How Much is Ring Doorbell Subscription

Smart video doorbells have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and landlords across the UK. They offer a sense of security, convenience, and peace of mind by allowing you to monitor your property from anywhere. While the purchase of a Ring doorbell provides the hardware itself, many users quickly discover that certain features require a paid subscription. Knowing how much a Ring doorbell subscription costs, what it includes, and whether it represents good value is essential before making a long-term commitment.

What the Basic Subscription Includes

Ring offers two main subscription plans, known as Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. The Basic plan covers one device and is often chosen by those with a single doorbell or camera. For a monthly fee, it allows you to save recorded videos for up to 180 days, review footage at your convenience, and share clips when needed. This plan also includes the option to take snapshots throughout the day, providing a clearer picture of activity around your property. At present, the Ring Protect Basic plan is priced at £3.49 per month or £34.99 per year in the UK, making it an affordable option for households with one device.

Exploring the Protect Plus Plan

For those with more than one Ring device, the Protect Plus plan offers broader coverage. At a cost of £8 per month or £80 annually, this plan provides the same benefits as the Basic package but extends them across all Ring devices at a single location. This is ideal for homeowners with both a doorbell and several security cameras, as it avoids the need for multiple Basic subscriptions. It also includes an extended warranty and discounts on selected Ring products, adding further value for users investing heavily in the system.

Additional Features of Subscription Plans

The key benefit of a Ring subscription lies in video storage. Without it, you can only view live footage and receive real-time alerts but cannot look back at previous events. With a subscription, every motion detection and button press is stored, meaning you can revisit and download footage whenever required. This can be particularly useful for landlords who need a record of property access, business owners monitoring deliveries, or homeowners wanting reassurance when away from home. Another notable benefit is the ability to share clips easily with neighbours or the police if necessary.

Is a Subscription Essential?

Whether you need a subscription depends on how you intend to use the device. If your main concern is answering the door in real time, you may find the free plan sufficient, as it provides live video and two-way audio without extra cost. However, most users find the subscription valuable because it offers the ability to review events that occurred when they were unavailable. For example, if a parcel was left at your door or someone approached your property late at night, having stored footage provides clear evidence. For families, landlords, or anyone particularly conscious of security, the subscription quickly proves its worth.

Value for Money Considerations

When considering whether the subscription represents good value, it helps to compare it with other security options. Traditional CCTV systems can be expensive to install and maintain, often requiring professional fitting and ongoing service charges. A Ring subscription, by contrast, provides cloud storage and app-based access at a relatively low monthly cost. Even with the Protect Plus plan, the expense is modest compared to alternatives, particularly when spread across several devices. The extended warranty and product discounts available on the higher tier also add financial protection and savings that should not be overlooked.

Budgeting for Long-Term Use

Although the subscription is not compulsory, it is fair to say that most households choose to pay for it in order to make full use of their device. When budgeting for a Ring doorbell, it is worth factoring in the subscription costs as part of the overall expense. A doorbell that initially costs £100 to £200 may be more realistically priced at £135 to £250 per year once subscription fees are included. For households that value long-term security and convenience, this additional cost is often justified. For those less concerned about video storage, the free plan may be enough.

Comparing with Competing Services

It is also worth noting that Ring is not the only provider of smart video doorbells. Other brands offer different subscription models, some with slightly cheaper or more expensive plans. However, Ring remains one of the most established providers, and its pricing is considered competitive in the UK market. By offering both a single-device and multiple-device plan, it allows flexibility depending on the size of the property and the number of devices required.

Conclusion

A Ring doorbell subscription in the UK currently costs £3.49 per month or £34.99 annually for the Basic plan, covering one device, or £8 per month or £80 annually for the Plus plan, covering multiple devices. While the subscription is not essential, it unlocks the ability to store, review, and share video footage, which many users consider crucial. For those seeking a reliable home security solution, the cost is relatively low compared to traditional systems and offers peace of mind that events around the home can be monitored and revisited with ease.