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A DIY home security system with impressively low monthly monitoring
Updated March 16, 2026
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Ring was one of the first companies to launch a widely popular video doorbell, and it’s since taken the industry by storm by offering high-quality, affordable home security equipment for nearly every type of household.
Today, we’re taking a close look at the current Ring Alarm system. We spent more than 100 hours testing this wireless security system to see whether the ultra-popular DIY option is still worth the investment in 2026.
So, how does Ring Alarm stack up against the competition? What features does it bring to the table? And is Ring still a smart choice, or are there better options available? We’ll answer all of those questions and more in this review.
Pro Tip: Ring recently released the Ring Alarm Pro system with built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router that protects your home from digital threats. They’re also taking the show on the road, releasing a dash cam to keep you safe while you’re driving.
Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) Packaging
Check out more recommendations from the SafeHome team:
The long and short of it is this: Ring makes easy-to-use, easy-to-afford, DIY-friendly home security products. If you’re looking for comprehensive coverages with a little bit of tech flair here and there, Ring’s a great option. Is it the highest functioning system we’ve ever seen? No. Is it enough to protect most households? Probably.
That said, you don’t have to live in a bad neighborhood to be concerned about crime. It happens everywhere, even if it’s something as minor as a package being stolen off your porch. But I wanted a security system that would sound the alarm if a bad guy tried to break in. Thankfully, the new Ring Alarm showed a lot of promise right out of the box.
A little history before we start: The Ring Alarm system was released in 2018 and the first generation showed great promise. Ring then further improved the system in 2020 when it released the second generation and currently available Ring Alarm.
Besides aesthetic improvements, the new second generation Ring Alarm offers quick access to police, medical, and fire responders through the keypad. We’ll touch on those improvements in a bit.
Ring wasn’t done just yet. In 2021, Ring launched the Ring Alarm Pro not as a replacement for the Ring Alarm, but as an additional option. The Ring Alarm Pro features a base station that doubles as a Wi-Fi router. It also comes with nifty features when paired with a Ring subscription plan.
We went on to test the Ring Alarm (2nd generation) and here’s everything you should know.
Ring offers several pre-configured kits scaled to different home sizes and security needs. Pricing starts at $199.99 for a basic 5-piece setup and reaches around $329.99 for larger 14-piece configurations.
I went with the standard 8-piece kit at $249.99 — a base station, keypad, four contact sensors, a motion detector, and a range extender (pictured below) — which covers the essential entry points of a typical home.
One thing that stood out during unboxing is that Ring has meaningfully reduced the hardware footprint in this generation. The new sensors are slightly more compact than their predecessors, but the bigger change is the keypad, which has been trimmed to nearly half the size of the original. For a device mounted at eye level near your front door, that difference is noticeable.
Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) Equipment
You can now choose kits that also include a selection of Ring’s cameras and doorbells on top of a full Ring Alarm system at a discounted price. These bundles range from $299.98 to $499.99, though exact pricing and options fluctuate based on current promotions.
If you’re shopping for Ring Alarm systems, however, don’t forget to check out Ring’s featured deals. These deals change all the time, but if you’re lucky, you can get up to $100 off of alarm system and camera bundles.
Setting up Ring Alarm is straightforward and user-friendly. To begin, download the Ring app from your device’s app store. Once installed, tap “Set Up a Device” and select “Security Devices” from the menu options.
Ring Alarm App – Device Setup
Ring’s step-by-step instructions are dialed-in. In the app, be sure to check out the two-minute videos that walk you through each part of the setup process. They’re great.
Pro Tip: If you have little ones in the house, don’t set up your new alarm system while they’re napping. False alarms happen, chimes go off, etc. It never ends well …
While Ring advertises a quick setup time, expect to spend closer to 30 minutes for a complete installation. The base station alone requires several minutes to connect to Wi-Fi and complete necessary software updates. Plus, taking your time ensures everything is configured properly, preventing some early false alarms.
Ring Alarm Pairing
The current Ring Alarm sensors feature a thoughtfully redesigned form factor compared to earlier models. They’re notably more compact and aesthetically streamlined, blending better with modern home décor. Installation is simple thanks to strong adhesive backing that eliminates the need for drilling holes in your walls.
A helpful upgrade in the newer generation is the addition of an LED indicator light that flashes during sensor pairing. This visual confirmation makes it immediately clear when a sensor has successfully connected to your system — a feature that was absent in first-generation models, often leaving users guessing.
Ring Alarm Sensors – 1st Gen (right) vs 2nd Gen (left)
Unlike older sensors (shown on the right) that required precise alignment of small notches, the updated sensors offer more flexibility in positioning and mounting. This makes placement easier and gives you more options for optimal coverage.
If you’re upgrading from an earlier Ring Alarm system, you don’t need to replace all your existing sensors at once. First-generation and current-generation Ring devices work together seamlessly on the same Z-Wave network, allowing you to mix and match components as needed.
FYI: If you have an old Ring Alarm, you can use a combination of your old sensors and new sensors. All devices that run on the Z-Wave network are compatible and integrate seamlessly into the Ring Z-Wave base station. Easy peasy.
While you’re getting used to the system, it’s a good idea to place a pillow over the base station to muffle the siren. That is, if you want to keep your sanity while learning the ropes. The siren is ear-piercing, which is great in case of a break-in. It can be a real crime-stopper.
Overall, the new Ring Alarm is pretty easy to install. The installation compares well to other top DIY home security brands like SimpliSafe and Frontpoint.
Now, if you’d prefer a security system with professional installation, we recommend checking out Vivint or ADT — two of our top-rated security systems.
Every Ring system comes with a 30-day free trial of Ring AI Pro. This is Ring’s monitoring plan that costs $19.99 per month, or $199.99 a year if you want to save. It’s worth the price, in our opinion, as other alarm companies charge significantly more for monitoring alone — some reaching $50 or more monthly.
For about $20, Ring’s monitoring center will monitor your Ring Alarm around the clock. In the event a burglar targets your home, they will be notified and they’ll alert you, as well as call emergency services if necessary. This adds backup protection against break-ins and burglaries.
That said, Ring’s monitoring is not the most reliable or fastest service, as you’ll soon see.
If you’d rather self-monitor your system for free, just skip the trial and you’ll have self-monitoring by default (using your smartphone). Just keep in mind that if you self-monitor, police won’t be dispatched automatically if there’s a break-in. You’ll have to call 911 yourself, and that’s a heavy responsibility to carry.
Did You Know? Ring is one of a handful of DIY home security companies that allows self-monitoring. While self-monitoring is free (no monthly charge), keep in mind you won’t have a professional monitoring center backing your system. If you’re curious, we put together a rundown of what we believe are the top security systems without monitoring in 2026.
I spent a total of 96 hours testing the system and really getting into the nitty-gritty. Expect to spend a couple of hours using the Ring app to get your bearings, then a couple of days to master it. The learning curve is smooth, but there are a handful of important things you should know about — like how not to have a siren-induced heart attack at midnight.
First off, when you sign up for 24/7 monitoring, you’ll go into “practice mode” for seven days. Now, I love that Ring gives users time to learn the ropes of the new system, but I don’t love that practice mode lasts a full seven days. Sure, it might take a few days (and a few false alarms!) before you fully understand how it all works, but by day three, you’ll wish you had the pros backing you up already.
As for the siren, it’s pretty loud at 104 dB. I put the base station in my office downstairs, and though I could hear the alarm upstairs, it wasn’t very threatening. My toddler actually slept through the alarm on day two of testing! Not a peep! To really scare off intruders, it would be nice to have 110 dB or more.
Pro Tip: Plug in your Ring base station somewhere central in your home. This will help the siren to penetrate all rooms. Although Ring’s siren is louder than some competitors, like SimpliSafe’s 95 dB siren or Vivint’s 104 dB siren, positioning matters for maximum effectiveness.
Ready to laugh at my expense? Don’t worry, there’s an important lesson here. On day three of using the new Ring Alarm, my family went to sleep thinking the house was safe and secure. Then it happened. We woke to the siren blaring at 11:58 p.m. (It’s plenty loud when you think your life is in danger.) The culprit: The front door sensor had simply fallen off.
Chock it up to user error. You see, Ring really drills home in their setup instructions that you need to clean the door trim before installing the sensor. I forgot to do that. The two-sided tape is sticky, but not if it’s blocked by a layer of dust. Lesson learned.
Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) Installation Steps
One thing I think you’ll like about the Ring Alarm is the entry and exit delays. This is a common feature in security systems that basically gives you enough time to enter your home and disarm the system before it triggers an alarm. That said, it also gives burglars a chance to break-in, take some stuff, and get out before cops are called.
What sets apart Ring’s exit and entry delays is that you can only get them on a sensor that’s set to the “main door.” If, during the delay, you trip a hallway motion sensor, the alarm will trigger immediately. That’s a nice little touch that shows how much thought Ring put into creating a security system to protect people’s homes without inconveniencing them.
That being said, there’s one thing about the entry and exit delays I didn’t like. The factory delay is set to 60 seconds, which is extremely long. That’s enough time to enter your home and make a ham sandwich before disarming the alarm. (Yes, I tried it.) Imagine what a burglar can steal in 60 seconds! If you don’t have mobility issues, 20 seconds is more than enough delay.
FYI: Burglars spend, on average, eight to 12 minutes in a home. Many are in and out in as little as two minutes flat! With that in mind, I recommend reducing the Ring Alarm delay to 10-20 seconds. Here’s how: In the Ring app, go to “setting” → “modes” → “delays”
You can also connect your Ring Alarm to your Amazon Echo devices for hands-free voice control. Setup takes just a minute inside the Alexa app, and once the Ring skill is enabled and linked, you can walk around your home ordering Alexa to arm or disarm the system at will. Talk about living a modern lifestyle.
Ring Alarm App Dashboard
The app that controls the popular Ring doorbell and Ring cams is the same app that controls the Ring alarm. So if you have multiple Ring devices, you’ll be able to manage them all in one convenient place. That’s one of the best things about Ring. If your alarm detects an intrusion, for example, you can immediately switch over to live camera feeds for visual confirmation. And while you’re there, you can use two-way talk — a feature available on every Ring camera — to drive away the intruder.
One app feature you may appreciate is the panic button, symbolized by the little ((!)) in the upper-right corner of your dashboard (pictured below). Pressing the button triggers the loud siren, which makes this feature great for deterring crime if you suspect an intruder has broken into or is breaking into your house. It’s comforting to know help is just a tap away.
Ring Alarm Sound Siren
Another thing you’ll find handy: the ability to customize modes for individual sensors. For example, if you like to go out onto your back deck when the weather is nice, you can switch your back door sensor to “unarmed” in the app. Then you’ll be able to come and go without setting off the alarm, while the rest of the house remains perfectly secure. (This functionality is pretty common for security apps, but it’s still nice to see.)
Ring also does a good job with instant alerts. You can really fine-tune the push alerts that are sent to your smartphone. It’s worth mentioning that even with push alerts disabled, you’ll still get a notification from Ring if your alarm is tripped. There’s no way to turn this off. (And why would you?) So, even if you’re in the Maldives on vacation and someone breaks into your home, you’ll get an alert almost immediately. Thankfully, this is standard in the industry.
Did You Know? Ring “Neighbors” is built right into the Ring app. You’ll find it on the dashboard, under “Nearby Incidents.” This section of the app lets you keep tabs on crime in your area, and other less threatening things like lost pets.1
Ring Alarm App Dashboard
Ring’s keypad won’t blow you away if you’re comparing it to the sleek touchscreen panels from Vivint, but it holds its own as a push-button option. It’s smaller than Ring’s original keypad, lasts up to six months on the battery, and has three new buttons: police, fire, and medical. Similar to the ((!)) feature in the app, these three buttons on the keypad will only contact the monitoring center if you have a Ring Protect Pro plan. Otherwise, they’re just loud buttons.
Ring Keypad
One thing to note: When you go to disarm your system using the keypad, enter your PIN code AND press the shield with an “X” on it. If you forget to press the shield, trust me, it’s a very “alarming” mistake.
Ring’s professional monitoring is a mixed bag. At $19.99 per month for the Ring AI Pro plan, it remains one of the most affordable options in the industry. However, this price has doubled from its original $10 monthly cost, which might feel steep for budget-conscious homeowners.
One important consideration: Ring implements a 30-second delay before contacting authorities when an alarm triggers. While this helps reduce false alarms — which account for up to 98 percent of alarm activations — some users may find this delay concerning during genuine emergencies. 2
Pro Tip: If you have Ring monitoring, you’ll need to give a verbal passcode to the Ring agent when your alarm goes off. It’s easy to forget your code when they put you on the spot, so make it memorable! Your emergency contacts will have to remember this passcode, too. So drill, drill, drill!
One of Ring’s latest features is a “Duress Code,” which is a covert distress signal, like an SOS.
Ring Alarm Duress Code
If you’re ever forced to disarm your system during a home invasion, simply punch in the duress code. The alarm will stop sounding, but sure enough, the monitoring center will send police to your home immediately. All the while, the bad guys think they’re home free. It’s a great feature. Keep in mind, this only works if you have Ring Protect Pro!
Pro Tip: Ring now offers outdoor contact sensors for $49.99, which remain a standout in the home security industry. If you want to protect your entire property — think outdoor gates, utility sheds, guesthouses, etc. — then you should consider adding a few of these sensors.
After thoroughly testing the latest Ring Alarm system, I have a few concerns. None of these are deal breakers, but Ring has some room for improvement.
Unfortunately, I still can’t fully recommend Ring’s motion sensors. The narrow field of vision creates blind spots on either side of the sensor. The range and responsiveness aren’t as reliable as I’d like either.
I was able to improve performance somewhat by entering the sensor’s test mode. However, even at its best, it still completely missed my dog when in its so-called “high-detection” mode. That didn’t inspire much confidence.
Ring Alarm Motion Settings
When you disarm the system, the base station practically shouts “DISARMED,” which can be jarring. More than once, it prematurely woke our toddler. (A fate worse than death.) When leaving a window open at night, Ring announces, “SENSORS REQUIRE BYPASS … HOME AND ARMED.” So if you’re looking for stealth, this isn’t it. It would be ideal if Ring offered silent arming and disarming options.
Those keypad panic buttons mentioned earlier are helpful to have, but you must hold them down for a full three seconds for them to activate. That may not sound very long, but it certainly feels like it if your house is on fire or if there’s an intruder breaking in. A two-second delay would be more practical.
There’s a full line of Ring Doorbell Cameras and Ring Security Cameras to protect your home. They work nicely with Ring’s alarm systems, and you’ll be able to control all of your devices in the same Ring app. If you’re a current Ring Doorbell user, a Ring Alarm system is a great choice.3 It just makes sense to keep everything on one platform. If you’re curious about other Ring products, check out the stellar Ring Video Doorbell Pro and the Ring Floodlight Cam.
Ring Video Doorbell 3, Installed
Ring remains one of the most affordable home security options on the market. To put things in perspective, Ring’s most expensive kit still costs significantly less than a basic system from Vivint. Needless to say, Ring offers some of the best value in the home security industry. Check out their latest prices below.
| Ring Alarm Kit | Regular Price | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm Security Kit — 5 Pieces | $199.99 | $149.99 |
| Alarm Security Kit — 8 Pieces | $249.99 | $199.99 |
| Alarm Security Kit — 8 Pieces plus Indoor Cam | $354.91 | $299.99 |
| Alarm Security Kit — 10 Pieces | $279.97 | $244.97 |
| Alarm Security Kit — 14 Pieces | $329.99 | $249.99 |
Ring offers several ways to customize your system, but you do have to start with one of their alarm kits in order to get the base station that controls everything. (It’s not sold separately.) Once you have your kit, you can add extra devices, like environmental sensors to alert you to smoke/fire, carbon monoxide, frozen pipes, and flooding. You can also buy additional contact sensors, motion sensors, keypads, etc.
| Ring Accessory | Price |
|---|---|
| Chime Pro | $49.99 |
| Solar Panel | $54.99 |
| KIDDE Smart Smoke & CO Alarm | $74.98 |
| Motion Detector | $29.99 |
| Contact Sensor | $19.99 |
| Panic Button | $29.99 |
| Outdoor Contact Sensor | $49.99 |
| Glass Break Sensor | $39.99 |
| System connectivity | Wi-Fi (primary), cellular (backup) |
|---|---|
| Monitoring type | Professional or self-monitoring |
| Response time | Typically under 60 seconds |
| Installation type | DIY |
| Time to install | 10-30 minutes |
| Professional installation | Available via third party (OnTech) |
| Central control device | Base station with wireless keypad |
| Indoor and outdoor cameras | Yes |
| Sensors | Motion and entry sensors |
| Coverage | 2,000+ sq. ft. |
| Compatible smartphone app | iOS and Android |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Monitoring contract | Month-to-month |
| Cost of professional monitoring | $19.99 per month |
| Equipment cost | Starting at $199.99 |
| Financing options | Available through Affirm |
| Release date | 2020 (2nd gen) |
Ring Alarm packages deliver solid, no-frills home protection, and at prices between $200 and $330, they’re easy on the wallet. Monitoring plans are inexpensive, and overall, the system offers strong value for the cost.
Just don’t expect cutting-edge features. Ring Alarm keeps things simple when it comes to home automation. It integrates with Amazon Alexa, smart locks, and Z-Wave–compatible devices, but that’s about the extent of it. At its core, Ring Alarm is designed for basic intruder protection rather than advanced smart home control.
That said, Ring’s video doorbells and its lineup of security cameras are some of the best devices in the industry, especially for outdoor security. We definitely recommend considering those. But when it comes strictly to alarm systems, there are stronger options available. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, Frontpoint is worth a look. If you want something closer in price to Ring, a SimpliSafe starter kit is a solid alternative. Either way, you’ve got plenty of good options to choose from.
We spend hundreds of hours testing each security system, but the overall process goes well beyond hands-on testing. We start with in-depth research to identify security systems that meet our standards for equipment quality, monitoring reliability, and software and app performance.
Next, we purchase the systems and install them ourselves or have them professionally installed. This allows us to evaluate how smooth and intuitive the installation process is. From there, we test how effectively each system protects a home. We use every component and feature, from the control panel or hub to sensors and cameras, and we simulate break-ins to see how the systems respond to real-world threats. When professional monitoring is available, we also evaluate how quickly monitoring centers respond.
Our process doesn’t end there. We live with each system for up to a month or longer to assess the day-to-day user experience and uncover strengths or weaknesses that may not appear during initial testing. Only after understanding what it’s like to rely on the system daily do we assign ratings and make recommendations.
Yes, Ring has a 30-day return policy on devices purchased directly from Ring.com. They also offer a one-year limited warranty on hardware. If you stay subscribed to a Ring Multi, AI Pro, or Virtual Security Guard plan, you’ll receive an extended warranty on eligible devices for as long as your subscription remains active.
Yes, Ring has a range of wireless products that are not only easy to set up, but don’t require any effort to hide unsightly wires.
No, like most DIY home security systems, Ring is easy to install. We used the Ring app to follow the step-by-step instructions and were up and running in around 30 minutes.
Yes, Ring is compatible with Alexa. Both Ring and Alexa are owned by Amazon, so it only makes sense that they play well together.
Ring’s equipment bundles start at $199.99 for a 5-piece kit. You’ll also need a Ring subscription to unlock the full feature set, which starts at $4.99 per month for the Ring Solo plan covering a single device. For professional monitoring, the Ring AI Pro plan runs $20 per month and includes 24/7 professional monitoring, video recording for unlimited Ring devices, cellular backup, and extended warranty protection on eligible devices.
Haselton, T. (2019, August 3). Everyone's talking about this Amazon app that lets police see camera footage — here's what it's like. CNBC.
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/02/amazon-ring-neighbors-app-sends-video-to-police-departments.html
Slate. (2024). Stop Paying for an Expensive Home Security System. It’s Not Protecting You, Anyway.
https://slate.com/business/2024/07/home-security-systems-police-response-monitoring-false-alarms.html
Read, M. (2020, February 13). What It's Like to Own an Amazon Ring Doorbell Camera. New York Magazine.
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/02/what-its-like-to-own-an-amazon-ring-doorbell-camera.html
