Ring cameras and Ring doorbells have grown into a staple product for anyone keen on home security and convenience. It’s no surprise, given that the brand was purchased by Amazon in 2018 and worked to develop user-friendly and innovative products. Now in 2024, from doorbells to cameras, Ring’s offerings make setting up a reliable home security system straightforward and accessible.
Ring's range of camera doorbells and CCTV-like camera devices is designed to simplify home security. Installation is easy, involving basic modifications like replacing a doorbell or positioning a camera on a windowsill. These devices are engineered to provide robust security without the need for complex setups.
Let’s take a look in more depth at why Ring is so popular, and why you might want to integrate its range into your home.
Rings deals: Savings on cameras and doorbells now available
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One of the most popular Ring products, the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a wireless outdoor security camera offering DIY installation. It records 1080p HD video with night vision and lets you see, hear, and speak to visitors through your phone. Motion detection triggers alerts and lets you customize which areas the camera monitors.
The rechargeable battery provides power, with easy charging when needed. It integrates with Ring's alarm system, Alexa devices and other smart home platforms for a complete security solution.
The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) by Amazon is a user-friendly and affordable option for adding a layer of security to your front door. It captures clear 1080p HD video, allowing you to see who's there day or night with the help of night vision. Two-way talk lets you answer the door virtually, communicating with visitors directly through your smartphone, tablet, or Alexa device. Motion detection keeps you informed with alerts whenever movement is picked up, and you can customize the zones the doorbell monitors to focus on specific areas.
Installation is convenient, with the option to use your existing doorbell wiring or battery power (though batteries require occasional charging). While the doorbell itself is feature-packed for the price, cloud storage for video recordings requires a separate Ring Protect Plan subscription.
The Ring Indoor Camera (2nd Gen) two-pack offers affordable indoor security with two cameras – ideal for keeping an eye on pets, or we recommend pointing these out of windows for a good outdoor vantage point. These compact, wired cameras record 1080p HD video and feature Night Vision for clear visuals around the clock.
Two-way talk lets you communicate with those indoors, while a privacy cover allows you to physically block the camera and microphone for peace of mind. As with all Ring devices, this system is easy to set up and integrates with Ring's alarm system and other smart home platforms.
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AmazonThis wired floodlight camera combines Ring security with bright illumination. It captures 1080p HD video with Night Vision for clear views day or night. Its two motion-activated flood lights deter intruders and light up your surroundings. You can see, hear, and speak to visitors through your phone with two-way talk.
Further to other Ring models, a built-in siren adds another layer of security. No need for rewiring as it connects directly to your existing electrical box for nonstop power, or a professional can fit this if you would feel more comfortable.
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AmazonThis model offers many of the same features as the 2nd Gen Ring Doorbell, albeit with a few extra perks. The most notable improvement is in video quality and field of view – the Plus features a sharper 1536p HD resolution, enhancing image clarity compared to the 2nd Gen's 1080p. It provides a head-to-toe view with a 150-degree vertical field of view, allowing you to see visitors fully and monitor any packages at your doorstep. In contrast, the 2nd Gen offers a narrower 90-degree vertical view.
About Ring devices
Video and Live View
Video technology is central to Ring’s security approach. By offering video recording and Live View, Ring enables users to view live footage on smartphones, tablets, Amazon Echo Show, or PCs. When someone rings the doorbell, the Live Feed activates, allowing users to see and communicate with visitors. This feature is not only beneficial for security but also useful for monitoring deliveries and checking on loved ones. Ring cameras are equipped with Night Vision, ensuring clear footage even at night.
Easy-to-build security and surveillance systems
Ring devices integrate seamlessly with each other, allowing users to build a comprehensive security ecosystem without professional help or extensive rewiring. Ring’s doorbells and cameras can be linked to the Ring Alarm system for enhanced security, with additional modules being added over time.
Adding to the installation ease is that Ring offers flexibility with power sources, allowing devices to be powered by battery or mains. Battery power offers convenience, while hardwired options ensure continuous operation. The setup process is straightforward, with DIY instructions provided, though professional installation is also available for those who prefer it.
Smart home, easy to use
As an Amazon brand, it’s only natural that the Ring range integrates with ease into the Amazon Alexa smart home experience. Users can control their Ring devices using voice commands through Alexa-enabled devices, like Alexa smart speakers. If you are using a smart hub with a screen, like the Echo Show, the Ring integration allows users to view live feeds, receive motion alerts, and interact with visitors through two-way audio without needing to physically access their Ring app. By simply asking Alexa, users can monitor their homes, making Ring devices even more straightforward and accessible for enhancing home security.
Read how to integrate your Ring doorbell with Alexa here.
Beyond Amazon Alexa, beyond Ring
While Ring integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa devices, it also offers compatibility with other smart home platforms. Through integrations with systems like SmartThings, users can connect Ring devices to a wider range of smart home products, creating a more unified and automated security experience.
The optional extra: Ring Protect
While many Ring features are free to use, such as Live View, optional Ring Protect Plans enhance the functionality of Ring camera and doorbell devices by offering cloud storage for video recordings. There are several plans available:
Ring Protect Basic: Covers one device, provides 60 days of cloud storage, and costs £3 per month or £30 annually.
Ring Protect Plus: Covers all Ring devices at one location, provides 60 days of cloud storage, extended warranties, and costs £10 per month or £100 annually.
Ring Protect Pro: Includes everything in the Plus plan, 24/7 professional monitoring, 3GB of backup internet, and costs £20 per month or £200 annually.
So - should you get a Ring device?
Ring’s smart home security solutions offer an efficient and user-friendly way to secure your home. With advanced features like video recording, Live View, Night Vision, and flexible power options, Ring ensures comprehensive protection. The optional Ring Protect Plans further enhance the system by providing cloud storage and professional monitoring. Whether upgrading an existing security setup or starting anew, Ring's products combine innovation and simplicity to meet diverse home security needs.
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William Ausitn-Lobley is the Editor for What's The Best. Here, he oversees, curates and researches listicles and reviews as many products as his home office can handle.
He has spent nearly five years writing about tech, audio, outdoors and fitness and has reviewed everything from smartphones to ice baths. In addition, he's well-versed in sniffing out the best deals and savings the internet offers.
When not at his desk writing, reviewing or deal-hunting, he'll be relaxing with Japanese crime novels, bingeing some classic anime, strolling the countryside or at the gym listening to the heaviest metal Spotify has to offer.
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