Ring vs. Vector Security
What is the difference between Ring and Vector?
Ring and Vector are home security companies with smart-home capabilities. While Ring is available nationwide, Vector is only available in 17 states. If you’re choosing between the two, consider the companies’ differences in pricing, installation and contract length.
Installation and cost
 |  | |
| Installation type | DIY or professional via X Line | Professional |
| Installation fee | None if DIY | Included |
| Upfront cost | Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010 | $99 to $199 |
| Trial period | 30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus | One-year warranty on equipment |
| Contract terms | None; discount for prepaying annually | Varies |
| 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 | Included | $99 to $199 | One-year warranty on equipment | Varies |
Monitoring plans and pricing
| | |
| Monitoring price range | Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring | $46 to $64 |
| 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 $46 |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | Not offered | $64 |
| 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 |
| $46 to $64 | Professional | — | — | Starting at $46 | $64 |
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 | Not listed | |
| Panic button | Medical panic button | |
| Yard sign |
| Both | Indoor and outdoor cameras | With Alexa-enabled devices | — | |||||||
| Wireless | Indoor and outdoor cameras | Not listed | Medical panic button |
Smart-home features
| | |
| Smart locks | ||
| Smart lights | ||
| Smart thermostat | — | |
| Garage door control | Works with Chamberlain garage door openers | |
| Temperature sensor | — | Not listed |
| Water sensor | — | |
| Smoke detector | ||
| CO detector |
| — | Works with Chamberlain garage door openers | — | |||||
| Not listed | — |
Technology
| | |
| Mobile app | ||
| Mobile app monitoring | ||
| iOS rating | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| Android rating | 3.7 | 3.9 |
| Notification/alert options | Push | Email, text and push |
| Home automation capabilities | ||
| Voice integration | ||
| Amazon Alexa | ||
| Google Home | ||
| Other integrations | Honeywell and Alexa-enabled devices | Smart plugs |
| 4.5 | 3.7 | Push | Honeywell and Alexa-enabled devices | ||||||
| 4.7 | 3.9 | Email, text and push | Smart plugs |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
| | |
| Overall star rating | 1.8 | 4.3 |
| Verified customer reviews | Ring reviews | Vector reviews |
| 1.8 | Ring reviews |
| 4.3 | Vector Security reviews |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
Ring
Ring is one of the most affordable systems on the market and offers security and smart-home systems that range in price from $199.99 to $349.99, with individual pieces of equipment starting at $60.
You can receive push notifications from Ring’s app if the sensors detect motion. You can also lock your doors or turn off your lights remotely and control the system through several voice integration features. Using Ring’s two-way voice feature, you can speak with people at your door. All Ring products require DIY installation and a Wi-Fi connection.
Ring plans
- Ring Protect Free: This no-cost option lets you receive motion-activated notifications, watch live video streaming and use intercom features. It comes with lifetime theft protection.
- Ring Protect Basic ($3/month): This package includes the same features of Ring Protect Free. It also lets you save and share videos. It covers one security or doorbell camera.
- Ring Protect Plus ($10/month): This package includes all the features of Ring Protect Basic but lets you record multiple devices. It also includes 24/7 professional monitoring, comes with extended warranties on all devices and gives a 10% discount on select accessories.
What Ring customers say
Ring customers leave mostly positive reviews on ConsumerAffairs, with a few mixed experiences from customers who experience issues with their device going offline. Repeated themes in reviews from satisfied customers include being happy with the video quality and the ease of setup and installation. Many customers say they feel safer having Ring devices installed at their home.
I love our Ring. It's great that I can talk to people without having to open the door. The membership is super affordable. The cameras are clear and I love the cloud space. Makes me feel safe. Love that ring makes a variety of different kind of cameras as well.”
– Kathy of Kansas City, MO
Vector Security
Vector fully automates your home through your security system. The smart-home system lets you control your thermostat or close your garage door from the company’s app. Customers who have signed contracts with Vector praise the company’s customer service and well-reviewed products. As of the time of publication, Vector is only available in the following states:
- Alabama
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
Vector Security plans
Vector currently offers three monitoring plans with contracts that range from 36 to 60 months. All Vector plans include professional installation and 24/7 professional monitoring:
- Essential Security: This package includes a wireless control panel, three sensors for doors or windows, a motion detector, a yard sign and window decals.
- Home Automation: This package includes all the same features as the Essential Security plan and adds an appliance monitor, an indoor camera and the ability to monitor your system on the Vector app.
- Connected Home: This package includes all the same features as the Essential Security plan and the Home Automation plan with the addition of a smart thermostat and a smart lock.
What Vector Security customers say
Vector Security customers who left positive reviews on ConsumerAffairs said they would recommend the company to others and frequently mentioned being pleased with the company’s customer service, communication and knowledgeable reps. There were a few customers who wrote about experiencing issues with customer service, most around system troubleshooting and cancellation.
We love our Vector system. It keeps our home secure and safe when we are home or away and helps us to keep track of the kids going in and out but the best are the great technicians that come out and work on any issue that you have. They are the best.
– Dustin of Louisburg, NC
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Bottom line: Ring or Vector Security?
For those interested in an inexpensive, reliable, DIY home security system, Ring is most likely the best option. Vector is more costly than Ring and requires professional installation. Also, Vector is only available in 17 states.
Still, Vector customers are very happy overall. If you don’t mind paying more for excellent customer service, you might choose Vector. In addition, Vector has a few more smart-home capabilities, allowing customers to control their thermostat and their garage door-- two features Ring does not yet have.
- Ring is best for those who want a good security system at the lowest possible price. Also, unlike Vector, Ring is available in all areas.
- Vector is best for those who are happy to pay more for excellent customer service. It's also the best choice if your goal is to fully automate your home.
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