Ring Chime Vs. Chime Pro: What I Learned After Years (And Upgrades) With Both

As someone who’s been deep into the Ring ecosystem for years, I’ve relied on these little plug-in devices to make my smart doorbell setup actually useful inside the house.

In this article, I’ll break down everything I’ve learned from owning and testing both the Ring Chime and the Ring Chime Pro side by side.

We’ll look at their features, real-world performance, pros and cons, and the key differences to help you decide which one fits your home best.

Key Differences Between Ring Chime And Ring Chime Pro

• Wi-Fi Extension Capability The biggest differentiator. The Pro actively strengthens your Ring network, solving connectivity problems that the standard Chime ignores entirely. I saw RSSI values improve by 20-30 points on distant devices, translating to fewer dropped events and faster video streaming in real use.
• Dual-Band vs Single-Band Connectivity Pro supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz, making it more adaptable to modern routers and reducing interference issues. The regular Chime is 2.4 GHz only, which can cause minor setup friction or slower performance in bandwidth-heavy households.
• Built-in Nightlight Functionality Exclusive to the Pro. It’s not just gimmicky—I’ve come to rely on it for safety and convenience in darker areas of my home, with adjustable brightness that prevents it from being too harsh at night.
• Coverage and Signal Boost Pro extends reliable Ring device range significantly. In homes with thick walls, multiple floors, or distance issues, this alone justifies the upgrade, often eliminating the need for separate extenders.
• Tone Variety and Seasonal Options Pro offers a broader selection. I enjoy switching to holiday themes or unique sounds for different entrances, though the core tones are similar enough that casual users might not notice much difference.
• Setup Experience and Feedback Pro provides audio guidance during placement, helping optimize the extender function with real-time signals. Standard Chime is more straightforward but less informative, relying purely on app indicators.
• Price and Value Positioning Standard is budget-oriented for basic needs; Pro targets users wanting enhanced performance and extras, positioning it as a premium step-up rather than an essential for everyone.
• Physical Design Differences Pro has the glowing ring for nightlight and a slightly more modern look; standard is simpler, more compact, and blends even better in minimal outlets without drawing attention.

Also Read: Comparison of ADT And Xfinity Home Security.

My Experience With The Ring Chime

I started with the standard Ring Chime when I first installed my Ring Video Doorbell a few years back.

At the time, my phone notifications weren’t always reliable—I’d miss visitors because my phone was on silent or in another room.

The Chime solved that instantly.

It’s a simple white plug-in device that looks unobtrusive in any outlet, and it turns your whole house into an alert zone.

I placed one in the kitchen and another upstairs, and suddenly I could hear when someone was at the door no matter where I was. It’s been a game-changer for everyday life, especially with kids running around or when I’m working in the backyard.

Key Features of The Ring Chime

• Audible Alerts Anywhere in the Home This is the core reason I bought it. When someone presses the doorbell or triggers motion detection, the Chime plays a clear, pleasant tone. I love that it works independently of my phone, so even if my battery dies or I’m out of cell range, I still know someone’s there.
• Customizable Tone Selection The app lets me choose from several classic chimes—ding-dong, Westminster-style bells, even some fun variations. I switch them seasonally sometimes; the holiday tones are surprisingly cheerful without being over-the-top.
• Adjustable Volume Levels I can crank it up when the house is noisy or turn it down at night. In my two-story home, I set the downstairs unit higher because the kitchen gets loud with cooking and conversation.
• Do Not Disturb Mode This is one of my favorite touches. I schedule it for nighttime or when I’m on calls, and the Chime stays silent without affecting phone alerts. It’s saved me from many 3 a.m. false motion triggers.
• Simple Plug-and-Play Setup I literally plugged it in, opened the Ring app, and connected it to my 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi in under five minutes. No wiring, no tools—just find an outlet and go.
• Compact and Discreet Design It doesn’t stick out far from the wall, and the white finish blends with most outlets. I have mine in high-traffic areas, and guests never even notice it.

Pros of The Ring Chime

• Affordable Entry Point I added two to my setup without breaking the bank. If you just need basic indoor alerting, this delivers excellent value, especially when you’re starting out with Ring and don’t want to overspend on extras.
• Reliable Performance Over years of use, it’s never dropped connection or failed to chime. The tones are crisp and carry well through open spaces, making it dependable even during power outages since it stays plugged in.
• Battery-Free Convenience Since it’s always plugged in, I never worry about charging or replacements. It’s set-it-and-forget-it reliable, perfect for busy households where forgetting to charge devices is common.
• Multiple Unit Support I run three in my house—one per floor—and they all sync perfectly. Each can have independent volume and tone settings, allowing customization for different rooms or family preferences.
• No Subscription Required The chime functionality works fully without any Ring Protect plan. I only pay for video recording on my cameras, not for basic alerts, which keeps ongoing costs low.
• Easy Integration It pairs seamlessly with all my Ring devices—doorbells, stick-up cams, everything—without any compatibility headaches, even as I’ve added newer models over time.

Cons of The Ring Chime

• No Wi-Fi Boost In my garage, the doorbell signal was sometimes weak. The standard Chime doesn’t help with connectivity at all, so I had to rely on my main router’s range alone.
• Limited to 2.4 GHz Band My home network is mostly 5 GHz for speed, so setup required switching bands temporarily. It’s not a huge issue, but noticeable in modern setups with multiple devices competing for bandwidth.
• No Nightlight Feature I often plug things into hallway outlets, and a soft light would be handy. This one is purely functional, missing out on that small but practical dual-purpose design.
• Volume Caps Out in Large Spaces In very open floor plans or noisy environments, it can struggle to be heard from far away, especially if there are multiple walls or background noise like vacuums or TV.
• Basic Tone Library While solid, the selection feels limited compared to what I’ve seen on other smart devices, and there’s no option for truly custom sounds beyond the presets.

Moving Up To The Ring Chime Pro

After dealing with spotty connectivity on one of my outdoor cameras, I decided to try the Chime Pro. I was skeptical at first—would the built-in extender actually make a difference? It absolutely did.

Not only did I get the same great chime features, but my Ring network became much more stable.

I placed the Pro unit centrally on the main floor, and suddenly my garage camera stopped buffering, and the doorbell response time improved noticeably. The nightlight was an unexpected bonus—I now use it in a dark hallway, and it provides just enough glow without disturbing sleep.

Also Read: Is Xfinity Home Security Worth It?

Key Features of The Ring Chime Pro

• Built-in Wi-Fi Extender for Ring Devices This is the standout feature. It creates a dedicated Ring network that boosts signal strength specifically for doorbells and cameras. In my home, it eliminated dead zones completely.
• Dual-Band Wi-Fi Support Connecting to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz makes setup smoother and performance more reliable, especially in crowded networks.
• Automatic Nightlight It turns on gently in low light and off when the room brightens. I can adjust brightness and schedule it. It’s surprisingly useful for late-night trips to the kitchen.
• Expanded Tone Library More options than the standard Chime, including seasonal and fun sounds. I particularly like the variety for different doors.
• Same Great Volume and Alert Controls Identical adjustability to the regular Chime, with clear, rich sound quality.
• Guided Setup Feedback During installation, it provides audio cues to confirm connection strength—super helpful for optimal placement.
• Extended Coverage Claim Ring says up to 2000 square feet of additional coverage. In my 2200 sq ft house, it effectively reached every Ring device.

Pros of The Ring Chime Pro

• Improved Ring Device Connectivity My cameras load faster, motion alerts arrive instantly, and live view is smooth. Worth the upgrade alone if you have signal issues, as it creates a more robust dedicated network for Ring products.
• Useful Nightlight It’s become a dual-purpose device—security chime plus gentle hallway lighting. No more fumbling for switches, and it’s subtle enough not to waste energy or disrupt sleep patterns.
• Future-Proof Dual-Band Support As homes move toward 5 GHz networks, this stays compatible longer, avoiding the band-switching hassles I faced with the standard model during setup or updates.
• Stronger Overall Network Performance Even non-Ring devices indirectly benefit from better placement options, and multiple Pros can chain for even wider coverage in bigger properties.
• Premium Feel and Features The extra capabilities make it feel like a more complete smart home addition, with thoughtful touches like guided audio feedback that make installation less guesswork.
• Multiple Units Create Mesh-Like Coverage I added a second Pro upstairs, and now my entire property has rock-solid Ring connectivity, turning potential weak spots into reliable zones.

Cons of The Ring Chime Pro

• Higher Price Point I paid noticeably more than for the standard version. If you don’t need the extender, it feels like overpaying for features you’ll never use.
• Slightly Bulkier Design The nightlight adds a bit of depth, so it protrudes more from the outlet, which can be annoying in tight spaces or behind furniture.
• Extender Limited to Ring Devices It won’t boost your laptop or phone signal—only compatible Ring products—so it doesn’t replace a full home mesh system if you have broader Wi-Fi needs.
• Volume Not Noticeably Louder Despite expectations, the speaker performance is essentially identical to the standard Chime, with no extra power for very large or noisy homes.
• Occasional Setup Complexity Configuring the network extension takes a few extra steps, and placement matters more—poor positioning can reduce the extender benefits significantly.

Which One Should You Choose?

From my experience, if your Ring devices already have strong Wi-Fi and you just want indoor alerts, the standard Chime is perfect. I ran that setup happily for over a year.

But once I started adding more cameras and noticed lag or missed events, the Pro became essential.

I now recommend the Pro to anyone with connectivity challenges or larger homes. The nightlight is a nice bonus that adds everyday utility. If budget is tight and your signal is solid, save the money and go standard—you won’t miss much.

Also Read: Is Eufy 4G LTE Cam S330 Worth It?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

I’ve lived with both the Ring Chime and Chime Pro for long enough to know they’re both solid products that solve real problems in a Ring setup.

The standard Chime gave me back that classic doorbell experience I missed from traditional homes, while the Pro took everything further with better connectivity and thoughtful extras.

You deserve a system that works reliably without constant phone-checking. Whether you choose the straightforward simplicity of the Chime or the enhanced capabilities of the Pro, you’ll wonder how you managed without one.

For me, starting simple and upgrading when needed was the right path—and I think it could be for you too.