Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: The Las Vegas Stress Test
After 8 months of grueling Las Vegas weather, constant deliveries, and the occasional desert windstorm, here's my comprehensive review of the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2. This isn't just specs and features - it's real-world performance from someone who actually lives with this device every day.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is the best doorbell I've tested, especially if you have existing doorbell wiring. It's not cheap, but the reliability and features justify the cost for most homeowners.
Buy it if: You have doorbell wiring, want the best video quality, and don't mind a subscription Skip it if: You're on a tight budget, don't have existing wiring, or want local storage only
Why I Chose the Pro 2
After my previous battery-powered Ring doorbell started failing in Vegas winter (yes, that's a thing), I decided to go hardwired. The Pro 2 offers:
- Hardwired power - no battery anxiety
- Higher resolution - 1536p vs 1080p
- 3D Motion Detection - fewer false alerts
- Pre-Roll - see 4 seconds before motion triggered
Installation: Surprisingly Smooth
Time Required: 45 minutes Difficulty: 4/10 (need basic electrical knowledge) Tools: Wire strippers, screwdriver, drill
My Setup Process:
- Turned off breaker to doorbell circuit
- Removed old doorbell and checked voltage (16V - perfect)
- Installed new mounting bracket (required drilling 2 holes)
- Connected wires (just two wires - simple)
- Attached Pro 2 and powered on
- App setup (10 minutes of WiFi configuration)
Installation Gotcha: My 1970s doorbell transformer was only 8V. Had to upgrade to a 16V transformer ($25 + electrician $75). Check your voltage first!
Video Quality: Outstanding
📹 Resolution: 10/10
- 1536p recording is noticeably sharper than standard 1080p
- HDR support handles Vegas sun/shadow contrasts beautifully
- Color Night Vision works surprisingly well with porch light
📐 Field of View: 9/10
- 150° horizontal, 90° vertical captures entire porch area
- Head-to-toe view shows packages clearly
- Wide enough to see people approaching from sides
🎬 Pre-Roll Feature: 9/10
This is a game-changer. You get 4 seconds of video BEFORE motion was detected. Sounds minor, but it means you actually see the person walking up instead of just them already at your door.
Las Vegas Weather Performance
☀️ Summer Heat (110°F+): 9/10
- No overheating warnings during 115°F days
- Video quality remained consistent in extreme heat
- Hardwired power eliminates battery heat issues
- Direct sun glare handled well with HDR
🌬️ Dust/Wind Resistance: 8/10
- Monsoon survival: No issues during heavy dust storms
- Daily dust: Easy to clean, no buildup affecting video
- Wind: Sturdy mounting, no vibration issues
❄️ Winter Performance: 10/10
- No cold weather failures like my previous battery model
- Consistent operation down to 35°F nights
- Hardwired advantage really shows in winter
3D Motion Detection: The Real MVP
This feature alone justifies the Pro 2's higher price:
How It Works:
- Creates 3D zones around your property
- Learns the difference between people, packages, and cars
- Reduces false alerts from shadows, leaves, cars
My Results:
- 90% fewer false alerts compared to standard motion detection
- Package detection works about 80% of the time
- Person alerts are 95% accurate
Vegas-Specific Benefits:
- Ignores tumbleweeds (seriously, this was a problem before)
- Handles delivery trucks without constant alerts
- Works with desert landscape lighting changes
App Experience: Good with Caveats
✅ What Works Well:
- Live view connects in 2-3 seconds
- Two-way audio is clear and responsive
- Motion alerts arrive within 10 seconds
- Video history is easy to browse
- Guest sharing works smoothly
❌ Frustrations:
- Occasional app crashes (maybe once a week)
- Live view timeout after 10 minutes (security feature, but annoying)
- Subscription required for most useful features
📱 Ring Protect Subscription: Required
Cost: $3/month or $30/year per device Includes: Video history, smart alerts, snapshot capture
Without the subscription, you only get live view and basic motion alerts. The subscription is basically mandatory for useful functionality.
Smart Home Integration
🔌 Alexa Integration: 10/10
- "Show front door" works instantly on Echo devices
- Motion announcements through Alexa speakers
- Two-way talk through Echo devices
📱 iOS/Android: 9/10
- Widgets show recent activity
- Lock screen notifications with video preview
- Siri shortcuts for common commands
🏠 SmartThings/HomeKit: 6/10
- Limited integration with non-Amazon platforms
- No HomeKit support (dealbreaker for some)
Real-World Scenarios
📦 Package Deliveries: 9/10
What I Love:
- Package alerts when boxes are detected
- Pre-roll shows delivery approach
- Two-way audio for delivery instructions
Minor Issue:
- Package detection misses flat envelopes sometimes
🚪 Visitor Management: 10/10
- Quick response to doorbell presses
- Clear audio for conversations
- Video quality good enough to identify visitors clearly
🚗 Vehicle/Pet False Alerts: 9/10
- 3D detection ignores cars in driveway
- Pet detection works for larger dogs, misses cats
- Much better than previous generation
Battery vs Hardwired: Why Hardwired Wins
Having used both, here's why hardwired is superior in Vegas:
🔋 Battery Doorbell Issues:
- Heat kills batteries faster (3 months vs 6+ months advertised)
- Cold weather failures in winter
- Charging anxiety when traveling
⚡ Hardwired Advantages:
- 24/7 operation without power concerns
- Better video quality (no power-saving mode)
- Continuous recording options
- No weather-related power issues
Installation Considerations
✅ You're Good to Go If:
- Existing doorbell wiring present
- 16-24V transformer (check with multimeter)
- Strong WiFi signal at front door
- Willing to pay for Ring Protect subscription
❌ Consider Alternatives If:
- No existing wiring (battery model or hire electrician)
- Weak WiFi signal (need extender first)
- Budget under $200 (get Ring Video Doorbell 4)
- Want local storage only (consider Eufy or Arlo)
Cost Analysis
Upfront Costs:
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: $249
- Installation: $0-150 (DIY vs professional)
- Transformer upgrade: $0-100 (if needed)
- Total initial: $249-499
Ongoing Costs:
- Ring Protect subscription: $30/year
- 5-year cost: $399-649 total
Value Justification:
- Security peace of mind
- Package theft prevention
- Convenience of screening visitors
- Home insurance discounts (varies by provider)
Competition Comparison
vs Ring Video Doorbell 4 (Battery):
- Pro 2 wins: Better video, 3D detection, hardwired reliability
- Doorbell 4 wins: Lower cost, easier installation
vs Nest Doorbell (Wired):
- Pro 2 wins: Better app, wider ecosystem, 3D motion
- Nest wins: Better integration with Google services
vs Eufy Video Doorbell:
- Pro 2 wins: Better video quality, more features, cloud reliability
- Eufy wins: Local storage, no subscription required
Long-Term Reliability
After 8 months of daily use:
📱 Software Updates: 8/10
- Regular firmware updates with new features
- App improvements every few months
- Backward compatibility maintained
🔧 Hardware Durability: 9/10
- No physical wear visible after 8 months
- Weather seal holding up perfectly
- Button response still crisp
📶 WiFi Stability: 7/10
- Occasional disconnects (maybe once a month)
- Quick recovery when WiFi restored
- Range sensitive - needs strong signal
Who Should Buy the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
✅ Perfect For:
- Homeowners with existing doorbell wiring
- Tech enthusiasts who want the latest features
- Busy families with frequent deliveries
- Security-conscious homeowners
- Amazon ecosystem users
❌ Consider Alternatives If:
- Renters who can't modify wiring
- Budget shoppers looking for basic functionality
- Privacy advocates concerned about cloud storage
- Google/Apple ecosystem exclusive users
Final Verdict: 4.6/5 Stars
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is an excellent smart doorbell that performs exceptionally well in Las Vegas conditions. The 3D motion detection, pre-roll feature, and hardwired reliability make it worth the premium price.
What Seals the Deal:
- Consistent performance in extreme weather
- Excellent video quality for identification
- Smart features that actually work
- Strong ecosystem integration
What Holds It Back:
- Subscription requirement for key features
- Higher upfront cost vs battery models
- Installation complexity for some homes
Would I buy it again? Absolutely. After 8 months, I can't imagine going back to a battery doorbell or a traditional peephole.
FAQ
Q: Does it work without internet?
A: Basic doorbell chime works, but no smart features. You need WiFi for app functionality.
Q: How much bandwidth does it use?
A: About 1-2 GB per month with normal use. Heavy live viewing increases this significantly.
Q: Can I use existing chime?
A: Yes, but you might need a Ring Chime Pro for better WiFi coverage and custom sounds.
Q: What about privacy concerns?
A: Ring has had privacy issues in the past. Check their current privacy settings and policies before buying.
This review is based on 8 months of daily use in Las Vegas, Nevada. Product purchased at full retail price. All opinions are honest and based on real-world testing.
Last Updated: August 2025
Firmware Version: 2.4.7
Ring Protect Plan: Basic ($30/year)
