Ring Home Security

Ring professional monitoring is among the least expensive home security systems. The Ring Protect Plus Plan with professional monitoring costs just $10 per month or $100 per year . If you’re on a budget but still want professional assistance with protecting your apartment or home, we recommend Ring.

Intrusion Detection With Ring Sensors

Each Ring alarm kit comes with sensors designed to detect intrusions. Each motion sensor should be placed in high-traffic areas, such as your living room or a foyer. You can attach the contact sensors to a door or window. Whenever either of these sensors detects motion, they notify the security system and trigger the alarm. You’ll also be notified through the Ring app.

Control With the Ring Mobile App

Manage your Ring alarm kit, Ring cameras, and additional devices through the mobile app. The app is available for download on Android and iOS devices. When you first open the app, you’ll see the Dashboard with a utility bar and main tiles. Navigating through the app, you can adjust settings for your security system and view camera footage.

Ring Monitoring and Features

You can opt to self-monitor your Ring security system or get help from professionals with Ring professional monitoring. Choose between two plans: Ring Protect Plus with monitoring or Ring Protect Plus without monitoring.

There are a variety of Ring packages you can choose from, including the following three: The Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit (2nd Gen), Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit (2nd Gen) with Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), and the Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit (2nd Gen) with Ring Indoor Cam. 

Ring Doorbells

Ring has come under scrutiny for privacy issues with its doorbells in the past, and you can view our response here. However, the company has since taken steps to resolve and prevent security issues, which is why we still stand behind it. We believe Ring doorbells and the rest of its products are successful in keeping you and your family safe.

Several Ring doorbells can help you monitor areas around your home. Here are some Ring video doorbells you can find on the market today:

• Video Doorbell (2020 Release)
• Video Doorbell Pro
• Video Doorbell Elite
• Video Doorbell 3
• Video Doorbell 3 Plus
• Peephole Cam

Ring Doorbell Plans

Save your recorded footage to review later with a Ring doorbell subscription. You’ll need to subscribe to a Ring Protect plan that includes video recording and more. You can access several features, such as two-way talk, activity notifications, and a live video feed for free with a Ring doorbell, camera or alarm system. For additional features, you can choose between the Basic or Plus plans. Here’s a breakdown of the features:

With Ring, you can self-install your security system or have an OnTech professional do it for you. The cost of professional installation varies based on the kit you choose:

• 5-Piece Kit:  $99.99
• 10-Piece Kit: $129.99
• 14-Piece Kit: $149.99

You can request a quote for other kits and devices.

For self-installation, Ring’s equipment is easy to set up. Most devices can be adhered to flat surfaces without drilling, making this a benefit for renters. The base station is AC powered but has a 24-hour backup battery. The keypad is battery-powered but comes with a USB cable and plug for recharging. Ring’s motion detector and contact sensors are peel-and-stick for walls and doors. And lastly, the range extender is designed to be plugged into an outlet.

If you need a step by-step walkthrough on Ring installation, you can check out their guides for Generation 1 and Generation 2 Ring alarm kits.

Ring Home Automation

There are many smart home devices you can use with your Ring home security system.

Here’s a shortlist of brands and technologies that work with Ring:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• Z-Wave
• Zigbee
• Schlage
• Yale
• GE
• Leviton
• Ecolink

Alexa probably stands out as the most obvious smart home integration since Amazon acquired Ring. If you purchase a Ring kit with an Alexa-enabled device, or if you already own one, you can issue voice commands like, “Alexa, arm Ring,” and “Alexa, show the front door.” Additional convenient features you’ll find include controlling smart lights and locks.

Is the Ring Alarm Worth It?

Ring’s reasonable equipment and monitoring prices, and its extensive lineup of products, make choosing a Ring Alarm Kit worth it. While we won’t discount Ring’s past security issues, we appreciate the work the brand has done to protect its products and consumers further. 

Explore Additional Resources

• Ring Cameras
• Ring Video Doorbells
• Ring Home Security Review
• Ring Yard Signs
• Nest vs. Ring
• Our Response to Ring Security Concerns

Each of our home security providers is evaluated on a number of factors that help families determine their home security needs.

Cost — We evaluate all costs included in your home security service including monitoring, video storage, equipment and one-time fees. Home security is an investment, but we look for affordable home security that’s reasonably priced upfront and monthly.

Equipment and Features — Our team looks for easy-to-use equipment that gives customers better security and control of their home’s safety. We also look for smart home features, mobile app control and other standout features to make managing home security simple.

Service — We consider customer services including installation, technical support, consultations and other available services to keep your system up and running without worry.

Warranties, Trial Periods and Guarantees — Most providers offer warranties and guarantees to ensure your customer satisfaction with their equipment and services. Some also offer trial periods for a risk-free test run. Consumers should feel confident in their home security choice with enough time to try the equipment and service and feel satisfied months later with their decision.

Installation — We believe that setup should be seamless – whether DIY or professionally installed. Home security installation should be easy and support should always be available to help you whether you’re starting with a new system, expanding or troubleshooting.

If you’re an existing Ring customer and need assistance, you can visit Ring’s online help center for support with your alarm kit, products, plan, and the Ring app. If you’re a U.S. customer, you can call 1-800-656-1918 for assistance by phone.