The Doorbell 4’s camera also feels like it’s falling a little behind the competition. While Full HD resolution is arguably ample for doorbell purposes, it’s worth noting that competitors such as Eufy, Nest and Arlo all offer more detailed video for around the same price. From start to finish, the process shouldn't take more than 30 minutes, but most vendors provide professional support for those who aren't sure about how to install their devices. They may come at a small extra cost, but it's sometimes advisable to make sure that every step has been carried out properly. Using the Ring Video Doorbell with Popular Smart Technology

First, users need to set up their Ring App and Ring Account. After that, they have to fix the mounting on a surface near their door, at about chest level. Video access systems also come into their own when users are away from home, but important visitors arrive. How many social calls have you missed from people you know, just because you were at the shops or working? You'd never really know, unless you could refer to video evidence or mobile phone updates when people arrive. Flexible power options – If you need to place doorbells discreetly, or in hard to reach positions, that's no problem. The Ring Video Doorbell allows users to operate them via batteries or power cables, allowing users to create their own setup. Is Ring Video Doorbell waterproof? – As we noted earlier, Ring has engineered the Ring Doorbell to be rugged and resilient, and this includes ensuring that it can withstand heavy rain, freezing temperatures, and scorching heat. Obviously, we don't recommend dunking the unit in a bath, but it should deal with any UK weather conditions admirably. However, if you're worried about water getting into the Ring's casing, it may be a good idea to place a hood over the unit. A simple plastic shield can divert any moisture away from the casing, ensuring that it works perfectly for years.See and hear visitors – The doorbell comes with a reliable two-way microphone system. This allows users to chat to anyone outside their door and hear their responses. You can also listen in to those outside, which could help to understand their motives, and whether to provide access. This can be linked to mobile devices as well – a handy tool for allowing builders or cleaners into properties should you be absent. Will you be able to hear the doorbell? To hear it in the house (not just on your smartphone), you will need a chime unit. With wired doorbells you can usually connect them to your existing chime, whereas battery-powered doorbells typically need a proprietary unit. With some video doorbells these come in the box; with others, it costs extra. What about smart home features? Video recording – The original Ring Video Doorbell is able to capture video footage in 720p HD – more than detailed enough to detect facial features and any other smaller details that grainy, imprecise older video access systems failed to deliver. You have the option of both battery-powered and wired installations. Battery installation is the simplest way to install and Ring states you should get several months of battery life from a full charge, but performance will vary depending on how often the device is triggered. The only catch is that it isn’t battery-powered and needs connecting to existing mains-powered doorbell chime wiring, which means you may need professional help installing it. And, after the initial trial period expires (three months at the time of writing) you will have to pay a subscription fee to keep using most of the camera’s features.

In terms of image quality and features, the Nest Doorbell (wired) is still up there with the best but given the complications over subscriptions, it isn’t quite the slam-dunk recommendation it once was. It’s also significantly more expensive than other doorbells on this list. If you’re a confident DIYer, and you have a normal doorbell powered by a mains transformer, you may even be able to simply connect up your new doorbell using the existing wiring.Video doorbells have a long history. As long ago as the 1960s, businesses in the USA were employing cameras to screen visitors, and rudimentary video access systems have been available for homes worldwide since the late 1980s. However, the footage provided by these devices was rarely clear, and users had very few options regarding customisation. So take-up wasn't very high.