Ring

Ring is a DIY security system that helps you protect your house, apartment or commercial business property. Ring’s video doorbells let you see and communicate with people on your doorstep from your phone, tablet or compatible Amazon Echo device. Its 1080p, high-definition cameras have a 160-degree horizontal field of view and a 90-degree vertical field of view.

Through Ring’s Neighbors app, customers also get real-time safety alerts from their local law enforcement, homeowners associations and community groups. Ring is compatible with most Dome Sirens, Ecolink sensors, First Alert alarms, GE and Leviton lights and smart locks from Schlage, Yale and Kwikset.

Ring security systems require Wi-Fi to send push notifications to your smartphone or tablet. Ring video doorbells operate on battery power and use Wi-Fi to alert you when someone presses the button or there it detects motion. Ring alarm contact sensors send instant mobile alerts when doors or windows open on your property. You can pair these sensors with an Alexa device and hub to add voice control to these sensors. The sensors are also compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Most connection processes for Ring products take place through the Neighbors app, which is available for Apple, Android and Windows 10 devices. With the Neighbors app, you can stream video and communicate through two-way audio with whoever’s on your doorstep. You can also control a few home automation functions from the app, including smart lights and locks.

The Ring alarm home security kit comes with a base station, motion detector, contact sensor, keypad and range extender. Once you have the alarm base kit, you can customize your home protection with video doorbells, surveillance cameras, alarm contact sensors and other Ring security products.

Ring Protect Plans cost between $0 and $30 per month. All Ring plans — Free, Basic and Plus —  include motion-activation notifications, real-time video streaming, two-way talk features and lifetime theft protection. The company only charges monthly subscription fees if you want video saving and sharing features or a professional Ring monitoring plan.

• Ring Protect Basic costs $3 per month or $30 per year and comes with video saving and sharing features. This plan comes with coverage for one doorbell or security camera.
• Ring Protect Plus costs $10 per month or $100 per year and includes 24/7 professional monitoring, extended warranties for all devices and 10% off select accessories. This plan covers all devices at one address.

Ring designed its security systems for easy installation. Once you unpack the equipment, all you have to do is sign up for the app and register your Ring Alarm base station. You then complete the setup by placing the sensors and motion detectors around your home or business.

You can install a Ring doorbell installation. Simply mount the video doorbell in the desired location, and it automatically connects to the Ring app via Wi-Fi.

If you opt for a Ring professional monitoring plan, you get a seven-day “practice mode” period to get to know your new system without triggering false alarms.

Ring is a smart option for homeowners, business owners and renters who want to monitor their property from their phones. Ring video doorbells come equipped with infrared night vision, automatic motion detection and recording capabilities. Professional monitoring plans are optional, and there are a variety of Ring alarm accessories that make it easy to customize your protection level.