Ring Doorbell Cons
Video doorbells are a great addition to home security, and Ring is the popular choice for many who prefer wireless security. Although there are some pros to the Ring Doorbell, it has some cons you should be aware of before purchasing from Ring.
Monthly Fee for Storage
The cheapest Ring doorbell is $59.99, with the following model at $99.00. While it’s not required, if you want the video stored in the cloud, you’ll have to pay for Ring’s Protect Plan, ranging from an additional $3-10 per month. Without it, you’ll be unable to view any footage more than once. Meanwhile, professionally installed video doorbells such as Skybell come with free cloud storage.
Limited Options
While Ring has some uniquely valuable features like “motion detection zones,” you have no control over the camera recording resolution. As a point of comparison, Skybell allows you to choose either 720 or 1080—the advantage is that you can decide which resolution is best for you. The lower quality can be helpful if you have a slow internet connection that could affect the video latency.
Past Security Issues
Ring has hit some bumps along the way with some surprisingly insecure design flaws. One issue that surfaced revolved around a vulnerability that would allow hackers to access the owner’s Wi-Fi name and password. Removing the doorbell with a screwdriver would reveal an orange button on the back used during the installation; pressing this would put the doorbell into a setup mode that hackers would then be able to exploit. Ring claims to have since solved this problem with a firmware update.
Another security flaw allowed for any user who previously had access to continue to access the video doorbell, even if the owner had changed the password. This flaw is a significant security concern for anyone who wanted to make sure that their ex-partner or former roommate can no longer access their video. Not only would they be able to see the live feed, but they would also be able to download any videos. Ring has tried to resolve this by instructing users never to share passwords but rather to add “Shared Users.” Unfortunately, flaws like this don’t exactly instill confidence in Ring’s ability to provide security.
Other Options on the Market
There are numerous video doorbell options: Ring, Skybell, August, Nest, Vivint, etc. If this is one of your first pieces of security equipment for your home, be sure to consider how you might build upon it. If you think later down the road, you may get a professionally monitored system with door alarms and a central keypad; it may be worth getting the installation done at once, which would cut down on the individual cost for each item. Doing this would guarantee that all pieces work in unison.
Explore Our Other Blogs
Best Small Business Security Systems
While no two small businesses are the same, they share commonalities when it comes to what they want in a security system. Most small business owners want to do three things: Protect their people, property, and assets from fire Protect their people, property, and assets from theft See what is happening in their business even…
Security Integrations with Avigilon Alta
Security systems and integrations For business owners and managers, security systems are a key tool in protecting your customers, property, and commercial operations. There are several components to consider when working to create the best security system for your business, and there’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. A helpful approach to finding the best fit for…
What Are The Different Types of CCTV Cameras?
Your company’s security camera is part of a closed-circuit television system (CCTV). CCTV uses one or more cameras, through either wireless or wired transmission, to send the broadcast from the camera directly to a monitor, set of monitors, or a recording device—providing you peace of mind in the case of crime, fire, theft, or accidents…
How Often Should You Check Your Smoke Detectors?
Fire Alarm Testing Whether your fire alarm is protecting your home or a commercial facility, regular testing of your fire alarm system is critical to ensure it is working correctly. This test guarantees that everyone occupying the home or office understands what to do when the fire alarm sounds, gives you a chance to check…
Do Smoke Detectors Call the Fire Department?
One of the most asked questions about fire alarm systems is whether smoke detectors call the fire department. The belief that a smoke detector or fire alarm will automatically activate the fire department or send a signal to local first responders is a common misunderstanding. While some systems may be integrated with monitoring services, that’s not always…
Has My Home Security System Been Hacked?
With more DIY security systems than ever available with the touch of a button, families around the world are choosing to protect their homes with easy to install cameras and alarms. The expert team at FSS Technologies aims to help homeowners make the right choice for their families when selecting a home security system. A…
The Ins and Outs of Your Business’s Fire Alarm Installation
A fire alarm system is part of the business security system that keeps your business, property, and employees safe. A fire can become life-threatening in two minutes and can engulf a building within five minutes. Your business could go up in flames in a matter of moments without the proper equipment and detection systems in place to protect everything…
The Only SimpliSafe Review You Need to Read
What is SimpliSafe? SimpliSafe is one of several do-it-yourself home security systems on the market. The challenge with any DIY home security system, in our opinion, comes down to the customer experience. SimpliSafe’s customer support offers minimal assistance to ensure you adequately install and troubleshoot your system. While they do provide an 800-telephone number, the…
5 Common Causes of Commercial Fires
Many business owners and employees think their chances of dealing with a fire in the workplace are improbable, but the numbers tell a different story. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 116,500 commercial fires were reported nationally in 2021. These fires contributed to 115 deaths, 1,025 injuries, and over $3.6 billion in…
How to Deter Burglars From Your Business
Burglaries are often considered crimes of opportunity, leaving businesses struggling to recover in the aftermath. Although there is no all-powerful solution to protect your business, you can implement various preventative measures that bolster your security efforts. Here are 5 actions you can take to help deter burglars from casing and breaking into your business. 1….