Video doorbells have revolutionized security and convenience. Now you can get notified immediately when a package is delivered, view any motion detected near your door, and greet guests or shoo away salespeople from anywhere in the house. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 makes all of this possible, as it comes with a bevy of new and upgraded features that make it the best in its class. I’ll take a look at what you get with Ring Video doorbell 4, how it compares to the 3 and if you should upgrade, why you might even want or need a video doorbell, and if you stick with me we’ll talk price and whether I think it’s a good buy overall.
Ring Video Doorbells: easy to set up and use
I’ve reviewed numerous Ring doorbells, lights, and security devices. Everything ties in to Ring’s app and cloud-based interface. I have found these devices to be universally easy to set up, easy to use and manage through the app, and very handy to have both day to day, and in any security situation.
Many of Ring’s doorbell settings are customizable and adaptable to your property and circumstances, and the app is very easy to use to view videos.
You really need Ring Protect plan
One last caveat; while you can access the live video feeds of your doorbell anytime, if you want to go back and review footage you really need access to Ring’s Protect cloud recording plan. Starting at $3 per month (or $30 per year) for one Ring device, a basic Protect plan allows for up to 60 days of recording storage, Snapshot capture, special notification features, and more
Ring Video Doorbell 4: improvements on the inside
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 has several new features, all improving on the Doorbell 3. Inside where you can’t see them, faster guts inside the Doorbell 4 should make set up and pairing marginally easier, and help with marginally faster notifications and connectivity.
Ring Video Doorbell 4: power and charging options
With the Ring Video Doorbell 4, you’d got several options for power and charging… You can Use it hardwired, or battery-powered – or go solar! Hardwiring it means never having to worry about charging.
While a battery may not seem like the most convenient solution at first glance, these rechargeable batteries are a great option for those without existing doorbell wiring, if you want to place it somewhere else to get a better view of the door, if you have outdated wiring, or for those in areas that often experience power outages.
Travel often, or looking for an option for the lesser used cottage or cabin? If you are worried about having to remember to charge the battery, you can purchase the Ring Solar Plate. It snaps in behind the doorbell and uses the sun’s energy to charge up the internal battery.
However you choose to charge it, in my experience, a Ring battery can last for 3-4 months on a single charge.
Ring Video Doorbell 4 features: Quick Replies, preroll video, smart responses
Perhaps the most exciting is the new Pre-Roll feature, which starts recording four seconds before motion is actually detected, so you get more information and can see what happened immediately before a package was delivered or a person was at your door.
Not only is the video in color, but the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is the only video doorbell on the market with this feature, which was first introduced in the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, which also only recorded pre-roll video in black and white.
Ring Video Doorbell 4 has some new features too including the ability to leave a message at the door and use Quick Replies.
Ring bills it as “an answering machine for your door” and lets you choose from about half a dozen predetermined messages.
When it comes to that leave a message feature, only owners who are subscribed to Ring’s Protect plan with cloud recording will be able to view recorded messages, so that’s probably worth noting. While this feature was not initially available on the Doorbell 3, I understand Ring is making it backwards compatible to that device.
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 also has improved motion detection with Customizable Motion Zones. Integrated Advanced Motion Detection ensures that all motion in your preset zones is recognized and that you are notified. When paired with the Pre-Roll feature, the new Ring Video Doorbell 4 ensures your doorbell never misses a thing.
When compared to its predecessor, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 also stands out for its upgraded Night Vision and HD video resolution. The Live View feature allows you to check the area at any time, perfect for not only deliveries and notifications but also to monitor any noises heard in the night. The Live Video feed is 1080 HD color video, offering best in the market quality so you never miss a detail.
Why get a video doorbell like Ring Video Doorbell 4
Now if you’re wondering Why get a video doorbell like Ring Video Doorbell 4, here’s what I think…
Modern problems, like package theft, require modern solutions. With video doorbells you can monitor what happens at your door, so you never miss a visitor, guest or package. Video doorbells offer added security, so you can quickly check who is at your door or be alerted of any activity near your door. The live feed allows you to watch deliveries in real time, even allowing you to talk to them if special instructions are needed – perfect for receiving surprise deliveries or guests! Video doorbells, like the Ring Video Doorbell 4, also allow you to keep tabs on the comings and goings of your household, great for ensuring kids get home safely.
And finally if you get annoyed at having salespeople or solicitors come to the door, you can screen them, and then tell them you’re not available if you want, without having to get mired in conversation if you’ve already opened the door. Here’, you’re safely behind a closed door with no need to make awkward excuses.
Ring Video Doorbell 4: should I upgrade?
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 is not only easy to set up—and you can watch my YouTube video to see exactly how to do that—but it offers great quality video and previewing capabilities with Pre-Roll, Night Vision, and Live View. This video doorbell can easily be integrated into your smart home environment, and options for the power management ensure you never lose functionality.
If you’re wondering if you should set swap out your video doorbell 3 for an upgraded video doorbell 4, the answer is that’s probably not necessary. While there are some improvements, they are not must-have features nor massive upgrades. If you have a much older Ring video doorbell, this will definitely be an upgrade for you, but if you’re only one generation behind, you can safely stick with your older ring video doorbell three and not feel like you’re missing out.
Downsides? It’s hard to see any. Ring products work very well, rarely have any kind of glitches, you get fast notifications about motion and rings, and all your footage is safely in the cloud. Perhaps some folks will see the need to pay for cloud storage as a problem, but it’s actually standar operating for most video doorbell solutions.
Overall review: Ring Video Doorbell 4 and Solar Charger plate
I’ve been constantly upgrading my Ring video doorbell’s from the original first generation all the way up to video doorbell 4, I’ve added their smart lights and cameras, and you can see all those reviews here on the channel too – I’ll make sure they’re linked up here on screen and below.
I can definitely say I am very happy with Ring products, how well they work,, ability to withstand the weather, and overall longevity. I can definitely recommend one of their video doorbells for you. Ring Video Doorbell 4 sells for about $200USD/$259CAD.
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