I've been waiting since last year for the Ring Alarm to finally be released. I'm glad I waited because it is saving me tons of money. I have been using Frontpoint for several years, ADT before them, and my monthly monitoring has increased up to $50 a month. I started getting Ring cameras last year and am already subscribing to the Protect Plus monitoring so when I found out that Ring was releasing an alarm system and that professional monitoring would be included with the $10 Protect Plus plan, I was ecstatic. This thing would pay for itself in just a few months over what I was currently paying for monitoring alone!
Now that I have it and everything is installed, here are a few thoughts:
Base Station - The brains. It is an unassuming white square that blends in with most of my other devices sitting in my living room. Apart from a glowing ring on top, there isn't much else to it. Mine had some blemishes on top that you can see in the right light, but that's it. I opened the Ring app, plugged it in, and started the set-up. The siren is built into the base station and it chimes when a contact sensor is triggered or if an alarm goes off. It also announces the status of the mode you select, meaning it says that is armed for Home or Away.
Keypad - The keypad is smaller than what i am used to, but still a decent size. The keys are plastic and a little clicky, but that probably has more to do with me being used to the softkeys that all of my alarm keypads have had before and not that they are cheap or anything. It comes with a usb charger and runs on batteries when unplugged. There is an install plate that you can slide it in and out of if you want. I plan on keeping mine installed on a wall and only plugging it in when the battery needs charging. I've read somewhere else that it should last six months between charging, but I am testing that out now and will see how long it really lasts in real world usage. It also announces the mode of the alarm when set (home/away) just like the base station, but there is a slight delay causing an echo effect. It might not matter depending on where you have the two, but mine are in the same room so it is something that is slightly annoying.
Contact sensors - I was not prepared for how big these things are compared to my old sensors. They are twice the size. Again, it might be what you are used to, but I was afraid that they would really be noticeable. Now that they are installed, they really are not. They are high enough that they are out of direct line of sight and I already don't notice them unless I look directly at them. They have a blue ring that lights up when triggered, but even that I hardly notice. They come with install hardware or double stick tape. I used the tape and they seem pretty secure to me.
Motion sensor - It's a motion sensor. It's larger than my old one, but looks about the same. It also comes with mounting hardware or double sided tape. The edges are tapered so that you can install it in a corner, which is nice. I also like that the app will tell you when motion is detected, even if the alarm is disarmed. It's a nice way to see if someone is moving around.
Z-wave extender - This just plugs into a wall outlet and also has a battery built into it in case of a power outage. I don't really need it because my sensors are not that far away from my base station, but it might be handy if I decide to add some on my garage door or in the basement.
And that's about it. I'm very happy with my purchase and the potential that the system has. Ring has built zigbee into the unit along with z-wave and should be activating that soon. There are other tech inside that makes me think that they have smart home plans for this thing that may make it rival Samsung Smartthings as a central hub down the road. That has me very excited. I also hope they improve integration with Ring cameras too. I would love for it to cause all of my Ring cameras to start recording if there is an alarm triggered. Or, my lights to come on for the same reason. I'm happy with it just as an alarm system, but if these other things all come in to play, then it will be THE system to beat.
I bought another brand, not to mention any names (Abode) and what a difference compared to Ring. The security system is self-monitoring with a choice of professional monitoring. The software is sophisticated yet it has a user-friendly interface that includes a cell phone app and a web-based software. Super easy to set up with long life batteries. One of the downfalls is that the contacts are bigger than most other contacts but not worth degrading. If I had to buy another alarm system, it would be Ring Security.
The installation is so simple. You launch your app, scan the q-code, pull the plastic covering the battery and then if you're like me and don't want to put holes in the door/doorframe, you just affix the sensor using the double sided tape that's included. Got one right when Ring released its home security kit and have added 2 more. So far they're working great!
Like all Rimg products, the contact sensors work seamlessly. We have installed three of them, one on each door to the outside. We used the tape to install ours, though small screws are included. Easy and effective. Takes no time at all. We now have Ring doorbell cams, and spotlight cams on two houses, and the security system on one. Ring’s customer service is great. Highly recommended.
Ring does it again - easy to install and easy to add to your alarm system! Really like that you can use the screws or double sided tape. I guess if you are a renter this is the perfect alarm system for you, no damage to any surface.
Feature Product
- Requires the Ring alarm base station
- Get instant mobile alerts when doors or windows open in your home
- Compatible with any iOS or Android device
- Easy installation with no tools required
- Mounts to door and window frames
- 3V lithium battery included
Description
Expand your Ring alarm kit and add an extra layer of security to your home with alarm contact sensors. Attach alarm contact sensors to any door or window in your house or apartment, and you’ll get instant alerts on your phone and tablet whenever your doors or windows are opened. The alarm contact sensor is easy to setup and installs in just a few minutes. Simply place your contact sensor on any door or window frame, connect it your Ring alarm base station, and you’re ready to go
Great product. Works great with the alarm system. Works on windows and doors, even with a rough surface. Makes an instant noise when opened as well. App works well with it. Also instant notifications. The app will tell you when your door/window is open and responds quickly.
-You must have the alarm system for it to work-
Very well designed and powerful. I installed my main entrance and patio door sensors in 10 minutes flat. The both tested and worked seamlessly. Ring has done a great job with its Ring Alarm system.
This is one of the best monitoring devices in the market - trust me, I tested multiple ones;) I have this sensor on every window and door at my house and it's working greatly! PS: you can get a discount with your insurance but you have to get them the Monitoring Certificate that you can get from Ring and you have to send it to your insurance... (I'm with statefarm and they didn't even know Ring, unfortunately most insurances are just antiquated).
I expanded my Ring system with these sensors because I had already used up those in my starter box on doors and wanted additional protection on windows. Adding them to the system via the Ring app was easy and intuitive -- just scan the code and pull the tab. The only downside to using these on windows is the way they can get in the way of blinds. We installed ours at the bottom of our windows instead of higher up where the two pieces meet to minimize catching the blinds on them. Of course, if your windows have curtains only, then the inset of the windows, coupled with the extension of a rod, will keep fabric far enough away from the sensor. On doors, the sensors work seamlessly, although molding around the door can cause issues if you choose to install using the adhesive tape instead of the hardware.
The sensors have such strong magnets that they can be separated by as much as a half-inch and still register as closed. They can be installed in a matter of minutes, especially if you choose the adhesive option over the hardware. Chances are, you'll want several of these 2-packs to make sure your home is completely secure.
-- Debbie Lee Wesselmann
Stellar Alarm System! I had an ADP SmartThings Alarm before this because it was cheaper and “seemingly” had a lot more features. But you would think a company like Samsung would have their stuff together, but it was terrible! So I returned it and went with Ring! I love it! Simple to connect, simple to setup, simple to use! I love it! It works well with Alexa! Although the Ring has “less” features at the moment, Ring is so much better! Love it! The app needs to be upgraded a bit as it’s a little behind the times, but at the end of the day! Well worth it!!!
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