Is Ring Professional Monitoring Worth It
The popularity of DIY home security systems has exploded in recent years, with Ring leading the charge. A core component of Ring's appeal is its optional professional monitoring service, but is it really worth the added cost? This article explores the value proposition of Ring Professional Monitoring, weighing its benefits against its price and potential drawbacks.
Ring Professional Monitoring, offered by Amazon-owned Ring, provides 24/7 surveillance and emergency response for Ring Alarm security systems. Users pay a monthly or annual fee to have a monitoring center contact emergency services on their behalf when an alarm is triggered. Understanding whether this service provides genuine peace of mind or simply adds unnecessary expense is crucial for potential and current Ring customers.
What Does Ring Professional Monitoring Offer?
Ring Professional Monitoring's primary feature is round-the-clock monitoring. When a sensor is tripped, whether from a door opening, motion detection, or smoke alarm, the monitoring center is alerted.
The center attempts to contact the homeowner via the Ring app or phone to verify the alarm. If contact cannot be made or the homeowner confirms an emergency, the monitoring center dispatches the appropriate emergency services, like police, fire department, or ambulance.
Key Features and Benefits
One of the significant benefits is the immediate response, especially valuable when homeowners are away or unable to respond. It ensures that potential emergencies are addressed promptly, potentially minimizing damage or harm.
Professional monitoring can also provide added security during power outages or when Wi-Fi connectivity is interrupted, thanks to cellular backup available with certain Ring Alarm plans. This ensures the system remains operational even when primary communication lines are down.
Cost vs. Value
Ring offers different tiers of professional monitoring plans. The Protect Basic plan does not include professional monitoring, while the Protect Plus plan and higher do. The cost varies, but it's essential to compare the expense against the potential benefits.
Consider the cost of potential losses from a break-in or fire. Also factor in the peace of mind knowing someone is watching over your home, even when you can't.
Alternatives and Considerations
DIY monitoring is an alternative. Users can self-monitor their Ring system through the app. They receive notifications and can contact emergency services themselves if needed.
Self-monitoring requires vigilance and the ability to respond quickly, which may not be feasible for everyone. Additionally, some insurance companies offer discounts for homes with professionally monitored security systems. This could help offset some of the cost.
Impact and Conclusion
The decision to invest in Ring Professional Monitoring hinges on individual needs and circumstances. For those seeking complete peace of mind and a robust security system, the service offers valuable benefits.
However, homeowners who are comfortable with self-monitoring and can respond promptly to alerts may find it unnecessary. Ultimately, weighing the cost against the potential risks and personal preferences is the key to determining whether Ring Professional Monitoring is truly worth it.
The Bottom Line: Evaluate your individual needs, compare costs, and consider the potential benefits to make an informed decision about Ring Professional Monitoring.
