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Ring Home Security System Review

Ring home security offers security packages designed to help you build the best system to keep your home and family safe. Their products include video doorbells, security cameras, security systems, smart lighting, and protection plans.

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Features

Editor’s rating

3 stars

Cost

Editor’s rating

3 stars

Value

Editor’s rating

5 stars

Performance

Editor’s rating

4 stars

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Product overview

Ring home security products include video doorbells, security cameras, and basic security systems. Ring also offers smart home features such as smart lighting, and you can opt to purchase a protection plan.

Our favorite Ring features include:

  • Optional monitoring packages (without contracts)
  • Individually priced products so you can pick and choose the products you need
  • Neighbors by Ring – app that alerts you when security threats are identified in your neighborhood

But the thing that makes Ring stand out against their DIY competition is its flexibility. If you only want a doorbell camera to monitor your porch and integrate with your Echo products, you can just buy one doorbell camera. If you want a professionally installed system with monitoring and security footage storage, that’s available to you as well. You can also buy a few basic starter products and continue to add on as your home security needs change.

Best DIY Home Security System on a Budget

Ring offers multiple security products and services, ranging from basic security cameras to their X Line of premium products. While the X Line does include professional installation, their most popular and affordable packages for families are DIY solutions. Because of this, we recommend Ring if you want a DIY home security system with optional, low-cost monthly monitoring plans. 

Ring security is unique because you can purchase individual products and build a customized security system that you install and monitor yourself. Customers don’t have to add monthly monitoring to their security system or purchase a bundle in order to buy Ring products. This makes for a completely DIY security solution, unlike other companies that require customers to purchase packages that require monthly monitoring. 

One of our favorite things about Ring security is that you can opt-in to 24/7 monitoring if you’re looking for extra protection. The Ring Protect Pro plan includes 24/7 monitoring, alerts and responses, security footage storage, and online security features with a monthly or yearly subscription.

With this flexibility, Ring is a great fit for families that are new to home security and want to test out a less expensive option before they commit to a wired, professionally monitored system.

With so many products, kits, and bundles available, Ring accommodates families on a budget. The range of services contributes to positive Ring home security reviews and is why we recommend Ring for families and individuals who want DIY home security products and packages.

Not Recommended for a Professionally Installed and Monitored Security System

The majority of Ring security systems do not include professional installation or a monthly monitoring plan, with the exception of their premium X Line bundles. The Ring X Line features high-tech products with a high price tag, making the option for professional installation more expensive than other Ring security systems. Because of this, we do not recommend Ring if you’re looking for a professionally installed and monitored system.

Ring does offer monthly monitoring through their Protect Plans, but most of these plans only include self-monitoring in the form of video recording and storage – only the Ring Protect Pro plan offers professional monitoring. If 24/7 monitoring is essential to you, other companies provide better professionally monitored systems as a part of their core packages.

Many Ring security products, like their signature video doorbell and security cameras, use a WiFi connection to work. Because of this, we also do not recommend Ring if you don’t have a good WiFi connection at your home or property. With limited features available without a WiFi connection, you won’t get the most out of Ring security if you don’t have suitable WiFi.

Reading Ring security reviews from past and  current customers will help you learn more about the different types of products and services and if their suitable for you.

What customers are saying

Ring security started in 2013 and was purchased by Amazon in 2018, offering product integration with Amazon’s digital assistant, Alexa, and other unique features. Read Ring reviews from customers who’ve used Ring since its inception, as well as new customers, to learn more about the benefits and potential setbacks of a Ring security system.

There are many ways to use Ring for home security, from purchasing individual products to selecting a bundle and opting for monthly monitoring. Learn more about the products, customer experiences, and best solutions for home security with Ring. 

Joe S.

Collected by Trustpilot

5 stars

I have been a Ring customer for 3 years now and have been happy with the system the entire time.

Christine B.

Collected by Trustpilot

5 stars

Clear instructions and patiently given support. Very happy with this product.

Customer

Collected by Trustpilot

5 stars

Great service! Had an issue with my doorbell cam. All covered under warranty and very efficient.

Joe S.

Collected by Trustpilot

5 stars

I have been a Ring customer for 3 years now and have been happy with the system the entire time.

Christine B.

Collected by Trustpilot

5 stars

Clear instructions and patiently given support. Very happy with this product.

Customer

Collected by Trustpilot

5 stars

Great service! Had an issue with my doorbell cam. All covered under warranty and very efficient.

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What is this based on
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What's this based on?

The SmarterHome team reviews the top home security brands so you can find the best option for you. When we review each system, we evaluate the brand’s product and feature offerings, the cost of packages and package options, and reviews from past and current customers.

We strive to objectively evaluate each brand’s:

Features

Looking at the number and quality of feature options available such as smart home capabilities, professional monitoring, video security, life security, and so on.

Performance

Evaluating how the system performs after install, taking into account past and current customer reviews.

Customer Service

Reviewing the company’s options for support and past and current customer experiences with customer service.

Value

Comparing the features and services you get for the price you pay against other similar systems.

It is our goal to provide you with unbiased ratings and reviews based on product offerings and current and past customer reviews.

Read more

$38.99/mo for Pro Install* 

Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $38.99/mo. without QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $935.76) and minimum installation amount of $599 for professionally installed systems OR month-to-month monitoring contract for ADT Self Setup systems starting at $24.99 without QSP (one month minimum) and minimum purchase amount of $194.98.    Professional monitoring required for ADT to notify emergency contacts or services on your behalf. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. For reactivations of professionally installed systems, a $99 test and inspect fee applies  . Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty and is available for additional fee. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Professionally installed system remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. For Self-Setup Systems, cancel by calling 888-392-2039 or by following the instructions in your order confirmation email. To avoid contract termination charges, cancellation must occur no later than 30 days after the contract date. Contract termination charges may be applied for cancellation after the initial 30-day period. Equipment must be fully removed and returned before a refund will be processed. Any shipping costs previously paid are non-refundable. Google and Nest Doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Google Nest products and services featured are designed to make life easier and to build a helpful home and were not designed specifically for life-sustaining or safety-critical use cases. These products and services are compatible with the ADT Self Setup System, and depend upon working internet, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, the service availability from ADT and/or Google. To learn more, please visit http://g.co/nest/TOS.

6 Month Money-Back Guarantee*

Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your original activation. ADT Money-Back Guarantee is not transferable. Equipment must be returned before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer. For professionally installed systems only.

 

Theft Protection Guarantee**

Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction. Customer must request reimbursement within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements. For professionally installed systems only.