Ring Video Doorbell 4 Review: Still Worth It?

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 has been one of the best-selling video doorbells since its release, and it remains a strong contender in 2026. But with newer competitors from Arlo, Google, and Eufy, is it still worth buying? We put it through extensive testing to find out.

Video Quality: 9/10

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 captures 1080p HD video with HDR, delivering sharp, well-exposed footage in nearly all conditions. Colors are accurate, faces are easily identifiable, and the HDR processing handles tricky lighting situations (like a bright sky behind a visitor) better than most competitors.

Night vision is solid with both infrared and color options. The color night vision produces usable footage in low-light conditions, though it’s not quite as bright as models with dedicated spotlights.

Pre-Roll Video: The Killer Feature

This is what separates the Ring 4 from the competition. Pre-Roll Video captures 4 seconds of black-and-white footage before the motion event triggers. This means you’ll always see the full context — the person walking up to your door, not just them standing there.

No other doorbell at this price point offers pre-roll. It’s worth the upgrade from the Ring Doorbell 3 for this feature alone.

Smart Features: 8/10

• Customizable motion zones let you draw specific areas to monitor
• People-only detection reduces false alerts from passing cars and animals
• Quick Replies sends pre-recorded messages when you can’t answer
• Package detection alerts when packages are delivered (requires Ring Protect Plus)

The Ring app is polished and responsive. Linking to an Echo Show enables hands-free video monitoring — just say “Alexa, show me the front door.”

Installation: 10/10

One of the easiest installations of any video doorbell. The battery version mounts with two screws and takes under 10 minutes. The hardwired version connects to existing doorbell wiring and takes about 15-20 minutes.

Ring includes all necessary mounting hardware, a level tool, and even a drill bit. The app walks you through every step with clear video instructions.

Battery Life: 7/10

Ring claims 6-12 months of battery life, but real-world usage typically yields 3-5 months depending on motion frequency and settings. If your front door faces a busy street, expect to recharge more often.

The removable battery design lets you swap in a second battery (sold separately) without any downtime.

Subscription: Ring Protect

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 works without a subscription for live viewing and real-time alerts. But to actually save and review video recordings, you need Ring Protect:

• Basic: $3.99/month — 180 days of cloud storage for one camera
• Plus: $10/month — All cameras, professional monitoring, extended warranty

For most users, the Basic plan is sufficient and well-priced.

Our Rating

Category	Score
Video Quality	9/10
Features	8/10
Installation	10/10
Battery Life	7/10
App Experience	8/10
Value	8/10
Overall	4.5/5

Who Should Buy the Ring Video Doorbell 4?

Buy it if:

• You’re in the Amazon/Alexa ecosystem
• You want the best video quality under $200
• Pre-roll video matters to you (it should)
• You want easy DIY installation

Skip it if:

• You use Apple HomeKit exclusively
• You refuse to pay any subscription fee
• You need 2K or 4K resolution

Final Verdict

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 remains one of the best video doorbells you can buy in 2026. The Pre-Roll Video feature is genuinely useful, the video quality is excellent, and installation couldn’t be easier. Yes, you’ll need a Ring Protect subscription for full functionality, but at $3.99/month it’s reasonable.

Score: 4.5/5 — Highly Recommended

Last updated: February 28, 2026.