Doorbell Cameras for Your Family
Doorbell cameras are helping keep you and your family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. Here’s how:
Ring Security — Our Take
Widely known for its video doorbell options, Ring has also joined the home security sector with complete alarm systems. Each Ring home security system can be self-installed and comes with the option of inexpensive professional monitoring.
★ Recommended Plan: Ring Alarm with Video Doorbell & Echo Show
We recommend the Ring Alarm with Video Doorbell & Echo Show for its comprehensive features like intrusion detection, indoor & outdoor video surveillance, and home automation features.
- Equipment starts at $339.99
- Professional monitoring starts at $10 per month
Ring Security System Review
For our Ring review, we’re excited to see the brand fleshing out its home security lineup with new equipment and additional products. You can keep things simple with the basics or choose a Ring security system with a security camera and other devices. Ring professional monitoring is super inexpensive at only $10 per month, making them an excellent choice for renters and homeowners on a budget. See how Ring compares to other top DIY security providers here.
Pros
- Inexpensive equipment and professional monitoring
- A range of security camera devices
- Lots of smart home compatibility options like Alexa, Z-Wave, & more
Cons
- Professional monitoring not included in Basic subscription
- Video recording only available with Basic and Plus subscriptions
Compare Ring Security Plans
Ring Alarm with Video Doorbell & Echo Show (2nd Gen.)Learn more about Ring Alarm with Video Doorbell & Echo Show (2nd Gen.) | Ring Alarm with Indoor Cam & Echo Show (2nd Gen.)Learn more about Ring Alarm with Indoor Cam & Echo Show (2nd Gen.) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment starts at | $339.99 | $199.99 | $299.99 |
| Pro. monitoring starts at | $10/mo. | $10/mo. | $10/mo. |
| Motion detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Home environmental monitoring | No | No | No |
| Security camera(s) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Mobile app access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crash & smash protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Home automation capabilities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ring Security Costs
Compared to competitors, Ring’s equipment and professional monitoring are relatively inexpensive. You can purchase Ring’s base kit for $199.99. Overall, Ring’s equipment ranges from around $200 to upwards of $350, and you can choose from a number of Ring alarm kits. If you don’t want to purchase your security kit upfront, you can finance it over three, six, or 12 months through Affirm. Here’s a closer look at Ring costs.
Ring Monitoring Plans:
Free:
- Activity notifications
- Live streaming video
- Two-way audio
- Lifetime theft protection (free replacement for stolen Ring device)
Basic: $3 per month ($30 per year)
- Activity notifications
- Live streaming video
- Two-way audio
- Lifetime theft protection (free replacement for stolen Ring device)
- 60-day video history
- Save and share videos
- Snapshots throughout the day
Plus: $10 per month ($100 per year) — Everything in Basic plus these features
- 24/7 alarm monitoring
- Extended warranties for all of your Ring devices
- 10% discount on select Ring.com products
Ring Installation
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 Security Equipment and Features
Using Ring
You can self-monitor or have professionals monitor your Ring alarm system. Here’s a breakdown of alarm response for both monitoring types:
How Ring Self-monitoring Works
If you choose to self-monitor your Ring security system, in the event your alarm is triggered or your sensors are tripped, the base station will notify you and any designated contacts. You’ll be responsible for contacting the authorities.
How Ring Professional Monitoring Works
If you subscribe to Ring professional monitoring with the Protect Plus plan, a monitoring agent will respond to alarm events by reaching out to you and any designated contacts. If the alarm is verified, the agent will contact the authorities or emergency responders to come out to your home.
Another helpful feature is the Ring Always Home app. This app allows you to check in on your Ring cameras, review notifications, get crime alerts, use two-way audio to respond, and more. The Ring app has a 4-star rating in the Google Play and Apple App Store.
Regarding warranty, Ring provides a one-year limited warranty on Ring products. Any repairs or replacements will be at the sole description of Ring.
Ring Packages and Pricing
- Base station
- Keypad
- 1 Motion detector
- 1 Contact sensor
- 1 Range extender
- Base station
- Keypad
- 1 Motion detector
- 4 Contact sensors
- 1 Range extender
- 1 Ring Indoor Cam
- 1 Amazon Echo Show 5
- Base station
- Keypad
- 1 Motion detector
- 4 Contact sensors
- 1 Range extender
- 1 Ring Video Doorbell
- 1 Amazon Echo Show 5
Our take
The Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit comes with everything you need for intrusion detection to include the base station, keypad, contact and motion sensors, and a range extender. This security system is perfect for protecting apartments and small homes. You can purchase the Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit for $199.99.
Package Features
Our take
This 8-piece kit from Ring tacks on additional products like the Amazon Echo Show 5 and Ring Indoor Cam. If you subscribe to the Protect Plus plan, you’ll get access to 60-day video history, video saving and sharing, snapshot capture, and more. With this alarm kit, Alexa can help you organize your day and manage your security system. Purchase this Ring alarm kit for $299.99.
Package Features
Our take
This 8-piece Ring alarm kit comes with a video doorbell and echo show in addition to the essentials for motion detection. Ring’s video doorbell will allow you to see who’s coming and going, while the Amazon Echo Show 5 will give you access to additional home automation features with your security system. Purchase this Ring alarm kit for $339.99.
Package Features
Ring Home Automation
There are a lot of smart home devices that 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’ll be able to 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.
Ring Security Methodology
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.
Ring Home Security Customer Service
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.
Ring Security FAQs
How much does Ring cost?
Ring alarm kits range from around $200 to upwards of $350. Ring also has Protect plans for monitoring and video recording features. Use the Free Ring Protect plan or pay between $3 – $10 per month for additional features.
Do you have to pay a monthly fee for Ring?
No, you do not have to pay a monthly fee for Ring. You can use your security system without purchasing a subscription and still have access to great features like activity notifications and live streaming video.
Does Ring offer professional monitoring?
Yes, Ring professional monitoring costs $10 per month or $100 per year.
Does Ring offer professional installation?
Yes, Ring professional installation starts at $99.99 for alarm kits.
Do Ring alarm kits come with a camera?
Yes, there are several Ring alarm kits that come with cameras.
What is Ring’s return policy?
You can return your equipment within 30 days for a full refund.
