Ring Video Doorbell 3 REVIEW

Next Generation Ring Video Doorbell 3 is here! Check out the Ring Doorbell 3 Review below!

In this Ring Video Doorbell 3 Review, we’ll go into details about the latest tech gadget! Find out why it’s so popular and if it’s worth the  upgrade if you already have an older Ring doorbell.

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 have started hitting store shelves on April 8 in the U.S.  It’s the same price as it’s previous Ring Video Doorbell 2 version

For those who have the older generation Ring Doorbell might be wondering if it’s worth the upgrade, and others looking to see if there’s anything enticing enough for them to go and purchase a Ring Doorbell.

Check out this article: Is Ring Video Doorbell 3 worth the ugprade? Comparison with the Ring Video Doorbell 2

I managed to pick one up and lets go over the details below!

Short Manufacturer Summary

Our next-generation doorbell upgraded with additional security features for any home – including improved motion detection and enhanced wifi. Whether you’re home or away, you’ll always know who’s knocking and more. 

Quick TGR Review Summary

What I like

  • Easy to install and setup
  • Compatible with different devices and Windows/Apple desktops
  • Comparable Price tag
  • 2-way Noise Cancellation  
  • Very good video quality 

What I don’t like

  • To pay for the RING PROTECT subscription service to save videos and photos

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Review

TGR Rating: 4.5
4.5/5

The third generation Ring doorbell is available in two versions. The standard Ring Video Doorbell 3 ($200 USD) and Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus ($230 USD).

For an extra few bucks, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus includes the “Pre-Roll technology“. This is a 4 seconds pre-recording prior to the motion sensor triggering. To conserve battery power, the video is captured in black and white. 

Older Ring Versions

Prior Ring Doorbell versions (1 & 2) had many customers complaining that they were not able to capture walking up to the door or if they were quick enough, left the scene with their backs towards the camera. The motion sensor was not dependable.

Now speaking from owning the previous versions, this nice improvement should have been part of the standard version. Since its not, it would be worth getting the Plus version if you don’t mind shelling over a few more dollars.

Box and Packaging

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 comes in a box which includes the following:

  • Rechargable Battery Pack
  • USB Charging Cable
  • Two Faceplates (Satin Nickel and Venetian Bronze)
  • Mounting Bracket
  • Wedge and Corner Kits
  • Installation Tools and Hardware
  • Instruction Manual
  • Security Sticker

Color options and Size

Very simple and sleek Ring Doorbell colors:

  1. Satin Nickel and
  2. Venetian Bronze  

Dimension: 5.1 in. x 2.4 in x 1.1 in (128mm x 62mm x 28mm) – smaller than the previous Ring Video Doorbell versions.

Ring Doorbell 3 review
Ring Doorbell 3

Installation Setup

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is very simple to setup and can be done in a few minutes.

  1. Insert the rechargable battery pack into the Ring Doorbell
  2. Download the Ring App and connect to it (follow the steps) via your Wi-fi connection.
  3. Mount the Ring Doorbell with the mounting plates and screws provided.

The Ring Doorbell can be hardwired to an existing doorbell system or transformer for continuous charging.

  • Standard doorbell system with 8-24 VAC
  • Doorbell transformer with  40VA max, 50/60Hz   

I would not use any substitution, such as a garden hardscaping lighting transformer. There may not be enough power or cause an overload.

To charge your battery pack,  press the button on the battery pack to release it from the camera, then plug it into a micro-USB cord until fully charged. Reinsert it back when fully charged.

If you experience any issues with the Ring Video Door bell not charging, even though it’s hardwired. Check out this article for assistance: Ring Video Doorbell NOT charging hardwired

For more information on how to setup your Ring Video Doorbell 3, click here.

Internet Connectivity

I have not been able to benefit from the improved dual-band Wi-fi here since my router is only a few feet away. 

However, this improvement would be much appreciate by those who may have a router sitting far away.

Just make sure there’s a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n wifi connection @ 2.4GHz & 5GHz.

Note: The Ring App will work with Alexa and Echo speaker, Fire TV, or other Alexa-enabled devices to control your Ring products.

Operating Weather Conditions

Temperatures are within -5°F to 120°F (-20°C to 48°C). Through the four seasons, from scorching hot summers to blistering winters, we never had an issue with any serious downtime with any the Ring doorbells. Occasionally when it’s extremely cold, there may be minor issues with the transformer connecting, but the battery pack kicks in.

RING App

As you’ve probably figured out by now, you would need to download the RING app online. The mobile apps can be downloaded from their respective stores, and desktop application from the RING website

The RING app is compatible with mobile devices and desktop. The menus are seamless and easy to understand. 

You can also scan your QR code or MAC ID bar code on your Ring device to simplify setting up the Ring Video Doorbell.  

ring video doorbell 3 review
RING App

Technical Specs

Video Quality

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 video is driven with 1080p HD quality. There’s also Live View and Night vision capabilities within 160 degree field of view. The video quality looks really good in the morning or well lit areas. However, as like other video cameras, dark areas with night vision can be a bit challenging to see. 

At night, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 will trigger the infrared light, and video can appear black and white. With that being said, make sure there is plenty of light if you want to capture any night or dark areas.

Compare Ring doorbell 2 and 3
Ring Video Doorbell 3 - Video Resolution

Audio

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 comes with a 2-way noise cancellation feature which is an upgrade from its predecessors. This will reduce the level of unwanted background noise, and is very useful if you’re facing a busy street with on-going traffic.

With the audio capabilities, you are able to have conversations with your visitor at the door. There is a built-in speaker in the Ring Video Doorbell which makes it very appealing for anyone looking for more than just a video doorbell. There have been plenty of times where I’ve been outside of my home and have been visited by solicitor. It makes “telling them to go away” much easier.  

Motion Sensors

One of the best features with the any of the Ring Doorbell is its motion sensing. Anywhere from 5 to 15 feet. You are able to dictate the distance in which you want the Ring Doorbell to focus on. You may custom tailor the range and find the best fit for your situation. We had to scale back the motion sensor range a few feet since it constantly picked up moving vehicles. 

People Only Setting

There’s also a “People Only” setting, that will send alerts when people are detected. I personally think it’s going based on speed of the object, as it picked up some of the slower moving vehicles, and not the faster ones.

All of the configuration and settings can be easily done on the RING application.

Ring Doorbell 3 review
RING App Motion Sensors

Ring Protect

The RING PROTECT is an optional service provided by the Ring Video Doorbell company. With the service, you’re able to save video recordings, capture still videos and share them, just to name a few of the benefits from the service.

Videos can be stored up to 60 days, and 7 days for photos. 

There are two subscription plans available: Basic and Plus

In short, the Basic Plan allows activation for a single device. Both offers video and photo storage. The price is $3 a month/or $30 a year for Basic.

The Plus Plan, will offer a bit more, including activation for ALL Ring devices, 24/7 professional monitoring, extended warranty for all devices and 10% off selected Ring products.  The price is $10 a month/or $100 a year for Basic. 

For more information about the Ring Protect, go here

Fierce Competition

Since the first generation Ring Video Doorbell, there has been many video door bells that emerged. Which some are quite competitive and some may be arguably better. Based on the top video doorbell, here are others that might be worth checking out before pulling the trigger on the Ring Video Doorbell 3.

Ring Doorbell 3 review

Key difference compared to the Ring 3:

  • High quality 2K resolution: 2560 x 1920 
  • More Affordable
Ring Doorbell 3 review

Key difference compared to the Ring:

  • 180 degree angle, 1:1 viewing ratio
  • High quality 2K resolution: 1536 x 1536 
  • More Affordable
ring video doorbell 3 review

Key difference compared to the Ring:

  • 166 degree wide angle 
  • pre-installed a 32GB TF card 
  • More Affordable

Ring Doorbell 3 Review Final Thoughts

In this Ring Video Doorbell 3 Review, we spent a lot of time covering the key aspects of the product. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a very good one and is for anyone looking for a video doorbell. The Ring has been around long enough to have a very good support system. If there are any issues, there are Ring Online forums and their support team is well informed on the issues. That would be one reason why I would choose the Ring Doorbell over the other competitors. Though the competitors may offer better hardware and base features. 

Ring Against Its Competitors

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 has a lot of new gadgets to accompany it that gives it a competitive edge over other competitors. For example, they have a Solar Charger which is pretty cool. With all the battery issues in the past, Ring has stepped it up a notch with new battery pack and options for its consumers.

Overall, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a solid product if you’re in the market for a video doorbell camera. It offers great video resolution and sound quality. The Ring App is consistently getting better and so is their support system.

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 receives a strong TGR score of 4.5 out of 5.

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