Ring Chime Pro vs Ring Chime (2021): Are The Upgrades Worth It?

Smart doorbells and cameras from Ring have made monitoring homes and tracking deliveries secure and convenient. Alerts go straight to your smartphone, and you can manage the smart devices remotely. But if you’re at home, hearing alerts loud and clear even without your phone nearby is a nice feature to have.

This is exactly what the Ring Chime does — and does well. Plugged into a standard outlet, it’s a quick way of hearing notifications anywhere in your home. Its latest iteration, the Ring Chime Pro, functions similarly but adds a couple of new features. But which one should you get? To find out, we compare the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro below.

Ring Chime Pro vs Ring Chime Comparison Chart

Design

While sporting the same design, Ring’s Chime Pro is noticeably larger than the regular Chime.

So what’s the difference between the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro? The most obvious answer is the size. Ring’s Chime Pro is noticeably larger than the standard model. Nonetheless, the form remains the same. Unlike the first-gen Chime Pro, these two devices brandish a streamlined aesthetic. The obtrusive antennas are now out of sight, making for a minimalist smart device that blends well in any modern home. However, you can only get them in white and grey.

Now part of the reason the Pro is bigger is to make room for additional features like the built-in nightlight. Located near the base, the best part about this new component is you can simply forget about it. Once plugged, the Ring Chime Pro’s sensors can detect low-light conditions and automatically turn itself on. You can disable this auto-detect from the Ring app but keep in mind there is no scheduling option.

Alerts

The Ring Chime Pro and Ring Chime offer the same set of ring tones.

Central to the Ring Chime is alert amplification. On both the Pro and standard model, you’re getting the same set of ring tones and sounds. Linked to a Ring Video Doorbell, you can set up alerts if someone pressed the doorbell or if motion is detected. Currently, however, there is no option to add custom sounds. But the pre-loaded list of tones — 30 to be exact — should give you enough choices. The Chime’s volume is adjustable in the app.

Based on reviews, the speed of the alerts is pretty reliable. Homeowners share that the Ring Chime Pro and Ring Chime are as fast as your smartphone notifications. This is especially useful if you don’t have your phone with you. It also benefits household members — like your kids — who may not have access to Ring’s app in the first place. Since you can set specific tones for doorbell rings or motion detection, it’s also easier for them to know which is which.

Connectivity

Ring’s Chime Pro has the advantage over the Chime, thanks to its dual-band Wi-Fi support. The Chime Pro also doubles as a Wi-Fi extender.

The Chime Pro and standard Chime are compatible with all Ring video doorbells and cameras. Both devices connect easily via Wi-Fi and through the Ring app.

With the Pro, however, you’re getting dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity. On the standard Ring Chime, you’re limited to the 2.4GHz network. While the range is wider, data transmission is slower. Ring’s Chime Pro, on the other hand, has options for both 5GHz or 2.4GHz networks. This allows you to choose your priority — whether it’s range (coverage) or bandwidth (speed).

Another advantage of the Ring Chime Pro is that it works as a Wi-Fi extender. Homeowners can install multiple Chime Pro devices in their houses while also boosting the Wi-Fi network. Keep in mind, however, that connectivity is extended only to Ring devices. If you want to amplify household connectivity, a mesh network like the eero is a better option.

Installation and Ease of Use

Both the Ring Chime Pro and Chime are easy to install and set up.

Depending on the Ring video doorbell you get, it’s either hardwired or mounted if using a rechargeable battery. Ring’s Chimes, on the other hand, are much simpler to install. Both the Chime Pro and the regular Chime plug into standard power outlets. Once plugged in, you’ll get in-app instructions to complete the set-up.

As soon as you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, the Ring Chime Pro also automatically creates an extended network. Once set up, however, both the Pro and standard Ring Chime can be further managed via the app. Homeowners can check device health, update settings, and adjust the volume via the app. Users also get to see the other Ring devices linked to your Chimes. If you get the Ring Chime Pro, there’s a toggle option for turning on and off the nightlight as well.

Verdict

The Ring Chime is a good choice for most people, while the Ring Chime Pro is a better option if you want faster connectivity.

The main draw of the Ring Chime Pro is its upgraded connectivity features. If you want a faster connection, then the Pro’s dual-band Wi-Fi is a highlight. It also doubles as a Wi-Fi extender for other Ring devices. Plus, the built-in night light is a thoughtful feature.

If Wi-Fi range and coverage isn’t an issue at your home, however, the standard Ring Chime is a solid choice. It’s as easy to set up as the Pro and features the same ring tones and sounds as well. So unless a single-band Wi-Fi and a lack of a nightlight are dealbreakers for you, the Ring Chime should suffice.

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