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
What Is CCTV Footage?
CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, in which video cameras transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of monitors. Wired and wireless cameras in a CCTV system are usually used for surveillance and security purposes. The footage can help prevent crime, aid in the capture of a suspect if an offense occurs, or serve as…
What are the Different Kinds of Security Video Storage?
Security Video Recordings Storage How much storage does a security camera have? It is a seemingly simple question, with a surprisingly complicated answer. Security and surveillance cameras can use a variety of storage types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To choose the right security video storage for you, you will need to consider…
The Cost of Alarm Monitoring vs. the Cost of a Break-In
Property crime in the United States is costly. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, property crimes in 2018 resulted in an estimated $16.4 billion of losses. The Cost of Crime Larceny-theft is the most common of all property crimes, accounting for 73.4 percent. Larceny-theft is defined as the unlawful taking, carry, leading,…
Cons of DIY Home Security Systems
When considering getting a home security system, some people might assume they can set up a fully functioning system themselves. The reality is that DIY systems come with some significant drawbacks. Here are some of the things to consider before you decide to take on this project yourself. Not Professionally Installed The importance of having…
Security Cameras Are Not Created Equal
The Difference in Security Cameras Cameras are one of the most critical components in your security arsenal, and not all security cameras are the same. Why you ask? Consider these differences: Various types and sizes of cameras Indoor vs. outdoor cameras Cameras that are easy to camouflage Cameras that provide high-quality video footage Wired cameras vs. wireless…
How is a Fire Sprinkler System Designed?
While fire sprinkler systems seem the same at first glance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all commercial properties. Depending on a structure’s needs and circumstances, fire sprinkler systems use different combinations of various components. The ideal design should accommodate the unique features of each industry, layout, and operation. Whether you’re looking to install a fire…
How to Conduct a Physical Security Audit
Protecting your livelihood is at the top of every business owner’s mind, but how do you know if your business is truly protected? By performing a physical security audit, you can fully assess any threats that your business might be subject to and take the necessary steps to mitigate those threats. During a physical security audit, each aspect of the business and its security…
Home Security Solutions for People with Disabilities
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five American adults live with a disability. The most common disabilities are hearing or vision impairments, mobility issues like arthritis or a diminished ability to live independently, speech and language challenges, and cognitive conditions including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recently we talked about…
The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security
If you are like the rest of Americans, you have noticed that the Ring Security company has been in the news lately— and not for anything useful. Between security hacks and lawsuits, the company has landed itself in hot water. Surveillance Camera Hacks Homeowners have security cameras installed in their homes to give them peace…
Hard-Wired vs Wireless Security Systems
The chicken or the egg. Not asking which came first in this case, just which one you like better. In the world of security systems, which came first between wired and wireless was answered long ago. But the question of which is better remains. Let’s start with a quick overview of how each of these…