Ring Review

Friday, August 12th

2022 DIY Home Security Company Reviews

Ring

• No long-term commitments or contracts
• $20/month for monitoring (optional), available in all 50 states
• Can expand system to an unlimited number of paired Ring devices
• Certified Refurbished equipment available for a lower cost
• Free expedited shipping on all orders over $49

While do-it-yourself home security systems may all start to sound alike, the service provided by Utah-based Link Interactive stands out in three ways.

Not a service we recommend

First, they are one of the only systems on the market that is 100% cellular. You can connect your system to your home WiFi, and any alerts or alarms will be sent through both pathways - whichever one is fastest at the moment the system is triggered. But, if you live in an area where the WiFi is not the most reliable, knowing that your system will function and send through the same 4G LTE network as your cell phone if needed may give you peace of mind.

Choose a preselected package or create your own

Most home security systems today let you design an a la carte package of components, and Ring is no different. You're welcome to hand-select just the gear you want to build out your ideal DIY setup. However, if you like the idea of a ready-made package, Ring has two to choose from: Alarm and Alarm Pro. You'll get just the basics in the Alarm kit: base station and keypad, four contact sensors, one motion detector, and one range extender. If you select that package, you'll then see options you can add - like an indoor camera, video doorbell, or two spotlight or floodlight cameras. That package starts at $249.99 and goes up to a little under $1000 if you choose the Deluxe Pro Bundle. (That package comes with two wired floodlights and not one but two video doorbells - which may be better suited for business owners who have multiple entry points being used regularly.)

Secure your home network with the Alarm Pro package

How about protecting your network at the same time? Ring's Alarm Pro package comes with a built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router, and there are several equipment packages to choose from here too, starting at $249.99. The advantage of Alarm Pro is that your Ring security system will stay online even if your main internet connection goes out, as well as offering protection to your home network.

Tech for days

Just the basics or every possible component: Ring systems are capable of incorporating as much as you want, whether you buy it all right away or add to your DIY home security system over time. Attractive options include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, "smart" home gear like light dimmers and thermostats, electronic locks and more. If you're trying to save money, take a peek at the Certified Refurbished section on the Ring website. And, as long as your order is over $49, you won't pay anything for shipping.

Choose between professional and DIY monitoring

Most people looking for a DIY home security system still want to know that someone is on watch, monitoring for alerts and dispatching emergency services as needed. Ring offers that kind of coverage for $20/month; our research indicates that you'll want to take the time to set up your Ring system to minimize any false alarms. On the other hand, you may not want anyone outside of your household to have eyes and ears inside and outside of your property; in that case, Ring is one of very few options for do-it-yourself monitoring. You'll have that capability with both the Alarm and Alarm Pro packages.

Absolutely terrible feedback from Ring customers

Given how popular Ring's security equipment is, we were completely floored by how negative their reviews are. We saw that they had a "Not Rated" designation when we most recently looked at their listing with the Better Business Bureau - due to the BBB having to reopen a half-dozen complaints that had been closed previously. Not that bad so far, right? There were about 250 complaints filed there in the year prior to this evaluation, which also isn't overly concerning for such a big name in home security. However, when we looked at customer feedback elsewhere, it painted a pretty awful picture: thousands and thousands of people said that Ring deserves the lowest possible rating (and less than 20% who would give it a perfect five stars). People described doorbells that stopped working at moderately cold outdoor temperatures, challenges with getting equipment repaired or replaced under warranty, problems with billing, and having a hard time getting any response whatsoever from Ring customer support.

Your privacy may be at risk

Those poor customer reviews are bad enough, but it gets worse. All it takes is plugging in a few search keywords (try "Ring" and "hacked" or "Ring" and "police" ) and you'll see for yourself. Ring seems to be taking steps to resolve those concerns, but it's going to take a lot of effort (and results) before we'd feel comfortable with having a Ring security system in our home. After all, who wants to feel like they're being watched in their own home?

Not a trustworthy DIY home security system

For a long time, your only option was Ring if you wanted a video doorbell. Not anymore: almost every home security system offers that equipment these days, without the concerns we have about Ring's product quality or privacy issues. Ring has a lot of room for improvement, and until we see significant changes we can't recommend them for your DIY home security needs.