Which Ring Doorbell is the best?

Choosing a video doorbell can feel confusing, especially when several versions look almost the same. Ring makes some of the most popular smart doorbells, and their wired models are great for people who want a dependable, always-powered option. If your home already has doorbell wiring or if you want a setup that feels more “built-in” and traditional, a wired Ring doorbell is a wise choice.

In this guide, we’ll look at three wired Ring doorbell options. Each one offers something a little different. We’ll break down what each version does, who it’s best for, and the pros and cons so you can pick the one that fits your home perfectly.

This version works with the wiring and doorbell chime you already have in your house. It replaces your old doorbell button with a smart one.

Pros

• Keeps your current chime: When someone presses the doorbell, your existing bell inside the house still rings.
• Always powered: Because it’s hardwired, you don’t have to worry about recharging a battery.
• Smart video features: You get 1080p HD video, night vision, two-way talk, and motion alerts. According to Ring’s specs, this wired model supports 8–24 VAC power from an existing transformer.
• Relatively straightforward install: If your old doorbell worked, you probably already have the correct wiring.

Cons

• Transformer must be compatible: If your doorbell transformer doesn’t match Ring’s requirements (for example, not providing enough or the correct voltage), things might not work or could be unstable.
• Some chimes aren’t supported: According to Ring, this wired model does not work with specific in-home mechanical or digital chime kits.
• Power-off risk: During installation, you need to turn off power safely; messing with wiring can be risky if you’re not careful.
• Wi-Fi needed: Even though the doorbell is wired for power, it still needs Wi-Fi (Ring recommends a good upload speed) to work well.

This option gives you the smart doorbell and a chime. That means when someone presses the doorbell, you’ll hear a sound inside your home even if you don’t already have a working chime.

Pros

• Indoor sound included: Even if your old chime was broken or missing, you’ll get a “ding” (or Ring’s alert) inside your home via the Ring Chime.
• Fully “smart” bundle: You don’t need to rely on your old (possibly unreliable) chime box.
• Two-way talk & video: You still get the same smart video features — you can see and speak to anyone at your door.
• Good option for upgrades: If you’re installing a smart doorbell for the first time (or replacing a broken one), this gives you everything you need in one go.

Cons

• Extra piece to plug in: The chime is an extra device, which means something else to plug in and place somewhere in your house.
• Wiring still required: Even with the chime, you still have to wire the doorbell properly.
• Chime sound may differ: Depending on the Ring Chime used, the “ring” sound might not be exactly like a traditional mechanical chime.

This is just the doorbell camera itself, no extra chime device included. You’ll rely on your current chime (if it works) or get alerts on your phone/tablet for door presses and motion.

Pros

• Lower cost: Because you’re not buying a chime, it’s cheaper than a bundle.
• Smart alerts: You still get all the Ring doorbell features — video, motion detection, two-way talk.
• Sleeker installation: Fewer parts mean a more straightforward install (just the doorbell, not another chime unit).
• Keeps old chime (if working): If your existing indoor chime works, you don’t have to change it.

Cons

• No new chime included: If your old indoor chime doesn’t work, you won’t have a sound when someone presses the doorbell.
• Might rely entirely on phone: You or your family may need to rely on phone alerts rather than hearing a bell inside.
• Power and wiring still needed: Same as other wired options — you need a compatible transformer and proper wiring.
• Compatibility risk: If you later want to add a compatible chime, you have to make sure that the chime will work with this wired model.

Picking the right wired Ring Doorbell really comes down to what your home already has and what you want to hear or see when someone comes to your door. If you already have working doorbell wiring and like things the way they are, the version that uses your existing setup is a simple upgrade. If you want a clear sound inside your home every time someone presses the button, the bundle with the Chime is the safest choice. And if you prefer phone alerts or already use other smart home devices, the wired option without a chime gives you all the features you need without the extra cost.

No matter which one you choose, each wired Ring Doorbell gives you better security, easy video access, motion alerts, and the peace of mind of knowing who’s at your door. With the right match for your home, you’ll have a setup that feels reliable, modern, and built to last.