![]() You can also buy a bigger package for $380 (it adds four more door/window sensors, an extra motion detector and another keypad), or you can buy the individual sensors a la carte, expanding the system beyond these basics to include a wide range of Ring cameras, video doorbells, backup power packs, Eero Wi-Fi range extenders and so on. You can opt for just the base station for $250 - but then you won't get all the security sensors that make the system work. If you buy the Ring Alarm Pro system, you'll probably pay $300 to get a router/base device, four door/window sensors, a motion detector, a Z-Wave range extender and a keypad. In short, the Ring Alarm Pro isn't just a game-changing device for Amazon it's a ground-shaking product for the entire DIY home security market. ![]() Ring even offers admirable data security and privacy options if, like me, you're worried about the company's spotty track record when working with police and subsequently degrading community privacy. Ring Alarm Pro is an affordable system with impressive smarts, lots of flexibility and a rock-solid base that will make most happy. Even better, you get backup Wi-Fi and local processing and storage. You also get a choice of professional monitoring subscriptions. You can either pay for the base station itself (which also serves as a router) or spend just a little more for a basic package that includes the base station, several door and window sensors, motion detectors, a keypad and a siren. Ring Alarm Pro's merging of an Eero Wi-Fi mesh router with a DIY security system gives you a lot of flexibility in arranging your setup. When CNET first evaluated The Ring Alarm Pro in late 2021, former editor David Priest proclaimed it "one of the most compelling DIY home security systems I've tested, period." But does that still (pardon the pun) ring true for 2023? Additional Fees 24/7 professional monitoring fee, recording feesĭoes Ring Alarm Pro still dial up decent value in 2023?.Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant.With those points in mind, here are our favorite alternatives to Ring products. And if a security company doesn’t have an easy-to-find privacy policy, you should steer clear. But it certainly helps if you can read one and get some idea of what to expect when trusting your data with another company. A Clear Privacy Policy: A clear privacy policy doesn’t guarantee you won’t be surprised (Ring has an extensive policy after all).If you have the only copy of your camera’s video, you determine who can see it, not a faceless company off in the distance. Cloudless Recording: When it comes to cameras, you should be in control of your data.Currently, Nest is the only camera company we’re aware of that checks IP location, and even then, only if you convert to a Google account. We think security companies should use that information to check for suspicious login attempts. IP Location Tracking: Companies can tell where you are when you log in by checking your Internet Protocol (IP) Address location.No company currently requires two-step authentication, but we tried to stick with companies that at least offer it. Two-Step Authentication: Every security company will tell you that two-step authentication will prevent most bad actors from breaking into your account.If users don’t understand the implications behind installing cameras and other security equipment, then the company has done them a disservice. But a lack of transparency surrounding that relationship can be. To be clear-working with law enforcement isn’t a bad thing. Ring’s most significant issues currently stem from password reuse (which makes breaking into your cameras easy) and an opaque relationship with law enforcement. You’re trusting a company to keep your data safe and your devices out of reach from bad actors. If you’re going to invite a security-focused company into your home, that means giving up a certain amount of privacy in the name of convenience or security. We’re currently evaluating replacement options and will update this article when suitable alternatives are available. Warning: We no longer recommend security cameras manufactured by Wyze and eufy. Thankfully, you can find plenty of alternatives to Ring products, whether it’s cameras, lights, or security. Between blaming users for security problems Ring could prevent, and a less than transparent relationship with law enforcement, it’s hard to recommend anything from the company. Ring, an Amazon-owned security company, has a reputation problem right now.
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