In-Depth Review of the Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit: A Smart Home Security Solution
The Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit stands out as a user-friendly, technologically advanced home security solution. Designed for households with 2-4 bedrooms, it provides a robust level of security with a range of features that cater to varying needs. In this article, we will explore the kit’s components, installation process, ease of use, effectiveness, and its overall value.
Overview of the Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit
What’s in the Kit?
The Ring Alarm Kit comes with essential components to ensure your home is secure:
- Base Station: The central hub for the system.
- Keypads (2): For easy access to arm and disarm the system.
- Contact Sensors (8): To detect openings of doors and windows.
- Motion Detectors (2): To monitor movement in critical areas.
- Range Extender: To enhance the connectivity range of the system.
Technical Specifications
The Ring Alarm operates on a 100-240V AC adapter and includes a rechargeable battery backup that lasts up to 24 hours. It is designed for indoor use and can withstand temperatures ranging from 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C). The kit supports various connectivity options, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth, enhancing its versatility.
Installation Process
Ease of Setup
Setting up the Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit is relatively straightforward. Users can mount sensors on walls or place them on flat surfaces. The wireless nature of the sensors means there are no complicated wiring processes involved, making it accessible even for those with limited technical skills.
Recommendations
While the adhesive provided for mounting is convenient, we recommend using screws for a more secure installation, especially on surfaces that may not be conducive to adhesive bonding, such as textured walls or older materials.
Usability
User-Friendly Interface
The included keypads are intuitive and easy to use, making it simple for all family members to interact with the system. The Ring app further enhances user experience, allowing users to monitor their home in real-time, receive notifications, and manage settings from their smartphones.
Voice Control
With compatibility for Alexa, users can arm and disarm the system using voice commands, adding an extra layer of convenience. However, this feature requires a Ring Home Plan subscription, which is sold separately.
Performance and Effectiveness
Security Features
The Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit offers multiple security modes—Disarmed, Away, and Home—allowing users to customize their security settings based on their needs. Users report effective motion detection and reliable alerts sent directly to their smartphones.
Monitoring Services
For those who opt for the Ring Home subscription, the kit includes cellular backup, ensuring that the system stays functional even if Wi-Fi is compromised. The monitoring service is praised for its reasonable pricing and comprehensive coverage options.
Customer Testimonials
Positive Experiences
Many users have shared their satisfaction with the Ring Alarm system. One user noted how the kit provided a cost-effective solution compared to quotes for traditional alarm systems. They also appreciated the durability of the equipment, highlighting that it remained functional even after accidental drops during installation.
Challenges Faced
However, it’s important to mention that some customers have reported frustrations with Ring’s terms and conditions, describing them as overly one-sided. Users are advised to read the agreement carefully before committing to the system to avoid any surprises.
Support and Warranty
Customer Support and Resources
The Ring Alarm Kit includes a 1-year limited warranty and access to customer support through various channels. Users can find extensive resources on the Ring support page, enabling them to troubleshoot issues and ensure optimal performance.
Software Updates
One notable advantage is the guarantee of software security updates for at least four years after the product is purchased, which helps maintain the security integrity of the device over time.
Overall Rating
Based on our review, the Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit earns an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5. Below is the detailed breakdown:
- Installation & Setup: 4.5/5 – Easy installation but screws recommended for secure mounting.
- Usability: 4.5/5 – Intuitive interface and mobile app, though subscription required for some features.
- Performance: 4.5/5 – Reliable alerts and effective monitoring, but terms and conditions can be concerning.
- Value for Money: 4.5/5 – Cost-effective compared to traditional security systems.
In conclusion, the Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, user-friendly home security solution. With its robust features, ease of use, and solid performance, it serves as a strong deterrent against potential intrusions, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners.
Friday Bridge –
I recently replaced my outdated wired alarm system with a RING wireless alarm, and while I find RING to be a solid option, its Terms & Conditions are quite concerning. The system itself works well for my needs, but there are definitely some important points to consider.
Upon beginning the installation, I had to read the Terms & Conditions to set up my account. To my surprise, the agreement was extremely one-sided, making it seem like I would bear the blame for any dissatisfaction with RING. It’s quite alarming, so be cautious!
Despite that, after doing extensive research, I found RING to be a practical solution in today’s wireless world. All the sensors are wireless, which is a huge advantage over my previous system that had wires everywhere. Plus, RING’s alerts are reliable; even if the internet or phone lines are cut, it will still notify you through a cellular connection, which is a significant improvement. If there’s a fire and you opt for 24/7 monitoring, they’ll attempt to contact you and even dispatch the fire department if needed. Just be aware that false alarms might result in a nuisance fee.
In January 2024, I experienced a long power outage during severe cold. The RING system continued to report for over 20 hours via the cell tower since my router was down, and it alerted me when the power was restored—impressive! You can also get additional battery backup for even longer outages.
With my old system, if I forgot to set it before leaving, I was out of luck. Now, with RING, I can quickly arm it from my cellphone. You can even schedule regular on/off times for nighttime or work hours, which is incredibly convenient for peace of mind.
If the power or phone lines go out, you’ll still receive notifications unless your cellphone is dead. It’s also good to know that the fire department will be alerted if necessary.
Some users mention needing a new transformer for the RING doorbell, but these are widely available at big box stores. If you do need help, consider asking a friend to assist, possibly with a six-pack as a bribe.
The motion sensors work effectively, and there are multiple ring tones to choose from. After two years, they haven’t been intrusive; instead, they help track everyone’s movements, which is a real time-saver. The door/window contacts function well, though you might need to hide them better on entry doors.
For fire and carbon monoxide detection, RING offers a ‘listener’ sensor for existing alarms or you can replace them with battery-operated FIRST ALERT sensors that connect seamlessly with RING. Just a heads-up: most fire alarms need to be replaced every 7-10 years, which is something to consider for insurance rebates.
In areas like kitchens and garages, heat sensors are necessary. While I plan to see if the RING listeners can pick up on my old heat sensors, it would be ideal for RING to develop a wireless, battery-operated heat sensor.
The initial setup for the new system is straightforward but requires some time for activating each device. You can’t just do it during a football game without prior planning. I have the 14-piece system, and I had to use contact cement for some sensors as the adhesive wasn’t quite right.
My motion sensors have been triggered multiple times by my dogs, sending me emails with alerts for each incident. I would have quickly reset the alarm if my phone hadn’t been off during an event, which led to a call to the police. Fortunately, it ended well, and the RING support team was understanding.
While my basement windows need sensors, most burglars will likely enter through the garage door. I recommend modifying the manual release to prevent any potential break-ins. Thankfully, I’ve now updated my garage door opener to integrate with the RING system.
If you’ve read this far, congratulations! The product itself is impressive, but the legal terms leave much to be desired—definitely read the agreement.
We’re on the PRO level protection plan at $20/month or $200/year, which is half the cost of my previous professionally installed system. Plus, we receive a rebate on our home insurance that nearly offsets the monitoring expense.
There are cheaper plans available, but they don’t include professional monitoring or potential insurance discounts. If you want to save video from your doorbell for 30 days, the $3/month plan covers that, while the $10/month option includes other cameras, but I prioritize the fire department notifications, hence the $20/month plan.
The RING system has been reliable right out of the box and can be customized for each device. It’s far more flexible than my old wired setup, allowing for delays before leaving the house, which is super handy.
While the system comes with useful keypads, you will need your cellphone for installation and regular use, especially for any changes. I love the ability to adjust settings remotely if I forget to arm it before leaving.
Lastly, ensure you have strong passwords on RING and any connected services like Amazon Alexa. I had to upgrade my cellphone to a model compatible with the latest Android version for optimal use, so keep that in mind if you’re using older devices.
This might be a lengthy review, but the RING system is that significant. It has proven invaluable, and I never used my old wired system, which could have led to issues with our insurance. Now, we consistently rely on RING, and it’s one of the best additions to our home. My wife absolutely loves it!
Jeffrey Catalfamo –
I absolutely love my Ring system! This starter kit is fantastic, and the setup is incredibly easy. I recommend using screws to mount the sensors, as the adhesive may struggle to stick on some surfaces, especially if they’re dirty. The motion detection is impressive, and the video quality is excellent. The monitoring service is affordably priced, and the equipment is quite durable. I have difficulty with my hands, and while installing the floodlight camera, I accidentally dropped it twice from a height of 20 feet onto stone. The second drop was onto a steel tank, but after bench testing it before installation, I found no damage at all—it’s fully functional with no issues on the outer housing. For the price, it offers excellent security. I’m really happy with my Ring system!
James M –
After my father’s passing, my mother remained in the family home where she raised me and my brother and shared a life with him. Before he died peacefully in his sleep, he made me promise to care for her and keep her in her home for as long as possible. Unfortunately, after his death, my mother changed significantly. They had an old alarm system that simply beeped and required a technician for any adjustments, so I spent countless hours researching new alarm and CCTV systems. After receiving quotes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, I eventually partnered with a company in Houston. However, when they installed the system, I realized the touch keypad was far too complicated for my mother. She needed something straightforward—just the basics of arming to stay, arming to leave, and disarming.
We also wanted to integrate a camera system so we could stay connected with her. I live in New York and can’t relocate because the only doctor who has successfully treated Stage 4 Renal Cancer is based here. My brother lives in Oahu, where he has settled down with his family. My parents cultivated many deep friendships, and their home was always filled with visitors bringing food and keeping Mom company.
After selling our three-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, Doug and I moved into a new place. Initially, we planned to return to Texas to support Mom after Dad’s passing, but my cancer diagnosis shifted those plans. Thankfully, I found Dr. Kotecha, who has a unique ability to manage what is typically a terminal illness. For now, I need to stay in New York until my treatment stabilizes.
When we relocated, we installed a Ring Doorbell camera, an interior camera, and one for our small outdoor area. I discussed options with my brother, who recently installed a Ring system at his home. This led us to decide on a Ring alarm and camera system for Mom’s house, allowing us to monitor her from afar.
Our plan worked flawlessly. We replaced her outdated alarm with a Ring system, placing cameras in critical areas. The upgraded Ring cameras could distinguish between people, branches, and small animals, and we even installed a few in the kitchen and living room. The difference has been remarkable. We now receive notifications whenever someone is detected, when the alarm goes off, and when the lights turn off at night. After my mother recently broke her hip, we spent a lot of time with her, and this system has allowed us to check in on her well-being.
One of the best features of Ring is the ability to invite other Ring owners to share cameras and alarm systems with their own equipment. This has created a network of support among my brother, his wife, my husband, and me. We can effortlessly monitor Mom’s activities, enhancing our connection with her.
Ring has truly been a lifesaver for us. It has provided both my mother and me with a sense of peace we didn’t have before. For years, I felt guilty about not being able to return to Texas, but now, with the ability to see what’s happening at her house, it feels like I’m right there with her. If I notice that no one has visited or she’s having a tough day, I call her; if she’s busy, I don’t. This system has strengthened our bond, which is invaluable.
If you have a loved one you want to keep an eye on, I wholeheartedly recommend this system. It’s user-friendly and offers great protection. Just make sure to choose cameras that can detect people, as that is crucial. I hope this review helps others as much as it has helped me.