As of 2018, Ring has a full security system on offer for people who want to go beyond the doorbell. But the new system is still having some growing pains—namely, customer service. Even so, Ring’s ultra-affordable, easy-to-use equipment is a compelling DIY home security option. We hope more integrations are on the horizon. But until they get here, this isn’t quite the one Ring to rule them all. This home security system also provides video with clear 1080p resolution and 60-day cloud storage. Ring Alarm is also easy to install yourself. That service is often pretty pricey—we’ve seen professional monitoring plans that cost as much as $59.99 per month. But Ring’s system gives you a monitoring plan that won’t cost half your kid’s college fund.
Support for unlimited Ring cameras at your address Cloud storage for up to 60 days Option to download footage from your Ring cameras Extended warranties on all the Ring devices at your house 10% discount on some other Ring products
Some of this equipment can be bought in an alarm kit, while some must be bought separately. And we don’t show some equipment here (like the Ring slim magnets and open window magnets) because you can only buy them directly from Ring. The listener is a little device you put next to your existing smoke and CO alarms and it’ll alert you through the Ring app if it hears them go off. Not a bad solution if you don’t want to shell out a bunch of cash to swap your existing alarms for “smart” ones. Ring’s also the only company we’ve seen offer a “peephole camera.” Ring’s Peephole Cam is still brand spankin’ new, and it’s basically a video doorbell for the non-doorbell-havers among us. Instead of replacing your doorbell, the Peephole Cam covers your existing peephole and gives you a motion-triggered camera at your front door so you can see and talk to visitors from your phone. Ring Alarm uses 3M strips, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing your wall paint if you need to pull off a sensor and re-adjust it. Be aware though that third-party devices don’t work as well with your Ring system if they’re not “certified” to work with Ring. Works with Ring products include GE and Leviton lights and Schlage, Yale, and Kwikset locks. But if you’re a Philips Hue lights or August smart lock user, you’re out of luck. Ring Alarm does work with IFTTT, so you can make other smart devices play nice with your Ring system. But we’d love to see Ring offer more robust support for third-party smart home stuff. If you have decided to pick up Ring Smart Lighting you can check out our guide for how to sync it with the rest of your system. Just like most other DIY security systems, Ring Alarm lets you order everything online. Just pick the equipment package you want, subscribe to the monitoring plan (if you want to), and press Order. If you need help with something, Ring has a bunch of resources on its website as well as support through Twitter and email. If you really want to, you can also call in. Just like most other DIY security systems, Ring Alarm lets you order everything online. Just pick the equipment package you want, subscribe to the monitoring plan (if you want to), and press Order. If you need help with something, Ring has a bunch of resources on its website as well as support through Twitter and email. If you really want to, you can also call in. It’s still a pretty new system, and it’s still expanding its smart home integrations. But overall, we think Ring Alarm is one of the most compelling DIY systems out there—especially if you already use Ring cameras like its Video Doorbell. To decide if a home security system is worth it, we look at innovative technology, smart home integrations, reliable security sensors, and professional monitoring. We look for more than just basic contact sensors and a control panel; we want the full smart home plus security experience, with cost being a secondary factor to value. We performed hands-on testing with the Ring alarm system, and we’re testing systems all the time to gain new insights. But if you choose to get a subscription, you’ll receive 24/7 professional monitoring and video cloud storage that saves for 60 days for only $4, $10, or $20 per month.
