When it comes to keeping our family and home secure, we all know it’s essential. However, for those residing in apartments, finding the right security solution can be challenging.
Fortunately, with a Ring Doorbell, you can monitor your front door effortlessly without bulky security systems. Also, you can always stay updated, even when you’re away.
In this blog post, I’ll help you choose the best Ring Doorbell for your apartment and guide you on how to determine which one is ideal for your needs.
Additionally, I’ll provide some useful tips for setting up and using your Ring doorbell to enhance your home’s security.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how a Ring doorbell can keep your apartment secure and which model is best suited to your needs.
So let’s get started and ensure that you have the peace of mind you deserve!
Wait! before going to check the review, you can read the most common positive and negative things about a Video doorbell.
Top 3 Product Comparison & Our Top Picks
Title | Ring Video Doorbell II | Ring Video Doorbell Peephole | Ring Video Doorbell Elite |
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Item Image |
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Our Pick | Top Pick | Consider | Best Overall |
Camera | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
Notification | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Audio | 2-way | 2-way | 2-way |
Motion sensor | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
Battery | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)/Hardwired | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)/Hardwired | Wi-Fi (2.4/ 5.0GHz)/Hardwired |
Warranty | 1-year | 1-year | 1-year |
Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
5 Best Ring Doorbells For Apartments Reviewed
Below are the most rated and used Ring doorbells for apartments or renters you can consider. I’ve picked these top 5 according to their rating, features, usability, and customer review.
1) Ring Video Doorbell II
You can buy the Ring Video Doorbell II (Second Edition) if you want one with uncompromising quality. The doorbell is just perfect for renters who want to spend less money on a video doorbell.
This smart home doorbell is initially powered by either a hardwire or a battery, making it suitable for any renter.
However, you can activate this doorbell applying any of the ways:
- Pressing the button,
- Detection motion at the front door,
- Using the “live view” option on your smartphone.
With the Ring app, you can also check what is happening at your home anytime and anywhere. The video quality is impressive for the price, which is exactly 1080 HD resolution. You can record videos for up to 30 minutes at a time.
Besides, it includes enough features to provide a higher level of security for your home. But what if someone removes the doorbell easily? To solve this answer, you can attach the doorbell to your room wall and tighten it with some screws making it difficult to remove.
The smart doorbell comes with a weatherproof capability. So it’ll withstand hot or stormy weather without any issues.
Overall, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 is a great choice for renters who want an affordable and reliable video doorbell with good features and video quality.
PROS
- Easy Installation
- Wide Range Field of View
- Work properly with an internet connection.
- Connection facility with Alexa
CONS
- Storing the recorded videos in the cloud can be a hassle.
2) Ring Peephole Cam Video Doorbell
The Ring Peephole Cam will be another good choice for those who want an extra layer of security without drilling any holes. The manufacturer designed it with an entryway camera for condominiums, offering several benefits over a traditional doorbell system.
This device has a 155-degree field of View and can record videos in 1080p HD. It also has an infrared night vision feature, which means you can see clearly in low-light conditions, even dark.
Besides, it has a door thickness range of 24-55 mm, and you can install it easily on an existing Peephole. You can also use Alexa with this to remotely monitor your home.
When someone presses the doorbell or motion sensor, your doorbell will make an announcement and light up. So you’ll always know who’s visiting. Also, with the 2-way audio feature, you can talk to anyone captured on camera.
If you subscribe to one of the Ring Protect Plans, you can access stored video footage for up to 60 days after the event.
Don’t worry; if you don’t have this feature activated, you’ll still receive real-time video alerts on your smartphone and have access to Live View.
To install it, you never need to drill a hole in your door or where you want to attach it. But once that is done, attaching the Ring Peephole Cam is a breeze because, with its battery-powered design, you won’t have to worry about any complicated wiring.
Overall, the Ring Peephole Cam is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enhance the security of their home without drilling any holes.
With its advanced features and easy installation process, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your front door is always being monitored.
PROS
- Knock Detection facility
- Compatible with Alexa
- Easy setup in a few minutes
- Convenient for security control
CONS
- Cannot be used with Google Assistant
Wired Edition
Ring Video Doorbell Wired
With its compact design, this 2021 release has all the essential features you need to protect your home and family.
3) Ring Video Doorbell Elite
The Ring Doorbell Elite has a high-end smart knocking system, perfect for those who value style and reliability. It’s the only model in the Ring doorbell that is easy to install on two surfaces simultaneously without requiring extra work.
Additionally, you can connect it with Ethernet instead of WiFi, making it faster and more stable. You can also snooze the alerts for 30 minutes to 4 hours, which is a great feature for users who want to avoid being bombarded with notifications when they have frequent visitors.
The doorbell has 2 ways audio feature that lets you talk to anyone at the front door. The speaker is clear and makes hearing the person on the other end easy.
Unfortunately, the package doesn’t include any batteries for the doorbell. So, you have to purchase them separately.
However, the package usually contains an Ethernet cable; if you need to purchase one separately, a cat-5e cable is suitable for up to 100m.
Overall, the Ring Doorbell Elite is an excellent doorbell that offers superior features and reliability within the average cost range.
PROS
- Convenient security protection
- Sleek design
- Customized motion zone available
- Power over Ethernet charging
CONS
- Expensive
4) Ring Video Doorbell Pro
You can also try the Ring Video Doorbell Pro if you want to monitor and interact with visitors to your home from your smartphone or tablet. As the name said, this one is the pro version of the basic model of the Ring smart doorbell.
Usually, this edition of Ring’s doorbell features 1080p HD video with a 160-degree field of View. Also, it contains options like two-way audio, noise cancellation, and customizable motion detection zones.
The device initially supports Amazon Alexa voice commands and works with different smart home platforms and devices. You can also set up motion detection zones and receive alerts when motion is detected. So you can monitor activity around your home.
I like its instant notification system/alert, which sends you a real-time notification once it detects someone’s motion in front of your door.
Using this doorbell, you can hear and speak to visitors, even when you’re not at home. It also works with the most popular smart assistant, including Amazon Alexa and IFTTT.
For sure, it’s a powerful home security device that provides convenience, security, and peace of mind by letting you keep an eye on your front door from anywhere in the world. With a Ring App, you can also easily control the entire function of this smart home device.
PROS
- Quick Installation
- Control over the privacy and security options
- Shows live views
- Alexa compatible
CONS
- Can’t capture Head-to-Toe HD video
Latest Edition:
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Introducing the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 – the premium wired video doorbell designed to give you the ultimate peace of mind.
5) Ring Video Doorbell 4
Ring Video Doorbell 4(Fourth Edition) is another smart home security device that replaces a traditional doorbell.
This edition is surely well-upgraded, and the camera and audio communication system allow you to see and talk to visitors. You can do the entire process using a smartphone app, even if you’re not at home.
You can control your doorbell camera and entire system with Google Alexa voice assistant if you are more tech-savvy.
The camera usually records in 1080p HD resolution. Also, it comes with night vision capabilities and a wide-angle lens that allows you to see a large area in front of your door.
Again, instant mobile notification is my another good feature of this doorbell. In addition to the camera, it includes customizable motion zones that trigger alerts when motion is detected in specific areas.
Also, its built-in battery is rechargeable, which you can charge with a removable battery pack or through a wired connection.
PROS
- Ring Protect Plan for saving videos and images
- Motion Alerts with Color Pre-Roll Video Previews
- Easy to add preset responses
- Sends real-time mobile notifications
CONS
- Takes longer to detect motions.
A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Ideal Ring Doorbell for Apartments
When selecting a ring doorbell for apartments, think of your needs. Next, think about the investment, if you want to last for many years. Therefore, consider the following factors when selecting a ring video doorbell.
Video Quality and Night Vision Capabilities
For a smart doorbell, the video function is the principal feature. That’s why the video quality has to be good enough for you to see who is at your door clearly and what they are doing.
Most cheap video doorbells produce poor-quality video function and finally, result in low-quality footage. As a consequence, it becomes difficult to recognize people or observe what is happening.
Besides, the night vision facility is essential to identify who is at your doorstep, especially at night. Without this function, paying for an expensive video makes no sense.
Additionally, the camera of the device should have a wide-angle view so that you can observe a large space view outside your door clearly.
So, you should choose a device with at least 1080p video resolution, a clean night vision function, and a wide-angle view system, for the best performance.
Motion Detection and Alerts
If you’re looking for a smart door-knocking system with a video function, you can’t deny the necessity of motion detection and alerts. Motion detection allows the camera to trigger an alert when it detects movement.
Eventually, it’s the best technologically modern feature for this type of device, which can help detect potential criminals.
Besides, when you enable the alert feature on your video doorbell, you’ll receive notifications whenever someone approaches your door or rings the bell.
Because of this facility, you can view who is at your doorstep without even physically opening the door. Additionally, alerts will inform you if someone lingers near your property.
Detecting by motion and getting alerts on your phone, you can quickly take action if something seems suspicious.
So, to choose a video doorbell, you should prefer one that contains both motion detection and alerts. To ensure an added layer of security for your home and give you greater control over who enters your property, these features have no alternative.
Two-Way Audio Quality
Alongside the video quality of a smart doorbell system, you should check the audio quality and features as well. And the two-way function is the technical audio system that most modern devices come with.
The two-way audio system usually captures sound from both the visitors and users. That is how it allows seamless communication with visitors and the ability to hear what they have to say.
Besides the easy communication medium, the two-way system also facilitates the inspection of suspicious activity. So you can quickly address any concerns or potential security threats by hearing from anyone at your doorstep.
All the features of the two-system perfectly ensure a strong layer of home security. That is why it’s wise to opt for a video doorbell equipped with two-way audio features.
Cost
Cost is a fact that we never forget to check but sometimes we end up buying something that is not worth what we pay. That’s the reason, you should have a clear idea of a product’s price range before you purchase it.
The price of a video doorbell can vary depending on the brand and features offered. So try to compare with different models before making a purchase.
Usually, you’ll get most video doorbells from $40 to $125 price range.
It’s also important to consider which features you actually need in a doorbell, as more features generally mean a higher price tag.
So, I suggest you check the prices of a few couples of similar doorbells and compare their prices with the features.
Battery Life
Battery life is another crucial factor to consider when selecting a video doorbell. It’s because the battery life indicates how long the device will work with a single charge.
Most smart doorbell models require batteries to operate, and if not managed properly, these can quickly run out.
But if you manage to buy one with long-lasting batteries, you can easily avoid this kind of issue. In this case, I always recommend going for one with rechargeable battery options.
A doorbell with a rechargeable battery can save you both time and money in the long run. So, don’t forget to check the battery details before you pay for the device.
Wireless or wired Connections
When you look for a smart video doorbell, you’ll uncover two different types: wireless and hardwired connection. It would be more confusing to you which should you use or not.
Usually, both options have their advantages and drawbacks, so you should understand what you’re looking for before buying the product.
If you prefer an easy installation process without the hassle of running wires, the wireless device will be your sweet cake. This is especially beneficial for renters or those who don’t want to damage their walls.
Additionally, wireless connections offer more flexibility, as the doorbell can be easily moved from one location to another.
Besides, a doorbell with a wireless connection is comparatively reliable. Since they don’t rely on physical wiring, extreme weather conditions, sudden power outages, and other technical problems won’t easily hamper the device.
Finally, wireless connections offer better coverage than hardwired connections. That means you’ll need fewer devices to cover the same area. In that sense, it’ll be a cost-saver in the long run.
Of course, there are also some advantages of using a doorbell with a hardwired connection. Usually, hardwired connections tend to offer better video quality and are generally more stable than wireless connections.
They are also less susceptible to interference from other devices and provide a consistent power source for the doorbell. But this type of device is difficult to install and can stop working because of the power outrage if doesn’t contain an extra battery.
So, it’s completely up to you whether you go for a doorbell with a wireless or hardwired connection. It’s better to think about your requirements and preferences to choose the right one.
Things to Consider Before Installing a Video Doorbell in Your Apartment
There are a few additional considerations when installing a video doorbell in an apartment.
Final Thoughts
Ring Doorbells with the alert feature have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a variety of features that are suitable for apartment security.
Using a Ring doorbell, you can see and speak with your visitors even when you are not present at home.
Additionally, many Ring doorbells are equipped with motion sensors that can alert you if someone is at your door, even if they do not ring the bell.
Overall, doorbells offer many benefits that make them excellent for apartment security. If you consider purchasing a Ring Doorbell for your home, check out our top picks above.
Our Top Pick
Ring Video Doorbell 2 with HD Video Camera
With 2-way audio & 1080p HD video doorbell lets you see, hear and speak to people from your phone, tablet, or select Echo device.
FAQs
Ring doorbell’s features are easy to operate and provide a high level of security. However, as with any popular product, there is always a theft risk. Do people steal Ring doorbells? Unfortunately, yes. It is not just thieves targeting these devices; homeowners are also removing them to sell them.
Yes, it is legal, but you may have to maintain rules and regulations. In some buildings, you may be restricted in what type of doorbells you can install or how they must be installed.
Yes, you can mount without screws if you have the right tools. All Ring doorbells come with a mounting bracket and all the necessary hardware.
Most people install them near their front door, but you can place them anywhere on your property.
In general, you do not need to pay a monthly fee for the Ring doorbell. However, a few doorbells offer cloud storage to protect your recordings. If this is the case, there is a monthly fee.
In terms of how long a Ring doorbell will last, it will depend on how often it is used and the weather conditions it is exposed to. According to Ring, the battery should last 6 to 12 months with normal use. In addition, if you ever need to replace it, a new Ring rechargeable battery pack will only cost $20-$30.