Is the Ring Video Doorbell 4 Still Worth It? Full Test Results & Buyer’s Guide
Overall Rating: 4.7 / 5
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 remains one of the top-selling smart doorbells thanks to its fast motion alerts, strong app features, and simple installation. After testing it across real-world scenarios, it’s clear why this model continues to dominate — it delivers excellent performance without the premium price of newer Pro models.
Quick Summary
If you want a reliable, affordable, and easy-to-install smart video doorbell that works flawlessly with the Ring app and Alexa, the Ring Doorbell 4 is still one of the best choices in 2025.
You get:
- Clear 1080p HD video
- Strong WiFi performance
- Fast motion alerts
- Pre-Roll (4-second preview before motion)
- Battery or wired use
- A massive accessory ecosystem
Who Should Buy the Ring Doorbell 4?
Great for:
- Homeowners or renters who want simple installation
- People who want fast motion alerts without false triggers
- Anyone already using Ring cameras
- Families who want easy-to-share access
- Buyers wanting reliable performance without paying top-tier prices
Not great for:
- People wanting HDR video
- Apple HomeKit users
- Homes with very low lighting at entry (Pro models do better here)
Ring Doorbell 4: Key Features & Performance
1. Video Quality (1080p HD)
Ring Doorbell 4 offers crisp, clear video with realistically balanced colors.
- Daytime quality: 9/10
- Nighttime quality: 8/10
- Motion capture: 9/10
It’s more than enough clarity for porch and front-door monitoring.
2. Motion Alerts & Pre-Roll Feature
Ring’s 4-second Color Pre-Roll is a standout feature. It records a short clip before motion is detected, giving you context like:
- Delivery person approaching
- Cars pulling up
- People walking past
This makes recorded events feel more complete.
3. Battery Life (3–6 Months per Charge)
Real-world usage varies:
- Busy porch: ~3 months
- Low activity: ~6 months
You can extend battery life significantly by wiring to an existing doorbell.
4. WiFi Performance
Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) makes a big difference:
- Faster notifications
- Less lag
- Better long-distance performance
It’s a huge improvement over older Ring models.
5. Night Vision
Ring uses IR night vision:
- Clear visibility in darkness
- Identifiable faces at 8–12 feet
- Works best with ambient lighting
Color night vision only activates if your porch has a light source.
6. App Experience & Smart Home Compatibility
The Ring app is one of the best on the market.
You get:
- Snapshot capture
- Motion zones
- Shared household access
- Live view
- Quick replies
- Custom event history
Smart home integration includes:
- Alexa: Full support
- Ring Alarm: Perfect integration
- HomeKit: Not supported
Installation (5–10 Minutes)
In the box:
- Mounting bracket
- Screws
- Level tool
- Battery pack
- USB-C charger
- Wedge kit for angled mounting
Setup inside the Ring app is extremely simple.
Price & Value
Typical price: $149–$169
(cheaper on sale)
Compared to alternatives, Ring Doorbell 4 offers:
- Better features than Ring 2
- Better value than Pro 2 or Pro 3
- Excellent long-term reliability
Ring Protect Subscription (Optional)
For full features, you’ll want a plan:
- $4/month: Single camera
- $10/month: All Ring devices
Adds:
- Person detection
- Video history
- Rich notifications
Still cheaper than many competitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast installation
- 1080p HD clarity
- Reliable motion alerts
- Color Pre-Roll feature
- Great WiFi
- Affordable price
- Alexa integration
Cons
- No HomeKit