The New Standard for Entry-Level Security: Ring Battery Doorbell (2024) Review

Overview

For years, the standard Ring Video Doorbell was the go-to entry point for smart home security, but it often felt like a compromise. With a 1080p resolution and a limited field of view that often cut off people’s feet or packages, it was functional but basic. The 2024 release of the Ring Battery Doorbell changes that narrative entirely. By bumping the resolution to 1440p and introducing a 1:1 aspect ratio for 'Head-to-Toe' visibility, Ring has effectively moved the features of its more expensive 'Plus' and 'Pro' models down to its base $99 unit. This review explores whether these upgrades translate to real-world security benefits or if they are just marketing fluff.

Design & Build Quality

Physically, the 2024 model retains the iconic Ring aesthetic—a rectangular chassis with a circular LED-lit button. It is available in the classic Satin Nickel and Venetian Bronze finishes. The build quality feels solid and weather-resistant, rated to handle temperatures from -5°F to 122°F.

One significant design choice to note is the battery. Unlike the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus or Pro, which feature a removable battery pack, this 2024 model has a built-in battery. To charge it, you must remove the entire doorbell from its mounting bracket and bring it inside to plug into a USB-C cable. While the new push-pin removal system makes this process faster than the old security screws, it still means your front door is unprotected for a few hours while the unit charges. If you want a doorbell that stays up 24/7 without downtime, you might want to consider the higher-tier models with swappable batteries or a hardwired setup.

Performance

Video Clarity and Field of View

The jump from 1080p to 1440p is immediately noticeable. Images are sharper, and digital zooming—which you often need to do to identify a face or a license plate—retains significantly more detail. However, the real star of the show is the Head-to-Toe view. The 150-degree vertical field of view means you can actually see the porch floor directly beneath the camera. In a world where package theft is a primary concern, being able to see exactly where a delivery driver left a box is a game-changer.

Night Vision

The inclusion of Color Night Vision is another major step up. While it requires a small amount of ambient light (like a street lamp or porch light) to work effectively, it provides much better context than the traditional grainy black-and-white infrared view. Even in total darkness, the infrared performance is crisp, but the color mode helps in identifying the color of a visitor's clothing or a vehicle parked at the curb.

Detection and Alerts

Ring’s motion detection remains some of the best in the business. The 'Person Alerts' and 'Package Alerts' are highly accurate, though it is important to note that these specific features require a Ring Protect subscription (starting at $4.99/month). Without the subscription, the doorbell is essentially a live-view camera with basic motion pings. The 'Quick Replies' feature is also a nice touch, acting as an answering machine for your door when you can't get to your phone.

Value for Money

At its $99.99 price point, the Ring Battery Doorbell (2024) offers incredible value. You are getting the same resolution and field of view as models that cost $50 to $80 more just a year ago. However, the 'true' cost of ownership includes the Ring Protect subscription. To get the most out of this device—cloud storage, rich notifications, and package detection—you really need the subscription. If you are looking for a 'buy it and forget it' device with no monthly fees, you might look toward brands like Eufy, though you'll miss out on the polished Ring ecosystem and Alexa integration.

Who Should Buy This

This doorbell is the perfect fit for renters because of its easy, non-permanent installation. It is also an excellent choice for homeowners who want a reliable, high-resolution camera but don't want to deal with the complexity of hardwiring. If you are already in the Amazon/Alexa ecosystem (using Echo Shows to see who is at the door), this is a no-brainer. However, if you have a high-traffic front door and hate the idea of taking the camera down once every few months to charge it, you should consider spending the extra money for the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus with its swappable battery system.