ConsFirst / Video doorbells

Ring (Amazon)

Ring Wired Doorbell (2nd Gen): the downsides first

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#8 of 8
$WiredScore 3.3/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Listing is titled 'Ring Wired Doorbell (newest model), Retinal 2K' and may pool color or bundle variants.

An inexpensive 2K wired doorbell that Wirecutter recommends for Ring Alarm owners. It records nothing without a subscription, can't detect animals, works only with Alexa, and Amazon owners say it won't ring their existing doorbell chime.

Subscription: Required to record anything: from $5/mo or $50/yr for one camera (180 days); included with Ring's $20/mo monitoring plan

Top complaints

  • Records nothing without a plan

    Wirecutter says Ring cameras can't record anything without a subscription, and free alerts don't say what kind of motion was seen. Amazon's summary says some owners find it not worth the cost.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Chime and Wi-Fi problems

    Amazon's review summary says owners report it won't ring their existing doorbell, and some have trouble staying connected to Wi-Fi. Wirecutter notes it supports only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say), Wirecutter (NYT)
  • No animal detection, Alexa only

    Wirecutter says Ring is the only one of its picks without animal detection, and the only brand on its list that doesn't work with Google Home.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)

What owners love

  • Crisp, wide 2K image

    Wirecutter says the 2K, 140-by-140-degree view is excellent and clearly recorded people about 45 feet away. Amazon shoppers praise the clear video and wide view of their porch.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Cheap plan with long history

    Wirecutter says Ring plans start at $5 a month with 180 days of storage, more than most of its picks, and Ring Alarm monitoring subscribers pay nothing extra.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Simple wiring

    Amazon shoppers say it's easy to wire up and connect. As a wired model it never needs charging (Wirecutter).

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say), Wirecutter (NYT)
Good for
  • Ring Alarm subscribers (no extra fee)
  • Wide head-to-toe 2K view on a budget
  • Long 180-day video history

Scores (tap for why)

  • Video quality4.0
    Why 4.0?Sharp 2K with a 140x140-degree head-to-toe view that captured people about 45 ft away (Wirecutter).
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Smart alerts2.5
    Why 2.5?Free alerts don't identify the motion type, and there's no animal detection at all (Wirecutter).
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • App & reliability3.0
    Why 3.0?2.4GHz only and Alexa only (Wirecutter). Amazon owners report Wi-Fi drops and chime issues.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page
  • Ongoing cost3.5
    Why 3.5?A plan is required, but at $5 a month with 180 days of history it's one of the cheaper ones (Wirecutter).
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Easy install3.5
    Why 3.5?Amazon owners say it's easy to wire, but some say it won't ring their existing chime.
    Source: Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • Wirecutter (NYT): Best for Ring Alarm users (added August 2026): inexpensive with bright 2K video, but a subscription is essential, there's no animal detection, and it works only with Alexa.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

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