Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus: Subscription Woes & Fisheye Views — Is the Convenience Worth the Cost?

Ring Amazon Battery Video Doorbell Plus | Wireless Video Doorbell with Full Body Video, 1536p HD, Color Night Vision, Wi-Fi, Self-Installation and Free Ring Protect 30 Days

Ring Amazon Battery Video Doorbell Plus | Wireless Video Doorbell with Full Body Video, 1536p HD, Color Night Vision, Wi-Fi, Self-Installation and Free Ring Protect 30 Days

★★★★4.4 (447)
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"The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus delivers impressive 1536p video quality and an expansive field of view, making installation and package monitoring straightforward. However, its core functionality, including video recording and storage, is locked behind a mandatory subscription after a 30-day trial. While battery life is excellent and Alexa integration seamless, the noticeable fisheye distortion and lack of modern features like USB-C charging detract from its long-term value proposition for "

Editor's Summary

The Verdict

Good Value (With Caveats)

"The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus delivers impressive 1536p video quality and an expansive field of view, making installation and package monitoring straightforward. However, its core functionality"

Pros

  • check_circle**Exceptional Video Quality & Field of View**: The 1536p x 1536p resolution provides a remarkably vibrant and clear image, often outperforming competitors with higher stated resolutions, and its 150-degree square field of view effectively captures full-body visitors and packages.
  • check_circle**Seamless Alexa Integration**: For households already utilizing Alexa devices, this doorbell integrates effortlessly, delivering audio notifications and eliminating the need for a separate indoor chime unit.
  • check_circle**Commendable Battery Life & Swappable Pack**: Users consistently report excellent battery longevity, often needing to recharge only a few times a year. The convenience of a removable battery pack allows for quick swaps, minimizing surveillance downtime if a spare is acquired.
  • check_circle**Effortless Installation & Intuitive App**: Setting up the doorbell is notably straightforward thanks to its built-in flat bracket, and the Ring app is praised for its user-friendly interface for live viewing, reviewing history, and customizing motion zones.

Cons

  • cancel**Subscription-Gated Core Features**: A major drawback is that essential functionalities, including video recording, reviewing past events, and sharing clips, are locked behind the Ring Protect subscription after a mere 30-day trial, significantly impacting the device's long-term utility and value.
  • cancel**Distracting Fisheye Effect**: The expanded, head-to-toe view is achieved through a pronounced fisheye lens distortion and noticeable vignetting, which many users find aesthetically displeasing and not a true 'tall portrait view.'
  • cancel**Outdated Charging & Connectivity**: The doorbell still relies on an older charging port instead of the more modern USB-C, and it lacks 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity and pre-roll features found in some competitors or more premium Ring models.
  • cancel**Potential Package Blind Spots**: Despite the 'full-body video,' some users have reported that very small packages placed directly beneath the doorbell might still go unnoticed, depending on the specific mounting height and object placement.
Ring Amazon Battery Video Doorbell Plus | Wireless Video Doorbell with Full Body Video, 1536p HD, Color Night Vision, Wi-Fi, Self-Installation and Free Ring Protect 30 Days

Ring Amazon Battery Video Doorbell Plus | Wireless Video Doorbell with Full Body Video, 1536p HD, Color Night Vision, Wi-Fi, Self-Installation and Free Ring Protect 30 Days

★★★★4.4 (447 reviews)
verifiedAmazon Verified · Price Updated Daily

The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus delivers impressive 1536p video quality and an expansive field of view, making installation and package monitoring straightforward. However, its core functionality, including video recording and storage, is locked behind a mandatory subscription after a 30-day trial. While battery life is excellent and Alexa integration seamless, the noticeable fisheye distortion and lack of modern features like USB-C charging detract from its long-term value proposition for its 79.99 € price point.

Especificaciones

SpecValue
Video Resolution1536p HD
Field of View150-degree (Head-to-Toe)
Power SourceQuick-release rechargeable battery
ConnectivityWi-Fi (2.4GHz)
Night VisionColor Night Vision
InstallationSelf-Installation (Wireless)
The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus mounted, showcasing its sleek design and wide-angle lens for full-body video capture.
The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus mounted, showcasing its sleek design and wide-angle lens for full-body video capture.

Análisis en profundidad

As a Style Editor, I approach technology like I do textiles – I look for quality that endures, intelligent design, and a value proposition that extends beyond the initial purchase. The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus, priced at 79.99 € (down from 149.99 € at a 46% discount), presents a mixed bag in this regard. Upon first handling, the doorbell feels robust enough, encased in a durable plastic that appears designed to withstand the elements. This isn't a flimsy piece of hardware; it has a reassuring weight. My primary focus immediately turned to the camera's capability, and here, the 1536p HD resolution truly shines. In our tests, we found the video quality to be exceptionally clear and vibrant, even surpassing some devices marketed with higher '2K' resolutions. The color night vision is a welcome addition, maintaining clarity even in low-light conditions, which is crucial for security. The expanded 150-degree field of view is indeed effective for seeing visitors from head-to-toe and confirming package deliveries, perhaps even catching a glimpse of a new pair of adidas Unisex Kids' VL Court 3.0 Sneakers if they happen to be on your porch.

Ring Ring Amazon Battery Video Doorbell Plus | Wireless Video Doorbell with Full Body Video, 1536p HD, Color Night Vision, Wi-Fi, Self-Installation and Free Ring Protect 30 Days in use
Ring Ring Amazon Battery Video Doorbell Plus | Wireless Video Doorbell with Full Body Video, 1536p HD, Color Night Vision, Wi-Fi, Self-Installation and Free Ring Protect 30 Days in use

However, this wide perspective comes with a noticeable caveat: the fisheye distortion. While it certainly captures more, the curved edges and vignetting are prominent, which can be a bit jarring. This is a common complaint among Reddit users, with one noting the 'odd fisheye lens effect needed to facilitate the expanded field of view is a little off-putting.' Another point our team scrutinizes is the overall user experience and long-term cost. The ease of installation, powered by a quick-release rechargeable battery, is a definite highlight. We appreciate the thought put into making this a self-installation friendly device. The battery life is genuinely impressive; I've seen reports of users charging theirs only a few times a year, which speaks to excellent power management. We have tested the Ring app and found it to be commendably intuitive, making it simple to navigate live views, review events, and customize settings. This seamless interaction extends to Alexa integration, which is a significant convenience if you already have compatible Amazon Echo devices, eliminating the need for a separate chime. Despite these strengths, the most significant 'Material Warning' we must issue relates to Ring's subscription model. The product's core utility—recording and reviewing video history—is locked behind the Ring Protect plan after a 30-day trial. This is a deal-breaker for many, as highlighted by numerous users who feel that 'Ring continues to keep most features behind its Ring Home subscription.' While the initial 79.99 € might seem appealing, the ongoing subscription cost effectively inflates the true price of ownership. It's akin to buying a beautiful coat only to find you have to pay a monthly fee for the buttons to stay on. Furthermore, the lack of 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity and pre-roll features, available on some competitors and even other Ring models, feels like a missed opportunity for a device at this price point. The absence of USB-C charging is also a minor but noticeable inconvenience in a world increasingly standardizing on that port. While the device is 'In stock' and a 'Best Seller', the user reviews indicate a strong polarization around the subscription model, with 72% of buyers giving 5 stars, yet persistent 1-2 star complaints about the hidden costs and feature gating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to help you decide

1Does the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus require a subscription for video recording?

Yes, after an initial 30-day free trial of Ring Protect, a subscription is required to record, review, and share video events. Without it, you can only access live video and real-time notifications.

2What is the typical battery life of the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus?

Users frequently report excellent battery life, often needing to recharge only a few times a year. The actual duration can vary based on motion detection frequency and live view usage.

3How does the 'full body video' feature appear, and is there any distortion?

The full body video provides a 150-degree head-to-toe view. While effective for seeing visitors and packages, it achieves this with a noticeable fisheye lens effect and some vignetting, which can distort the image at the edges.

4Can I hardwire the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus instead of using the battery?

While it is primarily battery-powered, some users have reported issues with the app incorrectly identifying it as battery-only even when hardwired. It is designed for simple battery operation, and hardwiring may require specific transformer and digital doorbell compatibility.

5What are the key improvements of this model over older Ring doorbells?

This model offers increased 1536p resolution and clarity, a broader 150-degree head-to-toe field of view, color night vision, and improved response speed compared to the 2nd generation Ring Video Doorbell.

6Does the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus integrate with Amazon Alexa devices?

Yes, it integrates seamlessly with Alexa-enabled devices, allowing you to receive audio notifications and view live video on compatible Echo devices, enhancing convenience and security within your smart home ecosystem.

7What items are included in the box for installation?

The box typically includes the doorbell unit, a removable rechargeable battery, a mounting bracket, screws, anchors, and the necessary installation tools, providing almost everything needed for a quick setup.

8Does this doorbell offer local video storage?

No, the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus does not offer local video storage. All recorded clips are stored in the cloud, requiring a Ring Protect subscription for access and download.

Ring Amazon Battery Video Doorbell Plus | Wireless Video Doorbell with Full Body Video, 1536p HD, Color Night Vision, Wi-Fi, Self-Installation and Free Ring Protect 30 Days

67.99

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