The 5 Biggest Perks of Self-Installed Home Security Systems From Ring
Ring stick up cam outside
Home Security

The 5 Biggest Perks of Self-Installed Home Security Systems From Ring

By Ring on October 20, 2023

Self-installed security systems offer flexibility, customization, and budget-friendly devices you just can’t get with professional installation. But when you choose Ring, you get all the best perks of self-installation — with extra support and guidance from our experts.

From unrivaled ease of use to endless customization, discover some of the biggest benefits you get with a self-installed home security system from Ring.

You Have Total Control Over Your System

With Ring, you call the shots on every aspect of your security system — whether you want five devices or 15, professional-monitoring or self-monitoring, or a simple Alarm set-up versus a whole-home solution with security cameras and smart lighting.

If you’re new to security systems, our five-piece Alarm Kit offers everything you need to get started, and you can always add additional Sensors and Accessories to create a custom system that fits your home. Or, if you want a system with a built-in wifi router and network security, you can start with an Alarm Pro Kit and choose extra Sensors, Cameras and smart home devices to link with it.1 2

Once you buy the components in your system, you can continue to customize their role in your home. Don’t like where your Motion Detector is mounted? You can take it down and place it somewhere else. And if you knock down a wall or add a new door during a renovation, you can move Indoor Cams and Contact Sensors to ensure everything is covered. For an ultra-versatile option, you can get a Stick Up Cam and move it from inside to outside, depending on where you need coverage since it’s both battery-operated and waterproof.

With a Ring Protect subscription, sold separately, you have the freedom to monitor your own system using the Ring App.1 From putting Alarm in “Away” mode and checking live camera feeds to reviewing Event History and customizing your privacy settings, the Ring App lets you see and control security devices all around the home in one convenient place. Whether you’re home or away, you’ll also get alerts when the Alarm is triggered. But if you’d rather enlist a professional’s help, you can enroll in 24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring with your Ring Protect Pro subscription.3 You can also unsubscribe at any time with no penalties — and re-enroll just as easily.

Ring Offers Self-Installed Security Systems for Any Price Point

You don’t have to sacrifice security or functionality to find an affordable system for your space. Unlike professionally installed systems, Ring doesn’t require paying for an expensive equipment package that includes extras you don’t need. For smaller spaces or apartments, you can get everything you need in a five-piece Alarm Security Kit. If you have a large home with multiple floors, our 14-piece Alarm or Alarm Pro Security Kit gives you additional coverage for doors, windows, and hallways, and it comes with an extra Keypad and range extender to keep things running smoothly. While you can pay a little extra for professional installation, it’s free (and easy) to install your system on your own.

Professionally installed systems are notorious for their expensive, unbreakable contracts that can last years. Ring provides the same 24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring you get with professional contracts, plus a host of other benefits, like cellular backup for power outages, 180 days of video storage and sharing, Smart Alerts, and more, with an optional Ring Protect Pro subscription.3 4

Installation Is Quick and Simple

man installing a spotlight cam outside

If you’ve had bad experiences with DIY projects that include pages-long, confusing instructions, you may be hesitant about choosing a self-installed home security system. But with Ring, you get bite-sized, easy-to-follow instructions for each step of the process after scanning your device’s QR code in the Ring App. And if you need extra help as you go, we have support articles for nearly anything you could encounter.

We aim to make installation accessible to anyone and everyone, from tech enthusiasts to DIY novices. But we understand that not everyone wants to tackle installation, which is why professional help is available for an extra fee.

You Can Customize and Upgrade Your Ring System at Any Time

Whether you’re growing your family, renovating your home, or simply investing more in security, your Ring system can accommodate your changing needs. You can shop for easy-to-install security cameras and sensors at the store or online and start using them the same day — no need to wait for a service appointment. And if you want Ring Alarm to monitor more than doors and windows and motion around entrances and hallways, Alarm Accessories can give you extra peace of mind. From leaky appliances to beeping smoke alarms, our add-ons can trigger your Alarm when there’s a potential safety issue in your home.

You can also upgrade to our most advanced security subscription, Ring Protect Pro, and enroll in 24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring anytime if self-monitoring is no longer the right choice.1 3 Since Ring Alarm comes with a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect Pro, you’ll already know the perks that come with a subscription, so you can decide if it’s the best option for you moving forward.1

If You Move, Your System Can Move With You

When you invest in a hardwired security system, you have to leave it behind when you move to a new home — which adds an extra expense on top of movers, new furniture, and travel costs. With Ring Alarm and cameras, you can pack everything up, put it in the moving truck, and set it back up during move-in, allowing you to secure your new place on day one. And if your current system doesn’t quite fit the new layout, you can pick up new sensors whenever it’s convenient.

Do It All Yourself (With Extra Support) When You Choose Ring

At Ring, we want you to feel empowered to take charge of your home security — but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. These helpful resources can guide you through every step of the process:

  • Our quick online quiz can help you add the right items to your cart. If you want to talk through your choices with someone who knows Ring products inside and out, our specialists are always ready to help.
  • Ring support articles cover any issue you need to troubleshoot during installation and beyond, from device error messages to customizing your privacy settings on the Ring App.
  • Ask Ring video tutorials can walk visual learners through device installation and help answer your most frequently asked questions.
  • Our professional installation services allow you to take a hands-off approach to setting up your devices if DIY isn’t your thing.
  • Can’t find an answer to your question? Ask the Ring Community and get tips from neighbors and Ring admins.
  • Need hands-on help? You can also chat or call anytime for live assistance with your devices or the Ring App.
  • Ready to experience the benefits of a Ring self-installed home security system for yourself? Check out our products or call a specialist to find the best setup for your home.


    1 Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a subscription for digital notifications, in-app features, digital arming/disarming, and integration with other Ring, Echo, and third party products. Subscription sold separately. View ring.com/protect-plans for pricing and details.

    2 Advanced online security features are available to US customers with eero Secure, which is included with a Ring Protect Pro subscription.

    3 A compatible Ring Protect subscription is required to enroll in the Ring Alarm professional monitoring service. Professional monitoring service is available only within the U.S. (all 50 states, but not U.S. territories) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its own professional monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for a business or commercially zoned address. See Ring alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional permit or false alarm fees may apply depending on your local jurisdiction. Additional charges may apply in areas that require permits or guard response service for alarm verification.

    4 Your Ring videos in the cloud are stored temporarily, up to 180 days. Changing your video storage time will only affect videos that are recorded after you adjust your storage time setting. Check Ring Protect Subscription Plans for more information.

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    Have a Story?

    If you have stories or videos you’d like to share with us, please send them to stories@ring.com.

    Business Security

    The 5 Biggest Perks of Self-Installed Home Security Systems From Ring

    By Ring on October 12, 2023

    Self-installed security systems offer flexibility, customization, and budget-friendly devices you just can’t get with professional installation. But when you choose Ring, you get all the best perks of self-installation — with extra support and guidance from our experts.

    From unrivaled ease of use to endless customization, discover some of the biggest benefits you get with a self-installed home security system from Ring.

    You Have Total Control Over Your System

    With Ring, you call the shots on every aspect of your security system — whether you want five devices or 15, professional-monitoring or self-monitoring, or a simple Alarm set-up versus a whole-home solution with security cameras and smart lighting.

    If you’re new to security systems, our five-piece Alarm Kit offers everything you need to get started, and you can always add additional Sensors and Accessories to create a custom system that fits your home. Or, if you want a system with a built-in wifi router and network security, you can start with an Alarm Pro Kit and choose extra Sensors, Cameras and smart home devices to link with it.1 2

    Once you buy the components in your system, you can continue to customize their role in your home. Don’t like where your Motion Detector is mounted? You can take it down and place it somewhere else. And if you knock down a wall or add a new door during a renovation, you can move Indoor Cams and Contact Sensors to ensure everything is covered. For an ultra-versatile option, you can get a Stick Up Cam and move it from inside to outside, depending on where you need coverage since it’s both battery-operated and waterproof.

    With a Ring Protect subscription, sold separately, you have the freedom to monitor your own system using the Ring App.1 From putting Alarm in “Away” mode and checking live camera feeds to reviewing Event History and customizing your privacy settings, the Ring App lets you see and control security devices all around the home in one convenient place. Whether you’re home or away, you’ll also get alerts when the Alarm is triggered. But if you’d rather enlist a professional’s help, you can enroll in 24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring with your Ring Protect Pro subscription.3 You can also unsubscribe at any time with no penalties — and re-enroll just as easily.

    Ring Offers Self-Installed Security Systems for Any Price Point

    You don’t have to sacrifice security or functionality to find an affordable system for your space. Unlike professionally installed systems, Ring doesn’t require paying for an expensive equipment package that includes extras you don’t need. For smaller spaces or apartments, you can get everything you need in a five-piece Alarm Security Kit. If you have a large home with multiple floors, our 14-piece Alarm or Alarm Pro Security Kit gives you additional coverage for doors, windows, and hallways, and it comes with an extra Keypad and range extender to keep things running smoothly. While you can pay a little extra for professional installation, it’s free (and easy) to install your system on your own.

    Professionally installed systems are notorious for their expensive, unbreakable contracts that can last years. Ring provides the same 24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring you get with professional contracts, plus a host of other benefits, like cellular backup for power outages, 180 days of video storage and sharing, Smart Alerts, and more, with an optional Ring Protect Pro subscription.3 4

    Installation Is Quick and Simple

    If you’ve had bad experiences with DIY projects that include pages-long, confusing instructions, you may be hesitant about choosing a self-installed home security system. But with Ring, you get bite-sized, easy-to-follow instructions for each step of the process after scanning your device’s QR code in the Ring App. And if you need extra help as you go, we have support articles for nearly anything you could encounter.

    We aim to make installation accessible to anyone and everyone, from tech enthusiasts to DIY novices. But we understand that not everyone wants to tackle installation, which is why professional help is available for an extra fee.

    You Can Customize and Upgrade Your Ring System at Any Time

    Whether you’re growing your family, renovating your home, or simply investing more in security, your Ring system can accommodate your changing needs. You can shop for easy-to-install security cameras and sensors at the store or online and start using them the same day — no need to wait for a service appointment. And if you want Ring Alarm to monitor more than doors and windows and motion around entrances and hallways, Alarm Accessories can give you extra peace of mind. From leaky appliances to beeping smoke alarms, our add-ons can trigger your Alarm when there’s a potential safety issue in your home.

    You can also upgrade to our most advanced security subscription, Ring Protect Pro, and enroll in 24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring anytime if self-monitoring is no longer the right choice.1 3 Since Ring Alarm comes with a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect Pro, you’ll already know the perks that come with a subscription, so you can decide if it’s the best option for you moving forward.1

    If You Move, Your System Can Move With You

    When you invest in a hardwired security system, you have to leave it behind when you move to a new home — which adds an extra expense on top of movers, new furniture, and travel costs. With Ring Alarm and cameras, you can pack everything up, put it in the moving truck, and set it back up during move-in, allowing you to secure your new place on day one. And if your current system doesn’t quite fit the new layout, you can pick up new sensors whenever it’s convenient.

    Do It All Yourself (With Extra Support) When You Choose Ring

    At Ring, we want you to feel empowered to take charge of your home security — but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. These helpful resources can guide you through every step of the process:

  • Our quick online quiz can help you add the right items to your cart. If you want to talk through your choices with someone who knows Ring products inside and out, our specialists are always ready to help.
  • Ring support articles cover any issue you need to troubleshoot during installation and beyond, from device error messages to customizing your privacy settings on the Ring App.
  • Ask Ring video tutorials can walk visual learners through device installation and help answer your most frequently asked questions.
  • Our professional installation services allow you to take a hands-off approach to setting up your devices if DIY isn’t your thing.
  • Can’t find an answer to your question? Ask the Ring Community and get tips from neighbors and Ring admins.
  • Need hands-on help? You can also chat or call anytime for live assistance with your devices or the Ring App.
  • Ready to experience the benefits of a Ring self-installed home security system for yourself? Check out our products or call a specialist to find the best setup for your home.


    1 Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a subscription for digital notifications, in-app features, digital arming/disarming, and integration with other Ring, Echo, and third party products. Subscription sold separately. View ring.com/protect-plans for pricing and details.

    2 Advanced online security features are available to US customers with eero Secure, which is included with a Ring Protect Pro subscription.

    3 A compatible Ring Protect subscription is required to enroll in the Ring Alarm professional monitoring service. Professional monitoring service is available only within the U.S. (all 50 states, but not U.S. territories) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its own professional monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for a business or commercially zoned address. See Ring alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional permit or false alarm fees may apply depending on your local jurisdiction. Additional charges may apply in areas that require permits or guard response service for alarm verification.

    4 Your Ring videos in the cloud are stored temporarily, up to 180 days. Changing your video storage time will only affect videos that are recorded after you adjust your storage time setting. Check Ring Protect Subscription Plans for more information.

    Ring icon
    Contact Info
    Have a Story?

    If you have stories or videos you’d like to share with us, please send them to stories@ring.com.