Ring home security cameras review

Ring, renowned in the smart home security system sector, was founded in 2013 by Jamie Siminoff as Doorbot, a pioneering smart doorbell. This device enabled users to interact with visitors remotely via their smartphones. Over time, Ring has broadened its offerings to include a variety of security gadgets, including video doorbells, security cameras, and Ring Alarm, a full-fledged home surveillance system. 

Known for their easy installation and user-friendly design, Ring’s products cater to those who prefer a DIY approach to installation and security. The company’s acquisition by Amazon in 2018 further strengthened its foothold in the home security and smart home arenas.

Ring’s outdoor camera is available in a range of power options. (Ring)

• Price: £159.99 (or £319.98 for a pack of two)
• Type: Outdoor
• Wireless: No
• Resolution: 1080p HDR
• Voice assistant: Alexa
• Power source: Mains connection (Battery and solar options available)
• Battery backup: Rechargeable Quick-Release Battery Pack (sold separately for £24.99) 
• Mounting: Mount included, or place on a flat surface
• Two-way audio: Yes
• Motion detection: Yes
• Cloud storage: Yes, with a subscription to Ring Protect
• Night vision: Colour night vision

Outdoor Camera Pro Plug-in overview 

Ring has designed a camera that’s ideal for comprehensive, customisable outdoor surveillance and is suitable for most homeowners. 

The Outdoor Camera Pro Plug-in is the version of Ring’s Stick-up Cam Pro that requires being connected to a power source. It features 1080p HDR video recording, dual band wifi, two-way audio options, and a remote-activated 85 decibel (dB) siren. It also offers 3D motion detection, colour night vision, a bird’s eye aerial map view, and allows customised video zones of up to nine metres. For example, the video can be configured to cover the front garden but not the pavement outside the property’s perimeter. 

Ring’s standard features, such as instant notifications, live views, and two-way talk, are free; however, a subscription to Ring Protect provides video storage, photo capture, and sharing options. 

A standard electrical socket for DIY installation outside your home powers this camera. The Quick Release Battery Pack allows dynamic switching between plug-in and battery power modes but is sold separately. However, battery (£159.99) and solar-powered (129.99) models are available with the same specifications. 

Design 

The Outdoor Camera Pro Plug-in is available in black or white, measures 15.39 cm x 7 cm x 7 cm and, typical of Ring’s home security products, it is well made and super stylish. 

Installation takes just five minutes, and the adjustable angled mounting unit and a 6m USB-C power adapter are included in the box. The unit can be freestanding or wall-mounted.  

Video quality 

The 1080p HDR video provides clear, sharp footage, which continues after dark with the colour night vision, while 3D motion detection reduces false alarms by pinpointing movements. However, Ring’s camera also delivers innovative aerial map views, and by configuring its Bird’s Eye Zones, it allows specified-area alerts, such as the front drive, but avoids the neighbour’s garden.

Connectivity and app 

The Outdoor Camera Pro Plug-in uses wifi connectivity and requires a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps for the best performance. 

Ring’s app is available on iOS, Fire OS, and Android. It has a clean, user-friendly interface that’s easily navigated, allowing you to manage your camera system and view live action. However, video storage is only available by subscribing to Ring Protect.

Select the Outdoor Camera Pro panel to access a live video and click the Go Live arrow. Below the video, the time, an End Live button, a microphone toggle, and a speaker mute button are displayed. For full-screen viewing, click the square icon at the bottom right. After the stream, a timeline of motion events appears below the video. Scroll through this timeline to view the event clip or the Bird’s Eye feed in the top left.

The gear icon at the top right controls the lights, activates the siren, and manages motion detection and alerts. Use the motion warning button to play a warning message through the camera’s speakers.

Mode settings include geofencing and options for Home, Away, and Disarmed states. Motion settings cover sensitivity adjustment, 3D Motion, Smart Alerts, and motion alert schedules. In the Device section, adjust light settings like brightness and zones, enable colour night vision, set video recording length, and manage notifications. Other options include linking with other Ring devices, configuring network settings, and updating firmware.

How does the Outdoor Camera Pro Plug-in compare? 

Verdict

The Outdoor Camera Pro Plug-in from Ring offers an easily-configured home security solution for most homeowners. Priced at £159.99, there are more affordable options, including Hey and Abode outdoor cameras, that don’t require a subscription for storing or sharing videos. 

While our researchers found the aerial map view a valuable resource, it wasn’t considered enough to counter the cost, especially taking into account Ring’s poor Trustpilot score.  

The indoor camera can be wall-mounted or placed on a surface. (Ring)

• Price: £49.99
• Type: Indoor
• Wireless: No
• Resolution: 1080p HDR
• Voice assistant: Alexa
• Power source: Mains connections (battery option available)
• Battery back-up: N/A
• Mounting: Freestanding or wall mounted (mount included)
• Two-way audio: Yes
• Motion detection: Yes
• Cloud storage: Yes, with a subscription to Ring Protect
• Night vision: Colour night vision

Indoor Camera 2nd Gen overview

Ring’s second generation indoor camera hasn’t changed a great deal from the original model and, as such, is an affordable, well designed plug-in camera. 

The primary distinction lies in its inclusion of a security shutter. This feature rotates into position, effectively disabling the camera when engaged. In the locked state, the camera powers down, and the lens is fully obscured, ensuring privacy. Conversely, when the shutter is unlocked, the camera is ready for operation.

Like other Ring products, this camera works best if you subscribe to Ring Protect. While standard features, such as instant notifications, live view, and two-way talk, are available without subscribing, video storage and sharing are not. The Indoor Camera 2nd Gen supports the Advanced Pre-Roll feature, which captures the six seconds preceding the motion trigger. However, without Ring Protect, you can only view Pre-Roll as a picture-in-picture in Live View.

Design

The Ring Indoor Cam is a plug-in model, making installation simple. The included USB cable fits into the camera’s connector but, since the camera is quite lightweight, its weight can unbalance it. 

Whether wall mounting or freestanding, the camera’s angle is easily adjusted using a fluid ball joint. 

Video quality 

The Indoor Cam delivers clearly defined 1080p HDR video and, although the nighttime colours appear dull, the black and white night vision demonstrates a good contrast. 

Offering a 143 degree field of view, the camera can capture most of a room and, with optimisable motion zones, it can cover multiple vulnerable areas. 

Connectivity and app 

The camera connects via your home’s wifi and is manageable via Ring’s mobile app – available for iOS and Android users, as are Ring’s other products.  

Our tests found the app easy to use, with the Indoor Camera settings very user-friendly and customisable. However, it should be noted that there is no ability to store or play videos without a Ring Protect subscription. 

How does the Indoor Camera 2nd Gen compare? 

Verdict 

Although Ring’s second generation Indoor Camera comes with an affordable price point, as with other products, a Ring Protect subscription is required to access features that many competitors include for free, such as video storage and playback options. 

However, this model ticks the box if you’re looking for a basic, simple-to-install, and easy-to-use indoor security camera.

The spotlight camera from Ring can be purchased individually, or in packs of up to 4, so the entire exterior of a home is secured. (Ring)

• Price: £149.99
• Type: Outdoor
• Wireless: No
• Resolution: 1080p HDR
• Voice assistant: Alexa
• Power source: Mains connection (Hardwired, battery and solar options available)
• Battery back-up: Quick Release Battery Pack (purchased separately)
• Mounting: Wall mounted
• Two-way audio: Yes
• Motion detection: Yes
• Cloud storage: Yes, with a Ring Protect subscription
• Night vision: Colour night vision

Spotlight Cam Pro Plug-in overview 

The Spotlight Cam Pro from Ring is one step up from its older model, the Spotlight Cam Plus, and uses the same camera, with some additional features, such as 3D Motion Detection, Bird’s Eye View, and Pre-Roll Video Previews. It can be bought with alternative power options – battery, wired and solar – and combines a 400 lumen (lm) spotlight with a 1080p camera, making the Spotlight Cam Pro ideal for dimly lit areas, where a full floodlight might be excessive. 

The 3D movement detection, combined with the aerial Bird’s Eye View, provides optimal coverage of your property and, by configuring the Bird’s Eye Zones, you can choose which areas are covered. However, unless you subscribe to Ring Protect, you can only access instant notifications, live motion-detection video, remote-activated siren, and two-way talk.  

Design 

The design of the Spotlight Cam Pro is more refined than the older Spotlight Cam Plus, with the curved LED bars on either side of the compact body, available in either black or white. 

Installation is simple, although an outdoor power socket is required for this plug-in model. Situated higher on a wall, the spotlight covers a broader area with a weaker, still perfectly adequate, spotlight, while a lower placement focuses the light across a smaller area. 

Video quality 

The Spotlight Cam Pro captures 1080p HDR video with colour night vision and a comfortably wide 140-degree horizontal by 80-degree vertical view. 

The first second or two of video playback can appear a little blurred due to the Pre-Roll feature. This is designed to capture the six seconds before the motion detector is triggered. 

Once that clears, the video is crisp and detailed, even when pointing into the sun, and while without the LEDs, the night vision is monotone, once they are activated, the full-colour video is impressively sharp. 

Connectivity and app

The Spotlight Cam Pro supports 2.4GHz wifi. The camera uses the same mobile app as other Ring devices – available for Android or iOS. It’s well-designed, allowing you to configure and manage your camera settings, interact with alerts, and connect to other Ring smart products. 

Unfortunately, there is no ability to store videos without subscribing to Ring Protect. 

How does the Spotlight Cam Pro Plug-in compare? 

Verdict 

If you live in a rural area, or have dark corners that need coverage, Ring’s Spotlight Cam Pro Plug-in is a good option, despite its high price tag. The video and night vision options are clear and crisp, and when combined with the aerial mapping features and spotlight, provide a comprehensive solution to exterior security.  

The floodlight camera will illuminate large areas of garden or driveways. (Ring)

• Price: £219.99
• Type: Outdoor
• Wireless: No
• Resolution: 1080p HDR
• Voice assistant: Alexa
• Power source: Wired
• Battery back-up: N/A
• Mounting: Wall or ceiling mounted
• Two-way audio: Yes
• Motion detection: Yes
• Cloud storage: Yes, with a subscription to Ring Protect
• Night vision: Colour night vision

Floodlight Cam Pro Wired overview 

The Floodlight Cam Pro offers protection through a hardwired connection. Ring advises that this model should be professionally installed. 

Like its predecessor, the Floodlight Cam Plus, the camera boasts 1080p HDR video, colour night vision, LED beams and a remotely controlled security siren. Its 3D Motion Detection technology and Bird’s Eye View feature offer a comprehensive perspective that can be optimised to target specific zones. However, without a Ring Protect subscription, only some of its features, including live alerts, two-way audio, and live video, are available. 

Ring’s Floodlight Cam Pro suits those seeking a robust, detailed surveillance solution with added features for improved clarity and response in various lighting conditions.

Design 

Virtually indistinguishable from the older Plus model, the Floodlight Cam Pro is a sleek and robust unit featuring two large 1,000lm floodlights positioned above. As a permanent fixture, its 21.7cm x 32.6cm x 20.2cm size is generally not a concern, and its conspicuous presence can act as a deterrent, which many users find beneficial. 

If you’re replacing an existing outdoor light or camera, the installation process is straightforward – turn off the power at the fuse box, remove the old fixture, and connect your Floodlight Cam Pro. However, if you’re setting it up in a spot without existing wiring, hiring a qualified electrician for the installation is required.

Video quality 

The Floodlight Cam Pro features a 1080p camera with a broad 140-degree horizontal and 80-degree vertical field of view, offering ample coverage for most needs. The video quality is sharp and clear in daylight, although there can be some pixelation when streaming live from areas with weaker internet connections. 

In darker conditions, the camera switches to infrared night vision, which provides a monochrome image. While there’s colour night vision, the colours are dull. However, this becomes less significant when the camera’s two floodlights are activated. Their powerful illumination greatly enhances the clarity of low-light footage, offering a well-lit view of the camera’s coverage area.

Connectivity and app 

As with all of the featured cameras, this model uses wifi connections 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz, and Ring recommends upload speeds of 2Mbps.

The Floodlight Cam Wired Pro uses the same mobile app – available for Android and iOS – as every other Ring device, and as before, the camera settings are easily configured through the app.  

How does the Floodlight Cam Wired Pro compare? 

Verdict 

Designed to cover large outdoor spaces, Ring’s Floodlight Cam Wired Pro uses mains power and, as such, may require a professional installation. This additional cost could limit its appeal for a camera that already has a high price point, especially when many features are only available with a Ring Protect subscription. 

However, with radar-powered 3D motion detection, Ring’s innovative Bird’s Eye View, 1,000lm lights, and the camera’s crisp resolution, homeowners seeking premium-level security will find this ticks many boxes. 

Ring’s flagship product, the video doorbell, is one of the top-rated on the market. (Ring)

• Price: £219.99
• Type: Doorbell camera
• Wireless: No
• Resolution: 1536p HD
• Voice assistant: Alexa
• Power source: Wired (plug-in adapter available)
• Battery back-up: N/A
• Mounting: Wall mounted
• Two-way audio: Yes
• Motion detection: Yes
• Cloud storage: Yes, with a subscription to Ring Protect
• Night vision: Colour night vision

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 overview 

Ring’s flagship doorbell camera boasts a sleek, brushed metallic finish and offers features, including a higher resolution, 3D motion detection, and Bird’s Eye View, that its other models lack. However, it’s also one of its priciest doorbells and a Ring Protect subscription is necessary for certain features. 

The Doorbell Pro 2 offers a wide 150-degree head-to-toe field of view, with an impressive 1536p resolution, and can connect easily to Ring Chime or an Alexa-enabled device for home-wide alerts. 

It features Quick Replies, which plays a pre-recorded message if you can’t answer the door, Two Way Talk with noise cancellation properties, colour night vision, and Ring’s Pre-Roll video. This allows you to view the few seconds prior to motion being detected. However, without Ring Protect, you can only view Pre-Roll as a picture-in-picture in Live View. 

Considering the number of available features, the Doorbell Pro 2, with its £219.99 price tag, would suit homeowners who place a high value on home security. 

The Video Doorbell Pro 2 is available with a plug-in adapter or as a hardwired option, which may require professional installation. 

Design 

The Video Doorbell Pro 2 uses dual-band wifi and is hardwired into your home’s electrical circuit. This may require a professional to carry out the wiring process. However, a plug-in adapter is available, which can be used if a socket is nearby.   

Following the same sleek, contemporary design as other Ring products, the Doorbell Pro 2 features a satin-finished casing with a choice of faceplates, a glowing blue LED doorbell button, and an ambient light sensor. The bottom edge of the faceplate houses an inconspicuous microphone and speaker. 

Video quality 

Capturing 1536 HDR video, the camera has a 150-degree horizontal and 150-degree vertical field of view, providing a head-to-toe image of anyone at your door. With Ring’s Bird’s Eye View, 3D motion detection radar technology, and colour night vision, these features provide comprehensive doorstep, and beyond, security. 

The video performance is impressively crisp, thanks to the higher-than-average resolution, and while the colour night vision is less vibrant, the daytime image quality is razor-sharp. 

Connectivity and app

The Video Doorbell Pro 2 uses dual-band wifi, and an upload speed of 2Mbps is recommended for optimal performance. 

The Ring app is available for iOS and Android devices and allows you to easily manage and customise your doorbell, or connect to other Ring products. As we’ve found previously, the Ring app is designed with user experience at the fore and features clearly signposted navigational techniques. 

However, unless you have a Ring Protect plan, there is no option for storing videos, and they can only be viewed as a live stream. 

How does the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 compare?

Verdict 

Our researchers have all been impressed by the video quality of Ring’s Video Doorbell Pro 2 – it has the highest resolution of the featured cameras, while the motion detection is rapid and responsive, with radar technology reducing false alarms.

There is a lot to like about this stylish video doorbell, and even though a Ring Protect subscription allows access to more, the free features provide plenty of well-considered security measures. 

The price tag may put some off, but the Video Doorbell Pro 2’s feature-packed performance will attract many homeowners looking for comprehensive property security.

Our researchers found that Ring has a Trustpilot score of 1.3, with 79% of users giving it 1 or 2 stars and only 17% 4 and 5 stars. However, it should be noted that this is for the company as a whole, not just their cameras.

Many reviews focus on poor customer service experiences, problems with connectivity, and faulty products. 

“A really good device that has changed our life, the Ring Doorbell Pro. We had our windows smashed in twice in a targeted transphobic attack, one resulting in an injury to my little sisters. It’s been horrible. I keep an eye out on this camera every day and night. Saves footage on phone and can see good. Quality in day and night is good. We had the battery operated one first and gave it back as batteries were dying out in the middle of the night! So got it all wired in by an electrician. Speech clarity is good when using the mic. It’s a good investment definitely!”

• Amra, via Trustpilot

“Ordered a solar panel to charge up our outdoor camera. It’s 2 months old and although connected, it has stopped charging up the camera so we have to charge the battery by a 6 – 8 hour plug in. The customer service is dreadful and conducted over X (was Twitter). Husband can’t speak to them as it’s my account. The product is faulty and needs to be replaced but I can’t even state my case. We’ve been at this for over a week now. Very frustrated – will be sending the equipment back soon if not resolved.”

• JPH, via Trustpilot

“Just had a really long conversation with Ring customer service – absolute nightmare. I spent an hour explaining that I have a black screen for 2 days. It was working fine from March 2023 and the lady kept telling me that the problem was with my internet and she was unsure why my Ring was working from the beginning with my internet speed. She didn’t want to connect me to her manager. I know my rights, kept saying she will say the same thing. I finally spoke to the manager and she helped me within 5 minutes. In the end, the manager told me they had added some privacy zones to my camera by mistake, that’s why I had it all black for 3 days. Very not satisfied with the customer service they have there.”

• Agata, via Trustpilot

Our experts have conducted hours of research to compile a list of the best security systems. There are many options on the market and they all have their pros and cons. However, our list includes some of the best security systems to consider for every need. Whether you are looking for a security system on a budget, easy installation, or a customisable package, one of the security systems above will surely be an excellent choice.

A home security system is an investment in your protection. After all, the best home security system aims to keep your family and property safe and protected from burglary, fire, home intrusion, and flood, among other threats.

We considered the following factors:

• Reputation, including customer reviews
• Variety of packages available
• Security features and functionality
• Upfront and contract pricing
• Usability

For more information, read our article on how we review home security systems.