Ring Doorbell 3 vs Doorbell - Which is better? Is the upgrade worth it?
It has been about 5 years (March 2005) since the RING Video Doorbell 2 was released. There has been a lot of buzz on what the new RING Video Doorbell 3 will bring to the table. We’ll take a closer look at Ring Doorbell 3 vs Doorbell 2 and compare Ring Doorbell 2 and 3.
In general, RING has been the trend setter in the home security market. They have gain popularity its RING Video Doorbell series, and rightfully so.
We’ll be taking a quick look at the latest RING Video Doorbell 3 in comparison to its predecessor RING Video Doorbell 2.
For those who are interested, here are other RING related articles:
Quick Price Check
- Power your Ring Video Doorbell 3 or Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus with direct sunlight every day.
- Secure mounting bracket with built-in solar panels.
- Weather-resistant design and easy installation.
- Only works with Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus (doorbell sold separately).
Compare Ring doorbell 2 and 3 - What's the Same?
Video Quality
The third generation RING Video Doorbell 3 still maintains the same video quality of 1080p and captures video at 2560 x 1920 resolution. It also still has the 160-degree field of view with the traditional RING fish-eye perspective.
In comparison with the first RING generation, the video quality was improved from 720p to 1080p. With 5 years passing, most consumers may have expected this area to improve.
Don’t get me wrong, the video quality is still pretty good, but 5 years is a long time, especially for technology to remain stagnant.
Winner: Tie

Ring Doorbell 3 vs Doorbell 2 - The Improvements
Motion Detection
The RING Video Doorbell 3 has improved their Motion Detection capabilities.
It adds an additional “near zone”, making it a total of 4 zones that can focus on motion and from 5-15 feet.
You can also now slice the zones in section, whereas, the RING Video Doorbell 2 create zones in an arc shape. Having this flexibility allows you to block off smaller sections that could create false motion such as moving trees or heavy traffic areas that you don’t want to track.
Lastly, there’s an optional People Only setting, which will send alerts when only people are detected nearby.
Winner: RING Video Doorbell 3


Smaller Size
The RING Video Doorbell 3 dimensions measures at 5.1 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches (HxWxD), compared to 5.05 x 2.5 x 1.08 for the RING Video Doorbell 2. This is more aesthetically pleasing, so it would appear less bulkier.
Winner: RING Video Doorbell 3

Dual-Band Wi-Fi
The first and second generation RING Video Doorbell 2 were restricted to a single band connection, 2.4 GHz.
With dual-band Wi-Fi, the RING Video Doorbell 3 operates more efficiently. Dual-band Wi-fi supports connections both both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This not only provides faster speeds, but improves consistent connectivity.
Winner: RING Video Doorbell 3
Two-way Audio
Both second and third generation RING Video Doorbell offers a two-way talk audio feature. However, RING Video Doorbell 3 edges it’s predecessor with the additional noise cancellation feature.
This reduces any static or backdrop noise when there’s a two-way conversation going on.
Winner: RING Video Doorbell 3
There are two versions of the Video Doorbell 3, the Standard and Plus. The main difference between the two version is with the Plus, (extra $30), you can get the pre-roll feature.
The pre-roll feature allows the RING device to capture four seconds prior to the motion sensor kicking off. The one common complaint users had with the previous generation RING doorbells is occasionally, the video recording captured the back of a person walking away or was not able to capture them walking up and immediately see them standing there.
With the pre-roll feature, it will be able to pick up crucial footage that the camera might have could have missed.
Quick Price Check
- Power your Ring Video Doorbell 3 or Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus with direct sunlight every day.
- Secure mounting bracket with built-in solar panels.
- Weather-resistant design and easy installation.
- Only works with Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus (doorbell sold separately).
Other Top Video Doorbell To Consider
Key difference compared to the Ring 3:
- High quality 2K resolution: 2560 x 1920
- More Affordable
Key difference compared to the Ring:
- 180 degree angle, 1:1 viewing ratio
- High quality 2K resolution: 1536 x 1536
- More Affordable
Key difference compared to the Ring:
- 166 degree wide angle
- pre-installed a 32GB TF card
- More Affordable
Ring Doorbell 3 vs Doorbell 2 Final Thoughts
The RING Video Doorbell 3 is a very good product, it offers all the features that you would expect from any video doorbell and no less! So if you’re shopping around for a video doorbell, the RING doorbells would be a good choice. RING has been around for a while, so it has a solid support base, for when you need help troubleshooting, there’s a lot of information out there.
Secondly, it’s $199 ($229 for the Plus), which is on the higher-end of video doorbells, but you’re paying for the quality from their customer service. We had issues with one of their older model and they sent us a brand-new one.
“Plus“, there are many compatible accessories that come with the RING brand.
Based on the review above, RING Video Doorbell 3 has beaten its generation 2 predecessor in the categories in this review. Even with that being said, they were in small areas. If you already have a second generation RING 2 Doorbell, you might not be as impressed with the minor upgrades.
However, if interested, there’s a trade-in program offered by RING through Amazon. This is so you’re not having to pay the full price for the new RING Video Doorbell 3.
Once you trade in your old RING device, you will receive an Amazon Gift Card based on its appraised value, and discount on any qualifying RING or Blink smart doorbell or camera. For more specific details, Trade-In Program Incentive – click here.
Hopefully this helps, and thanks for stopping by!
TGR
RECAP: Main Differences between RING Video Doorbell 2 & 3
- Motion Detection has improved with 3 main upgrades. 1) Detection zones can be segregated more easily, 2) You are able to adjust a closer zone of 5-15 feet 3) Optional People mode to detect people nearby.
- Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a bit smaller, making it more easier to install and appealing to look at.
- Better connection performance through Dual-Band Wi-fi feature.
- 2-way Noise Cancellation
- Pre-roll feature with the PLUS version. This offers 4 seconds of additional recording prior to the motion sensor kicking off.
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