How things have changed. From Nest to Wisenet, many companies are launching video doorbells of their own. Ring’s original doorbell debuted at a price that’s $100 more than it costs today, and now the company has four different doorbells, including the Doorbell 2, the Pro, and the Elite. It also has several outdoor security cameras on the market, including the Spotlight Cam, and recently introduced the Ring Alarm, a home monitoring security system. Reveal more on Ring video doorbell pro plus amazon echo dot charcoal review.
Compare Ring Doorbells – Ring Video Doorbell vs. Ring 2 vs. Ring Pro
| Video Doorbell 2 | Peephole Cam | Video Doorbell Pro | Video Doorbell Elite | |
| Video Resolution | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| Power Source | Battery or Hardwired | Battery | Hardwired | Hardwired with Power over Ethernet |
| Field of View | 160° horizontal, 90° vertical | 155° horizontal, 90° vertical | 160° horizontal, 90° vertical | 160° horizontal, 90° vertical |
| Average Install Time | 5 Minutes | 5 Minutes | 15 Minutes | Professional |
| Dimensions | 5.0″ x 2.5″ x 1.0″ | Indoors: 2.26″ x 4.40″ x 1.16″ Outdoors: 1.85″ x 3.83″ x 0.78″ | 4.5″ x 1.8″ x 0.8″ | 4.7″ x 2.8″ x 2.2″ |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz |
| On-Demand Video | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Two-Way Talk | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motion-Activated Alert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Interchangeable Faceplates | Yes | Coming soon | Yes | Yes |
| Quick-Release Rechargeable Battery Pack | Yes | Yes | ||
| Knock Detection | Yes | |||
| Advanced Motion Detection | Yes | Yes |
Ring video doorbell pro plus amazon echo dot charcoal review
Echo Dot technical details
| Size | 3.9” x 3.9” x 1.7” (99 mm x 99 mm x 43 mm) |
| Weight | 10.6 oz. (300 grams) Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process |
| Wi-Fi connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks. |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming from your mobile device to Echo Dot or from Echo Dot to your Bluetooth speaker. Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for voice control of connected mobile devices. Hands-free voice control is not supported for Mac OS X devices. Bluetooth speakers requiring PIN codes are not supported. |
| Audio | Built-in speaker for voice feedback when not connected to external speakers. 3.5 mm stereo audio output for use with external speakers (audio cable not included). |
| System Requirements | Echo Dot comes ready to connect to your Wi-Fi. The Alexa App is compatible with Fire OS, Android, and iOS devices and also accessible via your web browser. Certain skills and services may require subscription or other fees. |
| Setup Technology | Amazon Wi-Fi simple setup enables customers to connect smart devices to their Wi-Fi network in a few easy steps. Wi-Fi simple setup is another way Alexa is always getting smarter. |
| Warranty and Service | 90-day limited warranty and service. Optional 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year extended warranty available for U.S. customers sold separately. |
| Accessibility Features | The Alexa app and Alexa-enabled products include several features for customers with accessibility needs related to vision, hearing, mobility, and speech. |
| Included in the Box | Echo Dot, power adapter (15W), and Quick Start Guide. |
| Generation | Echo Dot 3rd Generation – 2018 release |
Ring Video Doorbell Pro technical details
| Average Install Time | 15 minutes |
| Video | 1080p HD Video, Live View, Night Vision |
| Field of View | 160° horizontal, 90° vertical |
| Motion Detection | Advanced Motion Detection |
| Audio | Two-way talk with noise cancellation |
| Power | Hardwired to existing doorbell systems (16-24 VAC, 30 VA) or powered by Ring Plug-In Adapter. |
| Internet Requirements | Requires a minimum upload speed of 1Mbps, but 2 Mbps is recommended for optimal performance. |
| Connectivity | 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connection @ 2.4GHz or 5.0GHz |
| Operating Conditions | -5°F to 120°F (-20.5°C to 48.5°C), Weather Resistant |
| Available Colors | Satin Nickel, Pearl, Venetian, Black (all colors included) |
| Dimensions | 4.50 in x 1.85 in x 0.8 in (11.43 cm x 4.67 cm x 2.03 cm) |
| Box Includes | Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Satin Nickel, Pearl, Venetian, and Black Faceplates, Retrofit Plate (for upgrade from Ring Video Doorbell), Installation Tools and Screws, USB Charging Cable, User Manual, Security Sticker |
| Setup Requirements | Standard doorbell system with 16-24 VAC doorbell transformer (at 30 volt-amps). Doorbell wiring at install location. |
| Warranty and service | 1-year limited warranty and service included. |
Ring video doorbell pro (plus amazon echo dot charcoal) review
Design and Build
At roughly five inches tall by two-and-a-half inches wide, Ring is is bulkier than Ring’s Doorbell Cam Pro or Nest’s Hello video doorbell. Add to that a depth of nearly one inch, and you’ll find that it stands out, literally, but a bit less so on modern facades. The case comes in several different finishes, including nickel, bronze, and antique and polished brass, so you should have no trouble matching the rest of the surrounding trim. On its face, the half-inch camera lens peers out innocuously from above the quarter-sized button and will go unnoticed by most who interact with the device.
It is constructed in a sturdy manner, but the case components are largely plastic, belying the device’s quality. The girth is not much of a factor however, since the device spends nearly all of its time affixed to the wall by an included mounting plate.
The package contains the Ring doorbell itself, the mounting plate, a two-foot USB charging cable, mounting hardware to accommodate various building materials, a drill bit and small screwdriver to aid installation, and a set of installation instructions.
Setup and Installation
Setup is simple, with the Ring app and instructions providing clear, foolproof guidance through from start to finish. After downloading and installing the app (for iOS and Android), it’s a mere matter of creating a Ring account and following the steps as presented on your phone.
The Ring is more noticeable than the traditional buzzer found on most homes.
If you’re planning to use the Ring wirelessly (as in, you’re not connecting it to a circuit or are replacing another battery-powered doorbell), we’d suggest making sure that it’s charged fully first, as it will be relying on its battery as the sole power source. If you’re replacing an existing doorbell, you’ll obviously want to shut off power to the circuit before doing so, but attaching the existing wires to the included mounting plate is fast and easy work.
Mounting
The mounting plate attaches to the wall with a few standard pieces of hardware, and the main component then latches on to the mount with four small hooks. Once settled on the hooks, just tighten up two under-mounted barrel screws with the included screwdriver, and you’re good to go. All told, the entire process probably won’t take more than 30 minutes to complete.
Usability
From a guest’s perspective, the Ring is as easy to use as any other doorbell. A press of the button sets off feedback in the form of a pleasant three-toned chime from the panel, and a blue LED that rotates in a ring around the button. Some visitors who used the Ring exhibited confusion, due mainly to the device’s unusual form factor. “It doesn’t look like a doorbell!” they’d say.
Apps and connectivity
The chime activates on the phone through the app within about five seconds of the button press, but unlocking the phone and connecting to the camera can cause enough latency that users may make it to the door in less time than it takes to respond via the app. Ring also offers a “Chime,” an indoor speaker accessory that you purchase separately. It connects to any standard outlet and will sound throughout the house like a more traditional doorbell — a useful and welcome addition, especially if not everyone in the household has the app installed. However, adding additional users to your Ring account is easy.
Push notifications and calls
The app itself is relatively intuitive. When responding to a push notification from the doorbell, you have the option to answer or decline the call while viewing your visitor through the Ring’s wide-angle lens. Once the call is answered, you can converse with the visitor through the doorbell’s built-in speaker and microphone, with options to mute either from your end. If you decide to decline the call, the visitor is given no indication that you’ve done so. Multiple doorbells can be managed through the app, but each will require an additional subscription. Now that Ring is owned by Amazon, the doorbell integrates with the voice assistant, and you can answer your doorbell from your Echo Show or Echo Spot device.
The security applications are as tremendous as they are obvious, especially when taking advantage of Ring’s cloud recording function, which enables a user to review footage recorded by the doorbell over the previous six months, if you’ve subscribed to Ring’s monthly service. More on that later.
Motion detection
The built-in motion detector can be configured to begin recording when motion of any kind is detected. The detector’s active zones can be custom configured within a distance of 30 feet, so you should have no problem if your door happens to face a particularly busy street.
Audio video
Audio and video fidelity is decent and does a good job of filtering ambient noise and light. The frame rate is a bit on the low side, with some visible lag, but it suits the device’s needs well enough. If it’s mounted anywhere near an average height (roughly four feet off the ground), the 720p, 180-degree field of view should be more than enough to capture whoever is standing at the door. Enhanced night vision means that you’ll be able to see footage from your porch even when it’s dark.