About Ring Alarm
Ring Alarm launched in 2018 as an extension of Ring’s video doorbell empire. Hardware costs are low, and the optional Ring Protect Pro plan bundles professional monitoring, cloud video and an eero Wi‑Fi 6 router for just $20 a month.
PROS
- $199 five‑piece starter kit
- $20 Pro plan includes all cloud video
- Seamless Alexa, Echo & Sidewalk integration
CONS
- No Google Home or HomeKit support
- Outdoor siren costs extra and isn’t very loud
Ring Alarm Overview
Ring Alarm is built for renters and homeowners who want quick, tool‑free installation. All sensors are peel‑and‑stick, pre‑paired and named by default. The base station includes battery and cellular backup so alarms reach the monitoring centre even if power and internet fail.
The system works best in Alexa households: you can arm/disarm by voice, receive Guard Mode alerts through Echo speakers, and extend the mesh with Ring cameras, lights and eero routers.
Key Features
- DIY install in under 30 minutes
- Ring Protect Pro plan ($20/mo) with 24/7 professional monitoring
- eero Secure router backup + local processing
- Optional Ring Jobsite Mode for contractors
- Works with Ring cameras, lights, smart locks and Alexa Routines
- 100‑decibel indoor base‑station siren
- Cellular backup & 24‑hour battery
- Expandable to 100+ sensors and devices
Pricing
Ring Alarm kits & plans:
All plans are month-to-month with no contracts.
Reviews
Best Budget DIY Security
Ring Alarm’s low hardware price and $20 Pro monitoring plan make it the most affordable professionally monitored option we tested.
A Flexible System for Alexa Households
If you live inside the Amazon ecosystem, Ring Alarm is a no‑brainer — but Google Home users should look elsewhere.
User sentiment: 4.2/5 average
Customers love the easy install and low monitoring fee; most complaints involve false motion alerts on cameras.
Top Pick: Best DIY Security System
Ring earns our highest DIY score for easy setup, transparent $20 monitoring and one‑app control of lights, locks and cameras.
Great Value, Solid Performance
Ring Alarm remains our Editors’ Choice for entry‑level security thanks to rock‑bottom kit pricing and simple expansion.
Testing Ring Alarm Plus: Still the Best Cheap DIY System
After extensive hands‑on use, we found Ring’s app intuitive and its add‑on eero router a welcome perk.
Cheapest Path to Pro Monitoring
Ring Protect Pro at $20 beats every rival on price while tossing in cloud video for all Ring cams.
Good Basics, Limited Smart‑Home Support
Ring Alarm delivers reliable protection but lacks Z‑Wave and HomeKit compatibility offered by pricier competitors.
Budget‑Friendly Smart Security
Installation was a breeze and the $199 starter kit is unbeatable value, though professional install is not available.
Best for Alexa Power‑Users
No other DIY system integrates as tightly with Amazon Echo, Sidewalk and Alexa Guard Modes.
