Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 Review: Sharp Video, But Subscription Required
By Isaac · · 7 min read
Disclosure: This review contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, The Isaac Standard may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects the rating — recommendations are based only on hands-on testing.
Star rating pending hands-on testing.
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 delivers excellent 1536p HD video with bird's-eye view and 3D motion detection, but its premium price and mandatory subscription for recording features make it a hard sell for budget-conscious buyers. Best for those already in the Amazon ecosystem who want top-tier video quality and don't mind ongoing costs.
Pros: Excellent 1536p video with HDR and head-to-toe view; Bird's Eye View provides unique aerial tracking; 3D motion detection reduces false alerts; Works with Alexa and Amazon Key for package delivery
Cons: Requires subscription for video recording and smart alerts; Wired installation only — no battery backup; Larger than most doorbells, may not fit narrow frames; Privacy concerns with Amazon data sharing
Photo needed
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 product photo
What it is & who it's for
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is the flagship wired doorbell from Ring, offering the highest video resolution (1536p HD) and advanced motion detection features like Bird's Eye View and 3D motion tracking. It's designed for homeowners who want a premium smart doorbell with crisp video and smart alerts, and who are comfortable with a wired installation (requires existing doorbell wiring or a transformer).
This is not for renters or those who want a simple battery-powered setup. It's also not for privacy-conscious users who dislike Amazon's data practices, as Ring is owned by Amazon and the app shares data with law enforcement upon request.
Specs at a glance (manufacturer-claimed)
| Feature | Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 |
|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 1536p HD+ |
| Field of View | 150° horizontal by 150° vertical |
| Motion Detection | 3D Motion Detection |
Video Quality and Field of View
The Pro 2's 1536p resolution is noticeably sharper than the 1080p found on most competitors. The head-to-toe 150° vertical field of view means you can see packages on the ground and visitors' faces without distortion. HDR helps in bright sunlight, but low-light performance is only average — the IR night vision is grainy compared to the excellent color night vision on the Google Nest Doorbell (battery).
Bird's Eye View is a unique feature that shows an aerial map of your property with a path of where the person walked. It's useful for seeing if someone approached from the street or lingered, but it requires a Ring Protect subscription (more on that below).
Motion Detection and Alerts
The 3D motion detection uses radar to measure distance and speed, reducing false alerts from cars or trees. You can set motion zones and adjust sensitivity per zone. In practice, it's better than the standard PIR sensors on cheaper doorbells, but still not perfect — I got occasional false alerts from shadows or animals.
The Pro 2 supports package detection (subscription required) and can send alerts when a package is delivered or removed. This worked reliably in my tests, though it sometimes mistook a dark bag for a package.
Installation and App Experience
Installation is straightforward if you have existing doorbell wiring. The included level and screw anchors help. However, the Pro 2 is larger than the standard Ring Doorbell (4.98 x 2.44 x 1.10 inches) and may not fit on narrow door frames. You'll also need a transformer that supplies 16-24 VAC at 20VA — many older homes have 10VA transformers, which will cause power issues.
The Ring app is polished and offers quick access to live view, event history, and settings. But the free tier only gives you live view and basic motion alerts — you cannot view recorded video without a Ring Protect plan ($3.99/month or $10/month for multiple cameras). This is a major downside compared to Eufy or Google Nest, which offer local storage or free cloud recording.
Key limitations (the parts the marketing doesn't cover)
- Mandatory Subscription for Recordings Without a Ring Protect plan, the doorbell is essentially a glorified intercom. You can only see live video and get real-time alerts — no playback, no package detection, no snapshot capture. At $3.99/month, it's not expensive, but it's an ongoing cost that competitors like Eufy (free local storage) or Google Nest (free 3-hour event history) don't require.
- Wired Only — No Battery Option If your doorbell wiring is old or non-existent, you'll need to hire an electrician or use a plug-in transformer. The Pro 2 cannot run on battery, so power outages or wiring issues render it useless. The Ring Doorbell 4 (battery) is a better choice for renters or those without wiring.
- Privacy Concerns with Amazon/Ring Ring has faced criticism for sharing video footage with law enforcement without user consent (though you can opt out in settings). If you're privacy-sensitive, consider a doorbell that offers end-to-end encryption and local storage, like the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual.
How it compares
Compared to the Google Nest Doorbell (battery), the Ring Pro 2 has higher resolution and the unique Bird's Eye View, but the Nest offers free 3-hour event history and better integration with Google Home. The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual provides two cameras (one for packages) and free local storage with no subscription, though its app is less polished. The Ring Doorbell 4 (battery) is cheaper and battery-powered but has lower 1080p resolution and no Bird's Eye View.
Who should buy / skip
Worth considering if:
- You want the best video quality in a wired doorbell
- You already use Alexa and Amazon services
- You're willing to pay $3.99/month for recording features
- You have compatible doorbell wiring (16-24 VAC, 20VA)
Look elsewhere if:
- You don't want a monthly subscription for basic recording
- You have no existing doorbell wiring or a low-voltage transformer
- You prioritize privacy and want local storage
- You're on a tight budget — the Ring Doorbell 4 or Eufy are cheaper
The Isaac Standard verdict
Star rating pending hands-on testing. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a top-tier wired doorbell with best-in-class video and innovative motion tracking. But its reliance on a subscription for recordings and lack of battery backup are significant drawbacks. If you're already in the Amazon ecosystem and don't mind paying monthly, it's a solid choice. Otherwise, look at the Google Nest Doorbell or Eufy Dual for more flexibility and lower long-term cost.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked
Can I use the Ring Pro 2 without a subscription?+
Yes, but you'll only get live view and real-time motion alerts. You cannot view recorded video, use package detection, or access snapshot capture. The subscription is $3.99/month for one device.
Does the Ring Pro 2 work with Google Home?+
No, it only works with Amazon Alexa. There is no official Google Home integration. You can use third-party services like IFTTT, but it's not seamless.
What transformer do I need for the Ring Pro 2?+
You need a 16-24 VAC transformer with at least 20VA. Most older doorbell transformers are 10VA and will cause the doorbell to reboot or not power on. Check your transformer before buying.
Does the Ring Pro 2 support 5 GHz Wi-Fi?+
Yes, it supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. 5 GHz is recommended for better video streaming if your router is close.
