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The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a 1080p doorbell with a swappable battery pack and an option to hardwire. It works well, but two things matter before you buy: Ring now lists it as discontinued, and it saves no recordings without a paid Ring Protect plan.
Here is what you get, what is free, and who should still consider one.
| Feature | Ring Video Doorbell 3 |
|---|---|
| Video | 1080p HD with night vision |
| Field of view | 160° horizontal, 90° vertical |
| Power | Quick Release battery pack or hardwired (8–24 VAC) |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band, 2.4GHz and 5GHz |
| Motion and privacy zones | Yes |
| Recordings without a plan | No |
| Status | Discontinued by Ring |
What Works With No Subscription
Without a plan, you can open live view, talk through the doorbell and get motion alerts. That is it. Nothing is saved, so you can’t go back and watch a visitor or a package drop after the fact.
Recording, event history and package alerts need Ring Protect. A single doorbell has been priced at about $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year, and plan names and prices have changed over the years, so check Ring’s site before you commit.
If recording without a fee is the goal, our best video doorbells without monthly fees list is a better starting point.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Review
Ring Video Doorbell 3
The Doorbell 3 sits between Ring’s older models and the current battery doorbells. One reviewer found the 1080p video clear by day and by night, and said customizable motion zones helped cut false alerts on a busy street. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi.
The Quick Release battery pack comes out with one button under the faceplate, so you can charge it without taking the whole unit off the door. Charging is over Micro USB and is slow, which can leave the doorbell out of action for hours unless you own a spare pack. Ring doesn’t publish a battery life figure on its support page.
It also lacks pre-roll, a feature held back for later Ring models, and works with Alexa but not with Google Assistant or HomeKit. The 16:9 view can miss packages left right on the step.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear 1080p video with motion zones Dual-band Wi-Fi Battery pack swaps without removing the unit Can be hardwired |
Discontinued by Ring No recordings without a paid plan No pre-roll; slow Micro USB charging No Google Assistant or HomeKit |
Best for: Existing Ring households that want a low-cost doorbell and already pay for Ring Protect.
Full details and current price: Ring Video Doorbell 3 on Amazon
Newer Ring Alternatives
Because Ring has retired the Doorbell 3, stock may come from third-party sellers, so check who is selling it before you buy. If you would rather buy a model Ring still sells, we have reviews of the Ring Battery Doorbell 2K and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2.
Weighing Ring against a no-fee brand? Our Ring vs Reolink comparison covers the monthly cost gap.
FAQ
Does the Ring Video Doorbell 3 work without a subscription?
Yes, for live view, two-way talk and motion alerts. It saves no recordings or snapshots without a Ring Protect plan.
Is the Ring Video Doorbell 3 discontinued?
Ring’s support site marks it as discontinued. Existing units still work, but new stock is limited.
Can the Ring Video Doorbell 3 be hardwired?
Yes. It accepts 8–24 VAC from an existing doorbell transformer, and a reviewer noted an adapter may be needed for some setups.
Does the Ring Video Doorbell 3 support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Yes. It is dual-band, working on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.
How is the Doorbell 3 different from the Doorbell 4?
One clear gap is pre-roll, which the Doorbell 4 adds. Reviewers also describe the Doorbell 3 as slightly cheaper and bulkier.
Final Verdict
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a solid, reliable doorbell, but it is discontinued and records nothing without a paid plan. Buy it only if you already use Ring Protect, and otherwise look at a current model or a doorbell with free local storage.