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

The Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen) is the better overall pick, with sharper Retinal 2K video, Familiar Faces alerts and free automatic Quick Replies. The original Ring Battery Doorbell holds a higher owner rating and a slightly wider field of view, so it remains a solid choice too.

Video sensor and alerts. The Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen) records Retinal 2K with up to 6x zoom and adds Familiar Faces recognition, while the original Ring Battery Doorbell records 1536p HD and lacks both Familiar Faces alerts and automatic Quick Replies.

The original Ring Battery Doorbell, with a 150 by 150 degree Head-to-Toe view versus 140 by 140 degrees on the Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen). The 2nd Gen trades a bit of width for a sharper 2K sensor.

Yes. On both the Ring Battery Doorbell and the Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen), live view and motion notifications are free, but saved video history plus people and package alerts require a Ring Protect plan. Only the 2nd Gen extends that alert set to include Familiar Faces.

Buyers who want Ring's sharper Retinal 2K video, automatic Quick Replies included free, and the extra Familiar Faces alert, without paying more than the original model.

Buyers who prioritize a proven track record and higher owner rating, or who want the slightly wider 150 by 150 degree field of view, and do not need the newer Familiar Faces alert or automatic Quick Replies.