Review

Ring Video Doorbell

Now I have had a surveillance web-cam at my front door now for a few years now. This has been sending me notifications via my email of people who come to our front door. But as technology has moved on quite a bit, I decided it was time to get a video doorbell for our front door – to notify us of visitors or movement in front of our house. As the Ring Video Doorbell was the easiest to install, I decided to buy this from Amazon. Cost £145.00 (RRP £159.00).

As with Amazon Prime delivery, it came very quickly (next day even when I ordered it on Sunday evening). I was actually surprised at how big the Ring doorbell was (12.65 x 6.17 x 2.21 cm). It comes fully packed with all the necessary accessories to mount it and get it working.

Ring Video Doorbell kit
Ring Video Doorbell kit
Ring Doorbell with the masonry drillbit and screws and rawl plugs for installation
Ring Doorbell with the masonry drillbit and screws and rawl plugs for installation
Comes with all accessories to mount the device (including spirit level, Phillips screwdriver and security screwdriver)
Comes with all accessories to mount the device (including spirit level, Phillips screwdriver and security screwdriver)

There are clear instructions on how to install the device. I ensured that my Ring Doorbell was fully charged, installed the App on my iPhone, ensured it was connected and working before I mounted it onto my front door frame.

Various ways to use the Ring doorbell
Simple instructions to connect the Ring doorbell

I have to say that the instructions are very easy to follow, and there is also videos available through the App on how to mount the device.

Mounting bracket
Mounting bracket

As I was mounting my Ring Doorbell onto my uPVC front door (non-masonry), it was fairly easy as the screws are self-tapping so no drilling needed. I also decided to install it using the built-in rechargeable battery rather than hardwired to the mains – it means no trailing cables, but also means every few months I will need to charge the doorbell using the micro USB cable and the port at the back of the doorbell.

Back of Ring Doorbell
Back of Ring Doorbell – orange button for setup, and the micro USB port for charging the built-in battery
Micro USB charging cable for battery charging
Micro USB charging cable for battery charging

The Ring Doorbell has two security screws at its base to prevent theft. In fact Ring stand behind their product and will replace it should it get stolen (you will need to provide a police report of the theft) free of charge.

Security screws to prevent theft of Ring Doorbell
Security screws to prevent theft of Ring Doorbell

Now to have indoor notification that the doorbell is ringing, I bought a Ring Chime – £22.95 from Maplin (RRP £24.95). This is connected through the wireless network and is plugged into the mains. They do provide many different adapters to allow its use in different parts of the world.

Ring Chime accessory
Ring Chime accessory
Comes with various adapter plugs for different countries
Comes with various adapter plugs for different countries

I clearly chose the UK plug.

Fixed with UK plug
Fixed with UK plug

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