The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro Is a Premium Model at a Premium Price – But the New Bird's Eye Feature is Not Needed for Day-to-Day Life

I've been a user and lover of Ring doorbells since I installed my first one two years ago, and recently upgraded to the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro

I couldn't wait to try the new Ring Battery Doorbell Pro, available at Amazon, and, since testing it, have enjoyed flawless sound and video quality, accurate notifications, and impressive battery life.

My only qualms would be that it's certainly expensive – priced at the higher end of the best video doorbells – and not a huge change to my previous model. Here's everything I've found after almost a month of testing.

My One-Minute Verdict of the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro

The first thing I really have to highlight is how much I truly appreciate the fact that newer Ring battery doorbell models fit straight onto the old mount, which means, even on my third upgrade, I've never had to make more holes in my walls or move anything about. Instead, the new model is so quick to install – I'm talking less than five minutes – if you already have a Ring doorbell.

Besides that, I've found, in usual Ring fashion, that the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro, available at Amazon, is easy to use, with seriously impressive video and sound quality, and an exceedingly long battery life, which I've found to be a reliable home security tip.

I always keep at least one battery fully charged, as the Plus and the Four both helpfully utilize the same battery, and then just simply swap it out whenever I need to, which tends to be roughly once every two months. This means I'm never without my Ring doorbell, but if you don't have a spare battery like me, expect a charge time of up to 10 hours. The cable you'll need for charging is provided.

Just like the Plus, the two-way audio feature, which allows me to communicate with whoever is at my front door without opening it, is amazing for feeling safe and secure at home. Though I find I rarely need it, it's certainly a comfort to know it's there if I need it.

And, as usual, setting up customizable privacy zones and motion detection zones was a breeze, and particularly important as I live on a busy road and right next to the riverbank, with walkers and cars often passing by all throughout the day and night.

Installation, as I've said, was super quick, but without previous experience with a Ring doorbell, I still find the instructions more than a little confusing; but luckily, my partner was on hand to help with some DIY tips that made it far simpler.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro: Specifications

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro: Installation and Setup

First things first, before installing, you'll need to charge up the video doorbell. As I already had one charged and ready to go from my old model, this was a step I could skip, but otherwise, you'll need to wait until the next day to get properly started.

That being said, the new battery did arrive 50 per cent charged when I checked, which is more than enough to get up and running for a week or two, depending on the specific doorbell settings you choose. For the long-term health of your battery, it's best to give it a full charge before use.

Once mine was ready to go, setting up on the app was seriously a breeze and took less than five minutes. It quickly and easily connected to my WiFi, and was ready for installation in next to no time.

When it comes to the actual installation, as I've touched on, I find the instructions for Ring doorbells pretty confusing. It's not that they're complicated, but more so that they're unclear, and with various envelopes filled with various different screws, anything that isn't completely obvious can become a bit muddled.

For example, while the screw envelopes are labelled A-D, I often find it still pretty confusing to work out exactly which screw I need to use when from the instructions. The instructions included in the box are more than a little brief, but you can scan a QR code on them to take you to more detailed steps with helpful images and videos, but still, it's not always obvious.

Whilst the instructions did mention the envelope letters in some places, in others it was less clear, with an image featured, but not a corresponding letter. Each envelope included a mix of screws, wall plugs, for example, but the pictures in the instructions weren't always illuminating.

This time, installation for me was slightly different, however, as I simply unscrewed my old Ring model (the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus), which was a little fiddly but very simple, and put the new one straight up, using the same screws as before (you'll need a screwdriver for this, which isn't provided).

It's definitely something to keep in mind if you don't already have a Ring doorbell.

You can also wire this model in, if you don't need or want to go for the renter-safe home security option like me.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro: Video Quality

Daytime: In the daytime, the quality of the 1536p HD live video is amazingly clear, with accurate colors, and more than enough clarity to make out faces from both far away and up close as they ring the bell.

The 150° horizontal, 150° vertical field of view also means I'm able to see packages on the porch and identify whether anything has been left there, which is extremely helpful for preventing porch pirates.

That being said, disappointingly, the video quality is actually no better than that of my old model, but the Pro does have the added benefit of color pre-roll, which begins recording video a few seconds before motion detection or a doorbell press. From a safety point of view, this is a real plus, making this particular model a smart-tech gadget that will transform your home. It can also be turned off if you prefer to do so.

Notifications: Like other Ring models, the app notified me quickly and accurately if there was a person or package detected at my door. And, while I have my motion detection zone set away from the road (this was easy to customize) so that passing vehicles don't constantly set off my doorbell, it is easy to identify them, but I can't read registration plates, as my house is set back. I also have the motion sensitivity adjusted on the easy-to-use sliding scale, so it doesn't constantly go off when dogwalkers walk past, and have 'Smart Alerts' enabled so I only get recordings and alerts if a person or package is detected on the porch, and not for any other motion, like squirrels or vehicles.

The ability to select 'live view' on the app and get a real-time view of the outside of my house has also been a security measure I've found both a comfort and extremely handy if I need to check up on anything, and it's also super quick and simple to view 'missed Rings,' even if I'm at work or not at home.

Nighttime: This doorbell features color night vision, just like my old Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, which is still just as good. It's just as easy to identify people as it is during the day, and the pre-roll feature works just as well, too. I also haven't noticed any delay in notifications at nighttime, which is handy if I ordered takeout late in the evening, or if parcels arrived after dark.

Dynamic light: There's been no issue with my doorbell balancing bright and dark areas, and faces haven't appeared washed out or difficult to identify, which also hasn't been affected by differing weather conditions.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro: Audio Quality

When people arrive at my door, I've never had any trouble hearing people clearly, particularly due to the noise-cancelling feature that impressively blocks out the traffic noise of the busy road in front of my house, any wind or rain sounds, or sounds of flights or trains passing overhead or nearby. In the recorded footage on the app, you can play back any motion alerts with excellent clarity, as the doorbell focuses in on the person's voice and blocks out all other audio.

The Two-Way Talk with Audio+ and advanced noise cancellation also means others can hear me clearly, without delay, if I can't make it to the door, or if I'm not even at home.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro: App and Smart Features

Over the years of using Ring doorbells, I've always found the app simple and easy to use and navigate, and I have yet to encounter any issues, crashes, lags, or bugs.

All of the menus are easy to access on my iPhone, and now that I've got used to finding what I need, I never have any trouble finding the settings menu required, or clicking directly into 'Live View' from the main dashboard, as seen in the image above.

All the settings and buttons are clearly labelled, so it's simple even if you don't have experience with a Ring doorbell. You can also easily download past footage clips from the past 180 days from this dashboard.

Unlike the eufy e340 video doorbell, which works with Google Voice Assistant devices, the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro only works with Amazon Alexa, but this isn't a feature I've ever needed to use, so while it doesn't affect me, it's something to keep in mind if you rely more on the ways voice assistants can be used.

As with my old model, all real-time app alerts and notifications have been extremely accurate and punctual, and, again, I've appreciated the mini preview that pops up while my phone is still locked, meaning I can get an idea of who is at my door with just a glance. However, just like with my Plus, this feature isn't included in the basic subscription model. Read more about Ring subscription plans.

The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro will also send alerts to your Apple Watch, which I find helpful if I'm in the middle of something, working at my desk, or away from my phone. You can send 'Quick Replies' on there, too, but for a full video, you'll need a phone or tablet.

Ring Doorbell Battery Pro: Motion Detection and Notifications

There are so many motion settings included for the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro, including adjustable motion sensitivity, customizable motion zones, where your camera will not detect motion outside of those areas, smart alerts, schedules, and further advanced settings. All of these I've found simple and easy to adjust and change.

Like my old model, I've set mine to 'regularly' check for motion, which prolongs the battery life of the model. Opt for 'periodically' to maximize battery life, and 'frequently', which stays active at all times, but will significantly affect how long your battery lasts on a single charge.

You can also snooze notifications altogether, not that I ever have, but that setting could certainly be useful if there's workmen working outside your home, or if you have an influx of guests for a party, for example. You can also set privacy zones to prevent any recording of your neighbour's property. My house is on the corner, so this isn't a setting I ever use, but it's handy to have.

I'm still yet to experience any false alarms with my doorbell, my phone notifications, and my Ring Chime, available at Amazon as an extra, always go off at the same time, meaning I always know if there's someone or something at the door, even if I'm away from my phone.

What sets this Ring model apart is the addition of the Birds' Eye Zones, which show you where visitors went on your property with an aerial map, using radar technology. While yes, this is an excellent way to secure your home without a security system, if, like me, you already have a security system, it's not wholly necessary, particularly if it's one of the only main differences I've spotted to justify the $49.99 price hike between my previous Ring Plus and the newer Ring Pro.

Like the regular motion detection settings, the Bird's Eye Zones feature also lets you set specific areas for your motion detection, so you can make sure you're only getting alerts from around your home on your property, not in surrounding streets or your neighbour's home.

As I said, with the accuracy and video quality of the regular camera view, this just isn't a setting I've needed or wanted, but I can see the appeal, particularly in terms of safety and security, and this certainly is a pretty impressive, cutting-edge feature.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro: Power and Battery Life

The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro boasts a battery life of three to six months, according to Ring, which is a significant drop from my Ring Battery Doorbell Plus's six to twelve months window. I can only put this down to the added tech for the Bird's Eye Zones, but I still haven't had to even think about charging mine after three weeks, and in any case, having to do so every three to six months is no problem for me.

For comparison, I charged my Ring Battery Doorbell Four roughly every two months, but I live in a very busy household with lots of people and packages coming and going. If you wire it in or use solar power rather than using the battery, this isn't something you'll have to worry about.

Like both other Ring models I've used, it's effortlessly easy to recharge and replace the battery when necessary. I keep a spare battery on hand and fully charged at all times, and you can buy a Ring Rechargeable Quick Release Battery Pack at Amazon. The battery life can easily be checked on the app.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro: Connectivity and Reliability

Since upgrading to the newer Ring Battery Doorbell Pro, I've enjoyed the same reliable connectivity, and I haven't once experienced it disconnecting from the Wi-Fi. My connection is very strong at home, but either way, I've been impressed, and the same applies to getting notifications via 5G when I'm out and about.

All in all, this means I've never missed any motion, rings, or activity, whether I'm at home or elsewhere.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro: Privacy and Security

My app opens with my Face ID once my phone is unlocked, so I don't use a password, passkey, or two-factor authentication on the app, but it is possible to do so if you prefer.

As mentioned, you can also set privacy zones (you can set two per device) to block out your neighbour's property, and disable audio and video recording on your Ring device to prevent sound from being streamed or recorded. This can be toggled in the app with ease.

Like my other models, all videos are stored in the Ring Cloud, but you do need a subscription plan to access them (there's more on that below). Without one, there isn't any local storage, but you can still see a live view, letting you hear and talk to visitors in real-time.

As a family, we always share access to our current doorbell among ourselves, to ensure everyone is able to use all the features, and this was as easy as ever to do – you'll just need their email to send over an invite.

Ring is committed to transparency when it comes to their privacy and security practices, and features default video encryption, or optional end-to-end video encryption to give you even more control over who can view your videos.

With a Ring Protect plan, included in additional subscription prices, your videos are securely stored in the cloud and can be deleted at any time, which also deletes them from their servers according to the storage period in your plan​. In the app, under the 'Privacy information' menu, you can also click through to 'Data management' and request a copy of your data, and manage third-party access.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro: Price and Value

When not on sale, the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro comes in at $199.99 at Amazon, and $229.99 on Ring, which is certainly not cheap, and only becomes more expensive when you consider the added costs of a subscription plan.

I pay for the 'Home Standard' subscription, which comes in at $9.99 a month or $99.99 for a year, and covers all devices at one address, stores up to 180 days of history, and gives me access to extended live view, video preview alerts, multi-cam view, alarm cellular back-up, and doorbell calls.

In comparison, the Home Basic Plan ($4.99 a month of $49.99 for the year for one device) includes video recording, person and package alerts, 180-day history, and video previews, all of which are the necessary features I use day to day, while the Premium plan ($19.99 a month or $199.99 a year) includes all the advanced features of the Home Standard Plan, plus 24/7 professional monitoring if you have Ring Alarm, available at Amazon, and the ability to use smart video search.

As mentioned, without any subscription at all, your doorbell is still more than usable, but there's no local storage included.

In terms of value for money, I'd still be tempted to opt for the Plus over the Pro, which has plenty of smart-home features designers love, without any that I never use or feel are a little unnecessary, and drive up the overall price of the Pro. But, if you can nab the Pro on sale and would appreciate the added safety features like the Bird's Eye Zones, then I'd think that you won't regret the extra features, particularly if you feel that you can't put a price on safety, which I totally understand.

If you're really hot on home security, this Arlo model includes a siren feature to deter porch pirate thieves.