Step inside my smart home for a moment, where Ring doorbell and cams have become my trusty sidekicks. They’re as great as sliced bread, but there’s one hiccup – my not-so-compact abode paired with ears that have seen better days can make it tough to catch those vital notifications from my Ring devices.
Enter the hero of our story: the Ring Chime. This nifty little gadget is the Robin to your Batman, the Watson to your Sherlock. It’s a wireless notification device that sings out a “chime” whenever your Ring app has something to tell you.
But wait, there’s more! The folks at Ring weren’t content with just one version. They rolled out the Chime Pro faster than a New York minute. Now, I hear you asking, “What makes the Pro stand out? Which version should I spring for? Is the Chime Pro really worth the extra cash?”
In this article, we’ll highlight the differences between these two devices and see what sets them apart from an objective perspective and point out subjective reasons why I love Ring Chime Pro a bit more. Without any further ado, let’s dive in.
Ring Chime vs. Chime Pro – Key Differences
Ring Chime Pro is an upgraded version of Ring Chime. It has a similar design and offers extra perks like alert amplification, a Wi-Fi extension feature, dual Wi-Fi bandwidth connectivity, and Night Light. Here’s the lowdown:
WiFi Extender: The most significant difference is that the Chime Pro doubles as a WiFi extender, specifically for Ring devices. It boosts the signal strength and improves the connectivity of your Ring devices. The regular Chime does not have this feature.
Nightlight: The Chime Pro has a built-in nightlight feature that can benefit nighttime use. This feature isn’t available in the regular Chime model.
Sound Volume & Tone Customization: Both devices allow you to customize the sound volume and tones. However, users have reported that the Chime Pro offers a slightly wider range of volume adjustments.
Size: The Chime Pro is slightly larger than the standard Chime, which might be a consideration depending on where you plan to plug it in.
Connectivity: Both devices connect to your home WiFi network, but the Chime Pro can also connect directly to Ring cameras or doorbells, acting as a bridge between these devices and your router.
The original Ring Chime was designed with simplicity in mind. To ensure you’ll always hear when someone’s at your door (or walking by your Ring Cam), Ring Chime will send out an audible chime in case you haven’t seen the notifications on your phone.
Since it was built to serve a simple purpose, one might think that there’s little room for improvement, but then Ring Chime Pro came along.
Ring Chime vs. Chime Pro Differences Explained In-Depth
This section explains each new feature Ring Chime Pro offers compared to the regular version. Chime Pro is more expensive, and this rundown highlights what you get for that extra money.
Difference 1: Chime Pro Is Faster Because of Dual Wi-Fi Bands
Ring Chime only works with 2.4GHz wireless routers, while Ring Chime Pro works with both 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies, making it better and more versatile.
The 2.4 GHz frequency offers broader coverage than 5 GHz. This is important for larger homes because relying on a 5 GHz network could require several Ring Chime units.
But, the 5GHz frequency is considerably faster. When talking about home security, the difference between a few seconds and less than a single second can make a huge difference.
Difference 2: Chime Pro Has Superior Ringtone Volume
I know some people have ditched their Ring Chime units for Chime Pro simply because the regular version wasn’t loud enough.
Again, when it comes to home security, an ‘okay’ performance won’t cut it. That’s why Ring ensures a considerably higher volume for your ringtone on Chime Pro.
Difference 3: Chime Pro Is More Reliable Thanks to Integrated Wi-Fi Extender
Ring Chime devices can be positioned anywhere within your home’s Wi-Fi range. But, they might struggle with physical barriers, dead spots, and signal interference.
Ring Chime Pro overcomes these issues with its built-in Wi-Fi extender, ensuring a strong and reliable connection even in areas where the standard Ring Chime might struggle.
Difference 4: Chime Pro Has Night Light & LED Indicator. Ring Chime Doesn’t
This one’s pretty simple and entirely practical. Ring Chime Pro has a night light and an LED indicator.
I’m sure most Ring Chime owners heard the device ring in the middle of the night whenever someone walked by.
These devices are small, so finding the sound source in pitch-black conditions can be challenging. And yes, Night Light will make your life easier in these situations.
Ring Chime In a Nutshell
Ring Chime is a wireless notification device compatible with all Ring products, most notably Ring doorbells and security cameras. The device emits a noise when connected Ring products are activated.
When Ring Chime came to the market, it changed the rulebook for wireless security systems. You would no longer have to fret about not hearing the doorbell or someone sneaking by your camera.
Many people are on the fence about what Ring Chime does. It is “not” a smart alarm, just like it isn’t a notification handler.
If you ask me, it’s a Ring device activator, meaning it augments smart doorbells and cameras without compromising your security. Would-be malicious actors will not be spooked or panicked when this device “chimes” because you can customize its sounds. False alerts, although rare, are also not as annoying because of this.
Setting Ring Chime up is a breeze. You scan the QR or MAC code, select the location, and plug your Ring Chime into a wall outlet.
Since it’s compatible with other Ring devices, you can have multiple Ring Chime units across your home.
Even though it’s a far inferior version, or as some would say, the “prototype for Chime Pro,” I love my Ring Chime for several reasons. Not only is it cheaper, but it also does the same thing as the Chime Pro – increase the security of your home by giving a ‘voice’ to your Ring doorbells and cameras.
Ring Chime Pro in a Nutshell
Ring Chime Pro is an improved version of Ring Chime, offering dual Wi-Fi bandwidth connectivity, alerts amplification, and Wi-Fi extender features.
First of all, the Pro version is a must-have for people with hearing impairments, in my opinion, because of the LED indicator. If you can’t hear the notifications, you’ll know someone’s at the door by simply looking at the LED indicator on your Ring Chime Pro.
Unlike Ring Chime, the Ring Chime Pro has a Wi-Fi extension (repeater), which essentially extends the wireless range of devices trying to connect to the same wireless router. That means that you can find an ideal spot for your Ring Chime Pro more easily.
Another key difference between Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro is that the company thoroughly streamlined the setup process for the latter. After opening your Ring app, you will receive guided feedback throughout the installation phase that will help you pinpoint the optimal location for the Chime Pro device.
Dual Wi-Fi bands are something Ring Chime does not support, and Ring Chime Pro does. Apart from that, Ring Chime Pro is a tad larger, which is not a significant difference considering they are both super-lightweight and portable.
FAQs About Ring Chime Pro
Is the Ring Chime Pro worth it?
Ring Chime Pro is a worthy upgrade because it’s faster (dual Wi-Fi bands), more reliable (Wi-Fi extender), louder, and offers a night light. The additional features are worth the extra $20.
Is the Ring Chime Pro louder than the Chime?
Yes, the Ring Chime Pro is nearly twice as loud as the regular Chime version.
Wrapping Up: Should I Upgrade to Ring Chime Pro?
Ring Chime Pro is a bit more expensive than the original Chime, but in my opinion, it is considerably more valuable for the money. In short, here’s what you get with the Pro version:
Dual Wi-Fi connectivity
Chime Pro works as a wireless extender
Louder ringtones
Built-in night light
Since Chime Pro is just about $20 more expensive, I strongly believe it’s worth the extra price, especially if you live in a larger house or apartment. As always, I hope I was helpful!
