Key Takeaways:
- Ring Professional Monitoring offers 24/7 home surveillance.
- Ring offers three Protect plans, including:
- Basic at $4.99/month
- Plus at $10/month
- Pro at $20/month
- It offers:
- Continuous monitoring
- Quick emergency response
- Real-time alerts
When I decided to upgrade my home security system, I came across Ring Professional Monitoring. So far, I’ve found the deal worth it for its affordability and extensive security. But there are some downsides too. Read on and find out what Ring’s Professional Monitoring is and whether it’s worth it or not.
What is Ring Professional Monitoring?
Ring Professional Monitoring is 24/7 protection for the Ring Alarm system. When an alarm goes off, the monitoring team is alerted right away and contacts you. If needed, they send emergency services to your home. This service is available with Ring Protect Basic ($4.99/month), Plus ($10/month), and Pro ($20/month) plans.
Ring Professional Monitoring Price
Ring offers three subscription plans – Basic, Plus, and Pro. Each plan is tailored to different levels of security needs and features. I use the Ring Protect Pro plan because I need enhanced security for my home. It offers an extensive range of features, including Ring alarm professional monitoring and system backups.
Here are the key features each plan offers for their respective costs:
| Feature | Ring Protect Basic | Ring Protect Plus | Ring Protect Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription Cost | $4.99/month | $10/month | $20/month |
| Video History | Up to 180 days | Up to 180 days | Up to 180 days |
| Snapshot Capturing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alerts | Package and Person | Package and Person | Package and Person |
| Rich Notifications | Yes | Enhanced | Enhanced |
| Video Downloads | Up to 50 videos | Up to 50 videos | Up to 50 videos |
| Advanced Video Features | – | Yes | Yes |
| Extended Warranties | – | Yes | Yes |
| Professional Monitoring | – | – | 24/7 |
| Cellular Backup | – | – | Yes |
| Internet Backup | – | – | 3GB Data |
| Local Video Storage | – | – | Yes, with Ring Edge |
How to Set Up Ring Monitoring?
Here’s how to set up Ring Monitoring:
- Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap the menu icon and go to Settings.
- Tap on the current monitoring type listed under Type, then select Professional Monitoring.
- Review the terms and conditions and tap I Agree to enable professional monitoring.
What Are The Benefits of Professional Monitoring?
Here’s why I think it’s a worthwhile investment:
1. Continuous Monitoring:
My home is monitored 24/7, and the peace of mind this provides is invaluable. Whether I’m asleep at night or away on vacation, knowing professionals are watching over my home makes me feel much safer.
2. Immediate Emergency Response:
The few times my alarm has been triggered, the monitoring service responded instantly. They contacted me within minutes, and when I didn’t answer, they dispatched emergency services right away. This rapid response could be the difference between a minor incident and a serious loss.
3. Alerts on the Go:
Each time there’s any activity that triggers the alarm, I get an alert on my phone. This allows me to quickly verify whether there’s a real threat or if it’s just a false alarm, no matter where I am.
4. No Worries About Missing an Alarm:
Before I switched to professional monitoring, I used to stress about missing notifications if my phone was on silent or when I was busy. Now, I don’t have to constantly check my phone; the monitoring team handles everything, which lifts a huge burden off my shoulders.
5. Cost-Effectiveness:
Considering the potential damage and loss a burglary or fire could cause, the monthly fee (around $20) for professional monitoring feels like a smart investment. It’s far less than the cost of potential damages or the deductible on a homeowner’s insurance claim.
6. Hands-Off Security:
Managing the intricacies of a home security system isn’t my cup of tea. With professional monitoring, I don’t need to be tech-savvy. They handle all aspects of system management, which saves me time and hassle.
How Does Ring Professional Monitoring Work?
Ring Professional Monitoring continuously monitors sensors connected to an Alarm Pro Base Station. When sensors detect unusual activity, such as break-ins, fires, or CO2 levels, it sends alerts to Ring’s center, which then contacts the homeowner and may dispatch emergency services.
Here’s how the different alerts work:
- Break-in: If a window or door is tampered with or unexpected motion is detected indoors, the alarm triggers.
- Fire: The system alerts me if smoke or unusually high heat is detected, which could indicate a fire.
- CO2 Detection: It’s comforting to know that if dangerous carbon monoxide levels are detected, I will be alerted immediately.
Once an alert is triggered, the monitoring team attempts to contact me to verify the situation. If I confirm the emergency or fail to respond, they quickly dispatch local emergency services. This swift action ensures that any potential damage or danger is addressed as quickly as possible.
Key Features of Ring 24/7 Monitoring
The main features of Ring Professional Monitoring are:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Ring’s service isn’t just about saving the camera from being stolen; it also covers fire, carbon monoxide, and even medical emergencies. This extensive coverage keeps my home safe from various threats.
- Immediate Response: Whenever my Ring sensors pick up something unusual, the monitoring center is notified instantly. I’ve found their response time impressive—they quickly verify the alert with me, and if it’s a real threat, emergency services are on their way in no time.
- Seamless Integration: One of the things I appreciate most is how well Ring works with other smart devices in my home. Whether it’s through their app or other smart hubs, I can control and monitor everything easily from anywhere.
- Reliable during Outages: The backup battery and cellular backup kick in during power or internet outages, ensuring continuous monitoring. It’s reassuring to know that my home is still protected even when the power’s out.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: The Ring app is straightforward and allows me to customize settings and view real-time alerts and camera feeds.
- Emergency Features: The SOS and Panic features are lifesavers in personal emergencies. With just a quick press, the monitoring center is alerted, and help is dispatched immediately.
The Downsides of Ring Security Monitoring?
A few things I didn’t love about the Ring Security monitoring:
- False Alarms: False alarms are a fairly common issue that I face. It happened when my sensors were installed in high-traffic areas. To resolve this, I placed the sensors strategically in such areas.
- Response Times: Sometimes, there can be a delay in the response from the monitoring center, especially during high-alert periods. Ensuring your system is correctly configured and regularly tested can aid in optimizing response times.
- Connectivity Issues: I’ve faced some connectivity issues, particularly during initial setup or in areas of the house with poor Wi-Fi coverage. Using Wi-Fi extenders or upgrading to a more robust home network helped me alleviate these problems.
- Privacy Concerns: As with any connected device, there’s a risk of privacy breaches. The Ring has faced scrutiny over security vulnerabilities. Enhancing security measures like using two-factor authentication and ensuring your home network is secure are crucial steps.
- Legal Permits: Many localities require a permit to operate an alarm system. Failing to obtain a permit can lead to fines or even denied police response in some cities.
- Verified Response Requirements: Some areas have implemented verified response policies. It means that the emergency services will not respond without verification that an incident is occurring. This can be challenging if the monitoring center cannot reach you immediately.
Ring Self Monitoring vs Professional Monitoring
Ring Alarm systems offer two monitoring options: self-monitoring and professional monitoring. Self-monitoring gives direct control and alert responses, while professional monitoring ensures 24/7 surveillance and emergency dispatch by trained agents, enhancing peace of mind with additional safety features.
When it comes to Ring Alarm systems, the choice depends on your lifestyle, security needs, and personal preference. Here’s a detailed look at both options based on my personal experience:
Self-Monitoring
Self-monitoring means you are in charge of monitoring your security system. You receive alerts directly to your phone or email, and it’s up to you to respond and decide whether to contact emergency services.
I found that self-monitoring offers a great degree of control and immediacy. With or without a Ring Protect subscription, the Alarm Base Station sends alerts directly to my device for real-time response. Without a subscription, features like app notifications and remote arming/disarming are limited, but the basic alarm functionalities remain intact.
Pros and Cons
- No monthly fees are necessary.
- You get alerts directly and decide on the response.
- You are solely responsible for monitoring and responding to alerts.
- Without a subscription, some of the advanced features and integrations are not available.
Professional Monitoring
The Ring Protect Pro plan includes professional monitoring services. These services ensure that trained agents monitor your home 24/7 and can dispatch emergency services if needed.
Opting for professional monitoring provided me peace of mind, knowing that experts are watching over my home around the clock. The setup involves entering a valid address and emergency contact information and choosing a verbal password for security verification.
Pros and Cons
- Professional agents monitor your home continuously.
- Agents can dispatch emergency services quickly during incidents.
- Comes with additional features like smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring (only available in residential properties).
- It comes at a monthly cost.
- Less direct control over the immediate responses.
Is Ring Professional Monitoring Worth It?
Yes, Professional monitoring is definitely worth it, especially if you value peace of mind and comprehensive home security. The seamless integration with smart devices and the intuitive Ring app makes managing and controlling your security settings easy.
Here are more articles you may find interesting:
- Can Ring Doorbell Chime On Base Station?
- Using Ring Without Subscription: Everything You Need to Know
- Should I Put a Ring Doorbell Sticker? Why & Why Not
Frequently Asked Questions
Who monitors Ring alarm?
What is Ring Assisted Monitoring?
What is the Ring alarm response time?
Hashir
Hi, I’m Hashir, a tech enthusiast with a deep love for smart home innovations. My interest in technology has always been driven by the idea of making everyday life more streamlined and efficient. After years of experimenting with smart devices in my own home, I’ve made it my mission to share what I’ve learned with others. I focus on practical, easy-to-understand solutions that anyone can implement to enhance their home. Writing for JustSmarter allows me to connect with fellow tech lovers and help them take their first steps—or next steps—into the exciting world of smart homes.
