Family leaving home and arming a Ring Security System
Buying Guides, Smart Home & Security

The Best Ring Devices for Your Smart Home Security System

Perhaps one of the most scary challenges as a homeowner is protecting your home from threats. According to data organized by the FBI Crime Data Reporter, there were 249,098 reported burglaries in the United States from January 2023 through June 2023. Other reports indicate there are over 2.5 million burglaries each year in the United States. However, installing a smart home security system can scare away would-be criminals and make your neighborhood a safer place.

One of the best brands on the market for smart home security is Ring. Here is the ultimate list of Ring security devices to help you make your home and neighborhood a safer place.

Related Post: National Crime Prevention Month

Best Starting Ring Home Security System

Ring Alarm Security Kit

Ring Home Security base and access keypad

If you want an all-in-one home security system installed at once, we recommend the Ring Alarm Security Kit. This 8-piece kit includes:

  • 1 Ring base station – houses the siren and a 24-hour backup battery.
  • 1 Keypad – for arming and disarming your security system.
  • 4 Contact sensors – Guard entry points like windows and doors from intruders.
  • 1 Motion detector – Detect intruders in hallways or rooms. 
  • 1 Range extender – Extend the signal from your base station to all corners of your home.

If you’re just getting started with home security, this is a good first option for what’s in the kit as well as the overall starting price. 

What The Reviews Say

Reviews for this Ring Security System are overwhelmingly positive. Takeaways from customers include:

  • Easy to install.
  • Easy to use through the Ring App.
  • Thoroughly detailed instruction manual for installation and operation.
  • It’s best to connect the base station via an ethernet cable.
  • It’s a perfect kit for a beginner with home security systems.
  • No drilling is required for the installation.
  • Worth the money even without the paid subscription.

Pros

  • Covers the bases to get you started
  • Easy to self-monitor
  • Easy to add more devices to

Cons

  • Not enough pieces for larger homes – requires additional devices
  • A subscription plan is required for smart home device integration and video doorbell recordings
Do You Have To Have a Protect Subscription to Use a Ring Security System?

You don’t have to have a subscription to enjoy the peace of mind this system offers. However, some quality-of-life improvements are only available to Ring Protect subscribers.

If you decide to self-monitor without a subscription, the alarms will go off in the event of an intrusion, but you will have to call emergency services yourself. If you sign up for a subscription you have the option to monitor your security system yourself, or you can set up professional monitoring.

Ring offers its Ring Protect subscription at Basic, Plus, and Pro levels. Additional features with a Ring Protect plan include in-app security system arming/disarming, video monitoring for additional devices, and 24/7 Alarm professional monitoring.

Best Ring Devices for Front Door Security

Best Ring Video Doorbell

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 mounted on a dark brown doorframe.

Overall the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is the best option for front door security. This second-generation model has cutting-edge features that help you better track motion events and keep your home safe. 

Features

  • Head-To-Toe HD+ (1539p) video monitoring.
  • Clearer audio features including Two-Way Talk and Audio+.
  • 3D Motion Detection with Bird’s Eye Zones and Bird’s Eye View features.
  • Built-in Alexa Greetings to assist with deliveries and record messages for other visitors. (Ring Protect subscription required)
  • Specify a delivery package zone and receive notifications when your camera detects a delivery. (Ring Protect subscription required)
  • Integrates easily with Alexa devices.

What the Reviews Say

Again, reviews for this video doorbell are overwhelmingly positive. 99% of respondents say they would recommend this product. Many customers say they enjoy the video quality and the peace of mind that comes with this video doorbell. Additional takeaways from customer reviews include:

  • The benefits of the Ring Protect subscription are useful.
  • Great video/picture quality.
  • It’s easy to set up features in the app.
  • The doorbell is hardwired into your home, so no batteries are required.
  • The angles and viewing area of the camera are better than expected.
  • Terrific audio quality.
  • Comes with detailed installation instructions.
Pros
  • High-quality 1536p HD video.
  • Advanced motion detection and motion tracking.
  • Easy installation.
Cons
  • Might be difficult to install in older houses.
  • Notifications require a subscription.
  • Videos can be filtered by type of event but not by date.

Best Smart Lock for a Ring Security System

Yale Assure Lock 2

Man walking his dog out of the front door. On the door, a Yale smart lock can be seen.

Ring does not make branded smart locks, but we recommend the Ring-compatible Yale Assure Lock 2. This lock offers several modes to help you easily make sure your front door is locked without being a hassle for your guests. The main features include:

  • Multiple unlock modes (keypad, voice assistant, Yale Access App unlock, and Auto-Unlock).
  • Auto-lock with door closure sensing.
  • App integration so you can double-check the lock, let someone in, or share access with someone.
  • Locally stored codes and Bluetooth encryption for extra security.
  • Fingerprint-resistant matte finish.
  • Smart home compatible with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Hey Google (requires Yale Wi-Fi Smart Module).
What Customers Are Saying

Collectively this smart lock is rated around 4.3 stars. Many customers find it easy to use, easy to set up, and highly convenient. Some customers express concerns about battery life and network reliability. Other standouts from customer reviews include

  • Sleek design.
  • Easy to install for the majority, some customers found installation tricky.
  • Helpful when working with a house sitter.
  • Batteries require changing about once a month.
  • Eliminates fumbling with your keys.
  • Great for Airbnb owners.
  • Helpful for monitoring foot traffic in and out of your home.
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity can sometimes be spotty.
Pros
  • Convenient no-touch unlocking.
  • Works with major smart home platforms and systems.
  • Works with Apple Watch.
  • Lots of different styles.
  • Works on most types of doors.
Cons
  • Short battery life when using the Wi-Fi module.
  • Connection can be slow in Bluetooth-only mode.
  • Installation might require drilling depending on your doorframe.

Best Ring Smart Home Security Cameras

Best Indoor Security Camera

Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)

Ring Indoor security camera being set up on a bookshelf next to a few books.

This next-generation model of Ring’s indoor security camera gives excellent video monitoring options while also letting you take better control of your privacy.

Features:

  • 1080p HD video.
  • Color night vision.
  • Motion capture.
  • Two-Way Talk.
  • Manually controlled privacy cover which turns off audio and video recording.
  • Portable design and works anywhere you have an outlet in your home.
  • Real-time updates, controls, and video sharing through the Ring App with a Ring Protect Plan.
  • Blackout off-limit areas to protect your privacy.
  • Integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant (Ring Protect Plan required).
What the Reviews Say

Many customers love how easy this model is to move around and set up wherever they need it. Other reviews mention that motion detection notifications might be overwhelming. 

  • Lightweight.
  • Easy to install.
  • Easy to use.
  • Lots of notifications.
  • Good range.
  • Good quality.
  • Performs best in a lighted space.
  • Great for keeping an eye on pets.
Pros
  • High-quality video.
  • Affordable price.
  • Compact design.
  • Easy to use mount.
Cons
  • False alarms from motion detection.
  • Advanced features require a Ring Protect Pro subscription.

Best Outdoor Ring Security Camera

Ring StickUp Cam

a Ring StickUp camera mounted outdoors on the side wall of a house.

The same great design of Ring Cameras with battery power for outdoor security protection. Can be used indoors or outdoors. Also can be moved around if you want to monitor different rooms temporarily, or can be mounted for more permanent monitoring.

Features:

  • 1080p HD video.
  • Two-Way Talk.
  • Can be used indoors or outdoors.
  • Easy to replace battery.
What the Reviews Say
  • Long battery life.
  • Provides peace of mind.
  • Easy installation.
  • Great night vision.
  • Great for checking in on pets.
Pros
  • Wire-free.
  • Doesn’t require a smart home hub.
  • Infrared night vision.
  • Affordable price for outdoor cameras.
Cons
  • Several features require a Ring Protect subscription.
  • Does not offer detection specifications.
  • Event loading might be slow.

Best Ring Security Light

Ring Floodlight Cam Pro

A Ring Floodlight Cam being set up outside above a garage door.

The Ring Wired Floodlight Cam Pro offers several smart security features to help you protect your home. This product combines two motion-activated flood lights and a high-definition security camera. The floodlights clock in at 2000 lumens and help the main camera take great pictures and video at night.

Additional features:

  • Built-in siren.
  • Bird’s eye view motion detection view.
  • Person-only detection.

What the Reviews Say

  • It has a great motion detection range at 100 feet away.
  • Clear video.
  • Super bright lights.
  • Easy to install.
  • Depending on installation alerts might go off every time a car drives by on a main road.
  • Might have difficulty connecting to Wi-Fi.
Pros
  • Full-color night vision.
  • Works with Alexa.
  • Person-only detection mode.
Cons
  • Requires a Protect Pro Subscription for cloud video storage.
  • Does not support Google Assistant.

Additional Alarms to Complete Your Home Security System

Ring Contact Alarm (2nd Gen)

A Ring Contact Alarm on a white background.

Add extra contact sensors to your home’s security system to make sure all points of entry are protected from intruders. If you already have a Ring Security System, then these sensors are perfect for expanding your set-up. Installation is easy and you can customize notification preferences with a Ring Protect subscription.

What the Reviews Say

  • You have to have a Ring Security System installed for it to work.
  • Easy to install.
  • Inexpensive.
  • Leave some room around the case so you can change the batteries.
  • Customer service is helpful if issues come up.
  • Sometimes batteries are dead on arrival.
  • Can be hard to fix if there were problems with the first install.
Pros
  • Improved design for installation on doors than the Gen 1 design.
  • Improved battery access than the Gen 1 sensor.
Cons
  • The design is deeper than Gen 1 and might be harder to mount on windows.
  • Does not come with screws for permanent installation.

Ring Flood/Freeze Sensor

A Ring Flood/Freeze Alarm set up on a white marble bathroom floor.

Complete your smart home security system with environmental sensors. The Ring Flood/Freeze Sensor watches out for any signs of water intrusion and should be placed near your sump pump if you have a basement. And if you have a Ring Protect subscription the alarm will easily tie into your setup.

What the Reviews Say:

  • Prevents water damage/flood disasters.
  • Pays for itself after detecting one leak.
  • Saves the day.
  • Good for protecting water boilers, washing machines, and dishwashers.
Pros
  • Reliable.
  • Easy integration with Ring Systems.
Cons
  • Requires a Ring Alarm System to work.
  • Does not include an extension probe.

Ring Smoke/CO Listener

A ring smoke/CO alarm listening set up on a wall.

As a disclaimer, this is not a replacement for your home’s current smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector. Ring’s Smoke/CO listener works with your home’s built-in smoke/CO detectors so you can receive alerts through your Ring App.

What the Reviews Say

  • Easy to install.
  • Works great.
  • Much easier than replacing every installed smoke detector.
  • Be careful when testing to avoid the fire department getting called unnecessarily.
Pros
  • Gives you notifications when you need them.
  • Great response time from emergency services.
  • Easy to integrate with your Ring Alarm System.
  • Can help lower insurance premiums.
Cons
  • Requires smoke/CO detectors to already be installed.
  • Does not connect directly to your phone.

More Home Security Products

As a part of our Neighborhood Watch series, we review other popular home security devices to help make your neighborhood a safer place.

Shop Ring Home Security Devices at Electronic Express

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