Ring Video Doorbell
Pros
Fish-eye lens provides a large field of view
Video quality is good
Two-way audio is clear
Detailed history of events
Motion detection and night vision
Uses battery or existing wiring
Compatible with many other connected home products
Cons
Bigger than others tested
Requires subscription to view past events
Can't access live-view unless activated by ring or motion
The Ring video doorbell gives you the power to monitor your front door, and you don't need a dedicated power supply for it to operate. This doorbell comes with an internal battery (5200mAh), that lasts anywhere between six months to a year — and when it runs out, you can just charge it again. It also comes with a dedicated power hookup, just in case you'd like to use a hardwired system left over from your existing doorbell. You can view the live-feed when someone rings the doorbell or if it senses motion. The motion sensor can be set to a set distance or a specific region, and you can set up alerts for recurring activities (like the mail person stopping by).
The video in the live feed is a fish-eye view with a viewing range of 180 degrees. The video quality is great, and it does have night vision, but the fish-eye lens can distort the view. In the live feed you can talk to the visitor at your door, and the audio quality both in and out of the doorbell is superb. If you missed a chance at the live feed, you can see the recorded video in the detailed history below, but that feature requires a subscription. Consumer testers also thought the app was a bit tricky to navigate and use and they also felt they really need to press the ringer for the trigger to activate.
Update, September 16, 2016: For all units that are hardwired, you can tap into the live view at any time.
How We Tested: Engineers in our Consumer Electronics and Engineering Lab tested five app-connected doorbells, noting the video angle, video and audio quality, and size. We also reviewed the added features that enhance the doorbell, and assessed how easy it was to install and set up. We invited consumer testers to give us their opinion on the look of each doorbell, the video and audio quality in the live feed, and the app's interface.
Reviewed: October 2016
Price When Reviewed: $199.00
Technical Specifications
Warranty: 1 year
Compatability: iOS, Android, Windows 10
Resolution: 720p HD
Motion detection: 30 feet
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