Ring Security Cameras

In 2013, an entrepreneur founded a home security company called Doorbot. Its initial innovation was the video doorbell that connects to a smartphone and allows homeowners to see who is at the door before they open it. Americans’ first widespread introduction to this product came about due to an appearance on the popular television program “Shark Tank.”

Not long after that, the company changed its name to Ring, and success allowed it to expand its product line, including outdoor security cameras. Amazon purchased the company in 2018, working to make the products compatible with its smart home technologies.

Today, Ring offers a wide selection of home security items that include video doorbells and security cameras that can be mounted indoors or out. Customers appreciate the affordability, easy installation, and high image quality of these products. Ring continues to innovate, recently announcing new offerings and improvements to existing ones.

Features

As of the recent announcement from September 2019, there are four Ring security cameras available, excluding video doorbell products. Though each offers its own distinctive attributes, there are features they have in common:

• 110-decibel siren to scare intruders
• Speakers and microphones for a two-way conversation
• Connection to a smartphone app for remote control
• 24-hour monitoring with night vision cameras
• 1080p HD video
• Compatibility with Alexa-enabled devices for voice commands

Additionally, the two cameras that can be used within the home offer customizable features. For example, you can adjust the motion detection settings so that they do not start recording when you do not want them to. Toggles allow you to pause the audio recording and motion-activated video recording. You can also use the Privacy Zones feature to avoid recording in specific areas of your home.

Two of the Ring security cameras offer either wired or wireless capability, while the other two are only wired. Generally, a layperson should be able to cope with the installation of most models. The hardwired Floodlight Cam, however, may require professional installation.

Ring Stick-Up Cam

Until recently, this was the only Ring security camera suitable for indoor use. It is still the only one that can be utilized either indoors or outdoors. You can choose plug-in, battery, or solar power and install the camera just about anywhere you want. You can likely accomplish the installation yourself. The Stick-Up Cam can be mounted on the wall or placed on a table or other flat surface. It offers a field of view of 115 degrees.

Amazon recently refreshed the Ring Stick-Up Cam, introducing a second-generation model. As a result, the original model is now available at a 30% reduced cost.

Ring Indoor Cam

This is the only Ring security camera intended exclusively for indoor use. Of the four, it is the most affordable option. It is similar to the Stick-Up Cam, but while the Stick-Up Cam has different power options, the Indoor Cam only comes in a plug-in version. It is also smaller than the Stick-Up Cam.

Ring Floodlight Cam

Motion-activated floodlights and cameras can each be effective security features around your home. The Ring Floodlight Cam incorporates both in the same device. The camera affords you a 140-degree field of view, while the motion sensor can detect activity within a 30-foot radius. However, the Floodlight Cam is less versatile in that it can only be hardwired. Therefore, it may require professional installation.

Ring Spotlight Cam

The Ring Spotlight Cam comes equipped with an LED spotlight. Unlike the Stick-Up Cam, it is only for outdoor use. However, like the Stick-Up Cam, it offers three different power options and is relatively easy to install.

Protection Plans

If you wish to save the footage that you record with your Ring security camera, you must subscribe to a monthly protection plan. There are two: Protect Basic and Protect Plus. These plans allow you to save video from your Ring security camera for up to 60 days. They also give you the ability to share the videos electronically.

The Protect Plus plan offers additional features. For example, it provides 24-hour professional monitoring, giving you the capability to call for help if the alarm goes off. With the Protect Plus plan, you can also take advantage of an exclusive 10% discount off all Ring products, as well as an extended warranty.

Neither of these plans requires you to sign a long-term contract. This means you can cancel at any time if dissatisfied.

Costs

The costs of Ring security cameras depends not only on the camera but also on the power option you choose. Where there is only one power option available, there is only one price.

If you require more than one camera to protect your property, Ring offers package deals. You can purchase multiple cameras for a reduced price or bundle cameras with other security products.

Ring sells monthly subscriptions for the protection plans that save recorded camera footage. Protect Basic costs $3 a month while Protect Plus is $10 a month.

Summary

At baseline, Ring products come with a one-year warranty. If you decide to sign up for a Protect Plus plan, however, you can take advantage of an extended warranty that lasts as long as you continue your Protect Plus subscription. However, you must subscribe to the Protect Plus plan while your original warranty is still valid, within the first year after purchasing the Ring security camera, to be eligible for the extended warranty. It then automatically takes effect when your original warranty expires.

On the whole, customers appear satisfied with their Ring security cameras. Some, however, report that while the video quality is very good, the audio quality is low, making it difficult to communicate via the two-way system. Customers also expressed a wish that video replay/recording was a standard feature rather than one only available to subscribers of the Protect Plus plan.

Other than that, customers appreciate the ease and speed of do-it-yourself installation of most Ring security cameras. They also report that customer service representatives are not only friendly and attentive but also seem sincere in their desire to help customers resolve issues.