What is the difference between Ring and ADT Self Setup?
Ring and ADT Self Setup are two inexpensive options in the rapidly growing group of products known as DIY home security systems. Both Ring and ADT offer monthly DIY and professional monitoring plans that don’t require an annual contract. While Ring is a more affordable option, ADT Self Setup has greater smart-home capabilities with more ways to monitor and automate your home.
Installation and cost
Installation type
DIY or professional via X Line
DIY
Installation fee
None if DIY
None
Upfront cost
Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010
$179.99 to $579.99
Trial period
30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus
30 days of free monitoring
Contract terms
None; discount for prepaying annually
No-contract options
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
DIY
None
$179.99 to $579.99
30 days of free monitoring
No-contract options
Monitoring plans and pricing
Monitoring price range
Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring
$24.99 to $34.99 per month
Monitoring options
Professional or self-monitored
Professional or self-monitored
Self-monitoring
Free
Free
Upgraded self-monitoring
$3/month to store recorded video
Not offered
24/7 professional monitoring
$10/month
$24.99/month
Upgraded professional monitoring
Not offered
Not offered
Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring
Ring is a security system that lets you monitor your home or business remotely from your phone, tablet or computer. Should someone break in, Ring security systems use Wi-Fi to send push notifications through the company’s app. Ring’s 1080p high-definition cameras have a 160-degree horizontal view and a 90-degree vertical view.
Once you’ve been notified someone is on your property, Ring’s two-way voice communication system lets you speak with the people at your door. Customers can choose between self-monitoring or professional monitoring, and the company does not require any contracts.
Ring currently offers three plans that range from $0 to $10 a month. While none of the plans require a contract, discounts are available if you sign up for an entire year:
Ring plans
Ring Protect Free: This plan includes motion-activation notifications, real-time video streaming, two-way talk features and lifetime theft protection. Though video streaming is available with the free plan, customers who want to record their stream will need to opt for one of the paid services.
Ring Protect Basic: Ring Protect Basic has all the features of Ring Protect Free. In addition, this plan comes with video saving and sharing features for $3 per month. Coverage for one doorbell or security camera is included.
Ring Protect Plus: Ring Protect has all the features of the Free and Basic plans but adds recording coverage for all devices at a particular address. For $10 a month, Ring Protect Plus includes 24/7 professional monitoring, 10% off select accessories and extended warranties on all devices.
What Ring customers say
Ring has mostly positive feedback on ConsumerAffairs, with some mixed reviews. Overall, customers describe the system as easy to set up and install. They also like the video quality and enjoy the remote access via the Ring app. Some customers describe issues with cameras going offline, but overall, reviewers say Ring is worth the price.
Very straightforward set up and use. This product works as it should. Very simple to use remotely and in my home. It has already thwarted "porch pirates" twice. Definitely worth the price, security and peace of mind.”
ADT, a well-known, well-established security company, introduced Self Setup as an affordable, highly automated, DIY home security system. You can monitor your home on a cellular device through an ADT security system, or you can choose professional monitoring for $24.99 to $34.99 a month. All ADT Self Setup cameras are equipped with two-way talk, motion detection, facial recognition and a live HD video stream. Through the ADT app, you can see and speak with people at your home or choose to contact emergency services.
ADT Self Setup plans
Once you have chosen a ADT Self Setup security system, you must pick a monitoring plan. ADT Self Setup currently offers two plans:
DIY Monitoring: With this free plan, you monitor your home yourself through the ADT app. You will need Wi-Fi to receive mobile alerts and notifications with the DIY Monitoring plan. With this plan, should you experience a break-in, it is up to you to notify the authorities. Your video information is stored for 24 hours.
24/7 Professional Monitoring: ADT professionals monitor your home with this plan, which costs $19.99 per month. The plan includes cellular backup in case your Wi-Fi fails. In the event of a break-in, your data is stored in the cloud and ADT professionals will alert emergency services.
What ADT Self Setup customers say
In ConsumerAffairs reviews, ADT Self Setup customers describe being happy with the cost and knowledgeable staff. Some customers seem to have difficulty with contract issues, especially when it comes to early termination. Overall, ADT Self Setup receives positive ratings, and many customers say they would recommend the system.
We are very happy with our system. Once we had the whole system installed it worked like a charm. We set the system up as we would want it and not as some companies do. It does everything we want. Customer Service was wonderful. We look forward to using it for years to come.”
While Ring is a bit cheaper, customers interested in facial recognition may want to choose ADT Self Setup — Ring has stated they will not integrate that technology into their products. With Z-Wave technology, facial recognition and other features that will appeal to customers interested in having the most advanced technology, ADT Self Setup is a great choice for tech-savvy shoppers.
Ring is best for home-security shoppers on a budget.
ADT Self Setup is best for shoppers interested in smart-home features, primarily because of ADT's integration of Google Nest technology into their products.
