The Ring Pro’s an extra step up from the Ring. But is it worth it?
Ring Pro 1080p Review
4 min readYou’re looking for a doorbell camera, and you’ve narrowed it down to the Ring and the Ring Pro. Is it worth it to spend extra on the Ring Pro?
We think Ring Pro is a good investment because of its customizability (though it may not be the best in privacy protection).
Ring Pro 1080p
Back when we first wrote this Ring Pro review, we clarified that we were talking about the new 1080p version of Ring Pro. Now the Ring Doorbell Pro automatically comes in 1080p.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro price and details
Amazon.com List Prices (as of 11/30/2022 1:15 MST) Full disclaimer
Ring Pro features
Customizable motion detection is the standout feature for Ring Pro.
The Ring Pro’s a step up from the standard Ring because of its better video quality and custom motion zones.
If you’ve used the original Ring doorbell and think that the motion detection is too sensitive, the motion zones can help you cut down on unnecessary notifications. With these zones, you can choose the motion detection focus and sensitivity.
You can choose the motion detection focus and sensitivity.
The Ring Pro also has person detection to differentiate between people and ambient motion (although it doesn’t have facial recognition). And it comes with four faceplates for you to choose from, just in case one matches your home better than another.
Ring Pro pricing
Ring Pro costs more than the average doorbell.
Right now, the Ring Pro comes in at $249.99 on Amazon.* The Ring Pro is pricier than Ring's other offerings but with the higher price tag, you also get better connectivity and functionality. The Ring Pro is also more expensive than video doorbells from Arlo, Eufy, Toucan, SimpliSafe, and SkyBell by $50+.
*Amazon.com List Price (as of 12/03/2020 10:45 MST) Full disclaimer
You’ll also have to pay for a subscription plan for Ring Pro, just like you do with other Ring doorbells.
Ring Protect monthly plans
| Plan | Protect Basic Plan | Protect Plus Plan | Protect Pro Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $3.99 | $10.00 | $20.00 |
| Annual price | $39.99 | $100.00 | $200.00 |
| Exclusive discounts | 10% off other Ring devices | 10% off other Ring devices | 10% off other Ring devices |
| Cloud storage | 180 days | 180 days | 180 days |
| Video viewing |  Yes | Yes
| Yes
|
| Video sharing | Yes | Yes
| Yes
|
| Extended warranty |  No | Yes
| Yes
|
| 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring Alarm system | No | No
| Yes
|
| Learn more | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Data effective 11/30/2022. Offers subject to change.
Ring Pro home automation
Ring excels at doorbell automation, though its products aren’t compatible with everything.
When someone rings your doorbell, your smartphone lets you know. You can then view the video stream of whoever is at the door, talk to them through two-way audio, and even remotely unlock the door with your smart lock to let them in. When it comes to a video doorbell, that’s the stuff automation dreams are made of.
Equipment
Not everyone wants to rely on smart home notifications. If you worry that you won’t be able to hear your doorbell, set up the Ring Chime Pro.
Also, if you want a battery-operated system, you’re out of luck. Unlike some of Ring’s doorbells, the Pro must be hardwired.
All Ring doorbells are compatible with a Ring alarm system. They’re also compatible with the following:
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Samsung SmartThings
- IFTTT
- Z-Wave (includes some Schlage and Yale locks)
- Some products from Kwikset, GE, Leviton, First Alert, Ecolink, and Dome Sirens
Sadly, Ring doesn’t work with Zigbee protocol.
Ring Pro installation
Here’s how you install the Ring Video Doorbell Pro.
Ring says you can get this baby installed in five minutes. We haven’t been able to verify if this is true. It doesn’t seem like the most reasonable claim since the Ring Pro is hardwired.
If you’re worried about not being able to hear your doorbell from everywhere in your house, we suggest adding a Ring Chime Pro during installation. It’ll extend your doorbell chime sound further (but add more time to the doorbell setup).
Ring Pro installation steps:
- Remove existing doorbell
- Download the Ring app
- Plug in the Chime Pro (if you’re using it)
- Set up the Chime Pro with the app
- Find a nearby outlet
- Run the wires from the outlet to the doorbell
- Install anchors (if you’re using them)
- Remove the doorbell faceplate
- Connect the wires to the doorbell
- Plug in the power adapter
- Set up the Ring Video Doorbell Pro with the app
- Replace the faceplate
After the installation, you can use your Ring app to further adjust the motion detection zones and cloud recording settings.
Ring Pro customer experience
Ring’s privacy (or lack thereof) is the one thing that makes us hesitate.
Last year, there was a lot of splash about Ring’s approach to privacy. Some consumers worry that Ring’s security measures aren’t strident enough.2 Others question potential police access to users’ cameras.3 And some are understandably unhappy that Ring employees may have watched them for four years.4
That’s not to say that Ring products are necessarily unusable. We just caution potential buyers to weigh these security risks before getting the Ring Pro doorbell or any other Ring camera.
Recap: Is Ring Pro good?
Ring Pro’s a good product, but it’s not for you if you’re concerned about Ring’s privacy policies.
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro is a dependable doorbell option with some extra, useful features. Installation is fairly simple, and it delivers everything you'd want in a video doorbell. If you’re ready to pay a little more than you usually would for a doorbell, we think you should go for it.
The one caveat: if the news about Ring’s questionable approach to privacy leaves you feeling icky, you should go with another brand.
Sources
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon.com. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Reviews.org utilizes paid Amazon links.
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