Ring Video Doorbell 4 vs 3 (2021): Is There A Difference?

If you’re in the market for a smart video doorbell, Ring is arguably one of the more popular choices. Its latest model, the Ring Video Doorbell 4, offers incremental upgrades over previous releases like the Ring Video Doorbell 3. But are these few changes worth upgrading from the 2020 model? To find out, we compare the Video Doorbell 4 and 3 based on their design and features.

Ring Video Doorbell 4 vs 3 Comparison Chart

Design

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 and 3 share the same sleek, weather-resistant design.

In terms of physical design, nothing separates the Ring Video Doorbell 4 and 3. You’re getting the same rectangular device, with a black upper half containing the camera. The silver lower half, on the other hand, is where you’ll find the actual doorbell button. Both sport the same dimensions, too, measuring 5.1 inches in length, 2.4 inches in width, and a little over an inch in depth. The results are sleek yet discreet-looking smart home devices.

If you’re not fond of the satin nickel color, Ring shares the faceplates are interchangeable. This comes in useful if you want the doorbells to complement your home’s exterior. Currently, you can choose from 20 different finishes. Keep in mind, however, that these swappable faceplates only cover the lower half of the doorbell. When it comes to durability, Ring shares the Video Doorbell 4 and 3 can both operate in temperatures anywhere between -5°F to 120°F.

Click here to read our Ring Doorbell Pro vs 3 comparison.

Video and Audio

Ring’s Video Doorbell 4 has a slight edge over the Video Doorbell 3 when it comes to video and audio performance.

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 and Video Doorbell 3 are both equipped with a 1080p HD camera. This supports key features like Live View and Night Vision Mode. With the latter, the doorbells use infrared lights to work in low-light conditions. Night mode footage, however, will only be in black and white. On the other hand, both doorbells can even out exposure in brightly lit conditions, thanks to an HDR toggle on the Ring App.

Meanwhile, dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity ensures streaming is fast and lag-free. However, only the Video Doorbell 4 supports HD Live Video, which further enhances the video quality.

When it comes to two-way audio, there’s nothing particularly special with the two. Both the Video Doorbell 4 and 3 give you noise cancellation. The result is clear transmission but nothing exceptional in the video doorbell market. Again, the Doorbell 4 has the edge thanks to Quick Replies. It’s a feature that allows homeowners to choose voice responses when someone rings the bell. Although it’s a software component, Video Doorbell 3 users have yet to get the update on their device.

Features

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 adds color Pre-Roll Video to its list of features.

A key upgrade offered by the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is the Pre-Roll Video. First introduced in the Video Doorbell 3 Plus, the feature captures four seconds of video leading to a motion alert. This gives you details on what triggered the device’s motion detection. On the Video Doorbell 4, the extra footage is now in color, although not yet in full HD.

The rest of the features, however, are common to both doorbells. Through the Ring app, homeowners can set up custom motion zones for the Video Doorbells 4 and 3. This helps limit coverage, minimizing false alerts from a walking neighbor or a passing car, for instance. In densely-populated residences, it also ensures the privacy of your neighbors.

Both devices also enjoy smart home integration. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 and 3 work with Alexa, allowing you to view live footage on compatible devices like the Echo Show. Homeowners can also control two-way talk through voice commands.

Power, Installation, Subscriptions

Ring’s Video Doorbell 4 and 3 enjoy both wireless and hardwired installation. Additional features for both are also available with a Ring Protect subscription.

An appeal of Ring’s video doorbells is their hassle-free installation. Ring already includes all the hardware needed to mount the doorbells. Pairing the devices to your smartphone via the app is fairly easy, too. The Video Doorbell 4 and 3 run on the same rechargeable quick-release battery packs. Ring, however, shares the newer model should deliver a longer battery life.

If you need to power up, you can take out the batteries without having to remove the whole doorbell from the wall. Those who aren’t fond of charging every now and then can simply hardwire the devices to existing doorbell systems. There’s also an option to connect a Ring plug-in adapter for continuous charging.

To get more features, users can subscribe to a Protect Plan. Currently, Ring offers the Protect Basic and Protect Plus packages. With any of the paid plans, homeowners can access video history for up to 60 days, set up intelligent alerts, and customize rich notifications. The Plus plan, however, also adds extended warranties and a 10% discount for select Ring products.

Verdict

If it’s your first time purchasing a smart video doorbell, get the Ring Video Doorbell 4 over the Video Doorbell 3.

Given its design and features, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 feels more like a refinement of the Video Doorbell 3 rather than a huge upgrade. It looks the same as its predecessor and adds only a couple of capabilities and improvements. But these few updates ensure the Video Doorbell 4 operates more seamlessly. From improved connectivity and battery life to color pre-roll videos, the latest iteration of Ring’s smart video doorbell feels more capable. And with only $20 between them, you’re better off spending money on a more future-proof model.

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