Ring Wired Doorbell (2nd Gen) Review: Pros, Cons, Common Issues & Is It Worth It?
Video: Retinal 2K | Zoom: 6x Enhanced | Power: Hardwired | Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz | Ring Protect: From £4.99/month
Overview
The Ring Wired Doorbell (2nd Gen) is the most affordable doorbell in Ring’s 2026 lineup at £59.99. It runs on permanent hardwired power — no battery to manage — and now features Retinal 2K video and Low-Light Sight, a significant jump over the outgoing 1080p Wired model. If you have existing doorbell wiring and want the simplest possible setup, this is the one to go for.
Key Features
Setup & Compatibility
Requires existing doorbell wiring. Professional installation is recommended. Once hardwired and connected to the Ring app, the doorbell runs on permanent power. Note: the Ring Wired Doorbell (2nd Gen) will not sound your existing mechanical doorbell chime — a Ring Chime (sold separately) is needed for indoor alerts.
What’s New
The jump from 1080p to Retinal 2K is the headline improvement. Low-Light Sight — providing true colour video in near-dark conditions — is new to this generation and a practical upgrade for properties where the front door sees low ambient light in the evenings.
Pros
Cons
Common Problems & Fixes
The most common issue with wired Ring doorbells is Wi-Fi signal strength at the front door, particularly in older properties where the front door is far from the router. A Ring Chime Pro can extend your network. For a full list of known faults and fixes see our troubleshooting guide.
Real World Performance
Retinal 2K brings a clear improvement over the 1080p outgoing model — faces and details are noticeably sharper, particularly when zooming in. Permanent hardwired power means reliability you simply don’t get from a battery doorbell — no low battery notifications, no charging cycles. Low-Light Sight makes a practical difference in the tricky dusk-to-dark window.
Best Alternatives
Who Should Buy It?
Anyone with existing doorbell wiring who wants the most affordable current Ring doorbell with 2K video. If you’d rather never think about charging a battery and want clean hardwired installation, this is excellent value.
Verdict
The Ring Wired Doorbell (2nd Gen) punches above its price. Retinal 2K and Low-Light Sight on a hardwired doorbell at £59.99 is hard to beat. The requirement for existing wiring narrows the audience, but for those it suits, it’s the obvious choice.