The new Ring Wired Video Doorbell Elite (2nd-gen) is positioned as a premium, professionally-oriented smart doorbell with an asking price of £449.99 / $449.99. This second-generation model represents a significant improvement over the original Elite unit, which had been available for nearly eight years.
Key to its advancement is the combination of top-tier camera hardware and native Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity. This feature offers reliability and image quality that Wi-Fi doorbells reportedly struggle to match. While maintaining an unmistakable Ring design, the device appears more purpose-built, offering mounting options for both flush in-wall installation and surface mounting, both featuring rubber cushioning for moisture protection.
For existing users, the blue backbox is compatible with the previous generation, simplifying the upgrade process. Furthermore, Ring has revised the hardware by replacing old security screws with a dedicated removal tool for easier detachment of the unit’s components.
The video performance is highlighted as the standout feature. It incorporates a new Retinal 4K sensor, which delivers exceptionally sharp daytime footage with rich, natural colours and sufficient detail to make the 10x zoom genuinely useful. In low-light conditions, the Low-Light Sight colour night vision is described as impressive, producing bright and detailed footage in scenarios where many rivals use muddy monochrome infrared. Although some occasional flickering between infrared and colour modes was noted, the two-way audio call quality remains among the clearest available on the market.
Operationally, the doorbell features a radar-powered 3D Motion Detection system, an improvement over older Ring models that provides accurate alerts with fewer false triggers. A separate feature, Retinal Tuning AI, is available but was found by the reviewer to be rarely necessary given the excellent native Ethernet feed. It must be noted that this specific feature, along with many others, requires a subscription payment.
However, the device’s reliance on a Ring Home subscription to fully utilize its potential is identified as its most contentious aspect. Out of the box, basic functions such as live view, two-way audio, notifications, and basic motion alerts are provided. Conversely, advanced features—including 24/7 recording, smart search, AI-powered Video Descriptions, Familiar Faces beta, and Smart Responses—all require a paid plan.
The reviewer critiques this paywalling structure, finding it particularly excessive for a premium device intended for luxury or professional installations. This critique is heightened by the availability of competitors like Reolink and Aqara, which reportedly offer comparable AI detection, excellent image quality, and local storage at lower costs and without such aggressive subscription requirements.
The overall experience on the Ring app is noted as remaining excellent, featuring a clean Event History page that allows users to quickly review and download footage using useful filtering options presented in a thumbnail-based timeline. Nevertheless, the ongoing cost of the required subscription significantly increases the total investment needed for this smart home ecosystem.
In conclusion, the Ring Wired Video Doorbell Elite (2nd-gen) is assessed as easily the best video doorbell Ring has ever created. It offers superb 4K footage, impressive low-light performance, and the reliability derived from native PoE connectivity. It is presented as a true flagship device for serious smart home enthusiasts and luxury properties where budget constraints are negligible. Yet, both the high upfront cost and the supplementary subscription fees needed for optimal feature access make it prohibitively expensive for most consumers, suggesting that those unwilling to pay a premium might find better alternatives in cheaper Ring doorbells or rival brands with similar AI features but without demanding monetization strategies.
Source: Trusted Reviews