Doorbell cameras aren’t just for homeowners. We have a lineup of the best Ring doorbells for renters and apartment-dwellers.
Ring Doorbells for Renters
July 12, 2022
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From contactless deliveries to revolutionizing ding-dong ditch, video doorbells have changed a lot for homeowners and renters alike. The biggest name in that game is Ring.
The company has a handful of snazzy doorbells for anyone who lives in an apartment or has a landlord they need to keep happy.
Check out our Ring FAQ to learn more about Ring's security system.
Which Ring Doorbell works for your rental?
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Compare Ring doorbells for renters
Doorbell | Price | Power source | Pre-roll | Video quality | Learn more | |
| Best for apartments | $149.99 | Batteries |  No | 1080p | View on Amazon | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget pick | $99.99 | Batteries or hardwired | No | 1080p | View on Amazon | |
| Best advanced settings | $179.99 | Batteries or hardwired | No | 1080p | View on Amazon | |
| Style pick | $169.99 | Hardwired |  Yes | 1080p | View on Amazon | |
| Luxury pick | $349.99 | Power over Ethernet | No | 1080p | View on Amazon |
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
1. Ring Peephole Camera
Ring Peephole Camera
The Ring Peephole Camera is kind of a renter's dream. And all you need is a peephole in your door. There are no holes or screws required, and the instructions are pretty straightforward.
All you have to do is unscrew the peephole in your door and then put the camera over it. That's it!
Plus, it sports 1080p resolution, two-way audio, custom motion zones, a 155° field of vision, and knock detection.
And if someone rings the doorbell or knocks, you'll know and you can see them via live feed on your phone.
The best part is it can move with you if you get a new place. Well, as long as that new place has a peephole.
More safety tips for apartment-dwellers
New to apartment life or not sure how to keep your slice of the city secure? Check out a few of these apartment safety guides:
2. Ring Video Doorbell
Ring Video Doorbell
Next up, we have the standard Ring Video Doorbell. This is the OG, the flagship, the one that started it all.
The standard doorbell is the most affordable of the bunch. It costs just around $100 and can be battery operated or hardwired, making it super flexible for renters of all types whether you're in a house or an apartment.
And, like other members of the Ring family, it has 1080p vision, two-way talk, and motion settings to respect the privacy of neighbors or those going by.
It doesn't have any of the fancy features like pre-roll (we'll get into that later). But it is super easy to install and makes a great starter doorbell for someone who's been curious but not ready for a big price or installation commitment.
Want your Ring to run on batteries?
If you hook up your Ring doorbell by battery, you’ll need to drill some holes in the wall. It's not going to cause much more damage than hanging a sign or a wreath, but we still recommend checking with your landlord before jumping in.
3. Ring 3 and Ring 3 Plus
Ring Doorbell 3
The Ring 3 and 3 Plus are like the original Ring’s fancy cousins. The audio and video quality are pretty much the same and they look very similar, but you get a lot better night vision for the 3 or 3 Plus. So if you live in a rural area or just a darkly lit street, they might be a better option for you.
What's the difference?
All of Ring’s doorbells have 1080p video, two-way audio, and features like motion zones. But the big difference between the Ring 3 and Ring 3 Plus is pre-roll.
What is pre-roll?
The 3 and 3 Plus also have better privacy and motion settings. But the biggest difference between the 3 and the 3 Plus is pre-roll. It's kind of like filming before filming.
Your video doorbell will give you a quick black-and-white glimpse of what's going on just before someone rings the doorbell. Like a prologue to your video clips, it'll give you a little more context to what your doorbell was seeing.
4. Ring Pro and Doorbell Elite
Ring Doorbell Pro
The Ring Pro and Doorbell Elite are like the crème de la crème of the Ring family. And while they're great cameras, they're not as great for renters.
For example, the Doorbell Elite requires professional installation for its power over ethernet which does deliver a faster picture and better live feed, but it's kind of a pain. And both of these doorbells are pretty dang expensive and need to be hardwired as well.
Ring Doorbell Elite
So, unless your landlord is really okay with replacing the existing doorbell altogether, we don't recommend these for renters.
Our picks for renters
Out of all the Ring doorbells and the renter-friendly rainbow, the Peephole Camera is our personal favorite. It's non-invasive, super affordable, and doesn't skip on any of the cool features. That said, it's not really that helpful if you don't have a peephole.
If that's the case, we recommend the standard Ring Doorbell. We like that you can hardwire it or use batteries. It's pretty non-invasive other than a couple little holes on the outside of your house. Plus, it's a really good starter doorbell. It comes with all of the standard features like motion detection, video clips, and a few extras like video storage with a Ring Protect subscription.
Need help with setup? Check out our Ring doorbell troubleshooting guide.
Curious about how video doorbells work? Learn more: What is a Ring Doorbell and How Does it Work?
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