Ring Unveils $199 Home Security System With iPhone Notifications

Monday October 2, 2017 9:48 AM PDT by Joe Rossignol
Ring today introduced the Ring Protect, a customizable home security system with a companion iPhone app.


The security system includes a base station, a wall-mounted keypad, one sensor for a window or door, an infrared motion detector, and a Z-Wave extender. Unfortunately, the system doesn't support HomeKit.

When activated, if a burglar attempts attempts to break and enter, homeowners immediately receive a notification on their smartphones.


Ring also offers an optional protection plan with 24/7 professional monitoring, similar to what a company like ADT provides, for $10 per month or $100 per year with no long-term contract. Battery and/or LTE backup allows the monitoring to continue even if the power goes out or broadband is unavailable.

By comparison, ADT currently charges between $36.99 and $52.99 per month for its monitoring plans in the United States, with a required 36-month contract and a $99 installation fee for the security system.

Ring said the security system can be easily installed by a homeowner without any tools. It works seamlessly with all of Ring's other products, including its Video Doorbell, Floodlight Cam, and Spotlight Cam.


Ring Protect starts at $199, which is considerably cheaper than the Nest Secure at $499. Additional door and window sensors are available for $20, while extra motion detectors cost $30, from Ring's products page.

Ring Protect will be available for pre-order starting today at Ring.com, HomeDepot.com, and BestBuy.com, and will be available at physical Home Depot and Best Buy retail stores in the United States later this month.

Note: Readers outside of the United States may not be able to view the Ring Protect product page on Ring.com.

Tag: Ring
53 comments

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ocanalix
29 months ago
Seems like none of these smart home products seem to hit the sweet spot, and then when one gets close, it doesn't even support HomeKit.
Rating: 18 Votes
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DCYorke
29 months ago

Seems like none of these smart home products seem to hit the sweet spot, and then when one gets close, it doesn't even support HomeKit.


Seems like Ring was just stringing users along when they promised HomeKit support. They’ve released some 3 or 4 major products since they’ve promised HomeKit and none of them have it. How would anyone trust them for home security if they can’t even be trusted to keep their word?
Rating: 13 Votes
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parseckadet
29 months ago

Seems like none of these smart home products seem to hit the sweet spot, and then when one gets close, it doesn't even support HomeKit.

The fact that so few of these things support HomeKit says more about HomeKit's failures than it does about these products.
Rating: 7 Votes
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Amazing Iceman
29 months ago

Unfortunately, the system doesn't support HomeKit.


Thank you very much, but no thank you. Goodbye!
Rating: 6 Votes
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mac.cali
29 months ago
Another ring product that doesn’t support HomeKit. Still waiting on doorbell pro and flood light that was already promised.
Rating: 4 Votes
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nutmac
29 months ago

Honest question here. Given that all of Ring's previous products were camera-based, what does HomeKit support exactly do for a camera? An alarm I kind of get (flash the lights when it's triggered maybe, turn something off/on), but what does it do for a camera?

[LIST=1]
* The most obvious benefit is Home app, accessible from Control Center. Being able to see the status of all my home automation devices in one screen, control them, and create automation rules is something I do not want to give up.
* Siri has gotten a lot of criticisms, but it works well enough for me most of the time and it will only get better. Without Siri or Home, I need to run vendor's app. I don't mind running vendor's app once in awhile, but at the same time, I am getting sick of managing dozens of apps.
* With HomeKit, even if the vendor goes out of business, I will be able to use the device (provided the device does not require proprietary cloud service).
* Some vendors have pretty nice apps, but most are terrible. If I don't like Home app, there are many other HomeKit alternatives.
* Security. HomeKit requires more stringent security. Provided the device does not have vendor proprietary cloud service, I am more assured that my devices are not at risk for hacking.
Rating: 3 Votes
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KrispE00
29 months ago
It’s unacceptable for an established company to sell new smart products without HomeKit support. To me, it shows they’re not 100% confident in their product. And when they’re not 100%, then I’m 0%.
Rating: 3 Votes
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WilliamG
29 months ago
I'm currently using SimpliSafe, and have it working without issue with HomeKit (via HomeBridge). It's SO nice to have this working, so I have scenes set up to open garage door/open back door/disable alarm system all via one voice command.
Rating: 2 Votes
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imola.zhp
29 months ago
I sure wish one of these companies would become interested in working with an existing alarm system. Our house was built with an alarm system, its a great hard wired system, but it is from 1998. We use it religiously though and have it monitored for something like $9/month from Alarm Relay, it would be nice, however, to get smart phone alerts and control.

PS: It is my understanding HomeKit is coming to select Ring products in the near future including some existing products that are already installed on many homes. I don't quite get the HomeKit hype either but maybe one day I will understand it better when all of my existing devices work with it.

PPS:

The fact that so few of these things support HomeKit says more about HomeKit's failures than it does about these products.


*claps*
Rating: 2 Votes
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Braderunner
29 months ago
Not bad. Right now, I have Scout. It does what I need it to. But, if I would need to replace it, this is one that I would consider. Nest....no way.
Rating: 1 Votes
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