The delivery guy, bless his heart, practically levitated off the porch when he saw my camera. He looked like he’d stumbled onto an alien sighting, his eyes wide. This was yesterday, testing the Ring Video Doorbell 4. Truth be told, I expected a similar reaction. Most folks I consult with on home security are still wary of these things, picturing Big Brother.

The real challenge? Convincing them the tech has caught up with the paranoia. We’re well past the pixelated potato-cam days. This Ring unit, with its HD+ video and the “taller” field of view, delivers. Clarity is king in surveillance. You can distinguish faces easily, even in less-than-ideal lighting. The wider perspective is a game-changer too; you can actually see packages being placed at your doorstep, not just the delivery person’s disappearing back.

And the battery pack? A definite upgrade over hardwiring, especially if you’re renting or wary of DIY electrical projects. It’s a quick-release setup. Simply pop it out, charge it, and back in it goes. Simple, elegant, efficient. Speaking of efficiency, I’d suggest pairing it with a Ring Chime Pro to extend the Wi-Fi range. Those little boosters make a world of difference, especially if your router isn’t exactly centrally located in your dwelling.

One small quibble: the pre-roll feature, which captures a few seconds of footage before motion is detected, can sometimes be a little slow to start. There’s a slight lag. My fix? Position the doorbell strategically, where a person approaching the house is forced to be within view for a beat before hitting the actual doorway. That way, you’re pretty much guaranteed to capture everything.

Compared to, say, the older Ring Doorbell (the one without the pre-roll), this is night and day. Faster, clearer, and a hell of a lot more user-friendly.

Bottom line? For anyone prioritizing ease of use and crisp video quality, especially those who prioritize simple installation, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is a solid choice. Get one. Your porch, and your peace of mind, will thank you.