The Ring Video Doorbell 2, launched around mid‑2020, brought meaningful upgrades over the original model—especially by stepping up the video quality to 1080p, which aligned it with modern standards . That said, it has since been discontinued and replaced by newer versions like the Ring Battery Doorbell, 3, and 4 .
Design & Installation
The device offers flexibility with two power options—either hardwired or battery-powered—which makes it suitable for a wide range of homes . Its design is familiar but durable, featuring two security screws to deter tampering . However, unlike other Ring models, it lacks adjustable mounting wedges—sold separately at around $20—limiting flexibility in angling the view .
Video & Audio Quality
The jump to 1080p makes a noticeable difference—ideally crisp and detailed in daylight; night vision is serviceable but can lack finer detail in low-light environments . With a 160° horizontal field of view (and roughly 90° vertically), it gives good coverage, though the angle may not fully capture areas right at your doorstep—like packages laying at your feet .
Audio is solid when visitors are close; once they step several feet away, voice clarity diminishes .
Features & Smart Integration
The Ring 2 doesn’t include AI-driven alerts—it can’t distinguish between people, animals, or passing cars, though you can define motion zones to help reduce irrelevant notifications . The app ecosystem works seamlessly with Alexa and shows footage on Echo Show devices, but lacks support for Google Assistant, Nest hubs, and Samsung SmartThings .
Subscription Requirements
Without a Ring Protect subscription, you’re limited to live view and alerts only. To record and save footage, you’ll need one of Ring’s cloud storage plans—starting from around $3–10/month depending on scale .
Overall Verdict
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 nails the essentials: straightforward installation, reliable performance, and excellent Alexa integration are among its strongest assets . Its limitations—especially the lack of AI features, local storage, and being an aging model—are worth considering if you value smarter notifications or longer-term availability. Still, it’s a dependable, value-first choice for basic smart doorbell needs.
Pros
- Versatile power options (battery or wired)
- Clear 1080p video (especially daytime)
- Easy setup and intuitive app experience
- Strong integration in Amazon/Alexa ecosystem
- Often budget-friendly compared to newer models
Cons
- Discontinued—might be harder to support or find at normal retail
- No person-detection or AI-based filtering
- Requires a Ring Protect subscription for recording capabilities
- Battery version lacks removable battery—requires full unmount to recharge
- Limited field of view for drop-zone monitoring
Recommendation Summary
If you’re simply after a reliable and affordable smart doorbell with basic features and Alexa-friendly connectivity, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 remains a sensible choice—especially if it’s available at a discount. But if you’re after more advanced AI-driven notifications, better battery design, or fewer recurring costs, Ring’s newer battery models or competitors with local storage may serve you better.
