Is a Ring Protect Plan Worth It? What Each Plan Adds and How To Choose

Every Ring device works the moment you set it up. Live View, real-time motion alerts, Two-Way Talk. All included, no subscription required. But a Ring Protect Plan¹ takes your home security to the next level. Save and review video from the past 180 days², get smarter alerts that tell you exactly what triggered them³, or add 24/7 Professional Monitoring⁵ so trained agents can request help on your behalf. Whether you want to look back at what happened or stay a step ahead, there's a plan built for your needs. 

What Do You Get Without a Ring Subscription? 

Quick Answer: Every Ring camera and doorbell includes Live View, real-time Motion Alerts, Two-Way Talk, Customizable Motion Zones, and Alexa integration at no monthly cost. 

You don't need a subscription to get real value from your Ring device. The moment you plug it in or mount it, you have a fully functional home security setup ready to go. No activation fees, no waiting period, no extra steps. For a deeper look at how a subscription-free setup works, check out our guide to home security without a monthly fee. 

What Does a Ring Protect Plan Add? 

Quick Answer: A Ring Protect Plan¹ doesn't unlock your device, which already works. It adds features like Video Event History, Smart Alerts, and Extended Live View¹, so you can do more after something has happened. 

Your Ring device delivers real-time awareness from day one. A Ring Protect Plan builds on that foundation by letting you look back at what happened, get smarter notifications, and add layers of help like Professional Monitoring⁵. It's there if and when you decide you want it. 

Here's what you get with an optional Ring subscription (sold separately): 

Video Event History (up to 180 days).² Save, review, and share recorded video from your Ring devices. Whether you missed a motion alert or want to see exactly what happened, your footage is stored in the cloud and accessible from the Ring App. 

Smart Alerts (Person, Package, Vehicle).³ Get more specific notifications so you know what triggered your alert, not just that something moved. It's a smarter way to stay informed without checking every single notification. 

Multi-Cam + Extended Live View.¹ View multiple cameras at once and keep Live View open longer. Great for keeping tabs on different areas of your home at the same time. 

Extended Warranties.⁴ Available with Ring Multi and above. Your eligible Ring devices are covered beyond the standard manufacturer's warranty for added peace of mind. 

24/7 Professional Monitoring.⁵ Available with Ring Pro and above. When your Ring Alarm is triggered, trained monitoring agents can request emergency dispatch on your behalf, day or night. 

Video Descriptions.⁶ Available with Ring Pro and above. Get a brief written summary of what happened in a video event, so you can quickly scan your activity without watching every clip. 

Familiar Faces (Beta).⁷ Available with Ring Pro and above. Your device learns to recognize people you know, so you can get alerts that tell you who's at the door, not just that someone's there. 

For a full breakdown of how Ring's intelligent features work, check out our guide to Ring intelligent features explained. 

Which Ring Protect Plan is Right for You? 

Quick Answer: The right plan depends on how many devices you have, what features matter most, and whether you want professional support. Here's how to choose. 

Every Ring Protect Plan includes Video Event History², Smart Alerts³, and Extended Live View¹. The difference is how many devices are covered and what additional features come with each tier. 

You have one Ring device and want to save and review video. Ring Solo is your match. For $4.99/month (or $49.99/year), Solo covers one device with Video Event History, Smart Alerts, Extended Live View, and more. If you have a single Ring Video Doorbell or camera and want the ability to go back and see what happened, this is the most straightforward option. 

You have multiple Ring devices at home or for your business. Ring Multi covers every Ring device at your address for $9.99/month (or $99.99/year). You get everything in Solo across all your devices, plus Extended Warranties⁴ so your eligible devices are covered beyond the standard manufacturer's warranty. If you have a doorbell and a few cameras, Multi makes more sense than paying for Solo on each one. 

You want emergency response when something goes wrong. Ring Pro adds 24/7 Professional Monitoring⁵ for $19.99/month (or $199.99/year). When your Ring Alarm is triggered, trained monitoring agents can request emergency dispatch on your behalf. Pro also includes Video Descriptions⁶, Familiar Faces⁷, Active Warnings⁸, and more. If peace of mind means knowing someone is always watching out for your home, Pro delivers that. 

You want trained security professionals monitoring your cameras. Virtual Security Guard takes it a step further at $99/month. You get everything in Pro, plus live video monitoring by trained security professionals who can respond to events in real time.⁹ If you want a dedicated team keeping eyes on your property, this is the most comprehensive option Ring offers. 

How Can You Try a Ring Protect Plan Before You Commit? 

Quick Answer: Ring offers a free 30-day trial of Ring Protect when you first set up a Ring doorbell, camera, or alarm.¹⁰ 

The best way to find out if a plan is worth it is to experience it yourself. When you set up a new Ring device, you'll get a free 30-day trial¹⁰ of Ring Protect. That gives you full access to features like Video Event History, Smart Alerts, and Extended Live View so you can see firsthand what a plan adds to your day-to-day experience. No commitment required. 

FAQs 

Q: Do Ring devices work without a subscription?  

A: Yes. Live View, real-time Motion Alerts, Two-Way Talk, Motion Zones, and Alexa integration¹¹ work with no monthly plan. 

Q: Can I record video without a Ring plan?  

A: No. Video Event History and cloud video storage require a Ring Protect Plan¹. 

Q: What do I lose without a subscription?  

A: Video Event History and the features built on it, such as saving, sharing, and replaying events. You still see live video and receive alerts. 

Q: Does Alexa work without a plan?  

A: Yes, with a compatible Alexa-enabled device, such as an Echo Show or Fire TV.¹¹ 

Q: How much does a Ring plan cost per month?  

A: Ring Solo starts at $4.99 per month. Ring Multi is $9.99 per month. Ring Pro is $19.99 per month. See all current plans at ring.com/plans. 

Q: Is a Ring Protect Plan worth it?  

A: It depends on what matters most to you. If you want to review past footage, get smarter alerts, or have emergency response, a plan adds real value. If live-only monitoring covers your needs, your device works great without one. Ring offers a free 30-day trial¹⁰ so you can decide for yourself. 

Q: Which Ring plan should I get?  

A: If you have one device, start with Ring Solo. If you have multiple devices, Ring Multi covers them all. If you want 24/7 Professional Monitoring⁵, go with Ring Pro. And if you want live video monitoring by security professionals, Virtual Security Guard⁹ is the most comprehensive option. 

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Ring subscription features and services may vary by country. Not all features available in the United States will be available in every region. 

¹ Compatible Ring subscription required. 

² Compatible Ring subscription required. Your Ring motion event videos in the cloud are stored up to 180 days from recording. Modifying your video storage duration affects only recordings created after the change is applied. 

³ Compatible Ring subscription required. Available for select Ring video doorbells and/or cameras. 

⁴ "Eligible Ring Devices" are select Ring devices under the 1-year manufacturer's warranty period which are added to an active subscription plan that includes extended warranty coverage. In the U.S., in lieu of the Ring extended warranty, coverage plans are provided via a service contract administered by Allstate Protection Plans; terms available here. The cost for the Allstate Protection Plan is included in the cost of the Ring subscription plan. In the U.S., you have the option to purchase a standalone device protection plan on www.amazon.com. 

⁵ Compatible Ring subscription is required to enroll in Professional Monitoring. Service available in all 50 U.S. states (territories not included) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for business or commercially zoned addresses. See Ring Alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional fees may be required for permits, false alarms, or Alarm Verified Guard Response, depending on your local jurisdiction. 

⁶ Compatible Ring subscription required. Feature not available for customers in Illinois due to state-specific legislation. Video Descriptions availability limited to mobile devices with select primary languages. 

⁷ Compatible Ring subscription and select devices required. Recognition range and accuracy may vary by device model and environmental conditions. Familiar Faces is not available for customers in Illinois, Texas, and Portland, Oregon due to specific legislation. 

⁸ Compatible Ring subscription required. Feature not available for customers in Illinois due to state-specific legislation. Availability limited to mobile devices with select primary languages. 

⁹ Eligible device required. Service available in all 50 U.S. states (territories not included). Ring does not own its monitoring center. See Ring Alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional fees may be required for permits, false alarms, or Alarm Verified Guard Response, depending on your local jurisdiction. 

¹⁰ Free trial is not applicable for locations with an existing subscription. Your free trial begins as soon as you activate your Ring product. 

¹¹ Alexa integration requires a compatible Alexa-enabled device.