Ring Security System Comprehensive Review

The company has established a reputation of the provider of do-it-yourself, affordable security systems that can put even the fanciest home under the shield of safety. We are looking at the key components of the products in detail.

Key Features

The Ring home security system is featuring all essentials one would expect from a modern security system: 

Company Background Information

The company started its business in 2013 and raised $364,000 by way of crowd-funding, scoring $115,000 more than the goal initially was. The company’s extensive media appearance helped the hype, and the enterprise had earned $5 million in sales eventually. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California. In 2018, the enterprise was sold to Amazon.

Ring Security Features

The DIY easiness combined with relatively low rates has gained the provider huge popularity with customers across the United States. The features offered by the company are somewhat unique, and we are taking a glimpse into these.

Auto-Lock and Unlock

The base station is equipped with an auto-lock/ unlock system. A user has the security system under control through the mobile app.

24/7 Video Recording

The trained team of professional monitoring agents monitors the safety of a household 24/7. The feature comes in handy if you are a user that often leaves home for a significant time frame.

Arming and Disarming

With this feature, a user should not worry when far from the control panel. Arming and disarming is done through the app and works just fine.

Smarter Alerts

The security system has a feature of smart alerts, which allows sharing of what is happening in the nearby houses. A user can send a video or photo to alert a next-door neighbor should a threat to the safety is detected.

Integrated Smart Home Ecosystem

For households who already use Amazon Alexa or Amazon Echo, integrating these with security systems will do a perfect job, as they are all owned by Amazon. Pitifully, users with Google Home Assistant would not be able to do the same.

Voice Alerts

Users of Amazon Alexa can use already recorded voice control to operate their security system. Alexa also gives notifications when somebody is approaching doors or windows of the house.

Pathlight

The high tech path lights can turn on when they detect motion, monitoring entryways, and sidewalks to keep the house safe.

Quiet Open

Quiet Open feature makes it easy for the household owners to return home and open doors, including garage doors able to recognize the owners.

Mobile Control

The complete control and operation are made available from the comfort of your smartphone. The mobile app introduced by the provider includes everything a user can find on the control panel.

Video Storage

Video Storage is made available through the cloud. All video files are stored while encrypted for extra safety. The cloud storage accessibility comes handy when a user needs to access the footage.

Equipment & Installation

The Ring home security kits include all smart technology and DIY parts that are seamlessly designed to protect your household. The equipment offered by the company is truly outstanding.

Mobile App 

No security system on today’s home security market is offered without a mobile app, and this provider’s app is not an exception. The app is connectable through iOS or Android to smartwatches and tablets; it can even be utilized with fitness applications like Fitbit. The app allows full control over the security system and can instantly send notifications to the user’s device.

Neighbors App

The neighbors app is designed to keep your neighborhood in the constant watch. The chosen users are connected to the group and can exchange information on the safety and security of the shared space.

Customized Home Security

Users can personalize a safety system by adding a sensor or alarm to the bundle.

Smart Connectivity With Third-Party Devices

Being a partner of Amazon, the brand allows syncing up with several gadgets. Whether you have a computer run by Windows 10 or rely on Google Nest, utilize activity trackers or smart-watches, make sure to connect your security system to provide integrated connectivity.

24-Hour Battery Back-up

The feature allows for backing up the battery charge, so users do not need to worry if they run out of power.

Home Automation

The provider’s base station is a hub that can be triggered by voice command via Amazon Alexa, Z-Wave, Nest, and many more.

Cellular Back-up

Coming only with the Protection Plus Plan, the cellular back-up is handy when you are out of Wi-Fi range.

Professional Monitoring

Pro monitoring is coming with the Protection Plus package and allows instant monitoring for a discounted rate of $10 a month.

Ring Neighborhoods Beta

Using this feature, users connected to the neighborhood network can post updates, photos, and videos of events in terms of security.

Two-Way Audio

Through the highly regarded doorbell cam, users can turn to the app to talk to visitors.

Equipment

The following core devices are all top-notch quality and easy to install by users themselves. Made involving highly technical production processes, the sets are on the front line of modern security technology.

Base Station

The base station can be plugged into a wall power outlet, while the rest of the security system can be connected to the base through wi-fi.

Ring Alarm Full Kit

The full alarm kit comes with the hub station. The full kit is chargeable, however, there is a 30-days free trial available. The alarm is at strong 104 decibels and carries a full battery back-up.

Keypad

Keypad provides a user’s easy control over the system. The feature is protected by a password and is synced with the app.

Video Doorbell

Several versions of a doorbell are featured, and the user is encouraged to take a look at the catalog to choose the most suitable.

Motion Detectors

A motion detector can detect any movement 250 feet away from the base and is instantly sending an alert to the user.

Contact Sensors

Door and window sensors are featured, as well as contact sensors, with the provider. The sensor, by way of the app, will notify a user every time a door or window is opened or closed.

Range Extenders

Users can go for range extenders to increase the signal range of the kit of the motion sensor.

Add-On Equipment

We are looking at the company’s add-on pieces of equipment that can be added to any current plan offered by the provider.

Alarm Smoke & CO Detectors

The smoke and CO2 detector is priced at $35 and can be replaced with the First Alert Z-Wave Smoke/CO Alarm.

Alarm Flood & Freeze Sensors

Priced at $35 this alarm is for those experiencing harsh winters. It can also search for areas with excessive wetness and flood.

Dome Sirens

Ring Alarm Home Security Kit can be useful for those with weakened/ impaired healing capacity. The device is priced at $30.

Panic Buttons

The panic button is handy if one of your family members is in the situation when urgent help is needed. The button instantly sends the signal to the emergency unit.

Ring Installation

Ring installation is fully DIY and would not require professional assistance from the company’s representative. Even devices like the doorbells and cams take just a little effort to be installed and operate properly. A user just needs to follow a simple manual. However, the company’s support team can do the job for you for a small fee.

Packages & Prices

The packages and correspondent pricing is a bit tricky with the company. As long as a user buys a device, he gets enrolled in the free plan. There are two available paid subscriptions offered. Pro monitoring comes at $10 a month, with doorbells and cams coming at extra cost.

Monthly Monitoring Fees

The Protection Plus plan offered by the provider features pro monitoring at $10 per month.

Doorbell Cameras

The prices on doorbell cams range from $99 to $499 and differ in capabilities of motion detection and high-definition.

Original

This $99 plan comprises a battery and video of 720p HD.

Version 2

This plan is an upgrade from the previous and is priced at $199. It has the same perfect motion sensors and 5 minutes of installation time. Full HD video provided, unlike with the previous plan, and 1080p of excellent HD footage.

Pro

Priced at $249 Pro plan can be in several color palettes, and the security system is hard-wired. The full-HD capabilities are included.

Elite

The top-tier plan called Elite is priced at $499 and is powered via Ethernet cable. Coming in four designs and the plan features full HD recording and top-notch motion sensors.

The cameras are different, depending on the purpose. We are reviewing each model available.

Spotlight Cam Battery

A perfect cam for external places. Excellent for your driveway.

Solar

A sun-powered version of the Stick Up Camera. Motion-activated.

Mount

A mounted camera is a perfect choice for users who want to install a camera in a nonobvious area of the household.

Wired

There are two wired cams available: plug-in Stick Up Cams and an indoor cam.

Stick Up Cam

The options are wired and battery-operated models. It can stick to the wall or can be put on to overlook an entire room.

Flood-light Cam

Motion-activated, the flood-cam records video so users can see who is around the property.

There are two plans a user can opt for. It is important to note that when you buy any device, you get a free plan. The monthly rates offered by the company are moderate, considering the pricing on the market. There is also a reasonable refund policy the provider is sticking to 30 calendar days.

Basic

The basic plan features a doorbell or one security cam. A one year warranty, full access to the captured footage, motion alert, with two months of Live View altogether in the bundle. The plan costs safe $3 per month.

Plus

Priced at $10 a month, the Plus Plan gives a user 24/7 pro monitors, unlimited cams, and cellular back-up. The annual fee would be $100.

The providers offer beneficial deals and discounts, including multipacks that can save a customer from $10 to $150. A user is advised to browse the website regularly to catch a deal, as they come and go fast.

Ease of Use

The DIY nature of all the packages is the major advantage of the product. A minimum skill is required to set up the product with your own hands. Should a user be in doubt about how to mount a camera or set up ring video doorbells, live chat support is there and it is reportedly responsive?

Customer Experience

The customer experience is reflected in the majority of positive reviews, ranging from good to excellent and mentioning easy installation as the major point, flexibility of plans, and ready support.

Terms & Guarantees

A customer is entitled to a free trial for 30 days. After that period, any footage or recording the customer captured will be removed. Bills are coming on the first day of the billing period. Refunds are possible within 30 days after the purchase.

Customer Service

The customer support number is 877-715-2521, and it is available from 5 am until 10 pm. 24/7 live chat support is found on the website. The waiting time varies, but usually, a user is answered within several minutes.

Reviews

The customer reviews underline the flexibility of packages, easy installation, and firm customer support. The quality of full HD footage is underlined as a major advantage of the company. There are complaints about the connectivity with third-party providers, especially Google. Amazon is trying to bundle up their packages, and users notice that, unwilling to switch all their products to the sole provider.

FAQ 

Pros & Cons

The DIY simplicity of installation and lucrative monthly rates are two major pros. The unfailing mobile app is also a great one. The letdowns include expensive add-ons and at times glitchy tech. On the financial side, the absence of cancellation fees is what makes the company stand out above other providers of security systems.

Summary

For a user who is just looking at the first future security system and is not willing to spend a lot on it, Ring is a safe option to consider. The starting kit costs almost nothing, yet it provides ultimate control through the mobile app. Of course, there are more advanced tech solutions to home security on the market, but the reliability and affordability make the provider a winner.