Doorbells · Head to head

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus vs Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen)

Full Smart Doorbells comparison in 2026

Updated September 2026
Data from Amazon and official Ring site.
2026 verdict
Same name, two generations apart: the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) is the one to buy, trading its predecessor's 1536p sensor for Retinal 2K with HDR and picking up Familiar Faces alert eligibility plus free automatic Quick Replies that the original Ring Battery Doorbell Plus never got. Recharging is also less of a chore on the newer unit, its Quick Release Battery Pack pulls out by hand, while the original needs a torx screwdriver and a micro-USB cable. The original Plus still has a card to play, it keeps an Ethernet jack that the 2nd Gen dropped in favor of a second Wi-Fi band, and it typically costs less. Buyers who want the sharper image and the broader alert set should go with the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen); anyone who wants a wired fallback for a shaky Wi-Fi spot, or simply the lower price, can still be well served by the original Ring Battery Doorbell Plus.
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FeatureRing Battery Doorbell PlusRing Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen)Winner
Price$149.99$119.99Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen)
Rating4.54.2Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
AlertsMotion, People, PackagesMotion, People, Packages, Familiar FacesRing Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen)
Automatic RepliesNOYESRing Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen)
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi, Ethernet2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFiTie
IntegrationsAlexa, Home AssistantAlexa, Home AssistantTie
StorageCloudCloudTie
Customizable Motion ZonesYESYESTie
Outdoor Custom RingtoneNONOTie
Indoor Custom RingtoneNONOTie
Voice ChangingNONOTie

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Ring Battery Doorbell Plus or Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen)?

The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) is the stronger pick. It upgrades to Retinal 2K with HDR, adds Familiar Faces alert eligibility, and includes automatic Quick Replies, none of which the original Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers. The original counters mainly with a lower price and an Ethernet port.

What is the biggest difference between the two generations?

Video and alerts. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) shoots Retinal 2K with HDR and up to 6x Enhanced Zoom, while the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus tops out at 1536p with no HDR. The newer model also supports Familiar Faces detection and automatic Quick Replies, features the original doesn't have.

Is the battery easier to recharge on one of them?

Yes, on the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen). Its Quick Release Battery Pack comes out by hand for charging. The original Ring Battery Doorbell Plus requires the included torx screwdriver to release the pack and a micro-USB cable to charge it.

Does either doorbell offer a wired Ethernet connection?

Only the original Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, which pairs 2.4GHz Wi-Fi with an Ethernet option. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) dropped Ethernet in favor of dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi instead.

Who should buy the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus?

Buyers who want a lower price or need the Ethernet fallback for an unreliable Wi-Fi signal at the door, and don't need HDR video or Familiar Faces alerts.

Who should buy the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen)?

Buyers who want the sharpest video Ring's battery lineup offers, a broader set of alert types, and an easier tool-free battery swap, and don't mind giving up the Ethernet port.

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