Ring

February 20, 2023

Ring was founded in 2012 by Jamie Siminoff and was later purchased by Amazon in 2018 for $1 Billion! The company has since expanded from just doorbell cameras to an array of different video surveillance devices for both indoor and outdoor use. Recently they have come out with a whole security package which can compete with more home security based companies. Bundles now include not only the previously mentioned cameras but also contact sensors, keypads, motion detectors and range extenders for those systems. All of these can now be controlled by the Base station included in all the Kits. They have a variety of kits which can all be customized based on your needs. They have packages ranging from Security to Security + Doorbell for those that want the Security plus some traditional Ring touches and even an all out “Pro” plan that comes with all the different pieces of Security equipment and a Wifi Extender to boost the range on your home router, allowing it to reach the far away parts of the home. Ring has all its proprietary equipment which means they use their own in-house devices, whether or not that is a bad thing is up to you!

1. Monitoring

Monitoring is one of the newer aspects to ring, as it has only been around about 2-3 years as of this post. Their response time is actually good and comparable to companies like ADT and other who share the under a minute time. Ring and Brinks have a shared 30 seconds response that beats out ADTs 45 seconds. Them being that new and having a good time is very surprising and a thing to look out for if you are into protection and fast innovation.

Unlike most home security providers however, Ring charges an extra monthly fee if you want to add monitoring.

2. Equipment

Here is where things start getting hairy with Ring. As stated above, they have their own proprietary equipment. Meaning that everything they use is owned and created by them. Similar to how Apple has its own line up of devices and accessories that only work with their devices. This is somewhat a double edged sword since they have great equipment like their doorbells and cameras, however when it comes to things like their bulky contact sensors and keypads, you cannot go anywhere else that might offer better sensors like the much slimmer and less in your face Alarm.com sensors and keypads.

Ring offers very little compatibility with other equipment. Most of it is not related to security at all. Like Alexa, Garage door openers and light switches. With most smart home/security providers offering similar smart options, which are often compatible with other equipment,  Ring comes up short in this category.

Another thing to keep in mind with Ring is that their equipment doesn’t have the best reputation. It has been called out for being easy to Hack, and not only that, the doorbells have literally burst in to flames and made the news.

3. Customer Service

Ring’s Customer Care is very similar to most companies, where you can go on their website and click “Contact Us” then be left with several options on how to get in to contact with them. They have a chat available to assist during regular work hours, a 24/7 phone line and a community page. I have encountered several companies that offer these options, and as soon as you click on an option you are left with a box that tells you to enter information for which then you have to wait for someone to contact you with in a window of time. Ring actually gives you a number to call, which is a good sign.

As for their Emergency Customer Care, they offer what most companies offer, a call if they notice any potential break-ins, or medical emergencies.  Ring will always call to confirm an emergency before dispatching, saving you a potential false alarm fee from your local Police or EMS Departments.

4. Price

Ring’s pricing is very affordable compared to the “Big Name” security companies. Ring requires you to pick the package that suites you, for which you will pay a one time fee that starts at $199 and goes up to what I found was $524.89. Or you can create a “Build Your Own” package which requires you to take a quiz or talk with a specialist over the phone if none of the premade kits fit your needs.

On top of that one time fee, if you are wanting the 24/7 security, which if you are reading this blog means you are, they have one plan for $20 a month or $200 a year. On top of that you can drop the Professional monitoring for a Personal Monitoring (you would  protect yourself basically) for $10 a month or $100 a year.

5. Overall

7 / 10

Ring is a newer company and comes in swinging with some haymakers towards the more experienced competition. Their system is not only easy to use, but is also very affordable! All in all, the price point is attractive, and you get decent service. In turn, you sacrifice fast monitoring and quality equipment.

If you prefer price over quality, this may be an option for you to look at.

  • PROS
  • Low Priced Plans
  • Competitive Response Time
  • CONS
  • Less Experience
  • Smaller Equipment List
  • Faulty Equipment
  • Doorbell is good not great
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