Both Ring and Protection 1 offer competitive features including home automation devices, 24/7 professional monitoring and security systems to protect the modern home. We are aware of recent Ring privacy concerns and acknowledge the potential damage that this could have caused some consumers, but still believe the company has worked to get its service on track in their latest response. We’ll explore these two providers, their equipment services, price, features and customer service to help you make the right choice for your home.
Compare Ring vs. Protection 1
Since 2013, Ring has grown to provide DIY home security solutions, including an alarm system and devices like video doorbells, security cameras, and smart lights. Protection 1 has more than 30 years of industry experience and provides flexible installation options alongside excellent features and customer service. The company has a range of security system packages to choose from, including home environmental monitoring, camera-enabled motion detection, smart home control, video surveillance, and geo-fencing. Let’s explore categories and major differences to help you make your choice.
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Security Cameras
Tie: Ring and Protection 1Ring provides a varied suite of security cameras. In addition to video doorbells, it provides indoor and outdoor cameras with HD video, night vision, several power options (solar, wired or battery), two-way talk options, and wide-angle viewing. Protection 1 also has a strong camera range, providing up to six cameras in its web-based video surveillance. This is accessible in an easy-to-use interface, protected by wireless encryption and up to 100MB of storage.
Security Cameras
Tie: Ring and Protection 1Ring provides a varied suite of security cameras. In addition to video doorbells, it provides indoor and outdoor cameras with HD video, night vision, several power options (solar, wired or battery), two-way talk options, and wide-angle viewing. Protection 1 also has a strong camera range, providing up to six cameras in its web-based video surveillance. This is accessible in an easy-to-use interface, protected by wireless encryption and up to 100MB of storage.
Price
Tie: Ring and Protection 1Ring offers professional monitoring services for as little as $10/mo., whereas Protection 1's solution begins at $34.99/mo.. However, Protection 1 has the edge on affordable equipment with packages for basic intrusion detection and prevention for $34.99/mo. with no initial costs, compared to Ring's cheapest package of $199 upfront. Since both costs balance out, this round is a tie.
Customer Experience
Winner: Protection 1Protection 1 excels in customer satisfaction, while Ring is making improvements in this area. Protection 1 has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and offers a $1,000 Theft Protection Guarantee that goes towards insurance deductible in the event of a burglary. Ring currently has a BBB rating of C but, as addressed previously, consumers have raised questions about its privacy levels, based on which the company is making updates. Because of Protect America’s great-standing trust and customer service they win this category.
Installation
Winner: Protection 1Protection 1 offers both DIY and professional installation. The company will help DIY customers through the entire installation and maintenance process or send out a trained technician. Ring’s DIY-only security systems might be an option for people that are tech-savvy and want to save a little extra money. Ring also offers a set-up guide and online forums for help. Protection 1 offers both options for you to choose from, making them a winner in this round.
Contract
Winner: RingRing doesn’t require a long-term contract, while Protection 1 requires a minimum 36-month contract. Ring’s home security solutions and monitoring plans are available on a month-to-month plan, and can be canceled at any time. It also has a 30-day trial period, compared to Protection 1 that doesn't have a trial period. Ring’s flexibility wins this round.
Final Call: Ring vs. Protection 1
Even though Protection 1 requires a contract, they offer a number of benefits that make them the winner. Protection 1 offers flexible installation options, no upfront costs on equipment and great customer service. Ring is an appealing option for people that want to save money with do-it-yourself installation and minimal investment in equipment and monitoring services, all without having to sign a contract.
 Ring Home Security |  Protection1 | |
|---|---|---|
Monthly monitoring starting price | $10/mo. | $34.99/mo. |
Minimum contract length | None | 36 months |
Extended No-Risk Return | 30 days | 3 days |
Installation | DIY | DIY or professional |
Guarantees | None | $1,000 Theft Protection Guarantee |
Warranty | 1 year | None |
BBB Rating | C- | A+ |
Frequently Asked Questions About Ring and Protection 1
Ring offers a range of equipment packages, from its Starter Kit, which comes with a Ring Video Doorbell 2 and a Floodlight Cam and costs $448, through to the Deluxe Pro Kit, which includes a Ring Video Doorbell Pro and three Floodlight Cams for $996. Protection 1’s basic Secure Package comes with a touchscreen control panel, three door/window sensors and a motion sensor starting at $34.99/mo. Protection 1 also provides additional equipment like emergency buttons and outdoor cameras, which can be purchased at an additional cost.
Ring provides professional monitoring through its Protect Plus plan, which costs $10/mo. or $100 annually for a $20 discount. While Protection 1 offers professional monitoring across all of its plans, which begin at $34.99/mo. Professional monitoring for Protection 1 can cost as much at $54.99/mo.
Ring enables customers to select self-monitoring, such as its Ring Alarm system, whereas Protection 1 only provides professional monitoring services.
Ring’s security solutions are ideal for renters as there is no need to enter a long-term contract. Customers can simply sign up for a monthly service and cancel whenever they like. Protection 1’s services are not a great choice for most renters as it requires a minimum 36-month contract.