Ring Video Doorbell
$99.99
The Ring Video Doorbell allows you to see, hear, and speak to visitors at your door from your smartphone, tablet, or PC. It features HD video, motion alerts, and can be hardwired or battery-operated.
Our take
Keep an eye on your doorstep from anywhere.
Alright, so the Ring Video Doorbell is kind of like having a bouncer for your front door, but instead of a burly guy named Tony, you get a little camera and app. It's pretty neat because it lets you see who's at your door without having to actually go to the door. This is especially great for when you're binge-watching something and don't want to get off the couch. Plus, you can talk to whoever's there through your phone, which is handy if you need to tell the delivery guy to leave the package by the gate.
Now, let’s talk about the setup. It's not as intimidating as you might think. The Ring Video Doorbell is pretty straightforward to install, and you don't need to be an electrician to get it working. But keep in mind, if you’re a total tech novice, you might find yourself scratching your head once or twice. The app guides you through it, so that's a big help. Just be ready to spend a bit of time getting everything just right.
On the performance side, the video quality is solid, especially during the day. At night, it’s not perfect, but you can still make out faces and details. The motion detection feature is a mixed bag. Sometimes it picks up every single leaf blowing across your porch, which can be annoying. You can adjust the sensitivity, but finding that sweet spot might take some trial and error.
One thing that might get on your nerves is the subscription fee. Sure, the basic functions work without it, but if you want to look back at old footage or get more out of it, you’ll need to pony up some cash each month. It's not super expensive, but it adds up and can feel like another bill to worry about. Just something to consider if you're trying to keep monthly expenses down.
Overall, if you want a bit of extra security or just like the idea of screening visitors from your phone, the Ring Video Doorbell is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it does make life a bit more convenient. Just keep in mind those few quirks and the cost of the subscription when deciding if it’s right for you. If you’re okay with that, it’s a handy gadget to have by your front door.
