Ring has revamped its popular video doorbell lineup with a modern design, led by the top-tier Video Doorbell Pro 3. This model gains a 4K camera, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and new AI-powered features, marking a significant upgrade over its predecessor.
Design and Pricing
The new doorbells are sleeker but retain the recognizable two-tone Ring color scheme, button, logo, and chime. Battery models start at £80, with the top model costing £219.99 (€249.99/$249.99/A$329.99) in either battery or wired versions. The wired model, as reviewed, comes with interchangeable colored faceplates and a glowing blue ring around the bell button. Despite a slimmer appearance, the Pro 3 is slightly larger than the 2021 model.
4K Camera and Low-Light Performance
The 4K camera is a major leap over previous versions, capturing fine detail such as name badges and enabling up to 10x digital zoom. It can read a car number plate from about nine meters away, day or night. Low-light performance is notably improved, especially in mixed lighting conditions with street lights. A monochrome infrared mode activates in darkness, providing crisp visibility of movement. The wide 140-degree square field of view allows head-to-toe views of visitors, and package detection alerts users to boxes left at the door.
Radar Motion Tracking and Wi-Fi 6
Radar-based motion tracking provides a trace of a person's movement on an aerial view of the driveway, and allows customizing motion detection distance to reduce unwanted recordings. Privacy settings can block parts of the field of view. The upgrade to dual-band Wi-Fi 6 from Wi-Fi 5 improves bandwidth and latency in congested areas, eliminating the need for a Wi-Fi booster. Live view sessions start faster, but Wi-Fi 6 remains vulnerable to jamming by criminals. The wired model uses a low-voltage transformer or Ring's plug-in adaptor, avoiding battery charging.
Pre-Roll and Continuous Recording
The wired Doorbell Pro offers six seconds of full-color HD pre-roll video with sound before an event recording, including in low light, or continuous 24/7 recording for an extra monthly fee. The battery model provides four seconds of lower-definition pre-roll without sound and does not work in low light.
Subscription Plans and AI Features
While the doorbell works without a subscription for basic notifications and live view, video storage requires a subscription. The Ring Solo plan at £4.99/month offers 180 days of event videos, smart alerts for persons, packages, and vehicles, and animated previews. The Ring Multi plan covers multiple cameras at one location for £7.99/month. The Ring Pro plan at £15.99/month adds AI features including video descriptions, search by description, facial recognition for frequent visitors, and advanced alert settings. Unusual event alerts learn patterns and notify only for anomalies, reducing notification fatigue. These AI features can be added to lower plans for £3/month per camera, and continuous recording is a £3/month add-on per camera.
Sustainability and Price
Ring provides software updates until at least 31 December 2030. The device is made from 25% recycled materials including aluminum and plastic. The company offers trade-in and recycling schemes. The Ring Wired Video Doorbell Pro (third gen) costs £219.99, compared to the Google Nest Doorbell at £179.99 and the Eufy Video Doorbell E340 at £169.99.
Verdict
The Video Doorbell Pro 3 delivers welcome upgrades with a 4K camera that significantly improves detail and mixed-light performance. Wi-Fi 6 enhances connectivity, and the wired model eliminates battery concerns. Alexa integration is a bonus for existing Amazon users. However, the need for a subscription to unlock full functionality is a drawback compared to rivals like Eufy that offer local recording. The Ring Pro plan's advanced alert features are effective for reducing notification fatigue but add cost. Overall, the Pro 3 is a strong choice for those invested in the Ring ecosystem.
