 30-day free trial of their Protect Plus plan, allowing you to test the full feature set before committing. No long-term contracts are required for any subscription tier.
Pros and Cons of the Ring Video Doorbell 2
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 presents a mixed bag of features and limitations worth considering. While it offers flexible power options through either battery or hardwiring, and comes with convenient DIY installation, real-world performance has been inconsistent for many users. The 1080p HD video quality and infrared night vision provide good baseline monitoring capabilities.
However, several significant drawbacks have emerged. Users have reported unreliable motion detection, sometimes capturing only 65-70% of visitors, along with frequent false alerts. Battery-powered units require regular recharging, which can create security gaps when the device is offline. The system's limited range and monitoring area may not suit all property layouts, while privacy concerns and subscription requirements add to ongoing considerations.
Many users have found themselves upgrading to the Pro model for better performance and more advanced features. While the Ring Video Doorbell 2 can serve basic monitoring needs, it's best suited for homeowners who prioritize simple setup and flexible power options over advanced functionality. Those seeking more reliable motion detection, precise activity zones, or consistent performance should consider alternatives like the Ring Pro, despite its hardwiring requirement.
Final Verdict
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 is an excellent choice for homeowners who value flexibility and ease of use over advanced features. Its dual-power options - battery or hardwired installation - make it particularly versatile for various home setups. The device delivers reliable performance with its 1080p video quality, 160-degree field of view, and dependable two-way audio system.
While the device's bulky design may not win any beauty contests, its practical features compensate for the aesthetic compromise. The battery life spans six months to a year, and the integration with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT provides solid smart home functionality. The user-friendly app and adjustable motion detection enhance the overall user experience, though some may find the lack of pre-buffered recording and advanced AI features limiting.
For basic home monitoring and visitor communication, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 remains a practical investment, especially for those prioritizing easy setup and reliable performance. While newer models offer more advanced features, this doorbell camera delivers the essential functionality most homeowners need for everyday security and convenience.
Final Thoughts
After examining every aspect of the Ring Video Doorbell 2, I believe it hits the sweet spot between functionality and user-friendliness. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of premium models, its reliable performance and flexible power options make it a practical choice for most homeowners.
The subscription requirement might give some buyers pause, but when you consider the overall value - including HD video, two-way audio, and smart home integration - it's clear why this device remains popular. If you're looking for a dependable smart doorbell that's easy to set up and use, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 deserves your attention.
