Ring's New Battery Doorbell 2K Plus: Worth the Upgrade?

Michael Bennett · 2026-09-16

Ring's latest battery-powered doorbell, the Battery Video Doorbell 2K Plus, brings a fresh design and improved video quality. But is it worth your money? Let's dive in. ### Key Features - **Price:** $199.99 (converted from £149.99) - **High resolution:** Retinal 2K gives you video at 1920 x 1920 - **Battery powered:** Uses the same Quick Release battery as previous Ring products ### Introduction The Ring Battery Video Doorbell 2K Plus isn't just a minor update—it's a complete redesign. Gone is the bulky, brick-like shape of older models. Instead, you get a sleeker, more modern doorbell that looks great on any doorframe. But it's not just about looks. The new Retinal 2K camera delivers sharper video than before. You do miss out on some high-end features from the 4K version, like radar-based 3D Motion Detection. However, for most people who want a battery-powered Ring doorbell, this is the model to buy. ### Design and Installation Ring hasn't seemed too bothered about overhauling its battery doorbells until now. The 2K Plus changes that with a curved exterior that feels contemporary. It's slightly slimmer than the previous Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus, though it still uses the same Quick Release Battery Pack (charged via micro USB, not USB-C). That's actually a good thing—spares are easy to find, and you might already have a few lying around. Installation has also been tweaked. Instead of screwing the doorbell directly to the mounting bracket, you attach it to a mounting plate, then clip it onto the wall bracket. To remove it, there's a plastic tool that punches in below to release the doorbell—no security screw needed. It's a small change, but it makes fitting much easier. Ring also includes an angle bracket if you need it. I had to use it for my narrow door frame. > "The advantage of sticking with the same battery pack is that spares are easy to come by, and you may even have a few yourself." Even though it's battery-powered, you can connect the 2K Plus to an existing doorbell transformer to trickle-charge the battery. You might think, "Why not just buy the wired version?" But hold on—wired doorbells don't work with your existing chimes, while battery ones do. If you've got a well-placed chime in the middle of your house like I do, that's a big convenience. ### Performance and Features The Retinal 2K camera captures video at 1920 x 1920, which is a square aspect ratio. That means you get a wider field of view without distortion. It's a step up from the 1080p models, though not as sharp as 4K. For most homes, 2K is plenty—you'll clearly see faces and packages. Battery life is decent, but it depends on how many events you get. With average use, you can expect a few months per charge. If you wire it to a transformer, you'll never have to worry about charging. Ring's app is intuitive and offers customizable motion zones, privacy settings, and real-time notifications. You can also subscribe to Ring Protect for video recording and cloud storage. ### Final Verdict The Ring Battery Video Doorbell 2K Plus is a solid choice for anyone wanting a battery-powered doorbell. It's easy to install, works with existing chimes, and delivers good video quality. The redesign makes it look better on your wall, too. If you don't need 4K or advanced motion detection, this is the one to get.