Ring Video Doorbell 3 (Wireless)

Ring Video Doorbell 3 (Wireless)

One minute review

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a popular model that has been upgraded from its predecessor, the Ring Video Doorbell 2, with added security features. It launched around the same time as the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus last year, though that model has since been discontinued for unknown reasons.

As is the case with all the best video doorbells, control is via the smartphone app. From here, you can view the street live, engage in a two-way conversation, and view event history, whether you're still in the trial period, that is, or if you pay for a subscription. Doorbell 3 captures live and recorded images in 1080p HD color, and night vision ensures your stream is clear during the darkest hours of the day.

We were concerned that our Wi-Fi signal strength wouldn't be enough to cope with the model's dual-band 2,4GHz and 5GHz connectivity requirements, so along with our Doorbell 3 review, we also tested the Chime. Pro to help expand our Ring network - and to make sure we could hear the doorbell when it rang. The latter can be purchased separately for $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$79, or bundled with the Doorbell 3 at checkout (this is the cheapest option). Once connected to Wi-Fi, setup was really easy.

Like other models in the Ring line, the Video Doorbell 3 is available in wired and wireless options. Designed to replace your current doorbell, the battery-powered model could be used in conjunction with your current doorbell, although it could be confusing to those who come to your door. The Wireless Doorbell 3 has a removable battery that you take out to charge it. it must be recharged every 25 days. Helpfully, Ring includes a small screwdriver for easy access to the battery; without this tool, it would be difficult. If you choose a wired Doorbell 3, it will sync with your existing doorbell system.

Ring is an Amazon-owned company, so it's no surprise that the Video Doorbell 3 can integrate with Alexa. Once that's done, you can set up Amazon Alexa-enabled devices to listen to personalized notifications and use two-way conversations through the Echo Dot. You can even play live video on the Echo Show when the doorbell is on, and more.

It's not the most subtle doorbell, but you can buy a new faceplate (opens in a new tab), available in a range of colors like Blue Metal, Fire Cracker Red, and Galaxy Black, to better match your front door. This can be purchased direct from Ring for $14.99 / £14.99 / AU$25.

Although the Video Doorbell 3 is one of the more affordable models in Ring's range at €199.99 / €159.99 / AU€299, you'll need to factor in ongoing costs if you want to continue reaping all the benefits. Ring Protect includes extras like missed ring information and motion detection, for example, and will set you back $3.99 / £3.49 / AU$4.95 per month.

Ring Video Doorbell 3 Pricing and Availability

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a mid-range, mid-priced video intercom in the American brand's product line. It sits between the Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) priced at €59,99 / £89,99 / AU$149 and the Video Doorbell 4 at €219,99 / £179,99 / AU$329.

Released around the same time as the Ring Video Doorbell 3, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus has since been discontinued. Retailing for $229.99 / £199 / AU$369, the main difference between the two models is that the Doorbell 3 Plus comes with a "pre-roll" feature. In fact, it's the only Ring Video Doorbell to offer this feature. This allowed the doorbell to store four seconds of black and white video, captured before motion detection was activated, without audio. However, as our review (opens in a new tab) pointed out, the feature only works in good lighting conditions. So even though images are shot in the dark, we found it extremely difficult to tell the difference between them.

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is one of the most popular Ring Video Doorbells available and can be purchased directly from Ring (opens in a new tab) or at various retailers including Amazon (opens in a new tab), Best Buy (opens in a new tab), in a new tab). tab) and Target (opens in a new tab).

Price and availability rating: 5/5

Ring 3 Video Doorbell Design

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a stylish doorbell, but it might be too bulky for some homes. It is taller than the average ringer, measures
5,1 x 2,4 x 1,1 inches / 12,8 x 6,2 x 2,8 cm, and should be mounted next to the front door. Note that you can purchase an interchangeable faceplate direct from Ring for $14.99 / £14.99 / AU$25 to replace the standard gray faceplate with a color that better matches your home's exterior décor.

(*two*)

(Image credit: future)

The Doorbell 3 is relatively easy to install. Download the app (more on that later) and you'll have access to step-by-step instructions on how to mount the device to the wall. Those who opted for the battery version of the doorbell can simply use the bracket and screws included in the box to secure it, but if you have the wired model, you'll need to connect to your existing doorbell.

Note that on the wired model of the Video Doorbell 3, the LED ring around the doorbell button lights up white and turns blue when the doorbell is pressed. However, the LED ring on the battery powered Doorbell 3 does not light up until the button is pressed; You won't even hear it ring inside the house. This is where you'll need the optional Ring Chime Pro, which will not only ring your doorbell, but also help improve Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Chime Pro can connect to the Doorbell 3 and other Ring products in the app via your home Wi-Fi network. It's powered by plugging it into a mains outlet, but you'll need to make sure it's located in a central location in your home to boost and use Wi-Fi.

A special screwdriver is included in the box for the battery version of the Ring Video Doorbell 3 that provides access to the faceplate to turn it off and to the battery to charge it. There is no replacement, so make sure you don't lose it.

Design: 5/5

Ring Video Doorbell 3 Performance

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a fantastic front door security camera, and it's easy to use too, from initial setup to viewing recorded footage via the app. And it is that thanks to the application you will receive notifications on your smartphone every time you ring the doorbell or detect a movement. Users of the Doorbell 3 on battery will hear the selected tone on their Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro.

ring 3 video doorbell setup

(Image credit: future)

Tap a notification and you'll be taken to a front door view to see who's outside; here you will have the opportunity to engage in a two-way conversation. While it works with dual-band 2,4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi to speed up load times, we found that it took a few seconds for the notification to connect to the Doorbell 3, even with the Chime Pro in place. If you miss the ringtone at the door, or if motion is detected, it will be recorded and you can view it later. However, to do this, you'll need to sign up for Ring Protect after the free trial period ends.

Video and audio were crystal clear, day or night. Even recorded images were clear, with no pixelation or judder during playback.

day and night screenshot video ring

(Image credit: future)

Ring Video Doorbell 3 also works with Alexa, which means you'll be able to see who's at your door simply by saying, "Alexa, show me the front door." If you have an Echo Dot, you can listen to personalized notifications or use two-way talk, and if you have an Echo Show, you can even launch live or recorded images.

Yield: 4.5/5

Ring Video Doorbell 3 App

The Ring app can be downloaded from the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android). By following the onscreen instructions, you'll soon be connected to the Ring Video Doorbell 3, giving you access to live streaming and other features like motion detection, missed call tones, and two-way talk.

For the first 30 days, you will have free access to all features of the Ring Video Doorbell 3. However, once this trial period is over, to continue using the doorbell as usual, you will need to subscribe to Ring Protect for €3.99 / €3.49 / AU €4.95 per month. This ongoing cost is not unique to the Doorbell 3; is required for all Ring Video Doorbells.

timbre control in a larger application

(Image credit: future)

Overall, we found the app very easy to navigate. The first screen you are presented with is the live feed, along with any other Ring products you may have synced to the device; we had the Chime Pro, for example. From here, you can click through the event history to view motion detection and missed call tones; just click on any of the activities to view the images. From here, you can share videos with friends and family, or save videos to your device. Of course, that's if you're on the free trial period or have subscribed to Ring Protect.

We found the Video Doorbell 3's two-way talk feature to be particularly useful. When the doorbell is pressed, you can set it to receive a notification. If you are not at home, you can click on this notification to see the person at your doorstep, "reply" it by selecting "someone is at your doorstep". Using two-way talk when attempting a delivery allowed us to ask the courier to leave the package in a specific secure location.

Application: 4/5

Ring Video Doorbell 3 battery life

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