Ring Battery Doorbell Pro Review: A Closer Look at the Upgraded Features

When it comes to video doorbells, Ring has long been a household name. Their lineup has shifted over the years, and while they previously offered multiple battery-powered doorbell models (like the Ring 2, Ring 3, Ring 3 Plus, and Ring 4), they’ve recently streamlined the selection. Now, aside from the basic Video Doorbell and the Peephole Cam, you’ll find the Plus and the Pro models. In this review, we’ll focus on the new Ring Battery Doorbell Pro—comparing it to the Plus version—and determine if it’s the best battery-powered option Ring has ever released.

Key Features and Specs

Resolution and Frame Rate

The Battery Doorbell Pro records at 1536 x 1536 pixels, offering a square, head-to-toe view—a crucial improvement for a doorbell camera, as you’ll be able to see everything from the visitor’s face to any packages on the ground. During testing, the frame rate hovered around 20 frames per second (fps), which is similar to the Plus model. The slight fluctuations observed likely relate to the added pre-roll feature.

Color Pre-Roll

This Pro edition includes Ring’s color pre-roll technology, previously introduced in the Doorbell 4. It captures a four-second snippet before motion is actually detected, providing extra context for the events happening outside your door. While the pre-roll footage is low-resolution and lacks audio, it’s a valuable feature for catching potential package thieves or understanding how a visitor approached your door. This is something the Plus version does not have.

Field of View

With a generous 150° horizontal and 150° vertical range, the Battery Doorbell Pro ensures that you won’t miss a thing. This wide, head-to-toe field of view has become a standard in Ring’s higher-end models and makes it easy to see packages left at your doorstep or identify visitors standing close to the camera.

Wireless Connectivity

Unlike the Plus model, which only connects via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, the Pro can use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This added flexibility may offer a more stable connection and faster load times, depending on your home’s Wi-Fi setup.

New “Low Light Sight” Feature

One of the more intriguing additions to the Pro is a new low-light capability, designed to maintain color recording for a longer period into the evening, rather than immediately switching to infrared night vision. We’ll explore how well this feature performs shortly, but it’s a noteworthy advancement that may set the Pro apart from earlier models.

Additional Features

3D Motion Detection & Bird’s-Eye View

The Pro includes radar-based 3D motion detection and a bird’s-eye view map of movement around your front door. However, these capabilities often feel like more of a gimmick than a necessity. They don’t significantly improve motion detection accuracy and may not be a compelling reason to choose the Pro over the Plus. The pre-roll and wide field of view are far more practical benefits.

Quick Replies

Just like the Plus, the Pro lets you set quick voice responses if you’re unable to answer the door. From instructive messages for delivery drivers to seasonal greetings, these pre-recorded snippets add convenience and a personalized touch to your doorstep interactions.

Alexa Integration

Seamless integration with Amazon Alexa devices means you can receive chime notifications, announcements, and even talk to visitors through your Echo devices. This level of ecosystem compatibility is one of Ring’s strong suits.

Subscription and Cloud Storage

To access recorded events, person and package detection, and rich notifications, you’ll need a Ring Protect subscription. Plans start at $4.99 per month (or $50 per year) for a single device, and $10 per month (or $100 per year) for unlimited Ring cameras at one location. Without a subscription, you’ll only receive real-time notifications and live view functionality—no video history will be saved.

Installation and Setup

Inside the box, Ring provides all the essentials: a Torx driver, micro-USB charging cable for the battery pack, corner wedge kit, and mounting hardware. Setup is straightforward:

1. Download and open the Ring app.
2. Scan the QR code on the doorbell.
3. Insert the charged battery.
4. Connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network.
5. Mount the doorbell at your desired location.

For those with existing doorbell wiring, you can connect the Pro to keep the battery charged continuously. Without wiring, you’ll need to periodically remove and recharge the battery, but the device will otherwise function the same.

App Experience and Customizations

The Ring app is intuitive and feature-rich. From the dashboard, you can quickly access live view, review recorded events, and download clips. You can fine-tune motion zones, adjust motion sensitivity, and set up package detection zones. The mode settings allow for deeper integration if you have other Ring devices, such as lights, alarms, or additional cameras.

The pre-roll feature’s benefit is particularly notable in the settings. Instead of focusing on the radar-based bird’s-eye view, rely on the pre-roll option for more helpful real-world coverage.

Performance Tests

Daytime Video Quality

Expect standard Ring clarity—crisp enough to identify faces and read delivery driver uniforms. The 1536 x 1536 resolution offers excellent coverage, letting you see visitors head-to-toe and packages at your door.

Low-Light and Night Vision

The Pro’s low-light sensor keeps the image in color longer before switching to infrared. In typical nighttime conditions, you’ll get improved detail and context over older models. However, in pitch-black environments, it will still eventually revert to infrared, though the overall image quality remains decent.

Notifications and Responsiveness

Motion and doorbell press notifications are prompt, and the live view loads quickly, especially over a strong Wi-Fi connection. The Pro’s flexibility with 5 GHz Wi-Fi likely contributes to its responsiveness. Frequent recording mode ensures minimal cool-off time, so if someone lurks around your porch, you’ll receive multiple timely alerts.

Package Detection

When a package is placed or removed, the Pro promptly identifies and notifies you. This is crucial in preventing porch piracy and ensuring you stay updated on deliveries.

The Verdict

The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is, simply put, the most advanced battery-powered model Ring has produced to date. Although it retains the familiar design introduced with the original Ring Doorbell years ago, it incorporates many of the brand’s top-tier features: 3D motion detection, 5 GHz connectivity, color pre-roll, and improved low-light performance.

Yes, wired doorbells still have an edge in constant power and slightly more reliable performance. But if you need a battery-powered solution, the Pro is a standout choice. It provides a more comprehensive feature set than the Plus model and delivers on both functionality and convenience.

Bottom Line

If you’re invested in the Ring ecosystem and want the best battery-powered doorbell they offer, the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is the go-to option. Its pre-roll functionality, enhanced view, improved low-light capabilities, and faster Wi-Fi connectivity make it a worthwhile upgrade.