If you live in a small apartment, choosing the right Ring Doorbell with an optimal viewing angle is crucial for maximizing security without blind spots. This list covers the best Ring Doorbell models and their viewing angles, specifically tailored to compact living spaces where entryways and hallways are limited. Whether you want to monitor your front door, a narrow hallway, or a shared entryway, these options will help you pick the perfect device for your apartment.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 – 150° Horizontal and 150° Vertical
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 offers one of the widest viewing angles in the Ring lineup, with a 150-degree horizontal and 150-degree vertical field of view. This 3D Motion Detection capability lets you monitor both the ground and the upper door area, which is ideal for small apartments where you need to cover a narrow but tall doorway or stairwell. Its slim design also fits flush against walls, making it unobtrusive in compact spaces.
Ring Video Doorbell 4 – 160° Horizontal, 90° Vertical
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 features a broad 160-degree horizontal viewing angle, making it excellent for wide entryways or small apartment corridors. Though its vertical angle is narrower at 90 degrees, it still captures enough detail to see packages on the floor or visitors’ faces clearly. Its color Pre-Roll feature captures 4 seconds of video before motion is detected, which is useful in tight spaces where people quickly move in and out of view.
Ring Video Doorbell Wired – 160° Horizontal, 90° Vertical
This budget-friendly option offers the same 160-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical viewing angles as the Video Doorbell 4 but requires existing doorbell wiring. Its slim profile is perfect for apartments with limited wall space, and the wide horizontal angle ensures you can see anyone approaching from either side of a narrow entryway. The wired connection also means no battery swaps, ideal for renters who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 – 160° Horizontal, 90° Vertical
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is similar to the Video Doorbell 4 in viewing angles and overall performance but lacks some newer features like Pre-Roll. Still, its 160-degree horizontal view is well-suited for small apartments where you need to see a broad area in front of the door. Its dual-band Wi-Fi helps maintain a strong connection in buildings with challenging wireless environments.
Ring Video Doorbell Elite – 160° Horizontal, 90° Vertical
The Elite model is designed for professional installations and offers Power over Ethernet (PoE), which guarantees reliable power and connectivity. Its 160-degree horizontal viewing angle covers wide entryways or shared corridors typical in apartment complexes. The Elite’s flush mount design and advanced video quality make it a premium choice for renters or owners wanting a discreet but highly effective security solution.
Ring Video Doorbell 2 – 160° Horizontal, 90° Vertical
Though an older model, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 still delivers a wide 160-degree horizontal field of view, sufficient for most small apartment doorways. It uses a rechargeable battery, which is convenient if wiring isn’t an option. Its slightly bulkier design may require more wall space, but the viewing angle remains competitive for compact setups.
Ring Peephole Cam – 160° Horizontal, 120° Vertical
Specifically designed for apartments with peephole doors, the Ring Peephole Cam offers a 160-degree horizontal and 120-degree vertical viewing angle. It mounts inside the door, replacing the traditional peephole lens and providing a discreet way to see who’s outside without drilling or mounting externally. This makes it an excellent option for renters who can’t make external modifications.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus – 160° Horizontal, 90° Vertical
The 3 Plus model adds enhanced motion detection and Pre-Roll video to the standard 3’s 160-degree horizontal view. This makes it easier to catch events before they happen, a useful feature in small apartments where a visitor or delivery may only be in frame briefly. The viewing angle ensures you don’t miss activity on either side of a narrow entrance.
Ring Video Doorbell (2020) – 160° Horizontal, 90° Vertical
This refreshed version of the original Ring Video Doorbell maintains the 160-degree horizontal viewing angle, which is ideal for small apartment doorways. It features improved motion detection and faster Wi-Fi connectivity compared to the first generation. Its compact size and wide angle make it a solid choice for renters seeking reliable entry monitoring.
Ring Video Doorbell Wired Plus – 160° Horizontal, 90° Vertical
A newer wired-only model, the Wired Plus offers the same 160-degree horizontal viewing angle as other mid-range Ring models but with a slimmer, more modern design. It’s perfect for small apartments with existing doorbell wiring and limited wall space. The wide viewing angle covers the entire entry area, making it easier to spot deliveries or visitors from any angle.
How to Choose
When selecting a Ring Doorbell for a small apartment, the key factor is the viewing angle, especially horizontal coverage, to ensure you capture the entire doorway and any adjacent hallway or porch area. Vertical angle matters if you want to see packages on the ground or people’s faces clearly from head to toe. Consider whether you have existing doorbell wiring, as wired models provide continuous power without battery recharge but require installation access. Also, think about the mounting space and whether a flush mount or peephole cam is better for your apartment’s door style and any rental restrictions. Features like Pre-Roll video and advanced motion detection add security benefits but may come at a higher cost. Finally, Wi-Fi connectivity performance can be critical in apartment buildings with potential interference, so models with dual-band Wi-Fi support are preferable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Ring Doorbell for narrow apartment entryways?
Models with a wide horizontal viewing angle like the Ring Video Doorbell 4 or Pro 2, offering 150-160 degrees, are best for narrow entryways to capture movement from both sides.
Can I install a Ring Doorbell if I don’t have wiring?
Yes, battery-powered models like the Ring Video Doorbell 4 and 3 Plus work without wiring, ideal for renters or apartments where wiring is inaccessible.
Does the viewing angle cover packages on the floor?
Vertical viewing angle matters here; models like the Pro 2 with 150 degrees vertical coverage capture packages on the ground better than those with 90 degrees.
Is the Ring Peephole Cam suitable for apartment doors?
Yes, it replaces the peephole lens, providing a discreet video feed without external mounting, perfect for renters who can’t modify door exteriors.
How important is Wi-Fi band support in apartments?
Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) improves connection reliability in dense apartment buildings where interference is common, so models supporting both bands are preferable.
Can I use a wired Ring Doorbell in an apartment without existing wiring?
Generally no; wired models require existing doorbell wiring or professional installation to provide power.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Ring Doorbell with an appropriate viewing angle is essential for small apartment dwellers who want effective security without blind spots. Models like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 and Video Doorbell 4 offer wide horizontal and vertical coverage, making them versatile for most compact entryways. Battery-powered options provide installation flexibility, while wired models ensure continuous power but require wiring access. Consider your apartment’s layout, door style, and rental restrictions when selecting a model, and prioritize wide horizontal viewing angles and reliable Wi-Fi performance to maximize your security and convenience.
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