Smart doorbells have transformed home security, letting you see and talk to visitors no matter where you are. Ring’s Video Doorbell 3 series has been a popular choice for homeowners looking for reliable, easy-to-install solutions. The 3 Plus adds a unique Pre-Roll feature, showing a few seconds of video before motion is detected — a small upgrade that can make a big difference. In this comparison, we break down video and audio quality, motion detection, power options, installation, subscriptions, and reliability, so you can decide which model truly meets your needs.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus: ✅ Includes Pre-Roll video — shows up to 4 seconds of footage before motion is detected.
Ring Video Doorbell 3: ❌ Does not have Pre-Roll; only records after motion is triggered.
| Feature | 3 Plus | 3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription | ✅ Pre-Roll adds value | ✅ Standard | 3 Plus |
| Power Source | ✅ Optimized battery | ✅ Standard | 3 Plus |
| Video Quality | ✅ 1080p + Pre-Roll | ✅ 1080p | 3 Plus |
| Audio | ✅ Two-way + context | ✅ Two-way | 3 Plus |
| Detection | ✅ Pre-Roll enhanced | ✅ Standard | 3 Plus |
| Design & Install | ✅ Slightly easier | ✅ Standard | 3 Plus |
| Reliability & Support | ✅ More stable | ✅ Standard | 3 Plus |
✅ Overall Winner: Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
The 3 Plus wins for Pre-Roll, better power management, enhanced detection, and overall reliability, offering more value for a small price increase.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus vs Ring Video Doorbell 3 — Subscription Costs vs Local Storage
Both Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus and Ring Video Doorbell 3 require a Ring Protect Plan to unlock full video recording, review, and sharing features. Without a subscription, users can only view live footage and receive alerts. Both models rely on cloud-based storage — neither supports local SD card storage.
| Plan Type | Ring Protect Basic | Ring Protect Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $3.99 per device | $10/month (covers all Ring devices at one location) |
| Yearly Cost | $39.99 | $100 |
| Video Storage | 180 days cloud storage | 180 days cloud storage |
| Local Storage Option | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available |
Subscriptions are essential for accessing video history, cloud recording, and smart notifications. Most users choose Ring Protect Plus, especially those with multiple Ring devices. The drawback is no local storage, which means reliance on cloud access and ongoing monthly fees. Still, the cloud option ensures secure, remote access anytime.
| Comparison Aspect | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Flexibility | 🔹 Ring 3 Plus | Slight edge due to its Pre-Roll footage integration, giving more value under the same plan. |
| Overall Value | 🔹 Ring 3 Plus Wins | Same subscription cost, but adds extra Pre-Roll video data that enhances recorded clips. |
✅ Winner (Based on Subscription Value): Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
The 3 Plus delivers more complete video context for the same subscription price. With Pre-Roll integrated into recorded events, users get better insight before and after motion — making the paid plan more worthwhile.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus vs Ring Video Doorbell 3 — Power Source Face-Off
Powering your smart doorbell should be simple and reliable. Both the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus (A) and Ring Video Doorbell 3 (B) offer dual power options — you can use the rechargeable battery for wire-free setup or hardwire it to your existing doorbell for continuous power. Battery power is favored by renters or DIY users, while homeowners often prefer the stability of a wired connection. Both models are equally safe, featuring surge protection and weather resistance.
✅ Winner (Based on Power Source): Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
The Ring 3 Plus wins slightly for its better power optimization, ensuring longer battery performance even with the added Pre-Roll feature, making it more efficient for everyday use.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus vs Ring Video Doorbell 3 — Video Quality Comparison
Both the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus and Ring Video Doorbell 3 deliver 1080p HD video resolution, providing clear, colorful visuals with a 160° wide field of view that captures more of your doorway area. Both perform well in daylight with vibrant color accuracy, while their infrared night vision ensures visibility in low light. However, the Ring 3 Plus stands out slightly because of its Pre-Roll feature, which adds four seconds of extra footage before motion is detected — giving a fuller story of each event.
| Feature | Ring 3 Plus | Ring 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| Field of View | 160° | 160° |
| Low Light / Night Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Roll Footage | ✅ Included | ❌ Not Available |
✅ Winner (Based on Video Quality): Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
The 3 Plus wins with its extra Pre-Roll video context, helping users see what happened before motion was triggered — a smart advantage for better security awareness.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus vs Ring Video Doorbell 3 — Audio Feature Comparison
Both the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus (A) and Ring Video Doorbell 3 (B) make two-way communication easy. You can see, hear, and talk to visitors in real time through the Ring app using your phone, tablet, or Alexa device. Both models include built-in microphones and speakers with noise cancellation, ensuring clear conversations even in outdoor environments. However, the 3 Plus has a slight edge since its Pre-Roll clips integrate seamlessly with audio events, offering more context before you speak to visitors.
| Feature | Ring 3 Plus | Ring 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Way Audio | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Noise Cancellation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Pre-Roll Audio | ❌ No (video only) | ❌ No |
✅ Winner (Based on Audio Feature): Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
Although both offer identical audio clarity, the 3 Plus wins for its better event context—thanks to Pre-Roll, which enhances user awareness before initiating a conversation.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus vs Ring Video Doorbell 3 — Detection Feature Comparison
Both the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus (A) and Ring Video Doorbell 3 (B) include Advanced Motion Detection with customizable motion zones and Smart Alerts that notify you instantly through the Ring app. Both respond quickly, but the 3 Plus offers a slight advantage with Pre-Roll video, showing what happened before motion was detected—reducing delay and improving awareness.
✅ Winner (Based on Detection Feature): Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
The 3 Plus wins with its faster response insight and Pre-Roll preview, giving users a clearer understanding of motion events and better overall detection accuracy.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus vs Ring Video Doorbell 3 — Design & Installation Comparison
Both the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus (A) and Ring Video Doorbell 3 (B) share the same sleek design with interchangeable faceplates in Satin Nickel or Venetian Bronze. Each measures 5.1 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches, offering a modern look that fits most standard door frames. Their size makes them ideal for wood, metal, or uPVC doors, whether at home entrances or apartment setups.
| Door Type | Ring 3 Plus | Ring 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Door | ✅ Fits Perfectly | ✅ Fits Perfectly |
| Metal Door | ✅ Works Well | ✅ Works Well |
| uPVC Door | ✅ Suitable | ✅ Suitable |
Both models are easy to install, requiring just a few screws and setup through the Ring app. The process takes about 5 minutes, but the Ring 3 Plus offers a slightly smoother setup due to optimized firmware and better power calibration for Pre-Roll functionality.
✅ Winner (Based on Design & Installation): Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
The 3 Plus wins for its refined installation process and seamless integration with any door type, maintaining a premium, professional look with minimal effort.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus vs Ring Video Doorbell 3 — Reliability, Customer Support, and Brand Reputation
When it comes to reliability, both Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus (A) and Ring Video Doorbell 3 (B) are built to last. They perform well in extreme weather conditions, handling temperatures from -5°F to 120°F (-20°C to 50°C) and resisting rain and dust. Ring’s strong brand reputation gives users confidence, backed by millions of satisfied customers worldwide. Both models include a 1-year limited warranty and lifetime theft protection. However, the Ring 3 Plus slightly leads with better software stability and fewer connectivity issues, making it more dependable for long-term use.
✅ Winner (Based on Reliability & Support): Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
It offers smoother performance, stronger reliability, and slightly improved firmware support.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus vs Ring Video Doorbell 3 — Reliability & Support
| Feature | 3 Plus | 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Performance | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent |
| Reliability | ✅ More stable | ⚪ Slight lag |
| Customer Support | ✅ Fast & responsive | ⚪ Slightly slower |
| Brand Reputation | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strong |
| Warranty | ✅ 1-year + theft protection | ✅ 1-year + theft protection |
✅ Winner: Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
The 3 Plus edges out due to better stability, faster reconnections, and optimized firmware, making it more reliable in daily use.