When you’ve invested in a smart doorbell like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, you want to make sure you hear every visitor, parcel delivery, or unexpected motion alert. While many users initially search for the “best doorbell mechanical chime for Ring Pro,” the reality is a bit more nuanced. Ring’s advanced video doorbells often work best with their own integrated digital chime solutions, or require specific compatibility considerations if you want to keep your existing wired mechanical chime.
This article dives into the top 5 options available, ranging from Ring’s official digital chimes that offer seamless integration, to a traditional mechanical chime that might work for a classic sound. We’ll help you understand what each product brings to the table, ensuring you pick the perfect notification solution for your Ring Pro setup. Let’s get ringing!
1. Ring Chime Pro
The Ring Chime Pro is a powerhouse solution for any Ring household. It’s not just a chime; it’s a three-in-one wonder that extends your Wi-Fi signal specifically for your Ring devices, acts as a nightlight, and, of course, serves as your dedicated notification device. If you’re looking for the most reliable way to hear your Ring Pro, especially if your Wi-Fi signal is a bit weak at the doorbell’s location, this is often the go-to choice. It beautifully integrates into the Ring ecosystem, providing real-time alerts right where you need them.
Key Features:
– Three-in-one plug-in solution: Wi-Fi extender, nightlight, and chime.
– Extends Wi-Fi signal up to 2000 sq. ft for all Ring cameras and doorbells.
– Provides real-time notifications for motion detection and doorbell rings.
– Easy plug-and-play setup via standard outlet and Wi-Fi.
– Built-in nightlight for added peace of mind.
– Customizable tones, volume adjustment, and snooze alerts via the Ring app.
– Supports 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connection (2.4 or 5.0 GHz).
Pros:
– Significantly boosts Wi-Fi for Ring devices, improving performance.
– Seamless integration with the Ring app and all Ring products.
– Offers multiple useful features beyond just chiming.
– Highly customizable notification sounds and volume.
– Very easy to set up and manage.
Cons:
– Not a traditional “mechanical” chime sound.
– Requires an available power outlet.
– Another device to plug in and manage.
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the Chime Pro for its effective Wi-Fi extension capabilities, noting a significant improvement in their doorbell’s responsiveness and video quality. The nightlight feature is a nice bonus, and the ability to customize chime tones is a big hit. Many find it an essential accessory for their Ring ecosystem, appreciating the reliable notifications.
2. Ring Spare Parts for Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (Video Doorbell Pro 2)
While not a chime itself, this kit is crucial for anyone setting up or troubleshooting their Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (or Video Doorbell Pro 2). If you’re trying to get your Ring Pro to work with an existing chime setup (whether mechanical or digital), ensuring you have the right components is paramount. This kit provides essential accessories, particularly the Pro Power Kit, which is often necessary to provide sufficient power to your Ring Pro and ensure it functions correctly with your existing doorbell wiring and transformer. Think of it as the foundational piece that helps your doorbell (and potentially its chime) work as intended.
Key Features:
– Contains spare parts specifically for Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (Video Doorbell Pro 2).
– Includes a screwdriver, Pro Power Kit, mounting screws/anchors, Corner Kit screws, security screws, wire extenders, and wire nuts.
– Essential for initial setup or replacing lost/damaged parts.
– The Pro Power Kit helps ensure proper power delivery to the Ring Pro.
Pros:
– Crucial for a successful and reliable Ring Pro installation.
– Provides all necessary small hardware pieces.
– Helps resolve power delivery issues that can affect chime compatibility.
– Authentic Ring replacement parts.
Cons:
– It is not a chime; it’s an accessory kit.
– Only compatible with specific Ring Wired Doorbell Pro models.
– May not be needed if your original installation was successful.
User Impressions:
Customers who needed replacement parts or were troubleshooting their Ring Pro installation found this kit invaluable. The inclusion of the Pro Power Kit is particularly highlighted as a lifesaver for ensuring stable power, which is often a root cause of doorbell and chime malfunctions. It’s considered a must-have for lost parts or tricky installations.
3. Ring Chime
The standard Ring Chime is the simpler, more affordable sibling to the Chime Pro. If you already have robust Wi-Fi coverage for your Ring Doorbell Pro and simply need to hear notifications indoors without the added Wi-Fi extension or nightlight features, the Ring Chime is an excellent choice. It plugs into any standard outlet and connects wirelessly to your Ring devices, giving you instant audio alerts whenever motion is detected or someone presses your doorbell. It’s perfect for adding notification points around your home where your phone might not always be within earshot.
Key Features:
– Hears real-time notifications for motion detection and doorbell rings.
– Easy plug-and-play setup into a standard outlet.
– Customizable tones, volume adjustment, and snooze alerts via the Ring app.
– Supports 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz).
Pros:
– Affordable and effective way to get indoor notifications.
– Compact design, plugs directly into an outlet.
– Easy to set up and manage via the Ring app.
– Customizable chime tones and volume.
Cons:
– Does not extend Wi-Fi like the Chime Pro.
– Not a traditional “mechanical” chime.
– Requires an available power outlet.
User Impressions:
Users love the simplicity and effectiveness of the basic Ring Chime. It’s often purchased to add additional notification points in larger homes or on different floors. Many find it a much-needed audible alert that complements their smartphone notifications, ensuring they don’t miss any activity at their door.
4. Like-New Ring Chime Pro (Certified Refurbished)
For those looking for the full functionality of the Ring Chime Pro but at a potentially lower cost, the Like-New Ring Chime Pro is a fantastic option. These devices are refurbished, tested, and certified by Amazon to look and work just like new, often coming with the same limited warranty as a brand-new device. You get all the benefits—Wi-Fi extension, nightlight, and reliable notifications for your Ring Video Doorbell Pro—without the full new price tag. It’s an environmentally friendly and budget-conscious way to get the best doorbell chime for Ring Pro functionality.
Key Features:
– Certified refurbished to look and work like new.
– Three-in-one solution: Wi-Fi extender, nightlight, and chime box.
– Extends Wi-Fi signal up to 2000 sq. ft for all Ring cameras and doorbells.
– Provides real-time notifications for motion detection and doorbell rings.
– Easy plug-and-play setup via standard outlet and Wi-Fi.
– Built-in nightlight that automatically turns on.
– Customizable tones, volume adjustment, and snooze alerts via the Ring app.
– Supports 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connection (2.4 or 5.0 GHz).
Pros:
– Cost-effective way to get premium Ring Chime Pro features.
– Amazon certified quality with a warranty.
– Boosts Wi-Fi for Ring devices and provides reliable notifications.
– Includes nightlight and customizable settings.
Cons:
– Still not a traditional “mechanical” chime sound.
– May come in generic Amazon-branded packaging.
– Limited availability compared to new units.
User Impressions:
Many customers have reported high satisfaction with “Like-New” Ring devices, finding them indistinguishable from new ones in terms of performance and appearance. They appreciate the cost savings without compromising on functionality, making it a smart choice for expanding their Ring smart home.
5. Newhouse Hardware CHM3D Door Chime, White
Finally, for those who truly crave that classic, tangible “ding-dong” sound, the Newhouse Hardware CHM3D Door Chime is a traditional wired mechanical chime. This isn’t a Ring-branded device, meaning it offers that authentic, old-school doorbell experience. It features two distinct sounds: a “ding-dong” for your front door and a single “dong” for a rear or side door connection. While customers have noted its potential compatibility with video doorbells like Ring, it’s important to understand that traditional mechanical chimes require a specific transformer (not included) and their functionality with smart doorbells can sometimes be inconsistent or require a bypass module. This is the closest you’ll get to a dedicated best doorbell mechanical chime for Ring Pro experience if you’re set on a physical chime.
Key Features:
– Traditional wired mechanical door chime.
– Produces a classic two-note “Ding Dong” for the front door and a “Dong” for an additional door.
– Compact, textured white modern finish.
– Designed for use with a 16-volt/10 VA or 16-volt/15 VA transformer (not included).
– Easy to install to your doorbell button and transformer.
Pros:
– Provides the authentic, nostalgic sound of a mechanical chime.
– No Wi-Fi or app dependency once installed.
– Can support two separate doorbell buttons.
– Sleek, unobtrusive design.
Cons:
– Transformer is not included and must be purchased separately.
– Compatibility with Ring Video Doorbell Pro is not guaranteed and can be finicky. (As stated by the manufacturer).
– Requires existing doorbell wiring.
– Doesn’t offer customization via an app.
– May require a Ring Chime Power Kit (often included with Ring Pro) or a bypass module for stable operation with Ring.
User Impressions:
Users love the clear, traditional sound this chime produces. Those who successfully integrate it with their Ring doorbells appreciate retaining a classic chime sound. However, a significant portion of feedback revolves around the critical need for a compatible transformer and the potential troubleshooting involved to get it to work reliably with smart doorbells, emphasizing that it’s not always a simple plug-and-play solution for Ring owners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do Ring doorbells work with existing mechanical chimes?
A1: Yes, Ring Video Doorbell Pro (and Pro 2) are designed to work with existing mechanical chimes, provided your doorbell wiring meets the power requirements (typically 16-24 VAC, 10-40 VA). However, consistent operation can sometimes be an issue due to power fluctuations or older transformers, which is why Ring often includes a “Pro Power Kit” or recommends their digital Chimes.
Q2: What is the Ring Chime Pro, and how does it differ from a mechanical chime?
A2: The Ring Chime Pro is a digital, plug-in device that connects wirelessly to your Ring doorbell. It plays notification sounds through its internal speaker. A mechanical chime, on the other hand, is a traditional wired device that uses electromagnets to strike metal bars, producing an audible “ding-dong” sound. The Chime Pro also acts as a Wi-Fi extender for your Ring devices, a feature a mechanical chime does not offer.
Q3: What kind of transformer do I need for my Ring Video Doorbell Pro?
A3: For the Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Pro 2, you typically need a low-voltage transformer that provides 16-24 Volts AC (VAC) with a minimum of 10-40 Volt-Amperes (VA). Insufficient power is a common reason for chimes not working correctly with Ring doorbells.
Q4: Why might my existing mechanical chime not work with my Ring Pro?
A4: Several reasons could cause this: insufficient power from your existing transformer, incorrect wiring, a faulty chime unit, or the Ring Pro’s internal bypass circuit not engaging correctly. The Pro Power Kit (often included with Ring Pro or available as a spare part) is designed to help stabilize power delivery to the doorbell and chime.
Q5: Can I use a traditional mechanical chime like the Newhouse Hardware CHM3D with a Ring Doorbell Pro 2?
A5: While many users successfully integrate third-party mechanical chimes, it’s not always guaranteed. The manufacturer of the Newhouse chime explicitly states they cannot guarantee compatibility with video doorbells. Success often depends on your transformer, wiring, and the use of the Ring Pro Power Kit. Expect potential troubleshooting.
Q6: What’s the difference between Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro?
A6: The main difference is that the Ring Chime Pro includes a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal for your Ring devices and a built-in nightlight. The standard Ring Chime simply provides audible notifications without those extra features, making it a more basic and often more affordable option.
Q7: Are there any troubleshooting tips for chime issues with Ring Pro?
A7: Yes! First, ensure your transformer meets the power requirements. Check all wiring connections, making sure they are secure. Verify the Ring Pro Power Kit is correctly installed. In the Ring app, go to your doorbell settings, then ‘Device Health,’ and ‘Chime Settings’ to ensure your chime type (mechanical or digital) is correctly selected. If issues persist, consider using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro for guaranteed compatibility and reliability.