Ring Doorbell Pro vs 3 (2021): Is The Pro Version A Better Smart Video Doorbell?

With their HD cameras and voice assistant compatibility, Ring’s lineup of smart doorbells is fast becoming a staple in many homes. Outside of the original doorbell, however, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Ring Video Doorbell 3 are two of the best-selling models. The Ring Doorbell Pro boasts a slim design and nifty features, while the main selling point of the Ring Doorbell 3 is its removable battery. But with only a few dollars between the two, which is better suited for your home?

Ring Doorbell Pro vs 3 Comparison Chart

Design

The Ring Doorbell Pro has a narrower profile compared to the Ring Doorbell 3.

A quick look at these doorbells, and the difference is already noticeable. While still sporting a rectangular form, the Ring Doorbell Pro has a narrower profile compared to the Doorbell 3. On the Pro, the camera and button are also placed within a black panel, enclosed in Ring’s satin nickel faceplate. The Doorbell 3’s style, on the other hand, makes it seem like the device is made of two components. There’s a black upper half for the camera and a silver lower half for the button.

For two-way talk, speakers are housed at the bottom edge of both buzzers. Of course, there’s a Ring logo near the base, too, although it’s much fainter on the Doorbell 3. However, the black-on-black approach of the Pro model makes the button difficult to distinguish. It’s easy to mistake the camera — placed right above it — to be the toggle, too. Thankfully, Ring’s doorbell buttons are illuminated by an LED ring when pressed. Not only does it guide people where to press, but it lends a ‘futuristic’ aesthetic that’s now emblematic of these devices.

Although the Ring Doorbell Pro and 3 come in satin nickel by default, they are compatible with interchangeable faceplates. This allows homeowners to customize their doorbells to match their homes.

Features

The Ring Doorbell Pro has better night vision compared to the Ring Doorbell 3. It also comes with built-in Alexa greetings and support for Quick Replies.

The Ring Doorbell Pro and 3 cameras both deliver 1080p HD resolution. They have the same 160° horizontal and 90° vertical field of view as well. You’re also getting similar infrared sensors and camera motion detection technology on both buzzers. Where the Doorbell Pro has the edge over the Doorbell 3, however, is in low-light conditions. Ring’s slimmer doorbell offers a color night vision option via the Ring App.

But the Ring App does more than just set color night vision. Through it, you get real-time notifications about who’s on the front door. It’s also the main platform to check out real-time videos of the camera as well as to customize safety alerts. If you don’t want to get notified when a raccoon or car passes by, you can set your cameras to People Only Mode through the app. However, this feature — along with access to recorded videos — is only available if you’re on a paid Ring Protect plan.

Being ‘smart’ doorbells, the Ring Doorbell Pro and 3 integrate with a smart platform as well. Since Ring is owned by Amazon, it only makes sense these buzzers work with Alexa. Using select Alexa-enabled devices, homeowners enjoy hands-free monitoring. Ring’s Doorbell Pro, however, comes with built-in Alexa greetings, so your smart assistant can do the talking. If not, you can set Quick Replies instead. The feature allows homeowners to choose from 6 preset responses if they can’t answer the door. Guests can even leave a message, much like an answering machine.

Video and Audio Quality

While you get serviceable audio from both doorbells, the Ring Doorbell Pro has a clear edge over the Ring Doorbell 3 when it comes to video quality.

When it comes to video quality, the Ring Doorbell Pro does have a slight edge. Although both it and the Ring Doorbell 3 support 1080p resolution, only the Pro offers HD Live Video. It’s a feature that gives homeowners clear, bright, and detailed image quality. It’s even more impressive considering the Pro doorbell doesn’t come with HDR, unlike the Ring Doorbell 3. While the Pro copes well regardless of lighting conditions, the night vision isn’t as superb as what you get in the daytime. It’s better than on the Doorbell 3 but not spectacular.

Nonetheless, the Ring Doorbell 3 isn’t too far off from the Pro if we’re talking about video quality. And with the above-mentioned HDR toggle on your Ring App, the Doorbell 3 can also even out exposure, so you get detailed images in brightly lit environments. The overall video quality you get from the Ring Doorbell Pro and 3 can largely be attributed to their dual-band WiFi support. You can read more about how faster connectivity impacts video quality in our Ring Doorbell vs Ring Doorbell 3 comparison.

Despite how good the video is on both devices, the audio quality isn’t anything special. Yes, you’re getting clear and loud transmission, but they’re not something to brag about. Noise-cancellation on both doorbells is decent, too. In some instances, calls on the Ring Doorbell Pro and 3 do lag but not to an unserviceable level.

Installation and Power

The battery-powered Ring Doorbell 3 is easier to install than the hardwired Ring Doorbell Pro.

If you need to mount a doorbell fast, you’re better off with the Ring Doorbell 3. The battery-powered device requires no wiring to install, although it does come with a hardwire option. Ring includes a mounting bracket along with tools and hardware you need in the Doorbell 3’s box, too. The battery is removable, too, and lasts about 6 months between charges.

On the other hand, the Ring Doorbell Pro requires a standard doorbell system to set up. The company shares installation can be DIY, but if you’re not familiar with wiring, professional assistance will make things simpler. Ring includes all you need to set up the doorbell anyway, including a transformer with a 12V connection. The only downside to this hardwired approach is that your doorbell stops working when the electricity is out.

Verdict

Choose the Ring Doorbell Pro if you put a premium on superb video quality. If you’re all about convenience, opt for the Ring Doorbell 3 instead.

If you want to view real-time videos in HD, then the Ring Doorbell Pro is your best bet. The Ring Doorbell Pro is arguably one of the best when it comes to image and video quality. Moreover, the device comes with cool features that make the lives of busy people easier. With built-in Alexa greetings, for instance, you get a voice assistant to automatically greet visitors. Meanwhile, quick replies allow people to interact with your doorbell, even if you can’t answer the front door.

For others, however, the Ring Doorbell 3 is easier to set up. Unlike the Pro, which is hardwired, the Ring Doorbell 3 is battery-powered. This means you don’t have to worry about power supply or wirings here. In fact, you can mount your doorbell anywhere in your front door. While this model doesn’t come with quick replies or Alexa greetings, it still works with Alexa-enabled devices. Plus, a Ring Protect subscription will give you access to practical features that make the Ring Doorbell 3 a reliable smart device anyway.

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