Do You Have To Pay For Ring Doorbell? A Detailed Look
Ring doorbells have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to keep an eye on your front door. With their sleek design, easy installation, and integration with smartphones, it’s no wonder many homeowners are curious about adding a video doorbell to their home security setup.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You don’t have to pay a monthly fee to use basic features on a Ring doorbell, but subscribing to Ring Protect for $3-10 per month allows you to access advanced features like sharing, longer video history, and people detection.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at Ring doorbell costs, optional subscription plans, installation fees, and other related expenses so you know exactly what to expect as you consider getting a Ring for your home.
Upfront Costs of Purchasing a Ring Doorbell
If you’re considering purchasing a Ring Doorbell, it’s important to understand the upfront costs involved. Here, we will take a detailed look at the prices of Ring Doorbells, discounted options available, and any additional accessories that you may need.
Ring Doorbell Prices
Ring offers a variety of doorbell models, each with its own features and price points. The prices of Ring Doorbells can range from $99 to $499, depending on the model and any additional features included.
The more advanced models often come with higher price tags, but they also offer additional functionalities such as enhanced video quality, motion detection, and two-way audio communication.
Discounted Options
If you’re looking to save some money on your Ring Doorbell purchase, there are discounted options available. One popular option is to purchase a refurbished Ring Doorbell directly from the Ring website.
These refurbished devices have been tested and certified by Ring, and they often come with a lower price tag compared to brand new models. Additionally, keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promotions, as Ring often offers discounts on their products during certain times of the year.
Additional Accessories
While the Ring Doorbell itself is the main component of the system, there are also additional accessories that you may want to consider purchasing. These accessories can enhance the functionality and convenience of your Ring Doorbell.
Some popular accessories include additional security cameras to monitor other areas of your property, solar panels to power your Ring Doorbell without relying solely on batteries, and chime devices to hear the doorbell inside your home.
The prices of these accessories vary, so it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget when deciding which ones to purchase.
By understanding the upfront costs of purchasing a Ring Doorbell, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for you. Remember to consider the price of the doorbell itself, any discounted options available, and any additional accessories you may need to fully utilize the system.
With the right setup, a Ring Doorbell can provide you with added convenience and peace of mind when it comes to securing your home.
Ongoing Costs of a Ring Subscription Plan
When it comes to the Ring Doorbell, there are ongoing costs associated with a Ring subscription plan. Let’s take a detailed look at what these costs entail and how they can enhance your overall Ring experience.
Ring Protect Basic vs. Ring Protect Plus
Ring offers two subscription plans: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. The Ring Protect Basic plan costs $3 per month or $30 per year, while the Ring Protect Plus plan costs $10 per month or $100 per year.
Both plans provide valuable features and benefits, but there are a few differences to consider.
The Ring Protect Basic plan includes features such as video recording and sharing for a single Ring device, lifetime theft protection, and a 60-day video history. On the other hand, the Ring Protect Plus plan offers all the features of the Basic plan, but it covers an unlimited number of Ring devices at a single location and includes professional monitoring for Ring Alarm.
It also extends warranty coverage to all Ring devices at your location.
Ring Protect Features
With a Ring subscription plan, you gain access to a range of additional features that can enhance the functionality of your Ring Doorbell. These features include:
- Video Recording and Sharing: With a Ring subscription, you can record and save videos from your Ring Doorbell, allowing you to review any missed events or suspicious activities. You can also easily share these recordings with friends, family, or law enforcement if necessary.
- Advanced Motion Detection: The Ring subscription plan provides advanced motion detection options, allowing you to customize motion zones and receive more precise notifications when someone approaches your door.
- Snapshot Capture: This feature captures snapshots of your Ring Doorbell’s video feed at specific intervals throughout the day, providing you with a comprehensive view of any activity near your door.
Sharing Ring Access
One of the benefits of a Ring subscription plan is the ability to share access to your Ring devices with trusted individuals. Whether it’s allowing your family members to monitor the doorbell or granting temporary access to a neighbor while you’re away, you have control over who can view and interact with your Ring Doorbell.
It’s important to note that while a Ring subscription plan enhances your Ring Doorbell experience, it is not mandatory. You can still use the basic features of the Ring Doorbell without a subscription, including live video streaming and two-way talk.
However, subscribing to a Ring plan can provide peace of mind and additional functionality.
For more information about Ring subscription plans and their features, you can visit the official Ring website at https://ring.com.
Other Potential Expenses to Factor In
Professional Installation
While the Ring Doorbell can easily be installed by most homeowners, some may prefer to have it professionally installed to ensure everything is set up correctly. This option may come with an additional cost.
However, it is worth noting that Ring also offers a self-installation option, which can help you save money if you’re comfortable with the installation process.
Battery Replacement
The Ring Doorbell relies on a rechargeable battery to power its operations. Over time, the battery will naturally lose its capacity and will need to be replaced. However, the good news is that the battery life of Ring Doorbell is quite impressive, and you can expect it to last for several months before needing a recharge.
Depending on your usage and the number of motion activations, you may need to replace the battery every 6-12 months. The cost of a replacement battery is relatively affordable and can be easily ordered from the Ring website or other authorized retailers.
Internet Bandwidth Usage
As the Ring Doorbell is a smart device, it requires a stable internet connection to function properly. This means that you need to consider the potential impact on your internet bandwidth usage. The Ring Doorbell will be constantly streaming video footage and sending notifications to your smartphone or other connected devices.
While the bandwidth usage of the Ring Doorbell is generally minimal, it is important to take into account your current internet plan and any potential limitations or extra costs associated with increased data usage.
It is recommended to check with your internet service provider to ensure your plan can handle the additional usage.
Pro Tip: For a more accurate estimate of the internet bandwidth usage, you can refer to the Ring support website or contact their customer support for detailed information specific to your device model.
Ways to Use Ring for Free or Save Money
If you’re considering getting a Ring Doorbell, you might be wondering if there are any ways to use it for free or save money on its features. Fortunately, there are several options available to help you get the most out of your Ring Doorbell without breaking the bank.
Ring App Features
The Ring app offers a range of features that you can utilize without having to pay a subscription fee. With the free Ring app, you can receive notifications on your smartphone when someone rings your doorbell, view live video footage, and even speak to visitors using the two-way talk feature.
These basic features can provide you with peace of mind and help enhance the security of your home.
Third-Party Integrations
Ring Doorbell also integrates with various third-party devices and services, allowing you to expand its functionality without spending extra money. For example, you can connect your Ring Doorbell to smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, enabling you to control your doorbell using voice commands or integrate it with other smart devices in your home.
Additionally, Ring works with IFTTT (If This, Then That), a platform that allows you to create custom automation tasks. By connecting Ring with IFTTT, you can set up triggers and actions that automate certain tasks based on specific events, such as turning on your smart lights when someone rings your doorbell.
Promotions and Bundles
Ring occasionally offers promotions and bundles that can help you save money on their products. Keep an eye out for discounts or special offers on their website or through authorized retailers. These promotions might include discounted prices on Ring Doorbells or even bundle deals that include additional devices, such as Ring cameras or alarm systems, at a reduced price.
Reducing Bandwidth Usage
If you’re concerned about bandwidth usage and want to save on data costs, there are a few steps you can take. First, adjust the video quality settings in the Ring app to lower resolution options. This can significantly reduce the amount of data used when streaming live video or viewing recordings.
Additionally, you can set motion zones and adjust motion sensitivity to reduce the number of motion alerts you receive. By customizing these settings, you can ensure that you only receive notifications for events that are most relevant to you, helping to conserve bandwidth and save money.
Remember, while there are ways to use Ring for free or save money, some advanced features and services may require a subscription. It’s important to carefully consider your needs and budget before deciding which options are right for you.
Conclusion
While Ring doorbells themselves don’t require a monthly fee, subscribing to Ring Protect allows you to unlock the full potential of your smart doorbell’s features. But even without a paid subscription, a Ring can be a helpful addition to your home security.
By understanding the various costs associated with purchasing and installing a video doorbell upfront, weighing the benefits of an optional Ring subscription plan, and looking for ways to save on bundles or reduce bandwidth usage, you can determine if Ring is the right fit, and how to implement it in the most budget-friendly way possible.
