Amazon-owned Ring has made headlines for its move to double the price of its alarm monitoring service for long-time customers, particularly those who were grandfathered into lower-cost plans. Ring’s home security systems, once hailed for their affordable, cutting-edge technology, now come with a price tag that has left many users questioning their commitment to the platform. With the price of alarm monitoring services doubling for these grandfathered users, it’s critical to understand how this impacts both existing customers and the broader home security market.
This detailed breakdown will explain the rationale behind Ring’s price hike, examine its potential implications, and explore alternatives for those who may be reconsidering their subscription. If you’re a Ring customer, it’s time to determine whether sticking with the service or exploring other options is the right choice.
Why Ring Became Popular: A Snapshot of Its Market Strategy
Ring revolutionized home security when it first launched, thanks in large part to its affordable yet effective home monitoring solutions. Initially offering its Ring Protect Plus plan at just $10 per month (or $100 annually), the company made professional monitoring accessible to a wider audience. This competitive pricing made it easy for homeowners and renters to protect their properties without breaking the bank.
When Amazon acquired Ring in 2018, many feared price increases would follow. Instead, Amazon allowed customers who subscribed early on to keep their low-cost plans, effectively grandfathering them into the legacy pricing structure. However, it seems that even those early promises couldn’t hold out forever, as Ring has now announced its intent to double the cost of its alarm monitoring service for these customers starting in 2025.
The Details of the Price Hike
For several years, customers who joined Ring’s home security platform early were enjoying professional monitoring services at an exceptionally low rate. The original $10 per month pricing for monitoring services was significantly cheaper than that of competitors like SimpliSafe or ADT, which attracted many to the service.
However, beginning January 1, 2025, Ring customers who were previously grandfathered into the $10 per month (or $100 per year) monitoring service will see their prices jump to $20 per month (or $200 per year). This effectively doubles the cost of Ring’s alarm monitoring for these loyal customers, who have enjoyed lower rates for several years.
Customer Reactions to the Price Increase
Many customers have expressed their displeasure with Ring’s decision to raise prices so drastically. The primary issue is not just the price hike itself, but how the company communicated—or rather, failed to clearly communicate—the impending increase. While the new pricing model was technically announced in 2021, the fine print in emails left many customers feeling blindsided when they received the more detailed notice about the change recently.
For some, the issue lies in the trust that was built over years of using Ring’s products and services. Many believed they were “locked in” to their original pricing, and now feel the rug has been pulled out from under them. The perception of a lack of transparency has caused some long-term users to consider switching to other home security services.
Why Is Ring Doubling Prices?
There are a few reasons why Ring may have decided to increase prices for its alarm monitoring services. While some of these factors are external, others are related to the company’s internal operations and expansion goals.
1. Rising Operational Costs
One of the most straightforward reasons behind Ring’s decision could be the rising operational costs. As the demand for cloud storage, data processing, and 24/7 monitoring grows, the cost of providing these services has also increased. Server infrastructure, cybersecurity, and human resource management all contribute to the growing expense of maintaining an affordable monitoring service.
Ring may have been absorbing these costs for years, but with inflation and rising expenses across various sectors, doubling the price of its alarm monitoring service might have become inevitable. Ring is not alone in raising prices, as several other technology and security companies have also increased costs over the past few years due to similar pressures.
2. Development of New Features
As part of its justification for the price increase, Ring has pointed to the development and rollout of new features for its Ring Protect Pro plan. Features like enhanced video recording, cloud storage, and more sophisticated AI-based motion detection have been costly investments for the company. These upgrades aim to improve the customer experience, but they also require more resources to maintain.
In addition, Ring has expanded its smart home ecosystem to include various devices like cameras, smart doorbells, floodlights, and sensors. Integrating all these devices with a monitoring plan adds complexity, and that complexity often comes with a price increase.
3. Competing in a Saturated Market
The home security industry has become increasingly competitive, with more companies vying for a share of the market. Ring’s competitors, including ADT, SimpliSafe, and Google Nest, have all upped their game, offering more advanced features, competitive pricing, and enhanced security measures. To stay competitive, Ring needs to invest in research and development, as well as marketing efforts to maintain and grow its customer base.
While Ring may still offer one of the most affordable monitoring services compared to others, the company may have felt the need to raise prices to stay financially sustainable while delivering value to customers.
How Grandfathered Customers Can Navigate the Price Hike
If you’re one of the customers affected by Ring’s price increase, it’s important to evaluate your options. Here are some steps you can take to determine whether continuing with Ring is the right choice for you, or if it’s time to explore alternatives.
1. Review What’s Included in Ring’s New Pricing
Before deciding to cancel your Ring subscription, take a moment to review what the new pricing includes. For $20 per month (or $200 annually), Ring Protect Pro offers a robust suite of services:
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Cellular backup in case of internet outages
- Real-time alerts and notifications
- Video recording and cloud storage for up to 180 days
- Extended warranties on all Ring devices
Ring’s services remain highly competitive, even with the price increase, and the new features included in the Protect Pro plan could justify the cost for many customers. It’s important to weigh the benefits of these features against the price increase before making any decisions.
2. Consider Ring’s Equipment Compatibility and Ecosystem
One of Ring’s biggest advantages is its extensive ecosystem of security devices. If you’ve already invested in multiple Ring products—such as cameras, doorbells, and security sensors—switching to a new provider might be more costly than staying with Ring.
Additionally, Ring devices are known for their ease of use and integration with Amazon Alexa, providing a seamless experience for those who already use Amazon’s smart home products. If you’re already heavily invested in the Ring ecosystem, the convenience of staying within that system may outweigh the cost increase.
3. Explore Other Home Security Providers
If you’re not convinced that Ring’s price increase is worth it, you can explore alternative home security providers. Several companies offer competitive monitoring services with similar features. Here are some top alternatives to consider:
- SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe is known for offering flexible pricing plans and a range of customizable security packages. They offer professional monitoring starting at $17.99 per month, making them slightly cheaper than Ring’s new price point. Plus, SimpliSafe doesn’t require a contract, giving you more freedom to switch providers if needed.
- ADT: ADT is one of the most well-established names in the home security industry. Although their monthly monitoring fees are generally higher than Ring’s, ADT provides professional-grade equipment and monitoring services that many customers find valuable. ADT also offers smart home integration and cellular backup.
- Google Nest: Google’s Nest Secure system provides advanced smart home integration, allowing users to control their security system through Google Assistant. However, their monitoring fees are similar to Ring’s new prices, and their hardware can be more expensive.
- Frontpoint: Frontpoint offers high-end security solutions with professional monitoring starting at $44.99 per month. While this is more expensive than Ring, Frontpoint is known for exceptional customer service and customizable security systems.
4. Negotiate With Ring’s Customer Service
For customers who feel that the price increase is too steep, reaching out to Ring’s customer service may be worth the effort. In some cases, companies are willing to offer discounts or alternative pricing options to keep long-time customers on board. While there’s no guarantee that Ring will provide a discount, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
5. Reevaluate Your Home Security Needs
Finally, it may be time to reconsider your overall home security needs. If your home has experienced minimal security risks over the years, you might opt for a more basic security setup or even a self-monitored system. Several DIY security systems are available that don’t require monthly fees, allowing you to monitor your home via smartphone without professional monitoring services.
Long-Term Implications for Ring and the Industry
Ring’s decision to double the price of its monitoring services for grandfathered customers is a sign of the times. As more companies enter the home security space, competition and the cost of delivering cutting-edge technology continue to rise. This move could mark the beginning of a trend where affordable home security systems become less accessible as companies focus on maximizing revenue and investing in new features.
For Ring, this price hike may result in some customer churn as grandfathered users opt to switch providers. However, the company likely expects that many users will choose to remain with Ring due to its comprehensive ecosystem, ease of use, and integration with other smart home products. Moreover, the new features included in the Protect Pro plan may entice customers to see the value in paying more for improved services.
From an industry-wide perspective, we may see more price increases as home security companies strive to maintain profitability while keeping up with technological advancements. For customers, this could mean fewer affordable options in the years to come.
Conclusion: Is Ring Still Worth It?
For many customers, Ring’s alarm monitoring service is still one of the most comprehensive and affordable options available, even after the price increase. However, it’s understandable that a 100% price hike could be a dealbreaker for some, especially those who were grandfathered into the original lower pricing.
Ultimately, whether Ring is still worth it depends on your specific home security needs, how much you’ve invested in the Ring ecosystem, and how you feel about the company’s new pricing model. For those willing to explore other options, there are plenty of competitors in the market offering similar services at competitive prices.
However, Ring’s seamless integration with Amazon Alexa, growing range of smart home products, and continued development of new features may make the price increase more palatable for long-time users. As the home security industry continues to evolve, Ring remains a powerful player, albeit one with higher costs for its customers.
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