Best smart doorbells to buy in 2026 Review

Smart doorbells have quickly gone from a nice extra to an everyday essential, letting you see who is at the door, talk to delivery drivers and keep an eye on your home from anywhere. If you are shopping in 2026, the choice can feel overwhelming, especially when many models look very similar on paper.

To make things simpler, we have focused on some of the best-rated Ring smart doorbells and accessories currently available. From easy-fit battery doorbells to higher-end Pro models and the Chime Pro accessory, each pick has its own strengths and trade-offs.

Rather than list every option on the market, we have narrowed it down to a handful of smart, reliable choices so you can find the right fit for your home, budget and DIY comfort level.

Table of Contents

Why you can trust our picks

Our recommendations are based on a combination of real-world owner feedback, specification sheets and current pricing, not just glossy marketing claims. We pay close attention to customer ratings and review counts, so highly rated products with a solid volume of reviews stand out more than those with only a handful of early opinions.

We also look carefully at usability and value. That means weighing up convenience features like battery power vs hardwiring, how simple the setup is likely to be, and whether the asking price feels fair for the feature set. A slightly cheaper device is not always better if it is harder to live with day to day.

Finally, we keep an eye on the broader smart security market so we can put each product into context. That helps us highlight where a model genuinely offers something compelling, and where there may be compromises you should know about before you buy.

How we chose these smart doorbells

To choose the best smart doorbells, we started by looking at models within a proven, popular ecosystem so you can expand easily with extra cameras, chimes or lights over time. The products here are all from Ring, which offers a wide range of options, good app support and strong UK availability.

Within that range we prioritised devices with consistently high ratings, backing that up with meaningful review counts. A 4.5+ score from dozens or hundreds of owners carries more weight than a perfect score from only a few early buyers.

We also looked at how each model fits different homes. Battery models appeal if you want simple, wire-free installation, while hardwired or plug-in options are better if you prefer a fit-and-forget solution. Accessories like the Chime Pro can also transform the experience in homes with patchy Wi-Fi or where not everyone has the app.

The end result is a short list that covers budget-friendly starters through to premium, always-powered video doorbells, so you can choose confidently without trawling through endless specifications.

The best smart doorbells we recommend

Every home is slightly different, so the best smart doorbell for you depends on where your router is, whether you can run wiring and how much you want to spend. The picks below cover easy battery-powered installs, higher-spec Pro models and a handy Wi-Fi and chime upgrade.

Use the summaries to match a doorbell to your front door setup, how often you get deliveries and whether you want the simplest option or the best performance.

Our top pick:

Ring Video Doorbell Smart Doorbell

Best all-round Ring doorbell
Typically around £100 at the time of writing, making it a strong value pick for a full-featured smart doorbell.
Outstanding 4.9 out of 5 rating from 17 customer reviews.

A great-value smart doorbell that gives you Ring’s core features, strong picture quality and excellent reviews at around the £100 mark.

Pros

With a 4.9 out of 5 rating from its owners, this Ring Video Doorbell clearly hits the sweet spot between price, performance and reliability. At around £100, it opens the door to the Ring ecosystem without feeling like a big investment. You still get the core benefits of a smart doorbell, including live video, motion alerts and the ability to talk to visitors from your phone. As a mainstream Ring model it works seamlessly with other Ring devices and popular smart home platforms, so you can add cameras or chimes later if you wish.

Cons

As a more affordable model, it will not have all the advanced image quality and fine-tuned features of the Pro 2 range, so if you want the sharpest possible video you may feel a little limited. Power and installation details are also simpler than premium options, which is great for ease of use but means fewer customisation options for complex front door setups.

Ideal for...

This model is ideal if you want an affordable, straightforward introduction to smart doorbells without sacrificing reliability. It suits small to medium-sized homes where front door Wi-Fi is reasonably strong and you simply want to see and talk to visitors from your phone. If you are not sure how far you will go with smart home tech, this is a safe, well-reviewed starting point.

Other great options:

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus Smart Doorbell

Best value battery-powered Ring
Usually about £102, sitting at the affordable end of battery-powered smart doorbells.
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 167 customer reviews, which is very strong for this type of product.

A flexible battery-powered doorbell with strong ratings and a slightly larger body, ideal if you want simple DIY installation with a bit more capability.

Pros

The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus is an easy recommendation if you want wire-free installation but do not want to compromise on features. Its 4.6 out of 5 rating from a substantial 167 reviews shows that owners are generally very happy with the experience. As a battery-powered model it is simple to install – ideal if you are renting or do not have existing doorbell wiring. The slightly higher price than the basic model reflects the more advanced design and feature set, and being within just a couple of pounds of our top pick keeps it comfortably in reach for most buyers.

Cons

Being battery-powered means you will have to remove and recharge the doorbell from time to time, which may be inconvenient if your front door is very busy. At around £100 it is still an investment, and if you are happy to tackle wiring, a Pro 2 model might offer a more polished long-term solution despite the higher price.

Ideal for...

Choose the Battery Video Doorbell Plus if you want a little more capability than the most basic units, but still value easy DIY installation. It is well suited to renters and anyone who cannot alter wiring, as it can be fitted and removed without leaving much trace. It is also a good match for busy households that want a dependable, flexible doorbell without stepping up to the full Pro range.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 Hardwired Smart Doorbell HD+ 1536p

Best hardwired Ring doorbell
Generally around £199, firmly in the premium bracket for smart doorbells.
Solid 4.5 out of 5 from 68 customer reviews.

A premium hardwired Ring doorbell with crisp HD+ 1536p video, perfect if you can power it from existing wiring and want a fit-and-forget setup.

Pros

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 Hardwired is designed for homes that can supply continuous power, and it rewards you with consistently high performance. Its HD+ 1536p resolution delivers sharper, more detailed video than basic models, which can make all the difference when you want to see faces and text clearly. A 4.5 out of 5 rating from 68 reviews is strong for a more premium device, suggesting most owners feel the upgrade is worthwhile. Once installed, you do not have to think about battery charging, and the slim, modern design looks neater on the wall than many chunky battery units.

Cons

At around £199 it is a clear step up in cost compared with basic Ring doorbells, so you will want to be sure you value the better video quality and always-on power. Installation can be more involved, particularly if you do not already have suitable wiring, and you may need professional help if you are not confident working with electrics.

Ideal for...

The Pro 2 Hardwired is best for homeowners who can take advantage of existing wiring or are happy to invest in a more permanent installation. It suits front doors that see frequent visitors or deliveries, where sharper video and constant power really pay off. If you are building out a more serious smart security setup, this is the Ring doorbell that feels most like a long-term fixture.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 Plug-In Smart Doorbell HD+ 1536p

Best plug-in Ring doorbell
Priced at roughly £200, this is one of the higher-end options in the Ring range.
Also rated 4.5 out of 5 from 68 customer reviews, matching the hardwired Pro 2.

All the quality of the Pro 2 in a plug-in format, great if you have a socket nearby and want constant power without wiring work.

Pros

If you like the idea of the Pro 2 but cannot or do not want to hardwire it, the plug-in version is a clever alternative. You get the same HD+ 1536p video quality and smart features as the hardwired model, but power comes from an indoor plug rather than your existing doorbell cabling. This is ideal if you have a socket on the other side of the wall or nearby, giving you the convenience of always-on power without calling in an electrician. Its 4.5 out of 5 rating from 68 reviews mirrors the hardwired version, which is reassuring if you are opting for the plug-in route.

Cons

The reliance on a nearby power socket means it will not suit every hallway or front door layout, and you may end up with a visible cable run that not everyone will love. It is also priced at roughly £200, which is firmly in premium territory, so it is overkill if you only need a simple, low-cost smart doorbell.

Ideal for...

Pick the Pro 2 Plug-In if you want premium video and features, but are put off by the idea of fiddling with mains wiring. It is a strong option for hallways or porches with an accessible indoor socket, especially in flats or homes where altering existing electrics is not practical. For many people it strikes the perfect balance between high performance and simple installation.

Ring Chime Pro

Best Ring add-on for bigger homes
Usually around £49, a modest add-on cost to boost your existing Ring setup.
Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 507 customer reviews, showing it is a popular and proven accessory.

A combined chime and Wi-Fi extender that helps your Ring doorbell stay connected and ensures you never miss a ring indoors.

Pros

The Ring Chime Pro fills two common gaps in smart doorbell setups: weak Wi-Fi at the front door and the lack of a traditional chime sound indoors. By acting as both a chime and a Wi-Fi extender for Ring devices, it helps reduce lag, missed notifications and connection dropouts, especially in larger homes. Owners rate it at 4.2 out of 5 across a very impressive 507 reviews, which suggests that it solves real-world issues for many households. If some family members do not have the Ring app or do not always have their phone to hand, an audible chime in key rooms can make a big difference.

Cons

On its own, the Chime Pro does not add any new camera or recording capabilities, so it is an extra expense on top of your existing Ring device. If your Wi-Fi is already strong near the front door and everyone is happy using their phones for notifications, you may not notice a big difference day to day.

Ideal for...

The Ring Chime Pro is ideal if your doorbell sometimes loses connection, or if you live in a larger property where phone notifications are easily missed. It is also a great add-on for families, ensuring everyone can hear the door even if their mobiles are on silent or in another room. If you already own a Ring doorbell and want to make it more reliable and noticeable, this is the natural upgrade.

FAQs

Are smart doorbells worth it in the UK?

For most homes, a smart doorbell is a worthwhile upgrade. You can see and talk to whoever is at your door from your phone, even if you are out, which is excellent for parcel deliveries and security. They also provide video clips if someone comes to the door unexpectedly. The main ongoing cost to consider is any optional cloud recording subscription.
Not necessarily. Battery-powered Ring doorbells can be installed without any existing wiring and simply fix to the wall, then charge via USB when needed. The Pro 2 models are designed for either hardwired or plug-in power, so they suit homes with existing doorbell wiring or a convenient indoor socket near the front door.
Battery life varies depending on how busy your front door is and how often you use live view, but many households see several weeks between charges. High-traffic areas or frequent motion alerts will shorten this. If you want to minimise charging altogether, a wired or plug-in model like the Pro 2 may be a better choice.
You do not have to buy a separate chime, because your phone or smart speakers can notify you when someone rings. However, a dedicated chime like the Ring Chime Pro is handy if you want a traditional doorbell sound in the house, or if not everyone at home has the app installed on their phone.
Most smart doorbells will work fine with a standard home broadband router, as long as your Wi-Fi signal is strong at the front door. Solid walls and distance from the router can weaken the signal, which can cause laggy video or missed notifications. A device like Ring Chime Pro can help extend coverage and make the connection more reliable.
You can use a Ring doorbell without a subscription for live view and instant notifications. A subscription is only needed if you want to store and review video recordings over time. Many households find the basic cloud plan good value for the extra peace of mind, but it is optional.
Smart doorbells from major brands use encrypted connections to protect your footage, and you control who can access your account. You should still use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication for extra security. It is also worth adjusting motion zones so you are only recording where you need to, such as your own drive or front garden.
Battery models are easier to install and ideal if you are renting or do not have existing wiring. You just need to be happy charging them every so often. Wired or plug-in models like the Ring Pro 2 are better if you want a fit-and-forget solution with consistent power and often slightly better performance, but they may need more involved installation.

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