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
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.”
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.
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.
