Ring Peephole Cam Review
A New View on Home Security
Updated Nov 9, 2023
By Jason Rogers
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4.6/5
Smart Home by Design’s Verdict - The Ring Peephole Cam brings a modern twist to traditional home security, transforming your door's peephole into a smart surveillance system. With its sleek design, it integrates seamlessly with your front door, offering HD video, two-way talk, and real-time notifications directly to your phone. Ideal for apartment dwellers or anyone looking to upgrade their door's peephole, it provides peace of mind through enhanced visibility and interaction with visitors, regardless of where you are.
PROS
✅ Easy Installation: Specifically designed for easy setup in doors with peepholes, making it accessible for renters and those without DIY skills.
✅ Knock Detection: Unique feature that alerts you to visitors even if they don’t press the doorbell button.
✅ Battery Powered: Eliminates the need for wiring, with a rechargeable battery for convenience.
✅ Comprehensive App Control: Full control and monitoring via the Ring app, including live view and two-way talk functionalities.
✅ Impact Sensor: Offers added security by alerting to potential tampering or forced entry attempts.
✅ Privacy Considerations: Privacy zones and a physical privacy cover provide options to protect neighborly privacy and personal space.
CONS
❌ Subscription Required for Full Features: Must have a Ring Protect Plan to access video recording and sharing capabilities.
❌ Battery Recharging: Requires periodic removal and recharging of the battery pack, which could be inconvenient for some users.
❌ Limited Compatibility: As a niche product, it may not fit or work well with all door types or peephole installations.
❌ Dependent on Wi-Fi Strength: Performance and reliability are heavily reliant on the strength and stability of your home Wi-Fi connection.
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◦ Peephole Integration: Designed to replace your door's existing peephole without the need for drilling or permanent modifications, making it renter-friendly.
◦ HD Video and Two-Way Talk: Offers 1080p HD video quality and two-way audio, enabling you to see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere.
◦ Knock Detection: In addition to motion detection, it can notify you when someone simply knocks on your door, a feature unique to this model.
◦ Privacy Zones: Allows you to block out certain areas in the camera's field of view from recording, ensuring privacy for neighbors or pedestrian traffic.
◦ Battery Powered: Operates on a removable, rechargeable battery pack, making it easy to maintain without needing to wire into your home’s electricity.
◦ Impact Sensor: Detects when someone may be trying to tamper with the device or your door, offering an additional layer of security.
◦ Compatibility with Ring App: Integrates seamlessly with the Ring app, allowing for live view, notifications, and access to recorded events with a Ring Protect Plan subscription.
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◦ Apartment Dwellers: Ideal for renters or those living in apartments where drilling or permanent changes are not permitted.
◦ Enhanced Door Security: For those looking to add an extra layer of security to their front door, enabling visual verification of visitors or packages.
◦ Elderly or Solo Living: Provides peace of mind for individuals living alone, allowing for safe communication with visitors without opening the door.
◦ Vacation Rentals: Great for managing short-term rental properties, offering a way to monitor arrivals and ensure guest safety.
◦ Secondary Surveillance Point: Can serve as an additional surveillance point for homes with existing security systems, especially focused on the front door area.
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What makes the Ring Peephole Cam different from other Ring doorbells?
The Ring Peephole Cam is designed specifically for those who cannot or prefer not to install traditional doorbells. It fits directly into an existing peephole, making it ideal for renters or apartment residents. Unlike other Ring doorbells, the Peephole Cam allows you to keep the functionality of the peephole viewer while adding video surveillance, two-way talk, and motion detection features.
How does installation work for the Peephole Cam? Do I need special tools?
Installation of the Peephole Cam is straightforward and requires no special tools or drilling. It’s designed to fit into your door’s existing peephole. The process involves removing the existing peephole viewer, inserting the Peephole Cam from the outside, and attaching the indoor assembly. Everything needed for installation is included in the box.
Can the Ring Peephole Cam be used without a subscription, and what features will I miss?
The Peephole Cam can be used for live viewing and two-way talk without a subscription. However, to access video recording, review, and sharing features, you would need a Ring Protect Plan subscription. Without it, you won't be able to review past footage or save videos.
What are the key features of the Ring Peephole Cam?
Key features include HD video recording, two-way audio, motion detection with customizable zones, knock detection, and night vision. It also integrates with the Ring app and can send real-time notifications to your smartphone or tablet when motion is detected or someone knocks on your door.
How does the Peephole Cam perform in low light or at night?
The Peephole Cam is equipped with night vision technology, allowing you to see clear video footage in low light conditions or complete darkness. This ensures you can monitor your front door area effectively, regardless of the time of day.
Is the Peephole Cam compatible with smart home systems?
Yes, the Ring Peephole Cam is compatible with Alexa-enabled devices. This allows you to control the camera with voice commands and integrate it with your smart home system for enhanced functionality, such as viewing live footage on an Echo Show device.
How does the motion detection feature work on the Peephole Cam?
The Peephole Cam uses advanced motion sensors to detect activity in front of your door. You can customize motion zones and sensitivity settings through the Ring app to focus on specific areas and reduce false alerts from passing traffic or pedestrians.
Does the Ring Peephole Cam have a built-in siren?
No, the Peephole Cam does not have a built-in siren. However, it offers two-way talk functionality that allows you to communicate with visitors or potential intruders from your smartphone, tablet, or PC, providing a level of deterrent and interaction.
What privacy features are available with the Ring Peephole Cam?
Ring emphasizes user privacy and security by offering features such as video encryption, two-factor authentication for account access, and control over privacy zones and motion alert settings. Users can also manage who has access to the camera’s feed and adjust their privacy settings through the Ring app.
What happens if someone knocks on my door instead of pressing the doorbell button?
The Peephole Cam includes knock detection technology, which can sense when someone knocks on your door, even if they don't press the doorbell button. You'll receive a notification through the Ring app, ensuring you're aware of all visitors.
In case of a Wi-Fi outage, will the Ring Peephole Cam continue to function?
Without a Wi-Fi connection, the Peephole Cam cannot send live video or notifications to your device. However, the traditional peephole functionality remains available, allowing you to see who is at your door manually. The camera will reconnect and resume normal operation once Wi-Fi is restored.
Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Video Resolution | 1080p HD |
Field of View | 155° horizontal, 90° vertical |
Night Vision | Yes, with adjustable motion zones and privacy zones |
Audio | Two-way audio with noise cancellation |
Power | Rechargeable battery pack |
Connectivity | 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connection @ 2.4GHz |
Smart Home Integration | Works with Alexa |
Installation | Tool-free installation in doors with a peephole, suitable for apartment doors or rental properties |
Dimensions | 3.83 in. x 1.85 in. x 0.78 in. (outdoor unit), 2.26 in x 4.40 in x 1.16 in. (indoor unit) |
Warranty | 1-year limited warranty, extended warranty available with Ring Protect Plan |
Come back later for our comprehensive review.
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I'm Jason, your guide in the smart home tech world. My tech passion began in childhood, leading me to become an avionics technician in the Air Force and later earn a Computer Engineering degree. With a background in software and data engineering, I bring a unique mix of experience and knowledge to my product reviews and guides. I focus on the practical use of technology, offering insights on the latest smart home innovations rooted in both technical accuracy and real-world application.
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Email me: jason@smarthomebydesign.com