Ring Video Doorbell 4 Review: Smart Security Meets Color Pre-Roll Technology
Did you know that porch pirates steal over 260 million packages annually in the US? That's where smart doorbells have become our digital guardians, and the Ring Video Doorbell 4 stands at the forefront of this security revolution.
I've found that this latest addition to Ring's lineup brings some impressive upgrades to the table. With color Pre-Roll technology capturing four seconds of footage before motion triggers and dual-band WiFi keeping you connected, it's like having a vigilant doorman who never takes a break.
Introduction to Ring Video Doorbell 4
Ever wondered how to keep a watchful eye on your doorstep, even when you're away? The Ring Video Doorbell 4 brings advanced home security right to your front door. This smart doorbell combines sharp 1080p video with innovative color Pre-Roll technology, capturing four seconds of footage before motion is detected.
What sets this doorbell apart is its comprehensive feature set, including dual-band Wi-Fi for stable connections, customizable motion zones, and seamless Alexa integration. The crystal-clear video quality is complemented by advanced motion detection and two-way audio with noise cancellation, making it an effective digital doorkeeper.
With a 160-degree field of view and impressive night vision capabilities, this device ensures you never miss important visitors or deliveries. You can power it with a rechargeable, quick-release battery pack or opt for hardwiring, offering flexibility in installation. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 stands as a versatile addition to any smart home, though it's worth noting that a Ring Protect subscription unlocks its full potential with features like video recording and Person Alerts.
Key Features and Unique Selling Points
The Color Pre-Roll feature sets a new standard for smart doorbells, capturing 4 seconds of footage before motion triggers, ensuring you never miss crucial moments. This innovative technology is particularly noteworthy as it's the first of its kind in battery-powered doorbells, delivering sharp 1080p video with accurate color reproduction during daylight hours.
Advanced motion detection capabilities allow you to customize detection zones to focus on important areas while ignoring others, reducing unnecessary alerts. The two-way talk feature enables instant communication with visitors, while Quick Replies can automatically handle guests when you're unavailable.
The doorbell's dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity and weather-resistant design ensure reliable performance in various conditions. With Alexa integration and compatibility with other Ring devices, this smart doorbell creates a comprehensive home security solution that acts as a reliable digital guardian for your entryway.
Design and Build
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 stands at 5.1 inches tall and 2.4 inches wide, making it slightly larger than its predecessors. Despite its size, the device maintains a sleek aesthetic in Satin Nickel, making it a stylish addition to any front door. Its versatile power options include a quick-release rechargeable battery pack or hardwiring capability for continuous charging.
The weather-resistant construction ensures reliable operation in temperatures ranging from -5°F to 120°F (-20°C to 50°C), while the click-in faceplate simplifies installation and maintenance. The doorbell's modern frame houses impressive technical features, including dual-band Wi-Fi compatibility for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, and two-way talk functionality with active noise cancellation. With a generous 160-degree horizontal and 84-degree vertical field of view, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 offers comprehensive coverage of your entryway.
Ease of Installation
Installing the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is designed to be user-friendly, though some preparation is required. Before beginning the installation process, you'll need to turn off power at the circuit breaker and remove your existing doorbell. The mounting bracket attaches to your door frame, and you can choose between flat mounting or using the included tilt wedge for optimal camera angles.
While connecting the wires to the terminals is straightforward for hardwired installation, you can also opt for battery-powered operation by simply charging and inserting the battery. However, some users have reported mounting challenges, particularly with uneven surfaces or when the mounting bracket isn't perfectly flat against the wall.
For those experiencing connectivity issues during setup, ensuring proper WiFi signal strength and router placement is crucial. While most homeowners can complete the installation themselves, professional installation might be worth considering, especially when dealing with electrical wiring or complex mounting situations that could affect the doorbell's performance.
Video Quality
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 delivers impressive 1080p Full HD video quality with a wide 160-degree field of view. During daylight hours, footage appears crisp and colorful with excellent saturation and detail. The enhanced color Pre-Roll feature captures 4 seconds of vivid video before motion triggers, helping you catch every important moment.
For nighttime monitoring, the infrared night vision provides clear black and white footage that maintains enough detail to identify faces and movement. While nighttime recording isn't in color, the camera's quick exposure adjustment ensures consistent visibility. The device also includes customizable privacy zones and enhanced dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity for reliable performance around the clock.
Connectivity Options
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 offers robust dual-band Wi-Fi support, letting you connect to either 2.4GHz or 5GHz networks for a more stable connection. This flexibility helps avoid interference and ensures reliable performance. For power options, you can either use the quick-release rechargeable battery or hardwire it to an existing doorbell system.
Smart home integration centers around Amazon Alexa compatibility, allowing you to get voice announcements and view your doorbell's feed on Echo devices. While it works with IFTTT for connecting other smart devices, keep in mind it doesn't support HomeKit or Google Assistant. Through the Ring app, you'll have access to real-time notifications, live view capabilities, and customizable privacy zones for comprehensive control.
Smart Home Integration Capabilities
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 excels in smart home integration, particularly with its seamless Amazon Alexa compatibility. Users can control their doorbell through voice commands and view live video feeds on Echo Show devices, making it a powerful addition to any smart home setup.
Through the Ring app, the doorbell integrates smoothly with other Ring devices, offering comprehensive home security management from a single dashboard. The system supports customizable privacy zones and delivers real-time notifications to keep you informed. Additionally, the doorbell works with SmartThings and Z-Wave protocol devices, expanding its smart home automation possibilities.
For enhanced functionality, the device includes features like quick replies and rich notifications, further strengthening its smart home capabilities. While Google Home users can access basic features, Apple HomeKit integration requires third-party software to function properly.
User Interface and App Features
The Ring app offers comprehensive security features through its interactive dashboard, providing real-time notifications and live video feeds that put home security monitoring at your fingertips. Users can customize motion zones and privacy settings to focus on specific areas while ignoring others. With a Ring Protect subscription, you'll unlock enhanced features like Snapshot Capture and Person Alerts.
While the app includes robust functionality for viewing connected devices, accessing recorded footage, and initiating two-way conversations, some users report that the interface can be overwhelming for non-tech-savvy individuals. The experience on larger devices like iPads could benefit from better optimization, as the current layout feels more suited to smartphones.
Despite these challenges, the app provides valuable features like scheduled motion alerts and shared access management. Recent updates have introduced improved performance and usability enhancements, though the requirement for separate user accounts may still pose a hurdle for families wanting to share access to their Ring devices.
Special Features Compared to Competitors
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 stands out in the smart doorbell market with several distinctive features. Its color Pre-Roll technology captures four seconds of full-color footage before motion triggers, ensuring you never miss crucial moments at your doorstep. This feature is particularly impressive for a battery-powered device, making it a compelling choice for homeowners seeking comprehensive surveillance.
The doorbell's advanced motion detection system includes customizable zones to reduce false alerts, though some users report the sensitivity can be occasionally too high. For nighttime monitoring, the device provides clear black and white footage through IR lights, with the ability to capture color night vision when paired with quality security lighting.
While the Ring Video Doorbell 4 requires a Ring Protect subscription to access its full feature set, it offers competitive cloud storage pricing compared to similar doorbells. Additional features like Quick Replies allow visitors to leave messages when you're unavailable, and dual-band Wi-Fi support ensures stable connectivity. The integration with Amazon Alexa further enhances its functionality, though it's worth noting that Google Assistant users won't find compatible support.
Pros and Cons of Ring Video Doorbell 4
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 offers several compelling features, starting with its crystal-clear 1080p HD video quality and innovative color Pre-Roll feature that captures up to four seconds before motion events. The flexible installation options, including both battery and wired setups, make it adaptable to various homes. The dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity ensures a stable connection, while customizable motion zones help reduce unwanted alerts.
Integration with Amazon Alexa adds convenient smart home functionality, and the Quick Replies feature lets visitors leave messages when you're unavailable. The two-way audio and night vision capabilities further enhance its security features.
However, there are notable drawbacks to consider. The most significant limitation is the mandatory subscription for video recording - there's no free storage option available. The limited viewing range and restrictive 84-degree vertical field of view might miss important areas around your doorstep. Battery life can be shorter than expected, especially when using HDR settings, and some users report frequent motion alerts becoming overwhelming. Privacy concerns and past security controversies surrounding Ring should also factor into your decision-making process.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 proves to be a dependable smart doorbell with impressive features, including color Pre-Roll footage and dual-band Wi-Fi support. At $199.99, it delivers solid value, particularly for those already invested in the Alexa ecosystem. The device's robust performance even with weak Wi-Fi signals and its flexible power options make it a practical choice for most homes.
For homeowners seeking hassle-free installation and seamless Alexa integration, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is a worthy investment. However, potential buyers should consider alternatives if they use Google Assistant or require free video storage. The subscription requirement for accessing advanced features like video recording and Quick Replies should factor into your purchasing decision. Overall, while not a revolutionary upgrade from its predecessor, this latest Ring model delivers reliable performance and smart features that make it a solid choice for home security.
Our Final Take
After thoroughly examining the Ring Video Doorbell 4, I can say it's a solid choice for most homeowners. The color Pre-Roll feature and dual-band WiFi support make it stand out from cheaper alternatives, while the flexible power options and easy installation process add to its appeal.
However, you'll need to consider the subscription costs and limited third-party integration. If you're already using Alexa and don't mind the monthly fee, this doorbell offers reliable security and peace of mind. For $199.99, you're getting a dependable guardian for your front door.
