Updated May 2026 — Originally published January 2019.
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The Ring Video Doorbell 2 was one of the most popular smart doorbells ever sold. Millions of homes still have one. But Ring quietly discontinued it years ago, and in 2026 the question for owners isn’t just “should I buy it” — it’s “should I keep it, or upgrade to what Ring actually sells now?”
This comparison tells you exactly what changed, whether the upgrade is worth it, and who should stick with what they have.
What Happened to the Ring Video Doorbell 2?
Ring released the Video Doorbell 2 in 2017. It was the first mainstream Ring doorbell with a removable, rechargeable battery — and that was genuinely innovative at the time. The 1080p HD camera, two-way talk, and motion alerts were best-in-class for 2017.
Ring discontinued it in 2022. Its direct replacement is the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, which launched in 2023 and is what Ring sells in the same form factor today.
Head-to-Head Specs
| Feature | Ring Video Doorbell 2 (discontinued) | Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p HD | 1536p HD+ (Retinal 2K) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 (traditional wide) | 1:1 (square — head to toe) |
| Color night vision | No | Yes |
| HDR | No | Yes |
| Battery | Removable, ~6 months | Quick-release, ~8 months |
| Pre-roll | No | Yes (captures seconds before motion) |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz only | 2.4GHz only |
| Package detection | No | Yes |
| Amazon ASIN | Discontinued | B09WZBPX7K |
| Price | N/A | ~$100 |
The One Feature That Actually Changes Everything: Head-to-Toe View
The biggest practical difference isn’t the resolution — it’s the aspect ratio.
The Ring Doorbell 2 uses a traditional 16:9 widescreen view. That means you can see your visitor’s face and shoulders. What you can’t see: packages on the porch, small children, dogs, and the feet of someone standing right in front of your door.
The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus features a 1:1 aspect ratio and 1536p HD+ resolution with a taller Head-to-Toe field of view, so you won’t miss a visitor or package delivery.
That 1:1 square view captures from the top of your visitor’s head to the ground. If packages are left at your door, you see them. If a small child is at the door, you see them. This isn’t a marketing feature — it genuinely changes what you can see in your footage.
Color Night Vision: Bigger Than It Sounds
The Ring Doorbell 2 has black-and-white infrared night vision. In 2017, that was standard. In 2026, it’s a real limitation.
Color night vision on the Battery Doorbell Plus uses ambient light (streetlights, porch lights, nearby windows) to capture footage in color even at night. The practical difference: you can see the color of a visitor’s jacket, the color of a vehicle, distinctive features. Black-and-white IR footage provides shapes. Color footage provides identification.
If your doorbell is your primary footage source for any incident that happens after dark, color night vision matters.
Should You Upgrade From Doorbell 2?
Yes, if any of these apply to you:
- You’ve had the Doorbell 2 for 3+ years and the battery holds less than 3 months now (batteries degrade significantly after 3 years of charge cycles)
- You want to see packages left on your porch
- Night footage quality has been an issue
- You want pre-roll video (what happened before motion triggered)
No, if all of these apply:
- Your Doorbell 2 battery still holds charge well
- Your footage has been adequate for your purposes
- You have Ring Protect plan paid up for the year
- You’d rather spend $100 elsewhere in your defense setup
The honest take: the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is meaningfully better in ways that matter for home defense. But a Doorbell 2 in good condition still does the core job. If yours is working well, prioritize upgrading other layers of your defense before spending $100 here.
What If You’re Buying New?
Ring Battery Doorbell wins for most buyers at $100 — it delivers everything you need for reliable video doorbell coverage. If you’re shopping fresh in 2026, skip the used Doorbell 2 market and go with the Battery Doorbell Plus. The head-to-toe view and color night vision are worth the current price.
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WZBPX7K
Where Does a Doorbell Fit in Your Defense System?
A doorbell camera is your Layer 1 Detection at the front entrance. It gives you the most valuable thing in any defensive scenario: time and information before a threat reaches your door.
But detection alone isn’t a complete plan.
Building Your Layered Defense?
This product is part of your Detection Layer — but one camera or one doorbell isn’t a complete defense plan. Real layered home defense means four layers working together: Detection, Delay, Deterrent, and Last Resort.
I’ve built a free guide that lists every product I’d actually buy at each layer — with honest prices and what to skip.
See My Complete Layered Defense Guide →Free · No email required · Updated 2026
