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

The Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen) wins on video and alerts, with Retinal 2K, 6x zoom and Familiar Faces detection at the entry price. The original Ring Battery Doorbell keeps a higher owner rating, a slightly wider view and a battery you can remove to charge.

The video sensor and the battery. The Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen) records Retinal 2K with 6x zoom and adds Familiar Faces alerts, while the original Ring Battery Doorbell records 1536p HD but has a removable battery pack, where the 2nd Gen must be unmounted to charge its built-in pack.

No. The Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen) has a built-in, non-removable battery, so charging means taking the doorbell off the wall and using the USB-C port under the rubber cover on the back, or hardwiring it to an existing transformer. The original Ring Battery Doorbell uses a removable pack instead.

The original Ring Battery Doorbell, at 150 by 150 degrees, against 140 by 140 on the Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen). Both are head-to-toe views that capture a package on the doorstep, so the practical difference is small.

Yes. On both the Ring Battery Doorbell and the Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen), live view and motion notifications are free, while saved video plus people and package alerts require a Ring Protect plan. Only the Ring Battery Doorbell (2nd Gen) adds Familiar Faces, and it stays a beta feature in some regions.

Buyers who want Ring's sharper Retinal 2K video, a head-to-toe view, three color options and Familiar Faces alerts at the lowest price in Ring's 2K line, and who do not mind unmounting the doorbell to charge it.