The company that makes Ring, the DIY security system that helps people protect their property, has decided that it, too, wants a piece of the subscription plan pie and will soon require users to pay for certain features.
Beginning March 29th, any new US Ring users will have to pay for basic features like video recording for one doorbell or camera. Current Ring users, though, are good to go. Anyone who owned a Ring alarm before that date will be able to use those in-app features for free.
According to The Verge, one thing new Ring owners will have to pay for is the Home and Away mode feature which allows their system to automatically detect any motion in proximity to their video doorbell or camera. Those features will be part of the new three-tiered “Ring Protect Plans.”
How much will Ring cost now?
The Verge’s Jennifer Pattison Tuohy noted that Ring’s new plan moves it from the “very inexpensive” category to one of the “more expensive” ones.
“Neither of its main competitors — SimpliSafe and Abode — charge anything for the ability to self-monitor your alarm system, including arming or disarming the system from the app or receiving notifications,” she said.
ConsumerAffairs pored through the new plans and here’s how they break out:
The basic tier is $3.99/mo. or $39.99/yr. and allows for video recording for one doorbell or camera.
The second tier is called “Plus” and will set someone back $10/mo. or $100/yr. for video recording for all Ring home devices.
The big dog on the porch going forward will be the “Pro” plan which allows for video recording on all home devices, plus adds on 24/7 Ring Alarm professional monitoring, and this kitchen sink worth of add-ons:
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Cellular Backup Alarm
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AlexaGuard Plus
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24/7 Internet Backup with Optional Extra Data
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Digital Security by eero Secure
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Ring Edge with Local Video Storage
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Save up to $100 per Year or More on Your Home Insurance
It’s important to note that the insurance add-on comes with a lot of caveats, though. For example, if someone purchases a standalone Allstate Plan at Amazon, the discount requires that their Ring and Amazon accounts are linked.
There are other FAQs and how-tos like setting up Alarm Notifications that should be read before signing up for a subscription. Those are available here on Ring’s site and here on its Amazon page.
Discounts and free trials
So no one feels like they’re being forced into this, Ring’s doing a solid by offering a 30-day trial of Ring Protect. The trial begins when someone first sets up their Ring doorbell, camera or Ring Alarm Kit in the Ring app.
The company also said that some retailers may offer special promotions with different trial periods. But if you’re a current Ring Protect subscribers and activating a new device at an existing subscribed location, you are not eligible for a Ring Protect Trial.
Consumer Affairs was able to find an unpromoted 10% off discount that Ring is offering. Every little bit helps, right?