What is the difference between Ring and Alert 360?
Ring is one of the most well-known DIY security systems on the market today, offering one-off solutions for homeowners across the world. Alert 360 sells home security systems backed by professional installation and affordable contract prices. Both sell DIY or prebuilt packages.
Installation and cost
Installation type
DIY or professional via X Line
Professional
Installation fee
None if DIY
$99 to $199
Upfront cost
Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010
Equipment included in monthly fee
Trial period
30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus
None listed
Contract terms
None; discount for prepaying annually
36 months; no-contract options available if equipment purchased upfront
DIY or professional via X Line
None if DIY
Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010
30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus
None; discount for prepaying annually
Professional
$99 to $199
Equipment included in monthly fee
None listed
36 months; no-contract options available if equipment purchased upfront
Monitoring plans and pricing
Monitoring price range
Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring
$49.95 to $59.95
Monitoring options
Professional or self-monitored
Professional
Self-monitoring
Free
—
Upgraded self-monitoring
$3/month to store recorded video
—
24/7 professional monitoring
$10/month
Starting at $49.95
Upgraded professional monitoring
Not offered
$59.95
Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring
Professional or self-monitored
Free
$3/month to store recorded video
$10/month
Not offered
$49.95 to $59.95
Professional
—
—
Starting at $49.95
$59.95
Security equipment
Wired or wireless?
Both
Wireless
Camera options
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Video doorbell
Control panel
Motion sensor
Entry sensor
Glass break sensor
With Alexa-enabled devices
Keychain remote
—
Siren
Audible panel siren
Panic button
Medical panic button device; silent panic button activation from control panel
Yard sign
Both
Indoor and outdoor cameras
With Alexa-enabled devices
—
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Audible panel siren
Medical panic button device; silent panic button activation from control panel
Ring is known for its DIY security solutions that offer an immense amount of flexibility and coverage. The ability to create a security system based on your budget, without having to hire a professional installation team, is a big selling point. However, this can leave room for errors because there’s no professional support for placement and purchasing decisions. In many cases, homeowners use Ring products and solutions as an entry point into the security industry.
Ring plans
Ring comes standard with motion-activated notifications, live video viewing, two-way talk and lifetime theft protection. The company also offers two paid plans.
Basic monitoring ($3/month): The basic monitoring plan lets you view, record and save video footage for up to 60 days. You can set up your device to capture only people and have the ability to screenshot certain pieces of footage to use later. There are also other features included in this plan, including an enhanced user experience in the app.
Plus monitoring ($10/month): The plus monitoring plan includes everything from the basic level and adds features like extended warranties and discounts. Plus monitoring also includes 24/7 professional monitoring that can trigger a real-time emergency response as needed.
What Ring customers say
While a few customer reviews mention having to troubleshoot the system going offline, Ring receives mostly positive feedback from customers on ConsumerAffairs. Customers say the device is worth the price and makes them feel safer. They enjoy being able to control the devices through the mobile app and say positive things about the quality of the video footage.
[Slowly] adding Ring cameras to my home. I like being able to see outside even if I’m not home. I plan to [add] security lights and have gotten cameras I can put anywhere. The recording [is] very clear and the price to save them is reasonable.”
Alert 360, originally named Central Security Group, is the fifth-largest residential security provider in the nation. The company sells customizable home security packages and one-off pieces of equipment to homeowners in 26 states. Most plans require professional installation and monthly contracts, but you can choose to opt out of the contracts in some cases.
Homeowners who use Alert 360 are eligible for a $1,360 insurance deductible reimbursement, which can help offset the cost of a system.
Alert 360 plans
Smart Door Lock Package ($44.95/month): The Smart Door Lock Package includes a keyless door lock, one wireless motion sensor and three wireless door/window sensors. The monthly price includes professional monitoring. Customers will have to pay for professional installation.
Smart Home Video Package ($44.95/month): The Smart Home Video Package gives customers a simple solution to capturing live footage. This package includes a wireless indoor camera, one wireless motion sensor and three wireless door/window sensors. Professional installation is required. Monitoring is included in the monthly cost.
Door Command Package ($50.95/month): The Door Command Package offers protection at a home’s entry points and includes 24/7 professional monitoring. Customers who purchase this package receive a keyless door lock, a doorbell camera, one wireless motion sensor and three wireless door/window sensors. The package also includes an additional free keyless lock or indoor camera. Installation costs extra.
Complete Smart Home Package ($54.95/month): The Complete Smart Home Package includes a touch-screen panel, video doorbell, keyless door lock, an indoor camera and window and door sensors. Customers also get an additional free keyless lock or indoor camera too. This price includes 24/7 professional monitoring, but installation costs extra.
What Alert 360 customers say
People who enjoy their Alert360 system describe professional staff members and good service, and many say any issue that’s come up has been resolved. However, some customers express more frustration than satisfaction, specifically surrounding equipment and contracts.
I like the fact that it is a wireless system. It is an easy system to use, and I am able to leave home with some degree of confidence that the alarm will detect any break-ins."
Ring is known for its doorbell and its affordable approach to security. Alert 360 offers more products than Ring, but you have to pay a higher monthly price. With professional monitoring included, however, it's definitely more well-rounded than Ring.
Ring is best for entry-level customers who aren’t ready to commit to the high price of a complete system and are looking for flexibility.
Alert 360 is best for customers who want a more well-rounded approach to security and have the capability to pay a higher monthly cost.
