As the world becomes increasingly digital, home security systems have evolved to include innovative features like smart doorbells with cameras. Ring is one of the most popular brands in this space, offering a range of products that provide users with peace of mind and convenience. However, one of the most common questions people ask when considering a Ring camera is: how much does it cost per month? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Ring’s pricing plans, exploring the various options available and what you can expect to pay.
Understanding Ring’s Pricing Model
Ring offers a range of products, including the Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Stick Up Cam, and Ring Floodlight Cam, among others. While the devices themselves are a one-time purchase, the company also offers various subscription plans that provide additional features and benefits. These plans are designed to enhance the overall user experience, providing features like video recording, sharing, and storage.
Ring’s Basic Plan: Free
Ring offers a basic plan that’s free, which includes:
- Real-time video streaming
- Motion detection
- Alerts and notifications
- Live view
However, this plan does not include video recording or storage. If you want to record and store video footage, you’ll need to upgrade to one of Ring’s paid plans.
Ring’s Paid Plans: Protect and Protect Plus
Ring offers two paid plans: Protect and Protect Plus. Here’s a breakdown of what each plan includes:
- Protect Plan: This plan costs $3 per month per device or $30 per year per device. It includes:
- Video recording and storage for up to 60 days
- Sharing and downloading of video footage
- Snapshot capture
- Person detection
- Protect Plus Plan: This plan costs $10 per month or $100 per year. It includes:
- Video recording and storage for up to 60 days for all devices
- Sharing and downloading of video footage
- Snapshot capture
- Person detection
- Extended warranties for all devices
- 10% discount on future device purchases
Ring’s Premium Plan: Protect Pro
Ring also offers a premium plan called Protect Pro, which costs $20 per month or $200 per year. This plan includes:
- Video recording and storage for up to 60 days for all devices
- Sharing and downloading of video footage
- Snapshot capture
- Person detection
- Extended warranties for all devices
- 10% discount on future device purchases
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Cellular backup (requires a cellular-enabled device)
Additional Costs to Consider
While Ring’s monthly fees are relatively affordable, there are some additional costs to consider:
- Device purchase: You’ll need to purchase a Ring device, which can range in price from around $100 to over $300, depending on the model.
- Installation: If you’re not comfortable installing the device yourself, you may need to pay for professional installation, which can cost around $100 to $300.
- Data usage: If you have a cellular-enabled device, you’ll need to consider data usage costs. Ring estimates that its devices use around 1-2 GB of data per month.
Ring’s Data Usage Policy
Ring’s data usage policy is designed to ensure that users have a seamless experience. Here are some key points to note:
- Data caps: Ring does not have data caps, but it does recommend that users have a minimum internet speed of 2 Mbps for optimal performance.
- Data usage estimates: Ring estimates that its devices use around 1-2 GB of data per month, depending on usage patterns.
- Data usage monitoring: Users can monitor their data usage through the Ring app, which provides real-time updates on data usage.
Comparing Ring’s Pricing to Other Home Security Systems
Ring’s pricing is competitive with other home security systems on the market. Here’s a comparison of Ring’s pricing with some other popular options:
| Company | Monthly Fee | Annual Fee |
| — | — | — |
| Ring | $3-$20 | $30-$200 |
| Nest | $6-$12 | $60-$120 |
| Arlo | $3-$15 | $30-$150 |
| Blink | $3-$10 | $30-$100 |
Why Choose Ring?
So why choose Ring over other home security systems? Here are some key benefits:
- Ease of use: Ring’s devices are easy to install and use, with a user-friendly app that provides real-time updates and alerts.
- Affordability: Ring’s pricing is competitive with other home security systems on the market.
- Innovative features: Ring’s devices include innovative features like person detection, snapshot capture, and 24/7 professional monitoring.
- Integration: Ring’s devices integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices, making it easy to create a comprehensive home security system.
Conclusion
Ring’s monthly fees are relatively affordable, with options starting at just $3 per month per device. While there are some additional costs to consider, such as device purchase and installation, Ring’s pricing is competitive with other home security systems on the market. With its innovative features, ease of use, and affordability, Ring is a great option for anyone looking to enhance their home security.
What are the different types of Ring camera plans available?
Ring offers two main types of plans for its cameras: the Basic Plan and the Plus Plan. The Basic Plan is free and allows users to view live footage, receive motion notifications, and customize their camera settings. However, it does not include cloud storage for recorded videos. The Plus Plan, on the other hand, includes all the features of the Basic Plan, plus cloud storage for up to 60 days of recorded video.
The Plus Plan also includes additional features such as extended warranties, dedicated customer support, and the ability to share videos with neighbors and law enforcement. Ring also offers a Pro Plan, which is designed for businesses and includes additional features such as advanced motion detection and alerts.
How much does the Ring Basic Plan cost?
The Ring Basic Plan is free, and users can access it without paying any monthly or annual fees. This plan is ideal for users who only need to view live footage and receive motion notifications. However, users who want to record and store video footage will need to upgrade to the Plus Plan or Pro Plan.
It’s worth noting that while the Basic Plan is free, users may still need to pay for the cost of the Ring camera itself. Ring cameras can range in price from around $60 to over $200, depending on the model and features.
How much does the Ring Plus Plan cost?
The Ring Plus Plan costs $3 per month or $30 per year per device. This plan includes all the features of the Basic Plan, plus cloud storage for up to 60 days of recorded video. Users can also upgrade to the Plus Plan for multiple devices, which costs $10 per month or $100 per year.
The Plus Plan is a good option for users who want to record and store video footage, but don’t need advanced features like motion detection and alerts. Users can also cancel their Plus Plan subscription at any time if they no longer need the additional features.
How much does the Ring Pro Plan cost?
The Ring Pro Plan costs $20 per month or $200 per year per location. This plan is designed for businesses and includes advanced features like motion detection and alerts. It also includes cloud storage for up to 60 days of recorded video and dedicated customer support.
The Pro Plan is a good option for businesses that need advanced security features and dedicated customer support. However, it’s worth noting that the Pro Plan is more expensive than the Plus Plan, and users may need to pay additional fees for multiple locations.
Can I cancel my Ring plan at any time?
Yes, users can cancel their Ring plan at any time. To cancel a plan, users can log in to their Ring account and go to the “Account” section. From there, they can click on “Cancel Subscription” and follow the prompts to cancel their plan.
It’s worth noting that users will still be able to access their recorded video footage for a certain period of time after canceling their plan. However, they will no longer be able to record new video footage or access advanced features like motion detection and alerts.
Are there any discounts available for Ring plans?
Yes, Ring occasionally offers discounts and promotions for its plans. Users can check the Ring website for current deals and discounts. Additionally, users who purchase multiple Ring devices at once may be eligible for a discount.
Ring also offers a discount for annual payments, which can save users up to 20% compared to monthly payments. Users can also consider purchasing a Ring bundle, which includes multiple devices and a plan, for a discounted price.
Can I use my Ring camera without a plan?
Yes, users can use their Ring camera without a plan. However, they will only be able to view live footage and receive motion notifications. They will not be able to record or store video footage, and they will not have access to advanced features like motion detection and alerts.
Users who don’t need to record or store video footage may be able to get by without a plan. However, users who want to use their Ring camera for security purposes may want to consider upgrading to a plan to get the most out of their device.