Quick verdict from our Ring Battery Doorbell Plus review: the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) is the best Ring doorbell for most homes without doorbell wiring. Its tall head-to-toe view shows both faces and packages on the ground, the 2026 model sharpens that to Retinal 2K, and the quick-release battery makes recharging easy. Budget for a Ring plan, though: without one you can’t save or replay video.
How we put this review together: written by Md. Enamul Arafath for Top Smart Gear, using Ring’s official Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) specs, retailer listings and published expert and owner reviews. We have not tested this doorbell hands-on. Read how we review.
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus review: key specs
| Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen, 2026) | Battery Doorbell Plus (original) | |
|---|---|---|
| Video | Retinal 2K (1920 x 1920), HDR | 1536p HD+ |
| View | Head-to-toe, square 1:1 | Head-to-toe, 150 x 150 degrees |
| Zoom | Up to 6x enhanced (digital) | Digital zoom |
| Night vision | Color | Color |
| Power | Quick Release Battery Pack (or wired) | Quick Release Battery Pack (or wired) |
Pros and cons
- Good: tall head-to-toe view catches packages at your feet; sharp 2K video on the new model; no wiring needed; quick-release battery swaps in seconds; works with Alexa and Echo Show.
- Watch out: saving video needs a Ring plan; smartest features need the top plan; battery needs recharging every few months depending on traffic; no Google Home support.
Video and view
Most doorbells crop out the ground in front of your door. The Plus uses a square image, so you see visitors from head to toe and any parcels left on the mat. The 2nd Gen moves from 1536p to Retinal 2K with HDR, so faces are clearer at a distance and in bright sun. Color night vision keeps evening clips useful.
Power and installation
It runs on Ring’s Quick Release Battery Pack, so you can pop the battery out to charge without taking the doorbell off the wall. Keep a spare pack and you never lose coverage. It can also connect to existing doorbell wiring (Ring lists an 8-24 VAC transformer, 40 VA max) to keep the battery topped up, or to Ring’s solar charger. See our guide on how to install a video doorbell.
What it costs to run
Without a plan you get live view, two-way talk and motion alerts. To save and replay video you need a Ring plan: Ring Solo covers one device, Ring Multi covers every Ring device at your address, and Ring AI Pro adds AI features such as video search and descriptions. Check current prices on Ring’s plans page; they change often.
How it compares
- Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen): also 2K, cheaper, but no quick-release battery.
- Ring Battery Doorbell Pro (2nd Gen): steps up to Retinal 4K and 10x zoom.
- Have doorbell wiring? The Ring Wired Doorbell Pro never needs charging.
- Don’t want a subscription? eufy doorbells record locally; see eufy vs Ring.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus need wiring?
No. It runs on its Quick Release Battery Pack. You can optionally connect it to existing doorbell wiring to keep the battery charged.
Does the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus need a subscription?
Not for live view, two-way talk and motion alerts. Saving and replaying video needs a Ring plan.
What is the difference between the Battery Doorbell Plus 2nd Gen and the original?
The 2nd Gen records Retinal 2K (1920 x 1920) with HDR and up to 6x enhanced zoom, up from 1536p on the original. Both keep the head-to-toe view and quick-release battery.
Does the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus work with Google Home?
No. Ring doorbells work with Alexa and Echo Show, not Google Home.
Verdict
For an Alexa home without doorbell wiring, the Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) is the sweet spot of Ring’s range: sharp head-to-toe video and the easiest battery to live with. The original model is still a good buy if you find it well below the new one’s price. Compare it with Nest, eufy and others in our best video doorbells guide, and check our Black Friday deals page from November 20.
