Installation & Setup Guide
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What are ring doorbell plans?
Exploring Ring Doorbell Service Choices
When you purchase a Ring video doorbell or any of the brand’s smart security devices, you’re offered a range of service plans to enhance your home’s protection. These plans, often referred to as subscriptions, are designed to unlock extra features beyond the basic live video and motion alerts you get out of the box. Whether you have a wired doorbell, a battery doorbell, or a more advanced Ring Alarm Pro system, understanding your options is key to getting the most from your investment.
- Ring Basic Plan: Covers essential features for a single device, like video recording and sharing.
- Ring Standard and Premium Plans: Offer expanded services, including support for multiple devices, extended video history, and advanced notifications.
- Professional Monitoring: Available for Ring Alarm and Alarm Pro systems, this adds an extra layer of security with 24/7 monitoring and emergency response.
Ring plans are flexible, allowing you to choose what fits your needs, whether you want simple video storage or full professional monitoring. The Ring app acts as the hub for managing your devices, subscriptions, and settings, making it easier to control your security system from anywhere. Integration with Alexa and other Amazon smart home products is also a key feature, letting you connect your doorbell ring or video doorbells with your existing devices.
It’s important to note that while you can use many Ring devices without a paid plan, some features—like saving and reviewing recorded video—require a subscription. If you’re concerned about service reliability, you can read more about understanding Ring camera service interruptions to see how outages might impact your experience.
Key features included in ring doorbell plans
What you get with a Ring subscription
When considering a Ring doorbell or camera, understanding what each plan offers is key. Ring plans are designed to enhance your home security by unlocking features that go beyond the basics. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the different subscription options.
- Video recording and storage: With a subscription, your Ring video doorbell or camera can save recorded video clips for later viewing. This is essential if you want to review footage after an event or share it with authorities. The free plan only allows live viewing, while paid plans offer video history for 180 days.
- Smart alerts and notifications: Subscriptions unlock advanced motion detection, person alerts, and rich notifications. This means your Ring app can tell you if it detects a person, package, or other activity, making your security smarter and more proactive.
- Device support: The basic plan covers a single Ring device, such as a battery doorbell or wired doorbell. The standard and premium plans (sometimes called Ring Protect Plus or Pro) cover all Ring devices at one location, including video doorbells, Ring Alarm, and compatible Alexa-enabled devices.
- Professional monitoring: If you have a Ring Alarm or Alarm Pro system, a paid plan can include 24/7 professional monitoring. This means emergency services can be dispatched automatically if your alarm is triggered, adding a layer of security for your home.
- Extended warranties and discounts: Premium plans often include extended warranties for your Ring devices and exclusive discounts on future purchases through Amazon.
- Integration with Alexa and smart home features: Subscriptions enhance how your Ring devices work with Alexa, letting you use voice commands or routines for added convenience and security guard features.
Each plan is designed to fit different needs, whether you have a single video doorbell or a full suite of Ring devices. For a deeper dive into what each subscription tier includes, check out this guide on Ring camera subscription options.
Ring
Battery Doorbell - Newest Model
- ＋ Head-to-Toe Video for comprehensive coverage
- ＋ Live View feature for real-time monitoring
- ＋ Two-Way Talk for easy communication
- ＋ Motion Detection & Alerts for enhanced security
- ＋ Stylish Venetian Bronze finish
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
4,6/5
—
38260 reviews
See price on Amazon↗️
Comparing free and paid ring doorbell plans
What you get with free and paid Ring plans
When deciding between the free and paid options for your Ring video doorbell or Ring alarm system, it’s important to understand what each plan actually provides. The free version lets you use your Ring devices for live video and basic notifications, but there are some notable limitations compared to the subscription-based plans.
- Free plan: You can view live video from your doorbell or camera through the Ring app, get motion alerts, and use two-way talk. However, you won’t be able to save or review recorded video clips. Once an event is over, it’s gone unless you have a subscription.
- Ring Basic plan: This entry-level subscription unlocks video recording and storage for a single Ring device. You can review, share, and download videos for up to 180 days. It also includes snapshot capture and rich notifications, which give you more context in alerts.
- Ring Standard and Premium plans: These plans cover multiple Ring devices at one location. They add features like extended video history, person alerts, and, with Premium, professional monitoring for Ring alarm and alarm pro systems. Some plans also offer exclusive discounts on Ring products and Amazon Alexa integration for advanced smart home automation.
Comparing features side by side
| Feature | Free | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live video & notifications | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video recording & storage | No | Yes (1 device) | Yes (all devices) | Yes (all devices) |
| Professional monitoring | No | No | No | Yes |
| Alexa integration | Limited | Full | Full | Full |
| Exclusive discounts | No | No | Yes | Yes |
For those with multiple Ring video doorbells, wired doorbells, or battery doorbells, the Standard or Premium plans can be more cost-effective. If you want professional monitoring for your Ring alarm or alarm pro, Premium is the only option that includes this security guard feature.
Choosing between these plans depends on your security needs, the number of Ring devices you own, and whether you want features like video history or professional monitoring. For a deeper dive into selecting the right plan for your home, check out this guide to choosing a wireless security camera system.
How to choose the right plan for your needs
Factors to Consider When Picking a Ring Doorbell Plan
Choosing the right plan for your Ring video doorbell or alarm system depends on several factors. With options ranging from the basic plan to the premium Ring Protect Pro, it helps to assess your needs and the features that matter most for your home security.
- Number of Ring Devices: If you have multiple video doorbells, cameras, or a combination of Ring alarm and doorbell devices, a plan that covers all devices (like the Protect Plus or Pro) may offer better value.
- Video Storage and Access: The basic plan allows video recording and sharing for a single device, while higher-tier subscriptions provide longer storage periods and support for multiple devices. If you want to review video history or download clips, consider your storage needs.
- Professional Monitoring: For those with Ring Alarm or Alarm Pro systems, professional monitoring is only available with the Pro plan. This feature connects your alarm to a monitoring center, offering an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
- Smart Home Integration: If you use Alexa or other smart home devices, all Ring plans support integration, but advanced automation and features may be more robust with higher-tier subscriptions.
- Budget and Subscription Costs: Weigh the monthly or annual costs against the features you actually need. Some users find the basic plan sufficient, while others prefer the comprehensive coverage of the premium options.
Matching Your Security Needs to the Right Plan
Ask yourself how you use your Ring devices. If you rely on live video and instant alerts, the free plan may be enough. However, if you want to save and review video footage, or need professional monitoring for your Ring Alarm Pro, a paid subscription is necessary. For those with a wired doorbell or battery doorbell, both basic and premium plans are compatible, but the choice depends on whether you want features like extended video storage, security guard response, or advanced notifications.
Consider if you plan to expand your system with additional Ring devices in the future. Opting for a plan that supports multiple devices can save you money and simplify management as your security needs grow.
Ring
Video Wired Doorbell
- ＋ Two-Way Talk for easy communication
- ＋ Advanced Motion Detection for enhanced security
- ＋ HD Camera for clear video quality
- ＋ Real-Time Alerts to monitor activity
- ＋ Wired Installation for consistent power and connection
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
4,4/5
—
78764 reviews
See price on Amazon↗️
Managing your subscription and costs
Tips for Handling Your Ring Subscription
Managing your Ring doorbell plan is straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid surprises. Whether you have a basic plan for a single video doorbell or a premium subscription covering multiple devices, understanding how to control your costs and make changes is key.
- Access your account via the Ring app or website – This is where you can review your current plan, see which devices are covered (like your battery doorbell, wired doorbell, or Ring Alarm Pro), and make adjustments.
- Upgrade or downgrade anytime – If you add new Ring devices, like a video doorbell pro or a Ring Alarm, you might want to switch from a basic plan to a standard or premium plan. The Ring app makes it easy to change your subscription as your security needs grow.
- Monitor your renewal dates – Subscriptions renew automatically, whether you pay monthly or annually. Keep track of these dates to avoid unexpected charges.
- Cancel or pause if needed – If you no longer need professional monitoring or want to switch to live video only, you can cancel or pause your plan. Just remember, cancelling may affect features like video history or security guard response.
- Check for bundled offers – Sometimes, Amazon or Ring offers discounts if you bundle multiple devices or services, like Alexa integration with your Ring video doorbells or alarm systems.
Understanding the Costs and Value
Each Ring subscription tier—basic, standard, or premium—comes with its own price and features. The basic plan is great for single devices, while standard and premium plans cover more devices and add features like professional monitoring or advanced video storage. If you have a mix of battery and wired doorbells, or want to use Ring Alarm Pro, consider the value of upgrading to a higher tier.
Always review your monthly or yearly charges in your account settings. If you have questions about what you’re paying for, the Ring support center provides clear breakdowns of each plan’s costs and benefits. This helps you avoid paying for features you don’t use, and ensures your home security setup matches your needs.
Privacy and data considerations with ring doorbell plans
How Your Video and Data Are Handled
When you use a Ring video doorbell or Ring alarm system, your video footage and personal data are stored and managed by Ring, which is owned by Amazon. With a subscription plan—whether Basic, Standard, or Premium—your recorded videos are saved in the cloud for a set period, depending on your plan. This allows you to review, download, or share clips from your Ring app. However, it’s important to know that cloud storage means your data is not just on your devices, but also on Ring’s servers.
Privacy Controls and Settings
Ring offers several privacy features to help you control your information. You can manage which devices are linked to your account, set up two-factor authentication, and adjust motion detection zones to limit what your video doorbell records. The Ring app also lets you decide who can access your video feeds, and you can remove old videos manually before they are automatically deleted by the system.
Sharing and Third-Party Access
Ring devices can integrate with Alexa and other smart home systems, which can increase convenience but also raises questions about data sharing. Some features, like professional monitoring with Ring Alarm Pro, may require sharing data with third-party security services. Always review the permissions you grant and consider what information is being shared beyond your home network.
Security Measures
- All Ring video doorbells and alarm devices use encryption to protect your video and data during transmission and storage.
- Regular software updates help patch vulnerabilities and keep your system secure.
- Using strong, unique passwords for your Ring account and enabling two-factor authentication are simple but effective steps to improve your security.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Plan
Before selecting a Ring subscription, think about how much video history you want stored, who will have access to your footage, and your comfort level with cloud storage. If you’re looking for more privacy, you might prefer a wired doorbell or battery doorbell with limited cloud features, or you might opt for a plan that doesn’t require professional monitoring or sharing with third parties. Always read the privacy policy and terms for your chosen plan, as these can change over time.
