Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 vs. Ring Video Doorbell 3

Ring is one of the leading smart security companies, renowned for products like security cameras,  floodlights, and perhaps most notably, video doorbells. Featuring an extensive lineup of tech-heavy, battery- and non-battery-powered bells in multiple shapes, sizes, and colors, there’s a Ring doorbell for every home, price point, and user need.

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Two of the most recent doorbells — the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and the newly released Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 — share characteristics like notifications and custom motion zones, but there are a few key differences between the two. Here, we compare the two doorbells to determine which model will work best for you.

At a glance

Design

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 and Ring Video Doorbell 3 are similar in design and size perspective, but there are slight variances. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 comes in at 5.1 inches tall, 2.4 inches wide, and 1.1 inches in depth, while the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is 4.49 inches tall, 1.9 inches wide, and .87 inches thick. The notable blue LED light ring surrounds the doorbell button on each device.

One of the key aesthetic differences applies to the Ring Video Doorbell 3’s faceplate, which has added grips on each side to slide the doorbell into place. It’s a subtle addition, but the ease of use is definitely an added plus.

As far as color options, the Video Doorbell 3 comes with a Satin nickel faceplate with Venetian bronze as an additional purchase option. The Video Doorbell Pro 2 comes with the same Satin nickel faceplate, but once you’ve configured the doorbell, Ring will email you a voucher for one free additional faceplate. There are over 16 color options available, making it easy for your bell to mesh with a multitude of home exteriors.

Winner: Ring Video Doorbell 3

Installation

For the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, mounting hardware is included with the doorbell. You’ll want to use the included hardware to secure the mounting bracket. The doorbell can then be clicked into place. If you opt to wire into your existing doorbell system, you’ll need a transformer with 8-24 VAC, 40VA max, 50/60Hz. The basic installation time is roughly five minutes, according to Ring.

For the Video Doorbell 3, you can choose to opt-out of hard-wiring altogether with the included battery pack. You’ll get all of the hardware to secure the mounting bracket, and setup will take about five minutes. If you’d rather wire directly, you can use an existing doorbell system or transformer for continuous charging (8-24 VAC, 40VA max, 50/60Hz). Two enhancements were made to the Ring Video Doorbell 3 related to installation. The first is an easy-to-remove faceplate. Basically, indentation marks were placed on the sides of the faceplate to make it easier to slide on and off. An automatic chime connection was also added, which takes a lot of the legwork out of setting up your Wi-Fi on the device.

Winner: Ring Video Doorbell 3

Features and specs

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 features 1080p HD video, live view, and night vision. You’ll find adjustable motion zones, a 160-degree field of view, and two-way audio with noise cancellation. Both the Video Doorbell 3 and Video Doorbell Pro 2 can connect to your home’s 5GHz Wi-Fi band, with 2.4GHz as the default.

There’s a new assortment of features that you can only get with the Video Doorbell Pro 2, making it one of Ring’s most advanced doorbells. For starters, where all Ring doorbells feature 1080p HD, the Doorbell Pro 2 comes with 1536 HD under a new function called Head-to-Toe Video. Curious what that package is on your front stoop? Head-to-Toe live video introduces an improved vertical-axis that literally allows you to see everything from the face of the delivery person to the cardboard box your latest delivery came in.

Another Doorbell Pro 2 exclusive is Ring’s 3D motion detection which allows you to create customized motion zones up to 30 feet out from your property. This is paired with a new Bird’s Eye View function that lets you track motion from a higher vantage, allowing you to see where someone has run off to.

If you’re a fan of Amazon Alexa, the Video Doorbell Pro 2 also has built-in Alexa Greetings which allows your doorbell to greet front door visitors, provide instructions for delivery drivers, and record detailed video messages. Keep in mind that this feature is only available if you’ve got a Ring Protect subscription (more on that below).

Winner: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

Price and subscription model

The subscription options for both the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 and the Ring Video Doorbell 3 are the same. The most basic plan covers one device for $3/month, and for $10/month, the upgraded “plus” plan protects your whole home. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 costs $249 and is only available for pre-order through March 31. Right now, you can find the Ring Video Doorbell 3 for $149.

Bargain-hunters will love the deals in our best Ring Video Doorbell deals and home security camera sales.

Overall winner

Ring Video Doorbell 3

The Ring Video Doorbell 3’s impressive features, battery install option, and accessible price make it an easy winner. With that in mind, the Video Doorbell Pro 2 costs about a hundred dollars more but will grant you an impressive assortment of monitoring features exclusive to the model.