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Are you looking to enhance your home security system with a Ring Video Doorbell? A crucial element often overlooked is the chime, which alerts you to visitors. Choosing between the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro can be tricky, as both offer essential functionality.
This comparison delves into the specifics of each device. We’ll explore their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision. Discover which Ring Chime best suits your needs and budget, ensuring you never miss a visitor.
The Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro provide distinct advantages. We’ll analyze their differences in range, connectivity, and additional features, such as the Wi-Fi extender capabilities of the Pro model. Get ready to find the perfect chime for your smart home setup.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Ring Chime | Ring Chime Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi & Ethernet |
| Power Source | Plug-in | Plug-in |
| Chime Tones | Multiple | Multiple |
| Volume Control | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Two-Way Talk | No | No |
| Night Light | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Extender | No | Yes |
| Smart Home Integration | Ring Devices | Ring Devices & select smart home devices |
| Dimensions | Smaller | Larger |
| Audio Quality | Standard | Enhanced |
| Setup | Easy | Easy |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited | 1-Year Limited |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Connectivity
- Ring Chime: Connects to your home Wi-Fi network. It provides basic Wi-Fi connectivity to your Ring devices. Dependent on your home Wi-Fi strength.
- Ring Chime Pro: Acts as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting the signal strength for your Ring devices. It helps to improve the reliability of your Ring devices, especially those located further away from your router.
- Winner: Ring Chime Pro
Wi-Fi Extender Functionality
- Ring Chime: Does not offer Wi-Fi extending capabilities. Its sole function is to act as a chime.
- Ring Chime Pro: Includes a built-in Wi-Fi extender. This helps improve the range and reliability of your Ring devices. It helps reduce Wi-Fi dead zones.
- Winner: Ring Chime Pro
Power Source
- Ring Chime: Plugs into a standard electrical outlet. Easy to set up and requires no batteries.
- Ring Chime Pro: Plugs into a standard electrical outlet. Also easy to set up and requires no batteries.
- Winner: Tie
Chime Tones & Volume
- Ring Chime: Offers a selection of pre-set chime tones and adjustable volume settings. Customization is limited to pre-selected tones.
- Ring Chime Pro: Offers the same chime tones and volume adjustments as the Ring Chime, but also offers a slightly louder maximum volume.
- Winner: Ring Chime Pro
Ease of Setup
- Ring Chime: Simple setup process within the Ring app. Easy to install and configure.
- Ring Chime Pro: Similar setup process to the Ring Chime, but with the added step of configuring the Wi-Fi extender.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Ring Chime: Generally more affordable. A good option if you don’t need the Wi-Fi extending feature.
- Ring Chime Pro: More expensive due to the added Wi-Fi extender functionality. Offers more value if you need to extend your network.
- Winner: Ring Chime
Device Compatibility
- Ring Chime: Compatible with all Ring Video Doorbells and Ring Security Cameras.
- Ring Chime Pro: Compatible with all Ring Video Doorbells and Ring Security Cameras.
- Winner: Tie
Smart Home Integration
- Ring Chime: Limited smart home integration features.
- Ring Chime Pro: Offers some smart home integration, allowing for control through voice assistants like Alexa.
- Winner: Ring Chime Pro
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Range Extension | Ring Chime Pro |
| Smart Home Integration | Ring Chime Pro |
| Value | Ring Chime |
| Audio Quality | Ring Chime Pro |
What They Have in Common:
- Alerts: Both devices provide audible alerts for Ring Video Doorbell and camera events, ensuring you never miss a visitor or important activity.
- Customization: Both offer a selection of chime tones and adjustable volume levels, allowing you to personalize the alerts to your preferences and home environment.
- Easy Setup: Both Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro are designed for easy setup, connecting to your Wi-Fi network and Ring devices quickly and efficiently.
- Plug-in Design: Both Chime models utilize a plug-in design for continuous power, eliminating the need for battery replacements and ensuring reliable operation.
- Integration: They are both designed to work seamlessly with other Ring devices, providing a cohesive security system.
Ring Chime vs Ring Chime Pro Buying Guide
Features and Functionality
The Ring Chime is a basic, affordable chime designed to work with your Ring Video Doorbell. It offers customizable alerts and allows you to hear real-time notifications from your doorbell throughout your home. It provides a simple solution for those who want to be notified of activity without relying solely on their smartphone. The Chime offers a selection of chime tones and volume adjustments. It is easy to set up and connects to your home Wi-Fi network.
The Ring Chime Pro builds upon these features, offering everything the standard Chime does, plus enhanced functionality. It acts as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting the signal strength of your Ring devices, which can significantly improve their performance and reliability, especially if your doorbell is located far from your router. This is critical for reliable video streaming and two-way talk.
Wi-Fi Extender Capabilities
The most significant difference between the Ring Chime and the Ring Chime Pro is the built-in Wi-Fi extender. The Chime Pro extends the range of your home Wi-Fi network, ensuring a stronger and more stable connection for your Ring devices. This is particularly beneficial for those with larger homes or homes with thick walls that can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. By extending the range, the Chime Pro helps to minimize buffering and connectivity issues with your Ring Video Doorbell and other Ring products.
The standard Ring Chime does not offer this Wi-Fi extending capability. Its sole function is to provide an audible alert when someone presses your doorbell or triggers the motion sensor. Therefore, if you’re experiencing Wi-Fi issues with your Ring devices, the Chime Pro is the superior choice.
Design and Installation
Both the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro share a similar design aesthetic, featuring a compact and unobtrusive form factor that easily blends into any home décor. Installation is straightforward for both devices, involving simply plugging them into a standard power outlet. There are no complicated wiring requirements. Both chimes are easy to set up using the Ring app.
However, the Chime Pro is slightly larger in size due to the integrated Wi-Fi extender. This may be a consideration if you have limited outlet space. Both devices are compatible with a wide range of Ring Video Doorbells and other Ring products, ensuring seamless integration into your existing smart home setup.
Pricing and Value
The Ring Chime is the more budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a simple and affordable solution. It provides essential functionality without the added cost of a Wi-Fi extender. The lower price point makes it an excellent entry point into the Ring ecosystem or a useful addition for those who simply need an audible chime.
The Ring Chime Pro is more expensive, but it offers significant added value through its Wi-Fi extending capabilities. If you’re struggling with Wi-Fi connectivity for your Ring devices, the Chime Pro can provide a noticeable improvement in performance, justifying the higher price. Consider your Wi-Fi needs when deciding.
Compatibility and Integration
Both the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro are fully compatible with all Ring Video Doorbells and Ring security cameras. They work seamlessly with the Ring app, allowing you to customize your alerts, adjust the volume, and select from a variety of chime tones. The app also provides access to your device settings and allows you to monitor the status of your Ring devices.
Ring Chime Pro offers enhanced integration with the Ring ecosystem. Its Wi-Fi extending capabilities can improve the performance of all your Ring devices, including those located further away from your router. This can lead to a more reliable and responsive smart home security system. Both options are easy to integrate.
Audio Quality and Customization
Both devices offer similar audio quality for the chime tones, providing clear and audible notifications throughout your home. You can choose from a range of pre-selected chime tones or customize the sound to your preference. Both devices offer volume control, allowing you to adjust the loudness to suit your environment. The audio quality is adequate for its intended purpose.
The Ring Chime Pro also includes a “Do Not Disturb” mode, which allows you to silence the chime notifications when you don’t want to be disturbed. This feature can be useful during meetings, naps, or other times when you prefer a quiet environment. Both chimes are easy to manage and customize via the Ring app.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Ring Chime If…
- You need a simple and affordable chime for your Ring devices.
- You don’t need the Wi-Fi extending capabilities of the Pro model.
- You have a small home or apartment where Wi-Fi range isn’t a major concern.
- You are looking for a basic, easy-to-use chime solution.
Buy Ring Chime Pro If…
- You need to extend the Wi-Fi range for your Ring devices.
- You have a larger home or a property with areas that have weak Wi-Fi signal.
- You want enhanced features such as improved audio quality.
- You want a device that can integrate with more smart home devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro?
The primary difference is the Ring Chime Pro’s built-in Wi-Fi extender. This feature boosts the Wi-Fi signal to your Ring devices, improving connectivity and performance. The standard Ring Chime does not have this capability, acting solely as an audible chime.
Does the Ring Chime Pro improve video quality?
The Ring Chime Pro does not directly improve the video quality of your Ring Doorbell. However, by providing a stronger and more stable Wi-Fi connection, it can reduce buffering and improve the reliability of video streaming, leading to a smoother viewing experience. It does not alter the camera’s resolution.
Is the Ring Chime Pro difficult to set up?
No, the Ring Chime Pro is easy to set up. You simply plug it into a standard power outlet and follow the instructions in the Ring app. The setup process is straightforward and typically takes only a few minutes, similar to the standard Ring Chime. The app guides you through the process.
Can I use the Ring Chime without a Ring Video Doorbell?
No, the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro are designed to work with Ring Video Doorbells and other Ring devices. They are not standalone devices and require a compatible Ring product to function. They are extensions of the Ring ecosystem.
Does the Ring Chime Pro work with other Wi-Fi devices?
The Ring Chime Pro primarily extends the Wi-Fi signal for Ring devices. While it might slightly improve overall Wi-Fi coverage, it is optimized for Ring products and its primary benefit is for them. It’s not designed to replace a full home Wi-Fi system.
What happens if the power goes out?
If the power goes out, the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro will not function. They require a constant power supply to operate. Your Ring Video Doorbell will still record events if it has battery power or is hardwired, but you won’t receive audible alerts from the chimes. The recorded events are saved.
Can I customize the chime sound?
Yes, both the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro allow you to customize the chime sound. You can choose from a variety of pre-selected tones or set a custom chime sound within the Ring app. You can also adjust the volume to your preference.
Final Verdict
The Ring Chime Pro offers significant advantages for those experiencing Wi-Fi issues with their Ring devices, thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi extender. While the standard Ring Chime provides basic functionality at a lower cost, the Chime Pro’s ability to improve connectivity makes it the better overall choice for most users, ensuring more reliable performance and a better user experience.
Winner: Ring Chime Pro