Both Ring and Protect America offer DIY home security, but they part ways when it comes to upfront costs, contracts, and monthly fees. While Ring has been the subject of some security concerns, we think it’s made enough security updates to be worthy of consideration for your home security needs. Read on to learn more about each company’s approach to home security.
Compare Ring vs. Protect America
Ring and Protect America offer similar equipment, including door and window sensors, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and indoor and outdoor security cameras. Both companies have Z-wave technology built into their equipment so they’re compatible with Amazon Alexa and other smart home devices. Protect America offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all its equipment, while Ring has a standard one-year warranty for all of its devices, with an optional extended warranty under the Ring Protect Plus Plan.
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Final Call: Ring vs. Protect America
If you enjoy flying solo when it comes to installation, you want to be contract-free, and you don’t mind paying more upfront, Ring is the right system for you. Based on price, contract and mobile app features, we recommend Ring for affordability and flexibility. If you prefer a little more guidance with installation and you’re okay with trading upfront costs for a long-term contract and monthly fees, then Protect America might be a better choice.
| Monthly monitoring starting price | $10/mo. | $19.99/mo.* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum contract length | None | 36-month contract |
| Extended No-Risk Return | 30 days | 15-day return policy for a full refund |
| Installation | DIY | DIY |
| Guarantees | None | Price Match Guarantee |
| Warranty | 1 year | Liimited Lifetime Warranty on equipment |
| BBB Rating | C- | A+ |
| Safety Score | 8.4 | 7.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Ring and Protect America
What kind of equipment packages do Protect America and Ring offer?
Protect America offers three equipment packages with no upfront costs. The Copper package comes with a control panel, three door and window sensors, and one motion sensor. Ring’s basic package costs $199 and includes a base station, keypad, a contact sensor, a motion detector and a range extender. Both providers offer upgrades with more equipment and features.
What kind of monitoring plans do Ring and Protect America offer?
Ring’s only professional monitoring plan is the Ring Protect Plus for $10/mo.. The plan also includes mobile app access, video storage, and an extended warranty on all Ring devices. Protect America offers three different monitoring plans that start at $19.99/mo. with fees that increase based on the number of devices being monitored. Video access is included for an extra fee in Protect America’s upper-tier plans.
Do either Ring or Protect America offer the ability to self-monitor your own security system or is professional monitoring required?
Protect America requires professional monitoring starting at $19.99/mo., but Ring offers self-monitoring. Ring’s professional monitoring is entirely optional and costs $10/mo.
Are either Protect America or Ring a good choice for renters?
Because both systems have DIY installation, both are suitable for renters. When it’s time to move, just uninstall your system and take it with you. Just be sure to let the security company know about the move if your system is professionally monitored. Keep in mind, Protect America requires a contract, which is something to consider if you’re moving.
