Ring Wired Doorbell Elite (2nd Gen) Review: Sharp 4K and Rock-Steady PoE, With a Tricky Install and Subscription Strings
The Ring Wired Doorbell Elite (2nd Gen) is a premium doorbell powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE+), with Retinal 4K video, a wide square view and a wired network link. Owners praise the clear picture, the steady connection that needs no batteries, the faster response than the first generation and extras such as opening an electric gate from the app. The recurring complaints are an installation that often needs ethernet cabling, a PoE injector or an electrician, a bulky housing that sticks out from the wall, a high price, and recorded video and smart alerts that sit behind a subscription. A minority report missed motion, freezing or poor night video, and slow support. It works with Alexa and Home Assistant, but not Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings or Matter.
- New builds and remodels with ethernet
- Weak Wi-Fi at the front door
- Gate and entry monitoring
- Upgrading from the first-generation Elite
Pros
- Clear Retinal 4K video with strong zoom and good low-light performance
- Power over Ethernet gives a steady wired connection with no battery
- Responsive alerts, faster than the first generation for many owners
- Works with Alexa and Home Assistant, and can open a gate from the app
- 3D Motion Detection with customizable motion zones and privacy zones
- IP55 weather resistance and four finishes
Cons
- Needs a PoE+ source at the door, often a separate injector, new cabling or an electrician
- Large housing that sticks out from the wall
- Recorded video, 24/7 recording and people or package alerts need a subscription
- Some owners report missed motion, freezing or weak night video
- Support experiences vary and instructions are thin
- No Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings or Matter support
Who is the Ring Wired Doorbell Elite (2nd Gen) for?
It is the doorbell for a home that has, or is willing to run, an Ethernet cable to the front door. Owners with a PoE-ready entry say it is the most dependable way to get a sharp, steady stream, and some use its app control to open a gate. Many are upgrading from a battery doorbell or the first-generation Elite and want better video, faster alerts and no battery to charge.
What owners like
Video quality is the most repeated praise: a clear 4K picture, strong zoom, good low-light and color night video, and audio that works even near a busy street. Owners like the PoE power because it removes battery worries and dropouts, say the app is responsive, notice a shorter delay between the ring and seeing who is there than on older models, and call the install easy once the cabling and power are in place. Some appreciate quick help from the maker's support and the upgrade from the first generation, which could reuse the old bracket.
What to know before you buy
Installation is the biggest hurdle. The doorbell needs a PoE+ source at the door, and owners report needing to buy a separate injector, run new ethernet cable or hire an electrician, and the instructions and the change from the first generation were called thin. The housing is large and sticks out noticeably, and it is not meant for retrofitting an existing doorbell wire. Recorded video, 24/7 recording and people and package alerts need a subscription, and one owner says a trial plan did little. Motion detection, night video and freezing drew complaints from a minority, as did slow support, compatibility with Ring Alarm Pro's local processing, and the price. Owners also disagree on face features: one could not find familiar faces at setup, and the spec sheet lists no familiar face alerts. The chime is sold separately.
Is the Ring Wired Doorbell Elite (2nd Gen) worth it?
If the door already has structured cabling, or Wi-Fi there is unreliable, a PoE doorbell is a strong choice and most owners are happy with the picture and stability. If you have only a doorbell wire, dislike subscriptions or want Google Home, Apple Home or Matter, a simpler, cheaper wired doorbell will fit better.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Ring Wired Doorbell Elite (2nd Gen) need a subscription?
To review recorded video and get people and package alerts, yes. Without one you still get live view and real-time motion alerts, and there is no local storage alternative.
How is the Ring Wired Doorbell Elite (2nd Gen) powered?
By Power over Ethernet, PoE+ (802.3at), which also gives it a 100 Mbit wired network connection. It has no battery. Owners note that a PoE+ injector or switch port is needed if your router cannot supply it.
Will it replace my existing doorbell?
It is meant for a door with ethernet cabling and a low-voltage box, not for a quick swap onto doorbell wire. Several owners needed new cable, an injector or an electrician.
Does it work with Google Home, Apple Home or Matter?
No. It works with Alexa and with Home Assistant through the Ring integration, which runs over the cloud. Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings and Matter are not supported.
Does it record locally to a memory card?
No. There is no microSD card slot, no internal storage and no RTSP output, so recordings are stored in the cloud with a subscription.
How wide is the camera view?
140 degrees horizontal by 140 degrees vertical, a square view that shows a visitor from head to toe and keeps a parcel on the doorstep in frame.








