Ring Battery Doorbell 2K

Should you buy the Ring Battery Doorbell 2K?

The Ring Battery Doorbell 2K is Ring's best-selling battery doorbell, and at $39.99 it is the cheapest way into the Ring app that still gives you a proper 2K picture. It scores 77. The catch is the same as every Ring: recording needs a plan. If you already have Ring cameras and a Ring Home subscription, adding this doorbell costs nothing extra per month and it is an easy yes. If you are starting from zero, the eufy Video Doorbell E340 at $119.99 records for free and will cost less within a year.

Where it earns its score

• 2K head-to-toe view. A tall frame that shows packages on the step, with 6x zoom, live view and two-way talk.
• Reliability is the top factor at 86. Ring's app and hardware are mature, and this model has one of the largest review bases in the category.
• Simple install. Wire-free mounting with a built-in rechargeable battery; a removal tool comes in the box for charging.
• Alexa live view. Answer the door on an Echo Show or Fire TV without picking up your phone.

What to know first

• Live view only without a plan. Recording, video history and person alerts need Ring Home at $4.99 a month, which doubles the real cost by year two.
• Warranty is the weakest factor. One year, scoring 55.
• USB-C cable is not included. And the battery is built in, so the whole doorbell comes down to charge.
• Features score is 70. No package detection, no radar, no color night vision. Those are on the $149.99 4K Pro.

Questions buyers ask