Home security isn’t the only thing getting major innovations lately. Even the way you monitor and answer your door is being innovated daily to provide you with a seamless, wireless interface to check your door even when you aren’t physically home to answer it.
The Ring Doorbell series is one such innovation that augments the way you interact with your front door, allowing you to answer it wirelessly from a smart device and receive packages from work or home.
Let’s take a look at two models of the Ring Doorbell — the Ring Video Doorbell Elite and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2.
They’re not one-size-fits-all. So, ensure you’ve selected a model that works well for your needs and budget. The first thing we will want to look at is the technical specifications.
~~~ Check Price: Ring Video Doorbell Elite ~~~
~~~ Check Price: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 ~~~
If you are considering video doorbells, either Ring or otherwise, thankfully we have you covered.
- See here for our list of the top video doorbells without a paid subscription
- For a side-by-side comparison of the Ring Video Doorbell 2 and 3, read more here
- If you are considering between the Ring Video Doorbell 4 and the Video Doorbell Pro 2, we have compared them to each other (and the Logitech Circle View) here
- For discussion of the Ring Floodlight Pro and Ring Floodlight Plus, here is a side-by-side look
- And for a more obscure Ring product that we love, consider the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro
Technical Specifications: What Does Each Model Provide
Ring Video Doorbell Elite
- Video Resolution: 1080p HD
- HDR: No
- Color Night Vision: No
- Live View: On-Demand Video and Audio
- On-Board Peripherals: Built-in Microphone and Speakers
- Two-Way Audio?: Yes, with Noise Cancellation
- Motion Sensors: Yes
- Field of View: 160° horizontal, 90° vertical
- Smart OS Interface: iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows 10
- Connectivity: Hardwired Ethernet, 15.4W power standard, and IEEE 802.3af (PoE) or IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) standard required
- Power Source: Hardwired Power Source
- Fits Standard Junction Boxes?: Yes
- Real-Time Notifications: Yes
- Record Feed?: Yes
- Operating Conditions: -5°F–120°F (-20.5°C to 48.5°C)
- Weather Resistant?: Yes
- Alexa Interface?: Yes
Ring Video Doorbell 2
- Video Resolution: 1536p HD+ Live Video
- HDR: Yes
- Color Night Vision: Yes
- Live View: On-Demand Video and Audio
- On-Board Peripherals: Built-in Microphone and Speakers
- Two–Way Audio: Yes, with Noise Cancellation
- Motion Sensors: Yes
- Field of View: 160° horizontal, 90° vertical
- Smart OS Interface: iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows 10
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 2.4 and 5.0 GHz, at least 1 Mbps upload speed recommended, but 2 Mbps is ideal for best performance
- Power Source: Hardwired Power Source
- Fits Standard Junction Boxes?: Requires a special mount (included)
- Real-Time Notifications: Yes
- Record Feed?: Yes
- Operating Conditions: -5°F–120°F (-20.5°C to 48.5°C)
- Weather Resistant?: Yes
- Alexa Interface?: Yes
What Are Technical Specifications?
If you’re a seasoned veteran of the consumer technology community, you can probably skip this section. We’re just going to go over all the technical specifications one by one and determine which product provides a better service.
People who understand the technical requirements likely don’t need much more help than a list of technical specifications to read. But for those who are newer to consumer technology and smart home technology, it’s essential to learn what numerically works best and what consequences those choices have on your daily life!
Video Resolution
Winner: Ring Doorbell 2
In short, video resolution is the amount of detail in the images captured by your camera.
The Ring Doorbell Elite features resolutions up to 1080p Full HD on their live video, but the Ring Doorbell 2 goes the extra mile with 1536p Full HD+.
This means that your Ring Doorbell 2 can populate 50% more pixels at the same speeds as the Ring Doorbell Elite. More pixels equals more image detail, giving you a more accurate and complete picture of what’s happening at your home, even when you’re away.
Night Vision
Winner: Ring Doorbell 2
It makes sense that a home security system would need a method to capture clear footage even in the dark. Night vision sensors allow cameras to capture low-light footage with clarity and definition even when the sky is dark.
Since the Ring Doorbell 2 features improved night vision sensors, the Ring Doorbell 2 can capture low-light footage in color. This is a relatively new technology, especially on the consumer level.
But the Ring Doorbell 2 features a substantial upgrade from previous Ring Doorbell units in this category. In actuality, the Rind Doorbell Elite also scores very high for its night vision, so you can’t go wrong in this category with either.
HDR
Winner: Ring Doorbell 2
HDR is “high dynamic range” and refers to the depth of colors that a camera can record and reproduce into digital footage. Cameras with HDR capabilities used to be a thing that was only obtainable by Hollywood directors, but in recent years HDR cameras have broken into the consumer tech market.
You can now buy HDR Cinema Cameras to use in your home (though you might want to stick to small-scale cinema cameras rather than the large-scale ones used with camera rigs in large productions—you’d never be able to lift those!). Yes, those super high color definition cameras have made their way to the video doorbell industry.
Since the Ring Doorbell Elite doesn’t have HDR capabilities, it’s the clear loser in this category.
Motion Sensor Field of View
Winner: Ring Doorbell Elite
Your motion sensor’s field of view is how far the sensor can detect motion in any given direction. The closer the movement is to the motion sensor, the easier it will be for the sensor to pick it up and start recording. However, many modern motion sensors can detect movement as much as 20–30 feet away.
The field of view of any sensor is measured in degrees, like an angle.
The Ring Doorbell 2 features horizontally a 160° field of view, when it comes to motion detection. This means the doorbell can sense movement almost to the direct side of the sensor. However, the Ring Doorbell Elite features a full 180° field of view compared to the Ring Doorbell 2’s 160° motion detection.
Simply put, the Doorbell 2’s field of view (and motion detection) is great. But the Elite’s is flat out incredible.
Power Source
Winner: Tie
The Ring Doorbell 2 and Ring Doorbell Elite are hardwired doorbells without battery power. This means that in the event of a power outage, your doorbell won’t be able to function since it doesn’t have a battery to keep it running without hardwired power.
Connectivity
Winner: Ring Doorbell Elite
If you’re worried about your doorbell’s internet connectivity for seamlessly answering your door and recording your stoop, you’ll want to grab the Ring Doorbell Elite. This is the only category where the Ring Doorbell Elite conclusively triumphs over the Ring Doorbell 2.
The Ring Doorbell Elite features both ethernet and wireless connectivity. A wired ethernet connection will allow your Ring Doorbell Elite to use higher up and download speeds when streaming video to your smart device and recording footage.
Using a wired internet connection with the Ring Doorbell Elite can allow users with slower internet speeds to get the maximum value out of their Ring Doorbell.
Operating Conditions
Winner: Tie
Both Ring Doorbell models have the same operating conditions. They can withstand temperatures as low as -5°F (-20.5°C) and as high as 120°F (48.5°C). They’re also weather resistant to ensure optimum operation even during inclement weather.
Neither the Ring Doorbell Elite nor the Ring Doorbell 2 offer meaningful extras in this category. They both have the same operating conditions and weather resistance.
Alexa Interface
Winner: Tie
Alexa users will benefit significantly from these products as they have built-in compatibility with Alexa products allowing you to answer your door using your Alexa device or even have Alexa answer the door for you.
Which Is Better for Me?
On paper, the Ring Doorbell 2 has more updated features than the Ring Doorbell Elite. In most situations, you will find that the Ring Doorbell 2 is the best option simply because it will have more longevity in your life than the Ring Doorbell Elite.
The Ring Doorbell 2 has a more future-proof setup than the Ring Doorbell Elite. While there’s nothing wrong with the Ring Doorbell Elite, its features don’t appear to be worth the extra ~$100.
One prominent case where a person might want to consider getting the Ring Doorbell Elite is one where the user’s Wi-Fi connection isn’t strong enough to support the Ring Doorbell 2. While they both have the same connection floor, the Ring Doorbell 2 needs a 2 Mbps upload speed connection. This may be small potatoes for my tech geeks out there, but for someone living in a rural area, this could be hard to achieve!
If you live in a rural area with less infrastructure dedicated to internet connectivity, you’ll want to get the Ring Doorbell Elite to capitalize on your wired internet speed. However, keeping an eye on future Ring Doorbells might be a smarter buying option for people looking for a one-and-done, future-proof Ring Doorbell System.
Installation & User Experience
While we have covered the technical specifications extensively, let’s take a moment to consider the installation process and user experience with these video doorbells. After all, the finest features are only valuable if you can easily install and operate the device.
The installation process for both the Ring Doorbell Elite and the Ring Doorbell 2 is designed to be user-friendly, with detailed instructions provided in the package and online resources available to help you along the way.
With the Ring Doorbell Elite, you’ll need to have an ethernet cable ready, which adds a step to the process. However, this shouldn’t be a big challenge. Plus, the PoE connection can provide more reliable connectivity in certain situations.
On the other hand, the Ring Doorbell 2 is easier to install due to its wireless connection. Simply connect it to your Wi-Fi, and you’re good to go. It also comes with a special mount, making the process straightforward for the average user.
When it comes to user experience, both doorbells deliver an intuitive interface through their respective apps. Both allow real-time video and audio access, two-way communication, and real-time notifications, making it easy for you to monitor your doorstep no matter where you are.
Privacy and Security Features
In an age where digital security is paramount, it’s crucial to consider the privacy and security features of smart devices like the Ring Doorbell Elite and Ring Doorbell 2.
The Ring Doorbell Elite and 2, like all Ring doorbells, have advanced security features. Both devices allow you to customize your motion zones to focus on important areas and minimize false alarms. Both also have a feature called ‘Neighborhood Alert,’ where you can share videos with neighbors to enhance community safety.
Moreover, Ring adheres to two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security when you log in to your Ring account. This makes it harder for unauthorized users to gain access to your account, even if they have your password.
While data transmission from these devices to your phone or computer is encrypted, it’s crucial to remember that any device connected to the internet can potentially be hacked. Therefore, ensuring your home Wi-Fi network is secure is also an essential part of maintaining your overall security.
Ring is not immune to security breaches — so keep in mind that whatever gets recorded may also be viewed. This isn’t an attempt to scare you (nobody from Ring is watching your footage 24/7), but is simply the nature of audio/video recordings. If you don’t believe me, do a web search for “Ring security breach.”
Final Thoughts
It can be hard to decide what piece of technology to add to your repertoire.
But luckily, you can make the best decision for you with all the information the company provides about their goods and services. Learning more about what makes your tech tick will help you better understand and utilize the technology at your disposal.
So, learn everything you can about your products to get the most out of your purchases!
If PoE (power over ethernet) matters to you, then the Ring Video Doorbell Elite is your only good option in the Ring lineup. The added field of view and motion detection range is another addition that makes the product compelling despite the extra cost.
But for anybody that cares more about video quality and doesn’t want to overpay for a Venetian Bronze faceplate, stick with the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 and save the ~$100.
~~~ Check Price: Ring Video Doorbell Elite ~~~
~~~ Check Price: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 ~~~
FAQs
How easy is it to install the Ring Doorbell Elite and Ring Doorbell 2?
Both devices are designed with user-friendly installation in mind. The Ring Doorbell 2 uses a wireless connection and comes with a special mount, while the Ring Doorbell Elite requires an ethernet connection. Installation instructions are provided, and online resources are available to assist you.
Do the Ring Doorbell Elite and Ring Doorbell 2 work with Alexa?
Yes, both models are compatible with Alexa devices, allowing you to answer your door using your Alexa device or even have Alexa answer the door for you.
What are the privacy features on the Ring Doorbell Elite and Ring Doorbell 2?
Both models allow you to customize your motion zones to focus on important areas and minimize false alarms. They also support two-factor authentication when logging into your Ring account for an added layer of security.
What is the benefit of having a Ring Doorbell with HDR capabilities?
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, allows the camera to record and reproduce a broader range of colors into the digital footage. This leads to better quality images and videos, making it easier to identify faces or objects.
Can the Ring Doorbell Elite and Ring Doorbell 2 withstand harsh weather conditions?
Yes, both models can operate in temperatures ranging from -5°F to 120°F (-20.5°C to 48.5°C) and are weather-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor installation.
