The concept of an intercom, even that of a video intercom, is certainly not a big novelty. But Ring Battery Doorbell Pro, the device we want to tell you about in this review, is not satisfied with basic features: it offers much more. In addition to a sensor to see the full figure of whoever is “ringing the doorbell” in high definition, it offers several intelligent functions. Like three-dimensional motion detection, which Ring first used in its security cameras. But also color night vision, parcel and person recognition, geofencing and more. In short: it is a product for those who want something more than a “simple” smart intercom. In this review, we try to explain in detail our experience with Ring Battery Doorbell Pro, to help you understand if it is the right choice for your home.
Our review of the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is the latest addition to the family of smart video doorbells from Ring, an Amazon company. It is positioned in the high range of the brand's offer, despite having an overall affordable price (for the category) of 229.99 euros in this battery version. But keep in mind that the company offers connected video intercoms starting from 59.99 euros for the basic and wired version. Our expectations, upon opening the package of the device given to us by Ring for testing, were quite high.
Although the package is rather small, we find (almost) everything we need for theinstallation. We will go into detail later, but we appreciated seeing in the box not only the battery-powered video intercom, but also a charging cable, a template for mounting it on the wall or on the gate, screws and even the fischers to insert to secure it in position. You'll have to do the wall mounting yourself, but Ring has made it pretty simple.
Design and aesthetics
However, before mounting the device and connecting it to our WiFi network, we evaluated it rather simple design, but not banal.
The design of the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is modern and essential. We like it two-tone silver-black, with the button that has blue LEDs that can be seen quite well even in sunlight. There are more minimalist designs (like that of Amazon's other company, Blink), but we feel like the Battery Doorbell Pro balances its style well.
The body of the device is made of quality plastic, with glossy finishes that give it a rather premium look. The only element that seems less solid than the rest is the mask covering the removable battery. But, as long as you pay attention to the masks, the idea of removable battery we really like it: you can replace it without having to use a screwdriver, just lift the mask and remove it. Additionally, you don't have to make any electrical connections to operate the video intercom (although the option is there if you prefer).
The dimensions are more generous than other similar products (12,8 x 6,2 x 2,8 cm), but remain easily manageable. You can integrate it into any architectural context, without it being too conspicuous. You can also make it get rain and snow; however, we would recommend avoiding it being too exposed to the elements. It wouldn't hold up if submerged in water, and we fear that too strong a storm could have the same effect.
Installation and initial setup
Setting up the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is a breeze: download the app Ring and follow the directions step by step. Setting up WiFi and accounts is really simple: Ring also offers the option to directly connect your Amazon account to manage from Echo Show or even from Fire TV (we'll talk about integration later).
If setup is very quick, wall installation takes a few minutes more. But thanks to the accessories included in the package and the detailed instructions in the app, it is agile. You have, directly in the package, screws and fischer to connect the satin nickel mask both to the wood and in the wall. The mask will also give the right angle to frame the person playing while standing in front of doors and gates (as usually happens). You will then have four security screws to connect the video intercom to the mask.
It is not necessary wiring, as it runs on battery (included). But you have the option, and this is just an extra advantage: even in this case the Ring app will guide you (but connect it to a standard intercom transformer, 8-24 VAC, 40 VA max, 50/60Hz).
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro review: video quality, audio and sensor performance
As with any video doorbell, the video quality of the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro makes the difference. Find a 1536p sensor, halfway between 1080p and 2K. It seems like a smart compromise to us: it offers the right amount of detail, especially during the day. During the night you can activate Color Night Vision, which offers good results: we were always able to recognize people within the camera's range.
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro ha un 150° horizontal and vertical field of view, which we found very useful when testing it in our review. The sensor can clearly detect even people who are very far from the side of the video intercom, but also packages placed on the ground almost directly under the intercom.
Also excellenttwo-way audio, even if there is one slight latency. If you simply have to say that you are not at home, or specify to the courier where to leave a package, no problem. However, if like us you try to hold longer test conversations, it isn't always comfortable. But we don't consider this a problem for average use.
Advanced features and mobile app
Ringing the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro's doorbell immediately activates the mobile app (available for iOS and Android)—we never had any issues or lags during this review's testing. Which also offers real-time notifications on your smartphone when recognizes packages or people, with a precision that impressed us favorably. The recognition of movements in 3D it is particularly useful for avoiding false alarms: if someone passes in front of your house, it does not activate; if instead it goes towards a door or gate, yes.
You can also set the Area View from above: you can set a radius from the map beyond which the camera does not detect movements, especially useful if the door/gate faces directly onto the road. And you can also adjust motion detection sensitivities and rates, set HDR, and more. We had fun trying everything out: our advice is to spend some time with it as soon as it's installed, to understand what's right for you.
Once you receive the notification, you can click to see the recorded event or to answer the Live call. If you can't answer, you can also set quick responses to tell you where to leave your packages or to have you leave a message. Too bad you can't write your own automatic response, or record a voice one. You can also set different Modes, whether you are at home or away (there is Geofencing to simplify switching from one mode to another). All these customizations may take time, but they greatly improve the video intercom experience.
Integration with the Ring and Amazon ecosystem
A big advantage of the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is the integration of Ring Intercom with the Amazon product ecosystem, without much effort. We tested Ring's features on both Echo Show 8 and Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The integration on the latter is really well done: a picture-in-picture window opens to show who rang. Really comfortable.
We would like to point out, however, that for be able to open gates or doors remotely directly from the app, you need another device. To connect the intercom that you already use today, you can purchase Ring Intercom, even if only for the simplicity of integration. In fact, you can connect the two devices in the app so you can see and open remotely. But you can also connect several smart locks via an external hub.
The integrations with the are also interesting Ring security cameras, to take advantage of Ring Battery Doorbell Pro also for the security of your home. If it is a valid product on its own, within the Ring and Amazon ecosystem it becomes more useful.
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro review: battery life
Ring estimates the battery life on a single charge from 6 to 12 months, depending on the features activated. We tested the device intensively (more than normal use) and, after a couple of weeks, we are at 87%: a figure in line with the lowest forecast, which also seems excellent to us.
Costs, Ring Protect subscription and value for money
While many users would be tempted to use Ring Battery Doorbell Pro without a subscription, Ring Protect offers a benefit that's hard to ignore: event logging in the cloud. For 180 days save messages and package deliveries (or possible theft) online. Otherwise, you can only access events in real time.
In fact, without additional costs, you have Live View, two-way audio and motion-activated notifications. Paying 3,99 euro (or the Plus plan for 10 euros per month, which is convenient if you also have security cameras and other Ring products), but you get a lot. In addition to saving in the cloud, you also find the possibility of sharing videos in a very intuitive way, the detection of…