How Much Does Ring Doorbell Cost?

Last Updated on January 8, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Adding a video doorbell offers convenience and security for homeowners. With its intuitive app controls and comprehensive features, Ring has become a top choice. But what’s the true cost of buying and owning this popular smart home device?

This guide will break down Ring Doorbell pricing across models, dive into additional costs like installation and subscription fees, and provide tips for maximizing value. Read on for an in-depth overview of what to budget.

How Much Does Ring Doorbell Cost?

A Ring doorbell can cost between $65 and $500 in the first year, including the device, optional accessories, subscription fees, and professional installation. The price varies widely depending on the specific model selected and additional features added.

Ring offers several video doorbell models and product lines at different price points. Here is an overview of MSRP pricing across the range:

Ring Video Doorbell Wired

• MSRP: $64.99
• Features: 1080p video, motion alerts, 2-way talk

Ring Video Doorbell (Battery)

• MSRP: $99.99
• Features: 1080p video, removable battery, dual-band WiFi

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

• MSRP: $249.99
• Features: 1536p video, radar motion, overhead lighting

Ring Video Doorbell Elite

• MSRP: $349.99
• Features: custom finish, POE wired power, near zero latency

Pricing Takeaways:

• The wired version provides the most affordable entry point.
• Battery-operated flexibility comes at around a $35 premium.
• Pro 2 justifies a 150% cost jump with enhanced functionality.
• Elite offers luxury finish and performance at over 300% of basic models.

According to an article from SafeHome, the most affordable option is the wired version of the Ring Doorbell, priced at approximately $49.99. The wireless version is available for around $99.00. Additionally, the more advanced Ring Video Doorbell Plus models are priced at $149.99, regardless of whether they are wired or wireless.

Another source, Security.org, lists prices starting at $64.99 for entry-level models, with a range of options available that cater to different budgets and needs. The site also highlights that the most expensive model, the Ring Video Doorbell Elite, costs about $349.99.

A detailed overview from Security.org indicates that the Ring Video Doorbell Pro is priced at around $249.99. This model offers enhanced features such as customizable motion zones and improved video quality compared to lower-priced options.

According to information from Ring’s official website, they offer various models with prices ranging from about $59.99 for the basic wired model to approximately $349.99 for the Elite model. The pricing reflects the range of features available, including video quality and connectivity options.

Lastly, an article from Tom’s Guide mentions that while the basic models are more affordable, consumers often opt for higher-end versions like the Ring Video Doorbell 4 or Pro due to their additional features and capabilities, which can range up to about $249.99.

Introduction

While the security and connectivity Ring provides seems appealing, many wonder – is the investment worth it? Understanding the full scope of expenses beyond just the upfront cost allows setting realistic expectations. This helps determine if Ring meets your budget.

This article will analyze Ring Doorbell pricing across the product line, outline installation, subscription, and accessory costs, and highlight ways to save. You’ll see real-world cost examples and pricing comparisons to alternatives. Let’s explore Ring Doorbell costs in detail so you can make an informed purchase decision.

Real-World Cost Examples

To demonstrate tangible real-world costs, here are two sample video doorbell installation and usage scenarios spanning budget to premium:

Entry-Level Wired Video Doorbell

• Ring Video Doorbell Wired: $64.99
• Basic mounting hardware:
• DIY installation by homeown$8er
• Total Initial Cost: $72.99

This provides solid security detection on a budget by avoiding subscription or professional installation fees.

Advanced Pro 2 with Chime and Solar

• Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: $249.99
• Power cable kit: $20
• Ring Chime: $29.99
• Solar panel charger: $49.99
• Professional installation labor: $140
• Total Initial Cost: $490.96

The premium components and conveniences add up for maximum features and functionality. But ongoing costs continue.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Vivint Security systems, Verizon Fios, or home security systems.

Ongoing Subscription Costs

Ring offers optional Protect Plus subscription plans to enable full functionality and video saving of recordings over time:

• Basic: $3.99/month or $39.99/year per device
• Plus: $10/month or $100/year for unlimited Ring devices

Without a paid subscription, features like customizable motion zones, smart alerts, and video storage are limited. Plans unlock the full capabilities for security awareness and evidence access.

Subscription Takeaways:

• Budget under $40/year for basic needs or $120/year for a full household.
• Skip subscription to save if reviewing video history isn’t essential.
• Subscription costs add up over time, so evaluate importance.

While optional, subscriptions enable key aspects of long-term Ring use for monitoring and evidence access.

DIY vs Pro Install

Installation options also significantly impact budgeting:

• DIY: Free, but requires tools, hardware, and wiring know-how
• Professional: $100 to $200+ depending on existing infrastructure

Installation Cost Considerations:

• Wired options are simpler than battery if existing doorbell wiring available
• No existing wiring raises complexity and costs
• Strong WIFI signal strength eliminates potential range extender purchase

For DIYers with basic wiring skills, self-installation can provide substantial savings. But for complex setups or challenging home layouts, hiring a pro may be worth it for those lacking required technical skills.

Accessories and Add-Ons

Optional accessories like extra batteries, solar panels, and Ring Chimes add convenience and customization at an additional cost:

Accessories:

• Extra battery: $29
• Solar panel charger: $49
• Ring Chime: $29.99
• Security yard sign: $15.99

Add-ons:

• Echo Show smart display: $89.99 and up
• Alexa Guard Plus subscription: $4.99/month

Enhancements:

• Professional installation: $100 to $200
• WIFI extender: $35 to $100

These provide desired functionality boosts but can quickly drive up the total budget. Evaluate each critically based on need.

Ring vs. Competitors

How does Ring compare cost-wise against other major smart video doorbell brands? Here is an overview:

Ring Video Doorbell Wired

• Cost: $64.99 + optional subscription

Nest Hello Video Doorbell

• Cost: $229.99 + optional subscription

Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell

• Cost: $149.99 + required subscription

Pricing Takeaways:

• Ring Wired provides the most affordable upfront entry point.
• Nest costs over 3X more but has free cloud storage.
• Arlo also costs more and requires ongoing subscription.

The main conclusion is that Ring offers a competitively priced introductory model for budget-focused buyers before considering subscriptions or installation. But alternative brands provide their own benefits.

Save on Ring Doorbell Costs

Here are 5 tips and tricks to get Ring at the lowest possible price:

• Take advantage of seasonal sales around holidays
• Purchase refurbished/pre-owned from Amazon
• Leverage Amazon bundles with Echo Dot
• Share subscription costs with household members
• Install yourself to avoid labor fees

Finding deals combined with DIY installation provides the most cost-efficient options.

Final Words

The question isn’t just how much a Ring Doorbell costs – it’s whether Ring provides strong value. For most homeowners, Ring Doorbell features and reliability justify the expense.

The key is choosing the right model tier and optional features based on your budget and needs. Doing research, finding sales, and installing yourself helps keep costs low. While not the cheapest option, Ring offers premium features for a reasonable price compared to competitors.

Answers to Common Questions

What happens to my Ring Doorbell if I don’t subscribe?

If you don’t subscribe to a Ring Protect plan, your Ring Doorbell will still function but with limited capabilities:

• You can access live views on-demand and receive notifications. However, viewing history and sharing videos will be disabled.
• Motion detection will still work to send alerts, but customization options will be limited without a subscription.
• You won’t be able to save, download, or share video clips without the cloud recording storage provided by a subscription.

So, while core functions like live streaming and notifications remain, the Ring Doorbell will lack video history, customization, sharing and advanced motion detection without the optional subscription. But going without protects your budget.

Does the Ring Doorbell still record without a subscription?

Without a paid Ring Protect subscription plan, your Ring Doorbell will not record video or save any video clips. However, it can still perform basic real-time functionality:

• You will receive mobile notifications when the doorbell detects motion or is pressed.
• You can access live on-demand video streaming through the Ring app.
• Any announced motion detection features will still work.

But without the cloud storage included in paid subscription plans, the Ring will not record and save any videos or clips. To access video history and recording capabilities, the Ring Protect plan is required. But the device remains usable for live view even without the monthly subscription fee.

What is the downside of Ring?

Some potential downsides to consider with Ring include:

• Ongoing subscription fees required for full functionality and video storage
• Privacy concerns due to neighborhood surveillance and police partnerships
• Dependence on WIFI and cellular connections for app access
• Motion sensor can be triggered by passing cars or animals
• Batteries must be recharged every 1-2 months
• Potential hackability if credentials are compromised

While Ring offers advanced security features, customers should weigh privacy issues, connectivity dependencies, and the recurring costs of subscription plans. Proper mounting locations and account protections can mitigate some drawbacks.