Ring is a prominent brand in the home security market, providing a range of devices designed to cater to diverse needs.
Within their product offerings are two Ring Chime options:
- Ring Chime.
- Ring Chime Pro.
For individuals who currently own a Ring device or have recently purchased one, this article aims to present a comparison between the Ring Chime and Chime Pro.
What is Ring Chime?
Ring Chime is a smart home device that lets you see and speak with visitors at your door. It’s available in two versions: Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro.
Ring Chime is a video doorbell with chimes, while Ring Chime Pro adds extra features like live streaming and night vision.
What is Ring Chime Pro?
Ring Chime Pro is an advanced version of the Ring Chime, serving as a Wi-Fi extender for Ring devices, a nightlight, and a chime box for real-time notifications. It enhances device connectivity, offers dual-band Wi-Fi, and has a built-in nightlight for added convenience and security.
Compared to the base version, the Ring Chime Pro ensures a stronger connection to your Ring cameras and doorbells, improving their performance and providing peace of mind to homeowners.
Ring Chime Features
- Crystal Clear Audio: Experience high-quality audio notifications from your Ring devices, ensuring you never miss a visitor or crucial security alert.
- Customizable Tones: Choose from a wide variety of chime tones to suit your taste, adding a touch of fun and personality to your home security system.
- Do Not Disturb Mode: Enjoy your downtime without interruption by enabling the Do Not Disturb mode, ensuring you stay relaxed while your Ring devices continue to monitor your home.
- Easy Plug-and-Play Setup: Plug the Ring Chime into any standard power outlet, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and you’re good to go—effortless home security at its finest!
- Compatible with Multiple Devices: Seamlessly integrate the Ring Chime with various Ring devices, such as video doorbells and security cameras, creating a comprehensive and interconnected security system for your home.
Ring Chime Pro Features
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Enjoy faster and more reliable connectivity with the Ring Chime Pro’s dual-band Wi-Fi, ensuring your Ring devices remain connected and always responsive.
- Wi-Fi Extender: Extend the Wi-Fi signal of your Ring devices with the Ring Chime Pro’s built-in extender, ensuring even greater coverage and performance throughout your home.
- Nightlight Functionality: The Ring Chime Pro doubles as a convenient nightlight, providing a soft glow that can be customized to suit your preferences and adding an extra layer of security to your home.
- Multiple Chime Tones: Choose from various chime tones and volume levels, enabling you to personalize the Ring Chime Pro’s notification settings to your liking.
- Easy Installation: Setting up the Ring Chime Pro is a breeze, with a simple plug-and-play installation process that can be completed in minutes. With its advanced features and ease of use, the Ring Chime Pro is the perfect addition to any smart home security system.
Ring Chime vs Chime Pro: Comparison
| Feature | Ring Chime | Ring Chime Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Compatible with Ring devices | Compatible with Ring devices |
| Alert Tones and Volume | Customizable alert tones and volume | Customizable alert tones and volume |
| Wi-Fi Extender Functionality | None | Dual functionality as a Wi-Fi extender |
| Range and Connectivity | Standard range and connectivity | Improved range and connectivity |
| Nightlight Feature | None | Built-in nightlight feature |
| Price | Lower price point | Higher price point |
| Device Customization | Limited customization options | Advanced customization options |
| App Management | Basic management via Ring app | Dedicated Chime Pro section in Ring app |
| Aesthetics and Design | Compact, minimalist design | Slightly larger, modern design |
| Power Options and Flexibility | Plugs into a power outlet, option for extension cord | Basic security features via the Ring app |
| Security and Privacy | Plugs into a power outlet, option for the extension cord | Enhanced security with advanced Wi-Fi settings |
| Performance and Reliability | Consistent in smaller homes/strong Wi-Fi areas | Improved performance due to Wi-Fi extender |
| Installation and Setup | Simple installation and quick setup | Easy installation and guided setup |
| Chime Scheduling | None | Customizable chime scheduling |
| Enhanced Audio Quality | None | Clearer and louder alerts |
| Smart Home Integration | Basic compatibility with smart devices | Improved compatibility and integrations |
Factors to consider before upgrading to Ring Chiime Pro
Before you decide to upgrade, it’s important to consider the following factors:
The Size of Your Home and Wi-Fi Coverage
When deciding whether to upgrade to Ring Chime Pro, it’s essential to consider the size of your home and the strength of your Wi-Fi coverage. If you live in a smaller home or apartment with strong Wi-Fi coverage, the standard Ring Chime may be sufficient for your needs.
However, if you have a larger home or experience weak Wi-Fi signals in certain areas, the Chime Pro’s Wi-Fi extender functionality could significantly improve your Ring devices’ performance and connectivity.
Importance of Improved Connectivity for Ring Devices
Consider how crucial it is for your Ring devices to have a stable and reliable connection. If you depend on Ring security cameras, doorbells, and other smart devices for safety and convenience, upgrading to the Ring Chime Pro can enhance connectivity and reduce the chances of missing important notifications or events.
By ensuring your Ring devices remain connected, the Chime Pro can help maintain the effectiveness and responsiveness of your smart home ecosystem.
The Value of Additional Features, Such as the Nightlight
Assess the importance of the additional features that come with the Ring Chime Pro, such as the built-in nightlight. The nightlight can provide soft, ambient lighting for added safety and convenience during nighttime hours.
If you find this feature valuable or feel it would enhance your home’s comfort and functionality, upgrading to the Chime Pro may be worth considering.
Budget and Price Differences
Lastly, evaluate your budget and the price difference between the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro. While the Chime Pro offers a range of improved features and functionalities, it comes at a higher price point.
Determine if the benefits of upgrading outweigh the additional cost and whether investing in the Chime Pro aligns with your budget and financial priorities.
If you feel that the enhanced features justify the extra expense, upgrading to the Ring Chime Pro can be a worthwhile investment for your smart home ecosystem.
Pros of upgrading to Ring Chime Pro
You should upgrade to Ring Chime Pro if you:
- Want improved connectivity and range: The Ring Chime Pro has a stronger Wi-Fi connection, which means it will work better even when your phone is far from the doorbell.
- Need a Wi-Fi extender for your entire home: You can use the Ring Chime Pro as a standalone device or connect it to your existing network; either way, this feature makes connecting other devices easier in areas with poor signal strength (like basements).
Cons of upgrading to Ring Chime Pro
Higher price point: The Ring Chime Pro costs $99, while the standard Ring Chime is $49. Upgrading may not be necessary if you have a small home with strong Wi-Fi coverage.
Not essential for all users: For those with smaller homes or strong Wi-Fi coverage, upgrading to Ring Chime Pro may not provide significant benefits, making the additional expense unnecessary.
Possible redundancy with existing Wi-Fi extenders: If you already have a Wi-Fi extender that covers your Ring devices, the Wi-Fi extender functionality of the Chime Pro may be redundant.
Conclusion
While there are some drawbacks to upgrading to the Ring Chime Pro, such as the higher price point and potential redundancy with existing Wi-Fi extenders, its benefits outweigh these concerns for many users.
If your budget allows, upgrading to the Ring Chime Pro can allow you to get your hands on additional features such as the built-in nightlight. Considering the enhanced functionality and convenience that the Chime Pro offers, it may be a worthy investment for your smart home ecosystem.
