Ringvs
Nest
Nest: Google-owned video doorbell and security camera system with advanced person/package detection
Ring
Home security with video doorbells and cameras
As of 30 August 2026, Ring starts at $4.99/month. Ring is a home security company that produces doorbells, security cameras, and alarm systems. Softwr lists it under Smart Home. Ring is made by Ring LLC (Amazon), launched in 2013, available on iOS, Android, Web.
Overview
What Ring does
Ring is a home security company that produces doorbells, security cameras, and alarm systems. Ring products integrate with Amazon Alexa and provide cloud-based video storage and neighborhood security features.
What people use it for
- Video doorbell monitoring
- Security camera recording and event review
- DIY alarm system with optional professional monitoring
- Motion alerts and package-theft deterrence
- Remote live view while away from home
Related searches
The honest half
Where it falls short
Concrete and checkable, so you can decide whether any of them matter to you. This is the half of a review a vendor will not write about 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
Cross-shopped
What people choose instead of Ring
Each pairing was judged by two reviewers asking whether a buyer would genuinely weigh the two against each other. The ones that failed were deleted rather than published.
- RingvsArlo
Arlo: Standalone wireless doorbell and camera system with strong privacy controls and no subscription for basic features
- RingvsAugust Smart Lock
August Smart Lock: Smart lock and video doorbell integration platform with advanced unlock controls and activity logs
Pricing
What Ring costs
Taken from the vendor's own pricing page. Prices move, so check before you buy.
Basic
$4.99 /mo
- Video history up to 180 days
- Snapshot capture
- Smart alerts (people, packages, pets)
- Video preview alerts
- Shared access
Plus
$10 /mo
- Video recording for all Ring devices
- Single address coverage
- All Basic features
- Advanced motion zones
Pro
On request
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Cellular backup service
- All Plus features
Capabilities
Features
Video Doorbell
Motion Detection
Two-Way Talk
Night Vision
Alexa
Integration with Alexa
SmartThings
Integration with SmartThings
IFTTT
Integration with IFTTT
Neighbors app
Integration with Neighbors app
IOS support
Available on iOS
Android support
Available on Android
Web support
Available on Web
Echo Show support
Available on Echo Show
Answered, with sources
Questions people ask
Each answer names the page it came from, so you can check it rather than take our word for it.
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.
SourceWhat 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.
SourceWhat 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.
SourceWhat 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.
SourceDoes 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.
SourceBehind it
Who makes Ring
- Company
- Ring LLC (Amazon)
- Based in
- Santa Monica, California, USA
Keep looking
Where to go from Ring
- Ring alternativesEvery product people weigh against it
- Ring pricingPlans, floors and what the tiers exclude
- Ring badgesWhich rules it meets, and the figure behind each
- All Smart Home softwareThe full category
- Best Smart Home softwareThe shortlist, and how it was cut
Best Smart Home software for
Compare Ring with
- Nest
- Arlo
- August Smart Lock
- Wyze
- Eufy Security
- Amazon Alexa
- Yale Smart Locks
- Apple HomeKit
- TP-Link Kasa
- Shelly
- Rachio Pro
- Savant
- Tuya Smart
- Yeelight
- Z-Wave Alliance
- Zigbee Alliance
- Wyze
- Yale Smart Locks
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From $10/mo12 researched notes
Softwr does not host reviews and shows no star rating for Ring, because a rating we did not collect is not ours to publish. What is here is the pricing and platform detail from the vendor’s own pages, limitations we could state concretely, and alternatives a reviewer confirmed people weigh against it. Tell us if any of it is wrong.
More on Ring
Ring alternatives
What people switch to, and what they give up
Ring pricing
Every tier, and where the cost actually lands
Compare Ring
Put it head to head with anything we hold
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