$40 – $65
Ring's smallest and most affordable wired doorbell with 1080p HD video, two-way talk, and night vision.
You want advanced motion detection on a budget
Customizable motion zones. Motion scheduling. Person detection with Ring Protect. Same detection as pricier models.
You want to join Ring/Alexa ecosystem affordably
Full Ring app and Alexa integration. Live view on Echo Show. All Ring features at lowest price point.
You have existing doorbell wiring and want budget option
Uses existing wiring for power. No battery to charge. Continuous power. Simple installation with existing setup.
You want the cheapest Ring video doorbell
Most affordable Ring doorbell at ~$65. Good value entry point. All essential features: 1080p video, two-way audio, motion alerts.
You do not have existing doorbell wiring
Wired only - no battery option. Requires existing wiring. May need electrician if no current doorbell.
You want to use your existing mechanical chime
Does NOT work with traditional doorbell chimes. Requires Ring Chime (~$30-50) or Echo device for sound.
You use Google Home ecosystem
No Google Assistant or Google Home integration. Ring is Amazon/Alexa only.
Cannot ring existing mechanical doorbell chime. Must purchase Ring Chime or use Echo. Hidden extra cost.
Product ReviewsWiring-only installation challenging for renters or those without existing doorbell. May need professional help.
Tom's GuideDoes not work with existing doorbell chime
widespreadCause: Design decision. Requires Ring Chime accessory ($30-50) or Echo device.
True cost higher than $65 sticker price
commonCause: Need Ring Chime + Ring Protect subscription. Actual first-year cost much higher.
Expecting existing doorbell chime to work
No audible chime when doorbell is pressed. Miss visitors.
Tip: Budget for Ring Chime ($30) or Ring Chime Pro ($50). Or use Echo device.
Buying without checking for existing wiring
Cannot install. Need electrician to run wires or return for battery model.
Tip: Verify existing doorbell wiring before purchase. Check voltage (8-24V AC required).
All video storage, alerts, and features require Ring cloud. Subscription for history.
Nothing. Requires internet connection. No local storage option.
1080p HD video. Two-way audio. Motion zones. Night vision (B&W). Wired power. No battery option.
Does NOT ring existing chimes. Wired only. No Pre-Roll. No color night vision. Subscription needed.
Ring Video Doorbell 4
If: Want battery option or Pre-Roll video
Blink Video Doorbell
If: Want even cheaper Amazon option
Eufy Video Doorbell 2K
If: Want local storage without subscription
You have wiring and want cheapest Ring doorbell
Best value Ring entry. All essential features. Accept chime limitation and add Ring Chime.
You expect to use existing mechanical chime
Does NOT work with existing chimes. Hidden $30-50 cost for Ring Chime.
You want to avoid any subscription
Ring Protect still needed for video history. Consider Eufy for local storage.
No. Ring is Amazon/Alexa only. No Google Home or Google Assistant support.
Source: Ring FAQNo. Black and white IR night vision only. Color night vision only on Ring Pro 2 model.
Source: Product SpecsDoorbell $65 + Ring Chime $30-50 + Ring Protect $50/year = $145-165 first year. Not just $65.
Night vision is black and white only. No color night vision like Pro 2. Basic IR illumination.
Product SpecsRing Protect still required for video history and person detection. Budget doorbell + subscription adds up.
Ring PricingNo battery option for those without wiring
widespreadCause: Wired-only design. Renters or wireless-preference users cannot use.
Black and white night vision only
commonCause: Budget model limitation. Color night vision on Pro 2 only.
No Pre-Roll video feature
commonCause: Budget model lacks Pre-Roll. Cannot see what happened before motion trigger.
Thinking $65 is total cost
Surprised by Ring Chime cost + subscription. Actual cost $150+ first year.
Tip: Budget: Doorbell ($65) + Chime ($30-50) + Protect ($50/year) = $145-165 first year.
Video, audio, motion events. Amazon/Ring cloud. Law enforcement access programs.
Amazon Ring privacy controversies. Law enforcement data sharing. Cloud-only.
You are a renter without doorbell wiring
Wired only. Cannot install without wiring. Get battery Ring or Blink instead.
No. Wired only. Requires existing doorbell wiring (8-24V AC). No battery option available.
Source: Ring SpecsNo. Does NOT ring existing doorbell chimes. Requires Ring Chime ($30-50) or Echo device for sound.
Source: Ring Product Page