You’ve got a Ring Video Doorbell, and it’s doing a fantastic job keeping an eye on your front porch. But what about the sides of your house, the backyard, or even other entry points? To truly fortify your home, you’ll want to expand your security coverage. That’s where additional surveillance cameras come into play, working seamlessly with your existing Ring ecosystem or smart home setup. Choosing the best surveillance cameras for Ring Video Doorbell means finding devices that offer reliable performance, easy integration, and features that match your specific security needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the top picks designed to complement your Ring doorbell, giving you that ultimate peace of mind. We’ve handpicked a variety of options, from discreet peephole cameras to robust outdoor spotlights, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your smart home security system.
Let’s dive into our top selections for the best surveillance cameras for Ring Video Doorbell!
Ring Peephole Cam – Smart video doorbell, HD video, 2-way…
If you live in an apartment, condo, or simply prefer a non-invasive installation, the Ring Peephole Cam is a game-changer. This smart video doorbell cleverly upgrades your existing peephole into a full-fledged 1080p HD camera. It’s perfect for renters or anyone who wants a straightforward setup without drilling or wiring, allowing you to see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere using your phone, tablet, or PC. It even detects knocks, making sure you don’t miss a thing.
Key Features:
– Upgrade your door’s peephole with 1080p HD video.
– Get alerts on your device for knocks, doorbell presses, or motion.
– Easy 5-minute installation; no wiring or drilling required.
– Connects with Alexa for announcements and live view on compatible Echo devices.
– Advanced Motion Detection with customizable zones.
– Always know when you have a delivery and instruct couriers.
– Ring Protect Plan (sold separately) enables video recording and review for up to 180 days.
Pros:
– Super easy, wire-free DIY installation.
– Ideal for apartments or rental properties.
– Discreet design.
– Offers knock detection, a unique feature.
Cons:
– Requires an existing peephole.
– Battery needs occasional recharging.
– Full features like video recording require a Ring Protect Plan subscription.
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise the Peephole Cam for its incredibly simple installation and the convenience it brings, especially for those living in rentals. Users love the ability to see and speak to visitors remotely, along with the added peace of mind of knock detection.
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus, Battery | Two-Way Talk, Color…
For outdoor security that actively deters unwanted visitors, the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus is an excellent choice. This battery-powered camera offers wide-angle 1080p HD video with impressive Color Night Vision, ensuring clarity even after dark. Its standout feature is the two motion-activated LED spotlights that illuminate when motion is detected, along with a built-in security siren you can trigger manually – a real deterrent for intruders. It’s incredibly versatile due to its battery operation, allowing placement almost anywhere around your property.
Key Features:
– Wide-angle, 1080p HD video with Color Night Vision.
– Check in anytime with Live View.
– Two motion-activated LED spotlights and built-in security siren.
– Customizable motion zones for targeted alerts.
– Convenient Quick Release Battery Pack for easy recharging.
– Two-Way Talk to communicate with visitors or deter intruders.
– Ring Home subscription (sold separately) for video recording, person/package alerts.
– Works with Alexa for motion announcements.
Pros:
– Active deterrence with spotlights and siren.
– Flexible placement thanks to battery power.
– Color Night Vision provides better detail at night.
– Wide field of view for broad coverage.
Cons:
– Battery requires periodic recharging.
– Advanced alerts and video history require a Ring Home subscription.
– Can be more expensive than basic cameras.
User Impressions:
Users highly value the active deterrence features of the Spotlight Cam Plus, often noting how effective the lights and siren are. The Color Night Vision receives praise for improving nighttime visibility, and the battery-powered flexibility makes it a popular choice for easy installation.
Like-New Ring Wired Doorbell Plus (Video Doorbell Pro) –…
The Like-New Ring Wired Doorbell Plus (formerly Video Doorbell Pro) offers a premium, hardwired doorbell experience at a more accessible price point, thanks to its certified refurbished status. It boasts upgraded 1080p HD video, enhanced dual-band Wi-Fi for a more reliable connection, and advanced features like Two-Way Talk with Quick Replies and built-in Alexa Greetings. Being wired, it provides constant power and continuous monitoring without the need for battery changes, making it a very reliable part of your home security setup.
Key Features:
– Certified refurbished to look and work like new, with a limited warranty.
– Upgraded 1080p HD wired video doorbell with Two-Way Talk and Quick Replies.
– Advanced Motion Detection and customizable privacy settings.
– Built-in Alexa Greetings (exclusive Ring Protect Plan feature).
– Enhanced dual-band (2.4 or 5.0 GHz) Wi-Fi for reliable connectivity.
– Hardwires to existing doorbell wiring for around-the-clock power.
– Ring Protect Plan (sold separately) for video recording and review.
– Seamless integration with Alexa for alerts and live view.
Pros:
– Constant power; no battery charging needed.
– Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi connection.
– Alexa Greetings offers automated responses.
– Certified refurbished provides excellent value.
Cons:
– Requires existing doorbell wiring for installation.
– Advanced features and video history require a Ring Protect Plan.
– May require some electrical comfort for DIY installation.
User Impressions:
Customers purchasing the “Like-New” version are generally thrilled with the value, reporting that the device performs indistinguishably from a new one. The reliable wired connection and improved Wi-Fi are standout points, providing consistent performance and advanced smart features like Alexa Greetings.
Ring Battery Doorbell, Head-to-Toe Video, Live View with…
The Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen) is a refresh of Ring’s best-selling model, now featuring Head-to-Toe Video. This expanded field of view means you can see more of your visitors, including packages left directly at your door. Its built-in battery is conveniently recharged via a USB-C port, making installation a breeze without any wiring hassles. It’s an ideal entry point for anyone looking to add smart doorbell capabilities without permanent modifications, seamlessly integrating into your overall home security strategy.
Key Features:
– Head-to-Toe Video for 66% more vertical coverage.
– Built-in battery with convenient USB-C charging.
– Simple snap-in installation.
– Live View & Two-Way Talk for real-time interaction.
– Real-time motion detection alerts.
– Smart Alerts for people or packages (subscription required).
– Ring Home subscription (sold separately) for 24/7 recording and alerts.
– Connects with Alexa for notifications and hands-free monitoring.
Pros:
– Head-to-Toe view is excellent for package monitoring.
– Very easy, wire-free installation.
– Convenient USB-C charging.
– Affordable and great for renters.
Cons:
– Built-in battery means the doorbell itself needs to be removed for charging.
– Smart alerts and video recording require a Ring subscription.
– May have a slight delay in notifications compared to wired versions.
User Impressions:
Users frequently highlight the Head-to-Toe video as a major improvement, making it easier to see deliveries and smaller visitors. The ease of installation and the convenience of the USB-C charging are also popular features, though some wish for a swappable battery.
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (newest model) | Head-to-Toe HD+…
As the newest iteration, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus takes all the great features of the standard Battery Doorbell and elevates them. It offers Head-to-Toe HD+ Video, providing an even sharper and more expansive view of your doorstep. This model also includes Color Night Vision, ensuring clarity even in low light, and features a Quick Release Battery Pack for even easier recharging – no need to take the entire doorbell off the wall. This makes it one of the best surveillance cameras for Ring Video Doorbell if you’re prioritizing cutting-edge features and battery convenience.
Key Features:
– Head-to-Toe HD+ Video for an expanded and sharper field of view.
– Motion detection, privacy zones, and Color Night Vision.
– Person + Package Alerts (Ring Home subscription exclusive).
– Convenient Quick Release Battery Pack for easy swapping/recharging.
– Simple setup via the Ring app and included tools.
– Ring Home subscription (sold separately) for 180-day video history and alerts.
– Pairs with Alexa for motion alerts and Live View.
Pros:
– Superior HD+ video quality and Color Night Vision.
– Swappable Quick Release Battery for minimal downtime.
– Head-to-Toe view excellent for package monitoring.
– Enhanced motion detection and privacy features.
Cons:
– Requires a Ring Home subscription for full feature set, including package alerts.
– Higher price point than older models.
– Battery life can vary based on usage and environment.
User Impressions:
Reviewers rave about the upgraded HD+ video quality and the vibrant Color Night Vision. The Quick Release Battery Pack is a huge hit, making battery management significantly more convenient. Users appreciate the advanced alerts, especially for packages.
Like-New Blink Video Doorbell (newest model), Two-way…
While not a Ring-branded camera, the Like-New Blink Video Doorbell is an excellent alternative smart doorbell that seamlessly integrates into an Alexa-enabled smart home, making it a viable consideration alongside your Ring devices. This certified refurbished model offers 1080p HD day and infrared night video, two-way audio, and impressive long-lasting battery life. It’s incredibly versatile, capable of running completely wire-free with batteries or connecting to existing doorbell wiring to sound your in-home chime. It’s a fantastic, cost-effective option for comprehensive front-door monitoring.
Key Features:
– Certified refurbished to look and work like new, with a limited warranty.
– 1080p HD day and infrared night video with two-way audio.
– Long-lasting battery life.
– Custom alerts and privacy settings.
– Wire-free operation or connect to existing doorbell wiring.
– Option to save clips with a Blink Subscription Plan trial or locally with Sync Module 2.
– Easy DIY setup with included AA lithium batteries.
– Works with Alexa for alerts and two-way audio.
Pros:
– Extremely versatile power options (wired or wire-free).
– Excellent battery life for wire-free setup.
– More affordable alternative for smart doorbells.
– Works with existing in-home chime when wired.
Cons:
– Not directly integrated into the Ring app ecosystem (integrates via Alexa).
– Sync Module 2 (sold separately) recommended for optimal wire-free features like Live View on demand.
– Cloud storage requires a Blink Subscription Plan after trial.
User Impressions:
Customers are generally very satisfied with the value provided by the “Like-New” Blink Video Doorbell. Its long battery life and flexible installation options are frequently praised. Users also appreciate its seamless integration with Alexa, making it a great addition to a broader smart home setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a Ring Protect Plan for these cameras?
A1: While many core features like Live View and Two-Way Talk are available without a subscription, a Ring Protect Plan (sold separately) is highly recommended. It unlocks video recording, cloud storage (allowing you to review past events for up to 180 days), advanced motion detection, person and package alerts, and other premium features. Without it, you’ll primarily get real-time alerts and live viewing.
Q2: How do these cameras integrate with my existing Ring Video Doorbell?
A2: All Ring-branded cameras (Peephole Cam, Spotlight Cam, Battery Doorbell, Wired Doorbell Plus) operate within the same Ring app as your Ring Video Doorbell. This provides a unified dashboard to monitor all your devices, receive alerts, and manage settings from one place. For the Blink Video Doorbell, while not a Ring product, it integrates seamlessly with Alexa, allowing you to manage both your Ring and Blink devices through a common smart home hub.
Q3: Are these cameras easy to install for a DIYer?
A3: Most Ring cameras are designed for straightforward DIY installation. Battery-powered models (like the Battery Doorbell Plus or Spotlight Cam Plus) are typically the easiest as they require no wiring. Wired models (like the Wired Doorbell Plus) require connecting to existing doorbell wiring but usually come with all necessary tools and clear instructions. The Ring Peephole Cam is also remarkably simple, fitting into an existing peephole.
Q4: What’s the difference between wired and battery-powered cameras?
A4: Wired cameras provide continuous power, meaning they don’t need battery changes or recharging and often offer more reliable connectivity and faster alerts. Battery-powered cameras offer greater installation flexibility since they don’t require nearby power outlets or existing wiring. However, their batteries need periodic recharging or replacement, and some advanced features might be optimized for wired power.
Q5: Do these surveillance cameras offer night vision?
A5: Yes, all the cameras reviewed here offer night vision capabilities. Most utilize infrared (IR) night vision to provide clear black-and-white video in low-light conditions. Some newer models, like the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, even feature Color Night Vision, which provides a more detailed and clearer picture at night, making it easier to identify objects and people.
Q6: Can I talk to visitors through these cameras?
A6: Absolutely! All the cameras on this list feature Two-Way Talk. This allows you to speak directly to anyone at your door or within the camera’s view using your smartphone, tablet, or a compatible Alexa-enabled device. It’s incredibly useful for giving instructions to delivery drivers, greeting guests, or deterring unwanted visitors.
Q7: What is “Head-to-Toe Video” and why is it useful?
A7: “Head-to-Toe Video” (or HD+ Video) refers to an expanded vertical field of view on your doorbell camera. Traditional doorbell cameras often focus on horizontal coverage, but Head-to-Toe allows you to see more of the ground directly in front of your door. This is particularly useful for spotting packages left on your doorstep, seeing smaller children, or getting a fuller view of a visitor from their head to their feet.
Q8: Can these cameras record 24/7?
A8: Most Ring cameras are designed for event-based recording (triggered by motion or doorbell presses) rather than continuous 24/7 recording, especially battery-powered models, to conserve battery life and data. Some wired models might offer continuous recording if paired with a specific Ring Protect Plan or a local storage solution, but it’s not a standard feature across all Ring devices. Always check the specific model’s capabilities and subscription requirements.