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Does Ring Video Doorbell Require A Subscription?

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If you’re thinking about snagging a Ring doorbell, you might be wondering if you gotta fork over some extra cash each month to get all the bells and whistles. No worries, I got you covered! Let me break it down and give you the lowdown on Ring’s subscription options. Trust me, it’s easier than deciphering a legal document.

Does The Ring Video Doorbell 2 Require A Subscription?

The Ring Video Doorbell 2 is the ultimate home security squad without the subscription hassle. You’ll get all the necessary goods, like a notification every time someone’s at your doorstep, some smooth live footage, and the ability to chat with visitors in real-time.

But if you want to step up your game, Ring’s got you covered with some sick subscription plans called “Ring Protect.” You’ll get access to cloud storage for all your footage and even professional monitoring! And don’t worry, the choice is yours – you can still use the basic features of the Ring Video Doorbell 2 even if you don’t sign up for a subscription.

Is There A Monthly Fee For Ring Doorbell 2?

Yes, there is a monthly fee for the Ring Protect subscription plans for the Ring Video Doorbell 2. The Ring Protect subscription plans are called Basic, Plus, and Pro, and cost between $3.99 and $20 per month, or $39.99 to $200 per year.

These subscription plans are optional and do not require to use of the basic features of the Ring Video Doorbell 2. It is up to the user to decide if the added benefits of a subscription are worth the cost.

Keep reading for more details about the Ring Protect Subscription Plans.

Overview Of The Different Ring Subscription Plans

Ring Protect Plans

Ring offers three subscription plans for the Ring Video Doorbell 2: “Basic Ring Protect”, “Ring Protect Plus,” and “Ring Protect Pro.”

The basic subscription plan, called “Ring Protect,” costs $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year and includes cloud storage for video footage captured by one doorbell and the ability to review, share, and save this footage. This subscription plan does not add any additional features to the basic functionality of the Ring Video Doorbell 2. Still, it does allow users to store and review their video footage, which is helpful for security purposes.

The “Ring Protect Plus” subscription includes all the features of the basic plan but allows you to record all doorbells and cameras in one location, costing $10 per month or $100 per year.

The “Ring Protect Pro” subscription adds 24/7 professional monitoring. In addition to the notifications sent to the user’s smartphone when the doorbell is pressed, or motion is detected, trained professionals will also receive these notifications and can contact emergency services if necessary. This subscription costs $20 per month or $200 per year.

It is important to note that both of these subscription plans are optional to use the basic features of the Ring Video Doorbell 2, such as receiving notifications and viewing live video footage. These features can be used without a subscription, although the video footage will only be stored if the user has a subscription plan that includes cloud storage.

Using The Ring Doorbell 2 Without A Subscription Plan

While it is possible to use the Ring Video Doorbell 2 without a subscription plan, some features will not be available. Without a subscription, the user will still be able to receive notifications when the doorbell is pressed, or motion is detected, view live video footage, and communicate with visitors through the doorbell’s speaker and microphone. 

However, they will not have access to cloud storage for their video footage, which means that the footage will not be saved and will only be available to view in real-time.

Without a subscription, the user will also not have access to professional monitoring, which means that trained professionals will not receive notifications and cannot contact emergency services if necessary.

The lack of cloud storage and professional monitoring may impact the doorbell’s effectiveness as a security device. Access to stored footage is necessary for the user to review and share footage of suspicious activity. Similarly, with professional monitoring, the user can rely on their judgment to determine whether to contact emergency services in the event of a security incident.

While it is possible to use the Ring Video Doorbell 2 without a subscription plan, some features will not be available, which may limit the doorbell’s effectiveness as a security device.

Can I Have 2 Ring Doorbells On One Account?

Yes. It’s super easy to add multiple Ring Video Doorbells to your account. In fact, lots of people do it to keep an eye on all their entry points. You have to download the Ring app on your phone and follow the setup steps for a new device.

Once you’ve set up your second doorbell, it’ll be magically linked to your account, and you’ll be able to manage both doorbells from the same app. Ain’t technology grand?

And if you want even more coverage, keep adding doorbells to your account the same way. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a separate doorbell and chime for each doorway you want to keep tabs on.

Conclusion

Readers need to weigh the pros and cons of subscribing to a Ring plan or using a third-party service based on their needs and budget. Subscribing to a Ring plan can provide additional features and peace of mind, but it comes at a monthly cost.

Ring Protect FAQs

Do You Need a Subscription for Ring?

No, the basic functionality of the Ring Video Doorbells does not require a subscription. But if you want to record your video or want access to professional security monitoring, you’ll want to subscribe to a Ring Protect plan.

How Much Does Ring Protect Cost Per Month?

The Ring Protect plans range from $3.99 to $20 per month. If you pay annually, Ring gives you two months free, so you’re effectively paying for ten months per year.