Ring Video Doorbell 2 Review (Wire-Free Video Doorbell)
Summary: The Ring Video Doorbell 2 is a very clever "smart" doorbell and security system all in one device.
4.7
Smart security!
We live in an era of accessible and affordable technology and as smartphones become more and more integrated into our lives, this has a flow-on effect into other areas such as cars and homes. It is here where the Ring Video Doorbell 2 comes into play that is a video doorbell that thanks to the power of Wi-Fi, it not only allows you to see who is at your door but it serves as mini-security system thanks to its video logs which is activated through its motion sensors.
Besides your home Wi-Fi connection, the only additional of piece of technology you need is your smartphone which allows you to access the features of the Ring via its Android or iOS app. So when someone pushes the doorbell or its motion sensor is activated, you will receive a mobile alert which gives you the ability to respond to the device remotely via your phone or any other smart drive which includes 2-way talk. An additional attachment to the Ring is the Ring Chime Pro that provides a chime for this product, including boosting your Wi-Fi opposed to just the mobile notification. Our review on the Ring Chime Pro can be found here.
Ring Video Doorbell 2 features;
– Instant mobile alerts
– 1080HD wide-angle video
– Built-in microphone and speakers
– Monitor Your Home From Anywhere
– Adjustable motion sensors
– Infrared night vision
– Live View on-demand video and audio
– Smart Security for Every Home
– Hardwired or battery-powered
– Includes one rechargeable battery pack
– iOS, Android, Mac and Windows 10 compatible
The security features of the Ring Video Doorbell 2 is similar to other high-end Wi-Fi security that boasts an infra-red motion sensor that has a range of up to 9 metres which is quite impressive for its size. Furthermore, you can set zones where you want the sensor to monitor, including different times of the day. The 1080HD wide-angle video also gives some good clarity to the end-user which easily allows you to identify the person or persons.
Ring Video Doorbell 2 Unboxing
In terms of powering the Ring and as mentioned in the above features, it supports both hardwired and battery options. Supporting the user, the Ring includes a heavy duty lithium-ion rechargeable battery that includes a quick-release to easily swap the battery once the product has been wall mounted. As to how long the battery will last, this depends on how much ‘monitoring’ the Ring does and according to its developers, you should get between 6 to 12 months which is quite decent. For charging the battery, this can take anywhere between 5 to 10 hours and for us, it was around 6.5 hours.
When it comes to installation, the user is given everything they need to successfully and relatively easily install this product but be sure to have some time to spare during this process so that you are not rushed. Besides the manuals which are well-written, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 comes with two different coloured face plates (black or silver), mounting brackets (including a corner bracket), a masonry drill bit (someone is thinking outside the box) and all the screws required to firmly attach the product to your desired location. The only thing missing is a marker and Blu-tak or Plasti-tak to help with your installation. Given that, the installation was very easy, even for a non-handy man like myself and I LOVED how everything was labelled by its developers.
However before installing it to your wall like the above images, the first step is to download the app to successfully link the product to your Wi-Fi network, including setting up its security features. This also includes registering with Ring which offers the user a 30-day trial to their cloud system so you can view and share your videos online. After the trial, Ring only charge $30 a year for this service. So once the Ring Video Doorbell 2 is setup, this product will silently monitor your home. While it is connected to your Wi-Fi and then your internet, Ring recommend that you have at least a 2Mbps connection for upload and download speeds. If you’re on the new NBN (all jokes aside), this should be more than adequate, even on their lowest tiered plan.
Ring Installation Wizard
As mentioned, the app that comes with the Ring is quite user friendly, intuitive and makes the connection to the video doorbell almost immediately, including viewing directly from the device. The main screen of the app shows the Ring devices connected to your system which for us was the Ring Video Doorbell 2 (Front door) and the Chime Pro. By clicking on the device such as the Ring 2, it will show the battery bar and if alerts (ring and motion) are turned on. Below that, you have event history, motion snooze, device health, motion settings, app alert tones, linked chimes, shared users, partners and live view settings.
For those wanting to use the security features, the motion settings give you the options of adjusting the motion zones, entering motion schedules and the amount of alerts you want to receive. Other options like device health gives you a great snapshot of the device or app alert tones allows you to change the tones, provided you have the Ring Chime Pro. All in all, it’s a well designed app for the end-user and if you do get stuck, there are video tutorials or you can contact the Ring support team directly.
So when someone pushes the button on your Ring, your smart phone prompts you with the following alert which allows you to answer or hang-up;
However where the Ring shines is the ability to communicate with the person at your home thanks to the two-way voice communication that is matched with the video. Given that the product is Wi-Fi and through the internet, you can access the Ring anywhere in the world, provided you have an internet connection or if you’re at work or out and about and a courier or the postman comes, it’s great to just let them know to leave the parcel at the door… or if an unexpected friend or family member comes knocking… you can always pretend you’re not home!
Final Thoughts?
In conclusion, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 is a great product for those wanting a smart video doorbell system and more importantly, the ability to access the video anywhere in the world, including two-way voice communication with the other person. The security aspect of the Ring is a bonus and although not the same calibre as some standalone systems, it’s still a great feature, particularly with its long battery life, not to mention the ability to be hardwired. With good instructions and everything you need to connect the Ring to your home, this is a great solution for those wanting the easy path to a video doorbell and security in one easy to install system.
Recommended!
For more information, please visit https://ring.com/
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
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