Overview

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 is Ring’s 7.4-rated fourth-generation battery-powered doorbell, retailing at $149. It captures 1080p HDR video with a 160-degree field of view and introduces Color Pre-Roll, a standout feature that records up to 4 seconds of video before motion is detected. Dual-band WiFi (2.4 and 5GHz) improves connectivity over earlier models, and the doorbell can run on a removable rechargeable battery or be hardwired to existing doorbell wiring. While it delivers solid video quality and deep Alexa integration, the requirement for a Ring Protect subscription to access recorded footage and the lack of local storage are significant drawbacks.

Design & Build

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 retains the familiar tall, rectangular form factor of its predecessors, with a removable faceplate available in Satin Nickel or Black. Its plastic body feels sturdy enough for outdoor use and carries an IP weather-resistant rating, though the glossy finish is prone to scratches over time. The bottom-mounted Quick Release Battery Pack slides out easily for charging via micro-USB, and the included mounting bracket and screw kit make installation straightforward for both battery and hardwired setups. A Ring Chime is not included in the box and must be purchased separately if you want an audible indoor ring.

Performance

Daytime video quality is reliably crisp and detailed at 1080p HDR, with the 160-degree lens capturing a wide view of your doorstep without excessive fisheye distortion. The Color Pre-Roll feature is the real highlight, using a continuous low-power buffer to capture the 4 seconds leading up to each motion event, so you see the person approaching rather than just the moment they appear on camera. Night vision switches to black-and-white and is serviceable but noticeably softer than daytime footage, with some reviewers noting a “sickly filter” that reduces clarity at range. Two-way audio works but suffers from a slight delay that can make conversations feel disjointed, though the noise cancellation helps cut down on wind and background hum.

Features

The Ring app provides granular control over motion detection zones, sensitivity, and notification schedules, letting you dial in exactly which areas trigger alerts. Quick Replies offer a handful of preset responses such as “Hi! We’ll be right there” that can be sent automatically when you cannot answer, which is genuinely handy for delivery drivers and package notifications. Alexa integration is the deepest of any smart doorbell: you can ask an Echo Show to display the live feed, receive doorbell announcements on any Alexa speaker, and trigger Ring routines alongside other smart home devices. The dual-band WiFi (2.4 and 5GHz) is a meaningful upgrade over the Ring 3, providing more reliable streaming and faster live view loading in congested wireless environments.

Ring Protect Subscription

The most critical purchasing consideration is that the Ring Video Doorbell 4 cannot save or let you review any recorded video without an active Ring Protect subscription. The basic plan costs $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year for a single device and includes 180 days of video history, snapshot capture, and person alerts. Without a subscription, you are limited to live viewing and real-time push notifications, which severely limits the doorbell’s utility as a security device. Over three years, the subscription effectively adds $120 to the total cost of ownership, narrowing the value gap compared to competitors like Eufy or Arlo that offer free local storage.

Pros

• Color Pre-Roll captures 4 seconds before motion triggers, giving you critical context that competing doorbells miss
• 1080p HDR video quality is solid and reliable in good lighting conditions
• Dual-band WiFi (2.4/5GHz) improves connectivity and reduces stream lag compared to earlier Ring models
• Quick Replies are genuinely useful for delivery drivers and visitors when you cannot answer the door
• Installation is genuinely easy whether you use the battery or hardwire to existing doorbell wiring
• Deep Alexa integration with Echo Show live view, voice announcements, and routine triggers

Cons

• A Ring Protect subscription is required for any video history; there is no local storage or free cloud option
• Battery drains quickly in high-traffic areas, often requiring charging every 1-2 months despite the advertised 6-month estimate
• 1080p resolution feels dated when competitors at similar prices offer 2K or 4K video
• Night vision quality is mediocre compared to rivals, with soft black-and-white footage and limited range
• Two-way audio has a noticeable delay that makes natural conversation difficult
• Privacy concerns persist after Ring’s $5.8 million FTC settlement over unauthorized employee video access and police data-sharing practices
• No Apple HomeKit support and no Google Assistant compatibility, locking you into the Amazon ecosystem
• Hardwiring requires existing doorbell wiring, and the Ring Chime is sold separately

Verdict

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 earns an 8.0 out of 10 for its reliable performance, genuinely innovative Color Pre-Roll feature, and excellent Alexa integration. However, the mandatory subscription for video storage, dated 1080p resolution, and ongoing privacy concerns keep it from being a universal recommendation. It is best suited for households already invested in the Amazon/Ring ecosystem who value the Pre-Roll context and easy battery installation. Buyers who want free local storage, higher resolution video, or broad smart home compatibility should consider alternatives like the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K or the Arlo Essential Wired.

Sources

• Ring Video Doorbell 4 Official Page
• Ring Technical Support - Doorbell 4 Specs
• Wikipedia - Ring Privacy & Security#Privacy_and_security_concerns)