Protect your home & watch over what's important from your phone with video doorbells, indoor & outdoor security cameras, alarm systems & more. Ring 3 is the third ring of Obren's Inferno. It is easier than all of the other rings. The Soul Crushing tower is Tower of Confusion, at Extreme difficulty. The Citadel is the Citadel of Heights and Depths, at Intense difficulty, and is a Work In Progress. It is one of the few towers at that difficulty.
Since Ring launched its first video doorbell in 2014, the popular Amazon-owned smart home brand has dominated the smart doorbell market, churning out three new doorbells this year alone. That said, with so many smart video doorbells at your disposal, you might be scratching your head trying to make a decision.
To help you in your quest, we're taking a closer look at the differences between two of Ring's most popular new releases: the Ring Video Doorbell (second-gen), an upgrade to Ring's original video doorbell, and the new Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus. Here's how these two popular doorbells stack up.
Price
Typically, video doorbells cost between $100 and $200, and Ring's most recent doorbell cameras pretty much hit this sweet spot. But, the Ring Video Doorbell (second-gen) is the more budget-friendly pick of the two. With an MSRP of $99.99, the Ring Video Doorbell (second-gen) offers a lot of value when it comes to performance and features as compared to the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, which retails for $229.99.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus is the more robust doorbell of the two, offering a couple extra features that the second-gen doorbell doesn't have. If price is the deciding factor for you, consider that you can frequently find both of these doorbells available on Amazon for less than the retail price. Amazon is notorious for marking down its own products (and you can usually find them at a deep discount around major shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday).
For some, the additional bells and whistles of the Ring 3 Plus are worth the higher price. But, if we're going on price alone, the Ring Doorbell (second-gen) handily takes the cake for this category.
Our pick: Ring Video Doorbell (second-gen)
Connectivity and setup
One nice thing about both of these Ring doorbells is that you have the option to either connect it to your existing doorbell wires or use the doorbell's rechargeable battery to power it up. If you plan to go the battery-operated route, you should know that the Ring 3 Plus comes with a removable, rechargeable battery pack, making it easy to give the battery some extra juice when needed.
The more basic Ring doorbell, on the other hand, must be completely removed and brought inside to charge. Ring says the built-in batteries last anywhere from six to 12 months depending on how much use the doorbell gets. Charging the battery takes between four and 10 hours, according to Ring.
Like many smart video doorbells, Ring's latest offerings connect to your home's WiFi network, but the Ring 3 Plus offers dual-band WiFi (meaning it will work on 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks) unlike the second-gen doorbell, which only works with a 2.4GHz connection.
Our pick: Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
Features
Here's where the differences between the two doorbells really start to stand out. Exclusively available on the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is Pre-Roll, a new video recording feature that captures the four seconds of footage prior to any detected motion. The video is shown in black and white (with no audio) and displayed at a lower resolution (less than 1080p) in an effort to preserve battery life.
The Ring 3 Cast
Since Ring doesn't offer 24/7 continuous recording, the extra several seconds can give you a much-needed view of what's transpiring at your front door, even if it's not the highest quality. This is one area where the Ring 3 Plus has a leg up on the second-generation Ring Video Doorbell.
Ring's new Snapshot Capture feature is available on both doorbells, and it feels like Ring's answer to the lack of continuous video recording. Snapshot Capture is a Ring app feature that takes photos of your doorbell's view at different times throughout the work day. This way, you can see what's happening outside your front door in between events. A paid Ring Protect Plan is required to access Snapshot Capture.
Another new feature these cameras share is more control over motion zones (although they're not as customizable as the motion zones on Google's Nest Hello), resulting in more accurate motion detection alerts sent to your phone or announced over an Alexa-compatible smart speaker.
One helpful attribute the regular doorbell shares with the 3 Plus is Ring's new People Only mode. When People Only mode is turned on, users will only receive motion alerts when said motion is caused by a human. This feature helps cut down on all of the 'motion' notifications your doorbell sends and only alerts you when a person is detected on the doorbell's camera. In a sea full of notifications, it's helpful to know which ones are worth your time.
Our pick: Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
Audio and video quality
Audio and video quality are arguably some of the most important features when it comes to choosing a smart doorbell. What's the point if you can't see or hear what's going on? This is one category where the doorbells don't differ all that much.
Both the Ring 3 Plus and Ring (second-gen) doorbells deliver clear, two-way audio without delay. And, despite the difference in price, the Ring (second-gen) comes with 1080p video resolution—the same as the Ring 3 Plus offers. This resolution is common on most smart doorbells out there. Previously, the first-generation Ring doorbell only came with 720p resolution.
Resolution aside, though, the color and saturation look worse on the second-generation doorbell than the Ring 3 Plus. Even in full sun, the color is a bit darker on the Ring Video Doorbell (second-generation). As you can see, the color issue doesn't hinder the video quality or your ability to see what's happening outside, but overall the Ring 3 Plus offers brighter, more appealing hue than the moodier tint of its sibling.
Another thing to note is that the field of view on the regular Ring doorbell is a hair narrower (155 degrees) than on the Ring 3 Plus (160 degrees). Additionally, both new Ring video doorbells offer black and white night vision, and the quality is decent. If you have exterior lights, like a front porch light above your doorbell, the camera will record in full color, which I found to be clearer than the black and white view.
Our pick: Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
Privacy
Ring has previously come under fire for hackers being able to gain access to certain Ring cameras. In response, Ring launched a new Control Center within the Ring app, which is available for download on iOS and Android devices.
The new Control Center, which is available for all Ring devices (not just Ring's new video doorbells), offers security features like two-factor authentication, the option to view and remove linked accounts and shared users, and control over which devices and third-party apps are synced to the account.
For me, the two-factor authentication, the option to view and remove linked accounts and shared users, and the ability to control which devices and third-party apps are synced to the account bring peace of mind. However, it's safe to assume there's always a risk involved with inviting a connected gadget into your home. Ultimately, the new control panel is a step in the right direction to help consumers feel comfortable using Ring products.
Also new to Ring's security controls are Privacy Zones. In the Ring app, you can block certain areas from being seen or recorded by the doorbell camera. I found the black box a bit distracting to look at when reviewing footage, but the Privacy Zones are effective at blocking out parts of the camera's view. Since these security features are available on both the 3 Plus and second-gen Ring doorbells, we're going to call this one a draw.
Our pick: Tie
Our pick: Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
For under $100, you really can't beat the value that the Ring Video Doorbell (second-gen) offers. It's reliable, sends timely alerts, and has the same resolution as the 3 Plus for a fraction of the price. But, there's no denying that the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus is the better doorbell of the two. Pre-Roll, People Only mode, dual-band WiFi, and slightly wider field of view make the Ring 3 Plus a worthwhile option. However, the $229 price tag feels a bit much considering the Nest Hello retails for the same price and comes with way more features and offers a paid subscription that includes 24/7 recording.
So, what's our final verdict? The Ring Video Doorbell (second-gen) is a perfectly viable option for most people, but if you want a souped up smart doorbell from Amazon's popular brand, spring for the Ring 3 Plus.
Get the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus on Amazon for $179.99
Get the Ring Video Doorbell (second-generation) on Amazon for $79.99
The Ring 3 Full Movie
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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Skybell vs. Ring: Which is the better smart doorbell?
Rings may be better known as The Ring 3 since it's the third movie about the enigmatic and acrobatic, Samara. Rings has been underway for a long time, but was it worth the wait?
Unfortunately, when it comes to Rings, the answer is a definite no.
As it tends to be the case for any popular horror franchise, the rumors of a third The Ring movie has been around since forever. The rumors turned into reality when it was announced that Rings would be released in November 2015.
Well, November 2015 came and went without Rings being released. New release dates ensued and then during the summer of 2016, it was revealed that reshoots were being made. Whether those shoots improved on the final products is unknown, but as of February 2017, Rings is finally here.
The Ring 3d
But do we even need a The Ring 3 movie? Well, any good story can easily continue and evolve. Unfortunately, Rings is not an example of this being the case.
Now, we don't tend to be very negative here at Heaven of Horror. As a rule, we have no problem with remakes, reboots, and tons of sequels. As long as the story is still there, mind you. With Rings, we get a very good idea of why many people hate sequels.
At the very least, I was hoping for a nostalgic moment or two, and an entertaining movie. I can't say Rings delivers on either.
The Ring 3 Streaming Ita
If you haven't watched the two first The Ring movies, then a quick Google search will offer you various recaps. However, Rings can easily be watched on its own. Especially since references – and scenes – from the previous movies do show up.
Besides, just as it was the case with Blair Witch, this sequel is coming out so long after the original that a new generation of horror movie fans is now old enough to go to the movie theater for this. So it really does need to stand on its own.
Still, I can imagine you'll want to watch the previous movies – especially the first one – after watching Rings. Especially since you do end up feeling nostalgic about seeing Samara again. Unfortunately, it's in the 'Everything was better in the old days'-way.
Has the VCR become a retro object?
Ring 3 Doorbell Reviews
Because Rings takes place in the present, you'll find some cute remarks about the absolutely ancient VCR. It's very appropriate and works, even if the scene where this banter takes place, is very strange. While watching it, you won't really know what the relationship between these two characters is. And the scene afterward doesn't help much either.
Ring's new Snapshot Capture feature is available on both doorbells, and it feels like Ring's answer to the lack of continuous video recording. Snapshot Capture is a Ring app feature that takes photos of your doorbell's view at different times throughout the work day. This way, you can see what's happening outside your front door in between events. A paid Ring Protect Plan is required to access Snapshot Capture.
Another new feature these cameras share is more control over motion zones (although they're not as customizable as the motion zones on Google's Nest Hello), resulting in more accurate motion detection alerts sent to your phone or announced over an Alexa-compatible smart speaker.
One helpful attribute the regular doorbell shares with the 3 Plus is Ring's new People Only mode. When People Only mode is turned on, users will only receive motion alerts when said motion is caused by a human. This feature helps cut down on all of the 'motion' notifications your doorbell sends and only alerts you when a person is detected on the doorbell's camera. In a sea full of notifications, it's helpful to know which ones are worth your time.
Our pick: Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
Audio and video quality
Audio and video quality are arguably some of the most important features when it comes to choosing a smart doorbell. What's the point if you can't see or hear what's going on? This is one category where the doorbells don't differ all that much.
Both the Ring 3 Plus and Ring (second-gen) doorbells deliver clear, two-way audio without delay. And, despite the difference in price, the Ring (second-gen) comes with 1080p video resolution—the same as the Ring 3 Plus offers. This resolution is common on most smart doorbells out there. Previously, the first-generation Ring doorbell only came with 720p resolution.
Resolution aside, though, the color and saturation look worse on the second-generation doorbell than the Ring 3 Plus. Even in full sun, the color is a bit darker on the Ring Video Doorbell (second-generation). As you can see, the color issue doesn't hinder the video quality or your ability to see what's happening outside, but overall the Ring 3 Plus offers brighter, more appealing hue than the moodier tint of its sibling.
Another thing to note is that the field of view on the regular Ring doorbell is a hair narrower (155 degrees) than on the Ring 3 Plus (160 degrees). Additionally, both new Ring video doorbells offer black and white night vision, and the quality is decent. If you have exterior lights, like a front porch light above your doorbell, the camera will record in full color, which I found to be clearer than the black and white view.
Our pick: Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
Privacy
Ring has previously come under fire for hackers being able to gain access to certain Ring cameras. In response, Ring launched a new Control Center within the Ring app, which is available for download on iOS and Android devices.
The new Control Center, which is available for all Ring devices (not just Ring's new video doorbells), offers security features like two-factor authentication, the option to view and remove linked accounts and shared users, and control over which devices and third-party apps are synced to the account.
For me, the two-factor authentication, the option to view and remove linked accounts and shared users, and the ability to control which devices and third-party apps are synced to the account bring peace of mind. However, it's safe to assume there's always a risk involved with inviting a connected gadget into your home. Ultimately, the new control panel is a step in the right direction to help consumers feel comfortable using Ring products.
Also new to Ring's security controls are Privacy Zones. In the Ring app, you can block certain areas from being seen or recorded by the doorbell camera. I found the black box a bit distracting to look at when reviewing footage, but the Privacy Zones are effective at blocking out parts of the camera's view. Since these security features are available on both the 3 Plus and second-gen Ring doorbells, we're going to call this one a draw.
Our pick: Tie
Our pick: Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
For under $100, you really can't beat the value that the Ring Video Doorbell (second-gen) offers. It's reliable, sends timely alerts, and has the same resolution as the 3 Plus for a fraction of the price. But, there's no denying that the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus is the better doorbell of the two. Pre-Roll, People Only mode, dual-band WiFi, and slightly wider field of view make the Ring 3 Plus a worthwhile option. However, the $229 price tag feels a bit much considering the Nest Hello retails for the same price and comes with way more features and offers a paid subscription that includes 24/7 recording.
So, what's our final verdict? The Ring Video Doorbell (second-gen) is a perfectly viable option for most people, but if you want a souped up smart doorbell from Amazon's popular brand, spring for the Ring 3 Plus.
Get the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus on Amazon for $179.99
Get the Ring Video Doorbell (second-generation) on Amazon for $79.99
The Ring 3 Full Movie
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
Related content
feature
Skybell vs. Ring: Which is the better smart doorbell?
Rings may be better known as The Ring 3 since it's the third movie about the enigmatic and acrobatic, Samara. Rings has been underway for a long time, but was it worth the wait?
Unfortunately, when it comes to Rings, the answer is a definite no.
As it tends to be the case for any popular horror franchise, the rumors of a third The Ring movie has been around since forever. The rumors turned into reality when it was announced that Rings would be released in November 2015.
Well, November 2015 came and went without Rings being released. New release dates ensued and then during the summer of 2016, it was revealed that reshoots were being made. Whether those shoots improved on the final products is unknown, but as of February 2017, Rings is finally here.
The Ring 3d
But do we even need a The Ring 3 movie? Well, any good story can easily continue and evolve. Unfortunately, Rings is not an example of this being the case.
Now, we don't tend to be very negative here at Heaven of Horror. As a rule, we have no problem with remakes, reboots, and tons of sequels. As long as the story is still there, mind you. With Rings, we get a very good idea of why many people hate sequels.
At the very least, I was hoping for a nostalgic moment or two, and an entertaining movie. I can't say Rings delivers on either.
The Ring 3 Streaming Ita
If you haven't watched the two first The Ring movies, then a quick Google search will offer you various recaps. However, Rings can easily be watched on its own. Especially since references – and scenes – from the previous movies do show up.
Besides, just as it was the case with Blair Witch, this sequel is coming out so long after the original that a new generation of horror movie fans is now old enough to go to the movie theater for this. So it really does need to stand on its own.
Still, I can imagine you'll want to watch the previous movies – especially the first one – after watching Rings. Especially since you do end up feeling nostalgic about seeing Samara again. Unfortunately, it's in the 'Everything was better in the old days'-way.
Has the VCR become a retro object?
Ring 3 Doorbell Reviews
Because Rings takes place in the present, you'll find some cute remarks about the absolutely ancient VCR. It's very appropriate and works, even if the scene where this banter takes place, is very strange. While watching it, you won't really know what the relationship between these two characters is. And the scene afterward doesn't help much either.
However, the VCR debate does tie into the opening scene, which takes place onboard a plane and has been released as a teaser for Rings – you can watch it right here:
While this opening scene is very entertaining, it is also very much a movie within the movie, which is a concept for Rings in general. However, it doesn't have anything to do with the rest of the storyline. Not really. And honestly, it's much more reminiscent of Final Destination than it is The Ring adjacent.
Oh yeah, and I have no idea why the relatively young man from the opening scene would own a VCR and a collection of blockbuster movies on videotape. I mean, come on, the retro vinyl love hasn't exactly happened to the VCR and videotapes. Even though this is what they'll have us believe. Oh well, maybe it's underway as I write this.
Rings is both current and hopelessly outdated
No matter the state of videotape and VCR popularity, the videotape is being transferred to a digital version in Rings. Other than that, the concept is the same; Once you've watched the movie, you have to make a copy and get someone else to watch it. Only then will you escape the curse of Samara.
The Ring 3 Movie
This was also the concept for It Follows [passing the curse on to someone else to escape it], though the transfer of the curse happened quite differently. Also, with that particular movie, something new was actually introduced.
Rings takes place in the present and we're exposed to Skype and fast copying of the now digital movie, which is being shared via a USB drive in place of a videotape. However, a smartphone is used mainly as a flashlight. What is up with that?!
All these super modern and 'current' horror movies with their use of 'current' technology, but no one ever uses Google?
When in doubt about something or trying to find answers to any question, you Google it. Especially if your life it in danger and your survival depends on getting answers fast.
Still, the worst part of Rings is the constant need to really spell things out for us. We tend to get at least one characters actively stating what we've just been informed of in some other way. Person A will very solemnly state 'The butler did it!'. All the while you're sitting there thinking; Yes, the butler just plunged a knife into the victim. I think I got the fact that the butler did it.
It's annoying and dumbing down everything. Also, it happens several times!
A director with a fresh perspective
Rings was directed by F. Javier Gutiérrez, who previously wrote and directed the apocalyptic Before the Fall from 2008. He's a Spanish director and Rings is his first feature film since Before the Fall. In other words, he doesn't just push out movies all the time.
Ring Doorbell Generation 3
Before the Fall (the original Spanish title is Tres Días) was a critically acclaimed movie that won F. Javier Gutiérrez several awards. Including at horror film festivals like ScreamFest.
Basically, this should mean he had every chance to make another great movie. And while Rings is a perfect way to reach a much larger audience, I can't imagine there's much left of his original vision.
And everything we hoped Blair Witch would deliver but didn't quite, I was hoping Rings would now bring. It simply did not. In fact, Blair Witch is much better.
The script for Rings was written by Jacob Estes and David Loucka. Jacob Estes had his feature film debut as writer and director with Mean Creek in 2004. It's more of a 'crime drama' than 'horror drama', but it is damn good. Also, it shows Estes' ability to write about the darker parts of human nature. David Loucka has written more hardcore horror with House at the End of the Street (2012) and Dream House (2011).
Impressive names among the cast
Samara is once again portrayed by the immensely and impressively flexible, Bonnie Morgan. She first played the part of Samara in The Ring 2 and is as flexible as ever, which you've probably seen in various clips from the movie already. No CGI, just Bonnie Morgan being amazing!
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the rest of the cast, which consists of several actors I really like. Their characters are either boring or pretty stereotypical.
Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory) does have an interesting character, but we never get enough from him to understand his motives. Not really, anyway, which results in him being very one-dimensional. The always enigmatic Vincent D'Onofrio (The Cell) is okay, but his character is just so typically him, that you feel like you've seen it all before.
The star of the movie is Mathilda Lutz, but her character is just plain boring. Full stop. Everything she has to work with is flat and uninspiring to begin with, but she doesn't make it better. Aimee Teegarden (Scream 4) is almost the only exception to the boring performances. She has some great scenes, but unfortunately, she's not a very big part of the movie.
This could have been a great addition to The Ring franchise, but it simply isn't. However, there is some new information on the origin of Samara, and for this reason alone, you should actually check out Rings. Just make sure you don't expect too much because then you will be disappointed.
Rings is being released worldwide and hits US theaters on February 3, 2017.
Details
Director: F. Javier Gutiérrez
Writer: David Loucka, Jacob Estes, Akiva Goldsman, Kôji Suzuki (based on the novel by)
Cast: Matilda Lutz, Aimee Teegarden, Johnny Galecki, Vincent D'Onofrio, Alex Roe, Laura Wiggins, Bonnie Morgan
Plot
A young woman finds herself getting caught up in the curse that threatens to take your life in exactly 7 days.
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