Ring Video Doorbell 3 vs 4: Is It Worth Upgrading?
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
If you're in the market for a video doorbell, you've probably heard of Ring. It offers a wide range of home security devices, including video doorbells. As an Amazon company, Ring products are reliable and easy to use, and integrate seamlessly with Alexa.
Released in 2021 and 2020 respectively, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 and the Ring Video Doorbell 3 are still popular choices today. Both smart doorbells offer convenience and security at affordable prices. However, they have a few differences to keep in mind.
| Specs | Ring Video Doorbell 4 | Ring Video Doorbell 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 | $149.99 |
| Power Source | Battery or hardwired | Battery or hardwired |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz |
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Field of View | 160° horizontal, 90° vertical | 160° horizontal, 90° vertical |
| Night Vision | Yes, black and white | Yes, black and white |
| Live View | Yes | Yes |
| Video History | Yes, up to 180 days | Yes, up to 180 days |
| Motion Detection and Alerts | Yes, Person and Package Alerts | Yes, Person and Package Alerts |
| Pre-Roll Video Previews | Yes | No |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes, with Noise Cancellation | Yes, with Noise Cancellation |
| Quick Replies | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa | Alexa |
| Subscription Required for Full Features | Yes | Yes |
Key Takeaways
Ring Video Doorbell 3 and 4 look identical visually and share many features, but the newer Doorbell 4 has an additional Pre-Roll Video feature which captures four seconds of video before motion is detected. Doorbell 4 also has an improved night vision and motion detection, making it a better option compared to Ring Doorbell 3.
Ring Video Doorbell 4
2021 Release
✓ 1080p resolution, 160° horizontal and 90° vertical angles
✓ Improved Night Vision and Motion Detection
✓ Live view, alerts, two-way audio, quick replies, pre-roll video previews
✓ 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
Ring Video Doorbell 3
2020 Release
✓ 1080p resolution, 160° horizontal and 90° vertical angles
✓ Night Vision and Motion Detection
✓ Live view, alerts, two-way audio, quick replies
✓ 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
#1 Price
Ring Video Doorbell 3
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is the older model and therefore, slightly more affordable. At the time of writing this, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 costs $159.99, while the Ring Video Doorbell 3 costs $149.99. The price difference is not significant, so it shouldn't be the only factor you consider when choosing between the two models.
#2 Design
Ring Video Doorbell 4
Visually, both smart doorbell cameras look identical. They measure 5.1 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches and are available in satin nickel color. Both the Ring Video Doorbell 4 and Ring Video Doorbell 3 are water-resistant, so they are able to withstand normal rainfall and snow outside. However, they are not totally waterproof, so it is recommended to keep them in a place under a protective overhang such as a hanging roof.
#3 Video Camera Quality
Ring Video Doorbell 3
Both the Ring Video Doorbell 4 and 3 offer HD 1080p video resolution and a field-of-view of 160 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically. Black and white night vision is also available, helping you to see what's happening outside your home even in the dark. If you want a colored night vision, consider the newly released Ring Battery Doorbell Plus.
In terms of video camera quality, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 and 3 don't have many differences in specifications. However, Ring claims that the newer Doorbell 4 has improved night vision and motion detection, making it a more reliable choice for clear and detailed footage.
#4 Smart Features
Ring Video Doorbell 3
Both doorbells offer motion detection with alerts, so you can get notified when someone presses the doorbell or when the motion sensor is triggered. Customizable motion zones allow you to adjust the areas that the camera monitors, so you can avoid false alarms or unnecessary notifications.
If you subscribe to Ring Protect Plan, you can also get Person Alerts and Package Alerts, because the doorbells are smart enough to differentiate between both. Rich Notifications show you a snapshot of the motion event right on your phone's lock screen.
Ring Protect Plan on both devices also allows you to save your recordings in the cloud for up to 180 days, so you can review or share them later. Home and Away Modes are also available, allowing you to have your camera record when you’re away, or turn off when you’re home.
Ring Video Doorbell 4
If you want to communicate with someone at your door, both the Ring Video Doorbell 4 and Ring Video Doorbell 3 offer two-way audio to facilitate real-time communication. If you're busy, Quick Replies will communicate to the visitors for you. You can choose from preset responses, asking them to leave a message. This feature does not require a subscription, but only Ring Protect subscribers can access and review recordings of Quick Replies interactions in the Event History.
Both doorbells are compatible with Alexa, so you can hear announcements on your Echo device when your doorbell is pressed. With a subscription to Ring Protect, you can also hear voice announcements or have Alexa show live video feed on your Echo Show, Fire TV, or Fire Tablet when the doorbell detects a person.
Ring Video Doorbell 4
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 and Ring Video Doorbell 3 share many common features, but the primary difference is that the Doorbell 4 also includes Pre-Roll Video Previews that capture four seconds of video before motion is detected, allowing you to see a complete picture of what happened before your package was delivered, or before other detected motion events.
#5 Installation
Ring Video Doorbell 3
Both the Ring Video Doorbell 4 and Ring Video Doorbell 3 run on a removable and rechargeable Quick-Release Battery Pack, so you don't have to hardwire them during installation. Simply insert the battery, connect to the Ring App and follow the in-app instructions for setup, mount the device with the provided screws, and click the faceplate into place.
However, if you don't want to solely rely on the battery, you can also hardwire both products into your existing doorbell system (8-24 VAC, 40VA max, 50/60Hz) or connect to a Ring plug-in adapter ($24.99) for continuous charging.
Ring Video Doorbell 4 vs 3
Final Thoughts
Ring Video Doorbell 4
Ring Video Doorbell 4 and 3 look identical visually and offer many common features, but the newer Doorbell 4 has additional Pre-Roll Video Previews and improved night vision and motion detection, making the $10 price difference worthwhile.
Upgrading from Doorbell 3 to 4 will definitely be worth your investment, but you might as well consider the newer Ring Battery Doorbell Plus which offers significant improvements.
If you like to read more about Smart Doorbell Cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Smart Doorbell Cameras of 2023
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus vs Ring Video Doorbell 4
Arlo Doorbell vs Ring Pro 2 (7 CRUCIAL Aspects to Consider)
Google Nest Doorbell vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
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