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IoT & Smart Home · head to head

LIFX vs Ring

LIFX logo

LIFX

IoT & Smart Home

WiFi-enabled smart lights with no hub required

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ring logo

Ring

IoT & Smart Home

Home security with video doorbells and cameras

From
$4.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: LIFX the Internet Archive's capture of LIFX's products page on 19 July 2016 priced the White 800 bulb at $39.99 USD (890 lumens) and the Color 1000 bulb at $59.99 USD (1,055 lumens); this is a 2016 capture and current prices likely differ.; Ring many false motion alerts triggered by sidewalks, cars, pets, and trees reducing usability
  • They diverge on capability: LIFX covers No Hub Required, Ring covers Video Doorbell.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LIFX and Ring actually diverge.

Attributes where LIFX and Ring differ
AttributeLIFXRing
Starting priceOn request$4.99/month
Pricing modelone-timeUnknown
PlatformsIOS, Android, Windows, MacOSiOS, Android, Web, Amazon Alexa
Founded20122013

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (IoT & Smart Home).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in LIFX

  • No Hub Required
  • 16 Million Colors
  • WiFi Direct
  • High Brightness
  • HomeKit
  • Google Home
  • Windows support
  • MacOS support

Only in Ring

  • Video Doorbell
  • Motion Detection
  • Two-Way Talk
  • Night Vision
  • IFTTT
  • Neighbors app
  • Web support
  • Echo Show support

Both cover

  • Alexa
  • SmartThings
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

LIFX

  • Ambient lightingnot Ring
  • Gaming setupnot Ring
  • Photography lightingnot Ring
  • Smart homenot Ring

Ring

  • Video doorbell monitoringnot LIFX
  • Security camera recording and event reviewnot LIFX
  • DIY alarm system with optional professional monitoringnot LIFX
  • Motion alerts and package-theft deterrencenot LIFX
  • Remote live view while away from homenot LIFX

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

LIFX

  • The Internet Archive's capture of LIFX's products page on 19 July 2016 priced the White 800 bulb at $39.99 USD (890 lumens) and the Color 1000 bulb at $59.99 USD (1,055 lumens); this is a 2016 capture and current prices likely differ.

Ring

  • Many false motion alerts triggered by sidewalks, cars, pets, and trees reducing usability
  • Night vision and HDR capabilities are weaker than premium competitors
  • Limited monitoring range covers only front or back door area
  • Requires Ring Protect subscription for cloud video history, person/vehicle detection, and advanced motion zones
  • Documented security breaches with hackers remotely accessing cameras and microphones to speak to users

Pricing, plan by plan

LIFX

On request
  • LIFX Bulb$40/month
    • 16M colors
    • WiFi direct
    • No hub required

Ring

$4.99/month
  • Basic$4.99/month
    • Video history up to 180 days
    • Snapshot capture
    • Smart alerts (people, packages, pets)
  • Plus$10/month
    • Video recording for all Ring devices
    • Single address coverage
    • All Basic features
  • Pro$null/month
    • 24/7 professional monitoring
    • Cellular backup service
    • All Plus features

Which should you pick?

Choose LIFX if

  • You need no hub required.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Windows, MacOS.
  • You also want 16 million colors.
LIFX review

Choose Ring if

  • You need video doorbell.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, Amazon Alexa.
  • You also want motion detection.
Ring review

Questions people ask

Is LIFX or Ring better?
Neither clearly leads. LIFX starts at On request and Ring at $4.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LIFX or Ring?
LIFX starts at On request and Ring at $4.99/month.
Does LIFX or Ring run on more platforms?
LIFX runs on IOS, Android, Windows, MacOS. Ring runs on iOS, Android, Web, Amazon Alexa.
What is LIFX best used for?
LIFX is most often used for ambient lighting, gaming setup, photography lighting, smart home. Of those, ambient lighting and gaming setup are not what Ring is typically brought in for.
What can LIFX do that Ring cannot?
LIFX covers No Hub Required, 16 Million Colors, WiFi Direct, High Brightness. Ring covers Video Doorbell, Motion Detection, Two-Way Talk, Night Vision. Both handle Alexa, SmartThings, IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Ring: Can I use Ring without a subscription?

Yes, Ring doorbells work without a subscription. Users can view live video, speak through the camera, and receive motion alerts for free. However, video recording storage, advanced person/package detection, and video history require a subscription.

Source
Ring: What are Ring's subscription plan options and pricing?

Ring offers Basic ($4.99/month or $49.99/year) for video history up to 180 days from one device; Plus ($10/month or $100/year) for all devices at one address; and Pro with 24/7 professional monitoring.

Source
Ring: What platforms can access Ring?

Ring is accessible via iOS and Android mobile apps, web browser at ring.com, and integrates with Amazon Alexa for voice control and display on Echo devices.

Source
Ring: What are Ring's battery life expectations?

Ring battery doorbell battery life varies by usage patterns and motion alert frequency. High-traffic areas may require recharging every few weeks.

Source
Ring: Does Ring have privacy concerns?

Ring has faced documented security breaches. In 2019, hackers remotely accessed Ring systems, watching and speaking to users. The use of cameras and microphones raises privacy concerns for some users.

Source
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