I currently have a second-gen Ring alarm with the basic monitoring package, which is being phased out next year. I’ve never been thrilled with the camera quality on my Ring Doorbell Pro or Floodlight Cam, so I’m considering switching to Google/Nest for those. I’m also thinking of replacing the rest of my alarm system. Here’s what I’m looking for:
8 basic sensors for doors and windows
3 motion sensors
Fire monitoring (I have a Ring listener now, so I’d like something similar)
Two keypads + the ability to arm/disarm with Z-Wave locks
Monitored with dispatch for entry and fire via ethernet with LTE backup
Wired doorbell cam + floodlight cam
I’m also debating using an Alula Connect+/Cryptix system I already have, getting Nest products, and doing monitoring through Alarm Relay. But I always thought the Alula system was a bit clunky, so I switched to Ring when my 3G card stopped working. Ring was a good deal at the time—an Amazon sale helped, plus I saved $12/month on monitoring.
I’m open to different brands and monitoring companies. I can run low-voltage or PoE if needed. My budget is around $25/month for monitoring, $750 for the panel + sensors, and $500 for front and back video.
I usually recommend Abode Security for an affordable option, but they don’t offer smoke detectors. Another option is ADT, which offers both ADT and Nest Aware for monitoring, starting at $44.99. It’s higher than your budget, but here’s why I like them:
Easy installation
Encrypted sensors with two-way voice
Backup cellular connection (with paid plans)
Cameras and smart locks available
Apps are owned and run by the company, not a third party (unlike Alarm.com, which can drive prices up)
Clear pricing and plans
At your price point, you might also want to check out Cove. They’ve switched to their own platform and have partnered with Eufy, which could be a good match for you. They have smoke detectors now, too. Cove’s newer system feels like a mix of devices, but it could work for you. Here are some videos on your options:
@andywilsonn21
Abode was high on my list when I first got the Ring system.
I think Cove might be a better fit for me now, especially since they support Z-Wave. I actually kind of like that they have a mix of devices. The Eufy gear also looks promising—it seems to do what I want without being locked into Google’s ecosystem.
ADT makes sense for a lot of people, but I’m struggling to justify the cost. I get the appeal of having everything in one app, but aside from that, I don’t see the value. Still, you’ve definitely got me looking deeper into Eufy now!
@MaryJane
Eufy’s not a bad choice, but they did have a security issue last year, which they’ve since patched. Their initial response wasn’t great, though—kind of brushed it off. Here’s an article about it: Eufy Security Issue. I liked them before the issue and I still do now that they’ve fixed it. And now that Eufy works with Cove, it makes them even more appealing since you can control everything in one app.
I like Ring for its affordable motion sensors and monitoring. Last week, my alarm went off, but the siren didn’t wake me. The Ring operator called me, woke me up, and offered to call dispatch right away. Since my cameras didn’t show anything, she stayed on the line while I checked the house. I know the cameras can be jammed, so I have a secondary system with wired cams. Do you know what the new Ring fees will be?
@Christine
I also like the motion sensors, especially how they’re shaped to fit in corners. But I really dislike the cameras. I had a Nest doorbell with facial recognition and much better image quality than Ring’s cameras. It’s surprising that Ring hasn’t caught up yet.
Anyway, here’s what the email I got says:
>Starting on your first renewal after March 1, 2025, your plan will transition to Ring Home Standard with Alarm Professional Monitoring, and your price will increase from $10/month or $100/year to $19.99/month or $199.99/year, plus taxes.
>Before the transition, you’ll have the option to remove Alarm Professional Monitoring and keep your plan at its current price. We’ll send a reminder at least 30 days before your plan transitions.
>By keeping Ring Home Standard with Alarm Professional Monitoring, you’ll continue to enjoy your current perks, plus these new features launching on November 5, 2024:
Extended Live View: Watch what your camera sees for up to 30 minutes at a time.
Doorbell Calls: Get a call-like alert when someone’s at your door.
Video Preview Alerts: Get a short video clip preview with motion alerts.
So nothing crazy, but that price increase has me looking at other options. I don’t mind paying $10/month for a basic system, but if I’m paying more, I might as well get something better.
Christine said: @MaryJane
Thanks for sharing! I didn’t get the pricing details in my email. If enough people leave, maybe they’ll reconsider the price hike.
They’re doubling the price, so unless more than 50% of users leave, they’ll still profit. I doubt that many people will go. The new price is still cheaper than a lot of other options.
I’m thinking about switching to a self-monitored wired system. Police and fire departments don’t always take Ring calls seriously due to false alarms. I’m tired of these companies bait-and-switching with prices after you’re locked into their ecosystems.