Ring Home Security System Review
Good news: Ring now supports end-to-end encryption for video streams. This is a huge win for those concerned about Ring or law enforcement accessing their footage—privacy concerns that have caught headlines the last couple of years.
With no contracts and no fancy extras, Ring Security is basic in the best way. You can snag starter equipment for under $200, and pro monitoring costs just $10/month ($20 below the industry average).
It’s also easy to assemble, attentive with its alerts, and expandable so it can grow with your family. Plus, Amazon owns Ring, so it integrates well with your Alexa.
Wildly affordable price Huge range of cameras Clever Neighbors app
Few sensors in starting package Confusing keypad Tough features to reset
Right now, Ring is taking 20% off of select products for military, veterans, first responders, students, and teachers. There are dozens of items to choose from.
Compare Ring Alarm monitoring prices
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Monthly cost
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Yearly cost
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Video
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Professional monitoring
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Recommended add-ons
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Best for
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See Ring Alarm devices
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| Free | $0.00/mo. | $0.00/yr. |
 No |
No |
Amazon Alexa | Singles and couples | View on Amazon |
| Protect Basic | $3.00/mo. | $30.00/yr. |
 Yes |
No |
Ring cameras | Small families | View on Amazon |
| Protect Plus | $10.00/mo. | $100.00/yr. |
Yes |
Yes |
Environmental sensors, Motion detectors, Ring cameras |
Large families | View on Amazon |
Info current as of 07/14/2021. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Full Amazon disclaimer
The Ring security system costs peanuts compared to other self-installed systems like it. The base price for the starter security kit is under $200. Self-monitoring is free without video, or you can add a camera with video recording for $3. And at $10 per month, Ring’s professional monitoring is one of the cheapest rates we’ve encountered.
Perks like video backlog and discounted equipment come with the Protect Plus plan. Other systems like Frontpoint and SimpliSafe have these features, but you’d have to pay up to $40 per month. Unfortunately, Ring doesn’t offer professional video monitoring with any of its plans.
- A Netflix subscription
- A gym membership
- A night at the movies
Ring Alarm vs. other brands
| Luxury smart home pick | Reader favorite | Whole-property pick | Pro monitoring pick | No-contract DIY pick | Smart home pick | Customer-focused pick | Budget pick | Sensor selection pick | Simple package pick | |
| Brand |
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| Lowest monitoring price | $29.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $49.99/mo. | $27.99/mo. | $19.99/mo. | $20.00/mo. | $14.99/mo. | $10.00/mo. | $30.99/mo. | $39.99/mo. |
| Starter equipment price | $599.00 | $229.00 | $99.00 | $0.00 | $199.15 | $279.00 | Quote required | $199.99 | Quote required | $199.00 |
| Contract required |
No * |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No * |
No |
No * |
Yes |
Smart home compatibility |
Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
Amazon, |
Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
Amazon, Apple, Google, Z-Wave, Zigbee | Amazon, |
Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
| Learn more | View packages | View packages | View packages | View packages | View Packages | View packages | View packages | View on Amazon | View packages | View packages |
| Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review | Read review |
Info current as of 07/14/2021. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Full Amazon disclaimer
Full ADT disclaimer
Low pricing and low commitment distinguish Ring from similar self-installed security systems. It has all the same equipment and features as the big guys but for a fraction of the price.
But you can’t design your system from the ground up. You can add on new devices or get an expandable security kit, but Ring security system packages won't give you the level of customization that systems like Frontpoint and Link Interactive offer.
Is Ring alarm right for you?
With few frills, complementary cameras, and affordable equipment prices, Ring Alarm is best for people looking for standard security. And the option to monitor the system yourself or have the pros help out for just $10 a month lightens the burden of buying equipment up front.
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Ring security tech and equipment
All of Ring’s standard tech has a simple white cover with the signature blue LED ring. The ring of light on the sensors illuminates when they catch motion or the system is armed.
We like the minimalist look of Ring’s equipment (you probably recognize its popular doorbell), and the chime feature on the door/window sensor is comforting to hear when you come home.
Ring offers roughly the same package in three sizes: small ($199.99), medium ($249.99), and large ($329.99).*
The right kit depends on the size of your home. It’s best to cover all main entrances with a contact sensor and put motion detectors in the main entryways. The large and medium kits have all the essentials but with more sensors.
Info current as of 07/14/2021. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Full Amazon disclaimer
Compare Ring Alarm security kits (2nd gen)
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What it looks like
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Equipment cost*
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Estimated household coverage
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Included equipment
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Learn more
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| Ring Alarm 5-Piece |  |
$199.99 | Up to 1,000 sq. ft. | Base station, Keypad, Contact sensor, Motion detector, Range extender |
View on Amazon |
| Ring Alarm 8-Piece |  |
$249.99 | Up to 2,000 sq. ft. | Base station, Keypad, Contact sensor (3), Motion detector (2), Range extender |
View on Amazon |
| Ring Alarm 14-Piece |  |
$329.99 | Over 2,000 sq. ft. | Base station, Keypad (2), Contact sensor (8), Motion detector (2), Range extender |
View on Amazon |
Info current as of 07/14/2021. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Full Amazon disclaimer
A look at Ring Alarm security system equipment
Base station
This is the core of the system. The base station connects all Ring Alarm devices. The siren is also located within the base station.
Keypad
The keypad gives you physical control of your security system. You can arm and disarm the system and view the system status.
Contact sensor
This functions as either a window or door sensor. The contact sensor monitors when doors and windows are opened.
Motion sensor
This motion detector provides motion detection in any area or room where it’s placed. It uses a passive infrared sensor (PIR) that can pick up movement in a 90° radius.
Range extender
This device strengthens the Ring Alarm Z-Wave mesh network to amplify the signal from the base station. This lets you place devices further away from the base station to cover more area.
Equipment highlights
Range extender included: The Ring alarm kit is the only security system we know of that comes with a range extender. This is usually an add-on that costs extra, so it’s helpful for those with larger homes or outdoor equipment. Range extenders boost your home’s Wi-Fi reach and strengthen connections for additional devices.
System control: The Ring base station and keypad control the system as a whole. Both have the signature ring light to indicate system status.
More equipment: In addition to traditional home security tech, Ring has a suite of advanced indoor and outdoor cameras, environmental sensors, and more. We tested only the starter kit, but these other accessories are easy to add to your home system and play well with others.
Ring setup and installation
The Ring security system has everything you need right in the box. It’s easy to find all the sensors, instructions, and cables you need. Once your base station has a connection, the setup is simple.
1. Find instructions: Ring provides directions from the app and printed materials in the box.
2. Identify hub: installation starts with your base hub (the “brain” that ties the system together).
3. Have Wi-Fi password handy: There’s no “cancel” option if you enter it in wrong. To skip a headache and time wasted, type carefully.
4. Choose a four-digit entry code for the keypad.
5. Choose a place to put your sensors. These devices take just moments to install.
You'll need to restore factory settings if you’re getting a Ring system secondhand or giving yours away. This process takes a while because you have to manually reset each device. Plan on a few minutes for each.
User-friendly base station, tricky keypad and sensors
We found Ring's base station easy to set up, but the keypad and sensors posed difficulties.
Arming or disarming was confusing, and it was hard to tell if we’d successfully changed the system’s status until the alarm sounded. (The neighbors loved that.)
We decided to use the Ring app instead of the keypad, and it went much smoother. So, while a keypad is helpful when you have an armful of groceries, the app is much easier to understand.
The contact sensor also acted up. If your door and window frames have molding, you might have trouble too. The doorframe was too high for the sensors to match, so the system showed that the door was open.
Thankfully, we found help through Ring’s guide to different door and window trims.
Ring smart home features
Ring Neighbors app
Ring's Neighbors app allows Ring users post suspicious activity, report crimes, and even share the occasional wildlife encounter. It's a unique supplement to your home security system, and it can be a quick, anonymous way to keep your neighbors in the loop.
While we like a lot of things about the app, it’s wise to think about posts critically. There’s no vetting required, so we’ve seen a lot of posts unnecessarily raise alarm.
Further, organizations (including law enforcement) have tried to co-opt the app and its posts to try to identify protesters across the country. And police can request your video footage.
We strongly encourage reading all the fine print about how Ring handles privacy issues. That way, you can make the choice that feels most comfortable for you and your approach to community safety.
Learn more about Ring's police partnerships in our Ring FAQ.
Smart home devices that work with Ring Alarm
This system has seen a fast evolution since it first hit the market.
It debuted without any home automation integration (not even with the Ring video doorbell or cameras), but today you can control many smart devices through the Ring app, and you can use the Ring Alarm base station as a smart home hub.
Get the most up-to-date details on the Works With Ring list of compatible devices.
More security options from Ring
Expand your Ring Alarm security system with a Ring doorbell, security camera, or motion-activated light. All of Ring's equipment works together, and you can control everything from the Ring app.
Spotlight Cam Battery
This battery-powered camera includes LED spotlights, motion detection, and a siren.
Check out our Ring Spotlight camera review to learn more.
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
This is Ring’s entry-level battery doorbell camera. It delivers motion-activated alerts, two-way talk, and night vision.
Find out more in our full Ring video doorbell breakdown.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
This battery-powered camera is Ring's newest addition to its camera lineup. You can get this indoor/outdoor camera for around $100.
Learn more in our Ring Stick Up Cam review.
Ring Floodlight Cam
A motion-activated camera that features floodlights, two-way talk, voice control with Alexa, and a siren.
New Ring equipment
New Ring equipment to add to your system or build from the ground up:
- Ring Retrofit Kit ($150): This works with preexisting door and window sensors and motion detectors to modernize old security equipment. It still requires the base station that comes in Ring Alarm's starter kits but could save money if you already have the infrastructure.
- Ring's first-ever indoor camera ($60): This indoor home security camera is the cheapest camera Ring has to offer. It's wireless with Wi-Fi connection and works on a flat surface or mounted on a wall.
Ring Alarm customer service
Between the box instructions, online support, and the Ring app, we solved most of our issues. We found articles that helped us reset the system and install a contact sensor on a tricky door.
You probably won’t have to call Ring for help, but if you need to, there are call centers in three time zones with 24/7 customer service.
Here’s a look at some of Ring’s customer ratings.*
- Trustpilot rating: 1.5 stars (bad)
- Ring Always Home app on Apple App Store: 4.5 stars out of 5
- Ring Always Home app on Google Play: 3.9 stars out of 5
*Ratings as of 07/14/2021
Bottom line
The Ring Alarm system can support small homes, tight security budgets, and home security newbies. It’s hard to beat $120 a year for pro monitoring (or $100 if you pay for a year in advance).
It's easy to install and adjust, but we ran into a few hiccups when we relied on the keypad for arming and disarming. Overall, we found it easier to control the system through the app than with the keypad.
Still not sure if Ring is for you? Compare this system to our overall lineup of home alarm systems or other DIY systems.
How we reviewed Ring Alarm
We wanted to see the Ring alarm home security kit in action, so we took one home. Our tester set it up and used it over a weekend. During that time, they had a partner back home arm and disarm the system while they checked from the app.
We tested Ring for everyday situations—like arming and disarming it remotely and through the keypad. We left it on while our tester was home and armed it when they left. We caused a couple of false alarms while learning the system, but we were able to disarm it quickly through the app.
Learn more about how we tested for our Ring alarm review and other systems in our full methodology.
Ring Alarm home security system FAQ
If you want standard equipment and a budget-conscious option, yes.
Before you jump in, consider if you’d prefer to monitor your system or have help from the pros. (We recommend leaving it to the pros.) It’s easy to find a security system with professional monitoring, but it’s hard to beat the rate Ring sets at $10 per month.
Plus, Ring comes with a lot of options for monitoring, equipment, and add-ons. Ring security cameras and environmental sensors like smoke or flood detectors are just as affordable as the core system.
You are eligible for a refund if you cancel an annual Ring Protect Plan subscription during the first 10 months of the subscription. Ring will charge you the monthly subscription price for every month you used the monitoring plan service. After that, any remaining funds will be refunded. If you cancel the plan after the tenth month, there is no refund available.
Only if your current cameras are from Ring. If you want video monitoring with your Ring Alarm system, you can get it with a Ring security camera or Ring smart doorbell as part of the Ring Protect Plus plan. Because you can control multiple Ring devices in the Ring app, you can monitor both your cameras and your Ring Alarm system with the same tool.
The Ring Alarm security system's built-in battery backup offers about 24 hours of use if you lose power. For those who have a Ring Protect Plus plan, the Ring Alarm also has cellular backup.
Yes. Ring provides alarm certificates that customers can provide to their insurance company for a discount. The certificate can be downloaded online.
- Log into your Ring account
- Click the menu icon in the top left corner (it looks like three lines)
- Click on Location Settings
- Click on Monitoring
- Click on Certificate
- Download or print the certificate
A couple years ago, Ring partnered with police departments to distribute free/discounted Ring video doorbells while incentivizing doorbell owners to share footage in the event of crimes. Police could also request footage from Amazon (Ring's parent company) if people denied sharing footage.
This partnership bred privacy and surveillance concerns.
In June 2021, Ring announced that police and fire departments wanting Ring footage now need to make a public request in the Neighbors app. This will boost transparency for how footage is used.
In July 2021, Ring rolled out end-to-end encryption for video streams—a huge win for those concerned about Ring or law enforcement accessing their footage.
It’s an opt-in feature for customers in the US, along with two-factor authentication, CAPTCHA, and support for authenticator apps.
Learn more about Ring's police partnerships in our Ring FAQ.
Ring's self-monitoring is free without video. Alternatively, $2 monthly will get you another camera and video recording.
If you want professional monitoring, Ring's $10 per month is one of the cheapest rates we’ve seen. You can choose from the Protect Basic or Protect Plus plan.
The Protect Plus plan offers perks like video backlog and discounted equipment. Other systems like Frontpoint and SimpliSafe have these features, but you’d have to pay up to $40 per month.
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Disclaimer
*Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
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