The Ring Video Doorbell 4 (RVD4) is a recent addition to Ring’s smart doorbell range with new features that make it one of the company’s most advanced wireless doorbell cameras to date.
The RVD4 is an easy DIY installation as it comes with the necessary tools and instructions, which make it possible to set up in a few minutes. Simply mount and secure the doorbell using the supplied screws and click in the faceplate, then connect the doorbell to the Ring app and follow the prompts.
A quick-release battery makes the doorbell easy to recharge (i.e. you don’t need to remove the entire unit to charge it), but it should last a couple of months depending on the amount of motion alerts. There is also the option to hard-wire the doorbell providing continuous battery life.
The design of the RVD4 is almost identical to previous Ring doorbells with its trademark black and nickel colourway but is slightly bulkier, although this isn’t a huge drawback.
For first time Ring users, the app is super intuitive and easy to navigate between device settings with control and customisation of video, camera, notifications, privacy and more. Via the app, you can watch a live view of footage, but you will also receive real-time notifications if motion is detected.
You can adjust the motion sensitivity to either increase or decrease the number of events captured by the device. I set the slider in the middle between minimum and maximum but still received a few too many motion detection notifications but when I adjusted it more towards minimum, there were events that I missed. However, the sensitivity may be impacted by trees that are in close proximity to my front door, particularly when the weather is windy.
It is also possible to snooze alerts for a duration of 30 minutes up to 12 hours, which was handy when I needed to be offline or join an important meeting to avoid buzzing notifications.
My personal favourite is the two-way audio function, allowing me to speak to people at the front door in real-time. As someone engaged in a hybrid work model (with a passion for online shopping), this function is great for deliveries. If I’m not home, I can simply tell the driver to leave the package at my front door. No more trips to the post office due to a missed delivery – winning!
Alternatively, using the Quick Replies feature, you can choose from six pre-recorded voice messages to respond to whoever is at your doorstop if you’re not home.
With 1080p HD resolution, supported by a 160-degree horizontal and 84-degree vertical field of view, the video quality is clear and vivid – in both daylight and at nighttime – and is complemented by exceptional audio quality. The Custom Motion Zones feature lets you create custom motion detection zones to monitor specific areas outside the front door.
Another useful feature, which is new to the RVD4 and a first for a battery powered video doorbell, is colour pre-roll. This means the doorbell starts recording up to four seconds before a motion notification is sent. Thankfully not a personal experience but I’m sure this would be helpful in the event of a break in or robbery to capture more details.
For even more control of the RVD4, the device is compatible with Alexa. You can simply ask Alexa to show live stream video, check the battery life or turn on/off the motion detection feature for a hands-free experience without needing to use the app on your phone – perfect for when you’re in the kitchen cooking dinner or washing up the dishes. Or simply if your phone isn’t within reach.
To get the most out of your RVD4, I would highly recommend signing up to the Ring Protect subscription service. There are two tiers to choose from – Basic and Plus – that activate video recording, saving and sharing, plus offer extra perks.
With Ring Protect Basic, videos will be saved to your Ring account for up to 180 days – important to note that you are not able to access past video footage without a subscription. It activates video recording and sharing for individual Ring Video Doorbells and Security Cameras. It’s $4.95 a month but only covers one device per plan. If you own more than one Ring device, you’ll need to pay $15 a month for unlimited Ring Video Doorbells and Security Cameras per home.
In summary, the RVD4 is the perfect addition to your smart home if you’re looking for convenience, security and peace of mind and can be purchased at an attainable price point of $249. It is easy to install, offers advanced features and unique colour pre-roll function. Its compatibility with Alexa devices makes it an even more seamless and hands-free experience.