Ring Alarm Review
Ringing in a New Era of Home Security
Updated Aug 30, 2023
By Jason Rogers
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4.7/5
Smart Home by Design’s Verdict - The Ring Alarm System sets a new standard in home security, offering a comprehensive, customizable solution that integrates seamlessly with your smart home ecosystem. With its easy installation, user-friendly app, and robust monitoring capabilities, it provides peace of mind for homeowners looking for an effective, affordable way to protect their property and loved ones.
PROS
✅ Comprehensive Security: Complete package of sensors and devices to cover every aspect of home security.
✅ DIY Installation: Easy setup with no professional installation required.
✅ Smart Home Integration: Works seamlessly with Alexa for voice control and other smart home devices.
✅ Affordable Monitoring Plans: Optional 24/7 professional monitoring at a competitive price.
✅ Battery Backup: Ensures the system remains operational during power outages.
✅ User-Friendly App: Intuitive interface for easy control and monitoring of your home security.
CONS
❌ Limited Compatibility: Primarily designed to work within the Ring and Amazon ecosystems, limiting integration with third-party smart home systems.
❌ Subscription for Full Features: Access to advanced features and video storage requires a monthly subscription.
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◦ Comprehensive Security in One Kit: Comes with everything needed to protect your home, including a base station, contact sensor, motion detector, keypad, and range extender.
◦ DIY Installation: Designed for easy setup, allowing homeowners to install the system without professional help, making security more accessible to everyone.
◦ Smartphone Control: Offers full control and monitoring from the Ring app, enabling users to arm, disarm, and check the status of their security system from anywhere.
◦ Customizable Alerts: Users can customize alert settings to receive notifications for the events that matter most to them, ensuring peace of mind.
◦ Works with Alexa: Seamlessly integrates with Alexa, allowing users to arm and disarm their system using voice commands for added convenience.
◦ Professional Monitoring Option: Offers optional 24/7 professional monitoring for an extra layer of security, ensuring that help is on the way when needed.
◦ Expandable System: Easily expandable with additional Ring sensors and devices, allowing users to customize their security to fit their home.
◦ Privacy and Security Controls: Features privacy and security controls, including a disarmed mode that disables monitoring for privacy when at home.
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◦ Family Home Security: Ideal for family homes, providing comprehensive coverage to ensure all entry points and areas of movement are monitored.
◦ Rental Property Management: Perfect for landlords who want to secure their properties and offer peace of mind to tenants with an easily transferable system.
◦ Small Business Protection: Suitable for small businesses looking for an affordable, effective way to secure their premises after hours.
◦ Smart Home Enthusiasts: For those who enjoy integrating their security system with other smart home devices for a more connected and efficient home.
◦ Elderly or Solo Living: Offers an extra layer of security and peace of mind for individuals living alone, especially the elderly, with easy-to-use controls and monitoring.
◦ Temporary Installation Needs: Excellent for people in temporary housing or renters, thanks to its easy installation and removal without damaging walls.
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What features does the Ring Alarm offer?
Ring Alarm offers a variety of features including real-time notifications, 24/7 professional monitoring (with a subscription), customizable alarm modes (Home, Away, Disarmed), and seamless integration with other Ring devices like cameras and doorbells. It also supports Amazon Alexa for voice control, allowing users to arm and disarm their system using voice commands.
How does the Ring Alarm work?
The Ring Alarm system works by connecting various sensors (door/window contact sensors, motion detectors, etc.) to the Ring Alarm base station. The base station communicates with the Ring app, allowing you to receive instant alerts on your smartphone whenever a sensor is triggered. You can arm or disarm the system through the app, and in the event of an alarm, the system can notify you and, if subscribed to professional monitoring, notify a monitoring center.
Can I install Ring Alarm by myself?
Yes, Ring Alarm is designed for easy DIY installation. It comes with everything you need to get started, including a base station, contact sensor(s), motion detector(s), and keypad. The Ring app provides step-by-step instructions for setting up each component, and no professional installation is required.
Do I need a subscription to use Ring Alarm?
You can use Ring Alarm without a subscription for basic functionality, including real-time alerts and alarm siren activation. However, to access advanced features like 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, and saving and sharing videos from Ring cameras, you'll need a Ring Protect Plus plan.
How can I control the Ring Alarm?
You can control the Ring Alarm using the Ring app, which allows you to arm and disarm the system, customize settings, and receive real-time notifications. The system also includes a keypad for manual control, and it integrates with Amazon Alexa for voice commands.
Is Ring Alarm compatible with other smart home devices?
Ring Alarm integrates with other Ring devices, such as Ring cameras and doorbells, allowing you to create a comprehensive home security ecosystem. Additionally, it supports integration with select third-party smart home devices and Amazon Alexa for enhanced home automation and control.
What happens if there's a power outage or the internet goes down?
Ring Alarm includes a 24-hour backup battery to keep your system running in the event of a power outage. With a Ring Protect Plus subscription, you also get cellular backup, which keeps your system connected to the internet if your Wi-Fi is down, ensuring continuous monitoring.
Can the Ring Alarm system be expanded?
Yes, the Ring Alarm system is highly expandable. You can add additional contact sensors, motion detectors, range extenders, and other Ring Alarm accessories to customize and expand your system based on the size and needs of your home.
What security features does the Ring Alarm have?
Ring Alarm offers several security features, including a siren in the base station, tamper detection for the system components, and customizable user codes for arming and disarming the system. With a Ring Protect Plus plan, you also gain access to professional monitoring and cellular backup.
Is there a warranty for the Ring Alarm system?
Yes, the Ring Alarm system comes with a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. The length and terms of the warranty may vary, so it's advisable to review the warranty information provided with your system or consult Ring's customer support for details.
Specifications
Specification | Details |
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Connectivity | Z-Wave (for connecting to Ring sensors and accessories), Wi-Fi (for connecting to the internet), Cellular Backup (with Ring Protect Plan subscription) |
Components | Base Station, Contact Sensor, Motion Detector, Keypad, Range Extender; additional components can be added |
Smart Home Integration | Works with Amazon Alexa for voice control, Compatible with other Ring products and select smart locks and Z-Wave devices |
Features | 24/7 monitoring (with subscription), Real-time mobile notifications, DIY installation, Tamper-resistant, Battery backup |
Power | Base Station: AC Adapter, Battery Backup; Contact Sensor and Motion Detector: Batteries |
Installation | Do-It-Yourself (DIY), easy setup with no professional installation required |
Dimensions | Varies by component; Base Station is typically the largest |
Warranty | 1-year limited warranty; extended warranty available with Ring Protect Plus Plan |
Come back later for our comprehensive review.
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I'm Jason, your guide in the smart home tech world. My tech passion began in childhood, leading me to become an avionics technician in the Air Force and later earn a Computer Engineering degree. With a background in software and data engineering, I bring a unique mix of experience and knowledge to my product reviews and guides. I focus on the practical use of technology, offering insights on the latest smart home innovations rooted in both technical accuracy and real-world application.
Note, when you make a purchase through the retail links in our content, our team might receive a modest commission. Smart Home by Design never takes payment for editorial reviews, promoting only those products we have personally installed and evaluated in our homes. Read more about our policies here.
Email me: jason@smarthomebydesign.com