Ring doorbells or cameras can be fantastic devices. You can go to the local big electronic store and mount the device to your house, and you are good to go. However, you might wonder about the subscription costs and whether a Ring device is worth it without one.
Let's look at the Ring subscription pricing in Australia, and explore the total cost of ownership that the other review sites don't cover.
by Bryce Whitty
Bryce is a registered Security Advisor who started ProtectFind to help people get the right security system for their goals.
1
How Much Does a Ring Subscription Cost in Australia?
In Australia, Ring offers two primary subscription plans: the Ring Protect Basic and the Ring Protect Plus.
Ring Protect Basic
This Plan is tailored for single-device users and costs AUD $4.95 per month or AUD $49.95 per year. With the Basic Plan, you get:
- Video Recording: Save and review video recordings for up to 180 days.
- Snapshot Capture: View snapshots between recorded events.
- Rich Notifications: Get photo previews in your alerts.
- Person Alerts: Receive alerts specifically when a person is detected.
Ring Protect Plus
The Plus plan is designed for households with multiple Ring devices. It's priced at AUD $15 per month or AUD $150 per year and includes:
- Unlimited Devices: Coverage for all Ring devices at your location.
- Extended Warranty: Extended warranties for all devices under the subscription.
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring: For Ring Alarm users, this includes professional monitoring services.
- Discounts: 10% off select products on Ring.com.
2
Using a Ring Device Without a Subscription
Basic Features Available Without a Subscription
- Live View: Access the live video feed from your Ring device.
- Motion Alerts: Receive alerts when motion is detected.
- Two-Way Talk: Communicate with visitors through your device's microphone and speaker.
- Real-Time Notifications: Get instant alerts on your phone when someone rings your doorbell or triggers the motion sensor.
Key Features You Lose Without a Subscription
- Video Recording: Without a subscription, you cannot record or save videos. Once an event is over, the video is gone forever.
- Snapshot Capture: You lose the ability to see snapshots taken between motion-triggered events.
- Rich Notifications and Person Alerts: You only receive basic alerts without image previews or specific alerts for people.
- Extended Warranty and Discounts: These benefits are unavailable without a subscription.
3
Ring Subscription Total Cost of Ownership
You would generally hope to get at least five years out of your device, so we have calculated the total cost of ownership over five years.
As the time of writing, the "Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro" is $349, so we are going to use that in our examples.
If you choose to pay for your Ring subscription per month:
Header | Month | Year | 5 Years | + Inital Hardware Price ($349) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic | $4.90 | $59.40 | $297 | $646 |
Plus | $15 | $180 | $900 | $1249 |
Header | Month | Year | 5 Years | Header | + Inital Hardware Price ($349) | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic | $4.90 | $59.40 | $297 |
| $646 |
|
Plus | $15 | $180 | $900 |
| $1249 |
|
It works out a little cheaper if you opt for annual payments:
Header | Year | 5 Years | + Inital Hardware Price ($349) |
|---|---|---|---|
Basic | $49.95 | $249.75 | $598.75 |
Plus | $150 | $750 | $1099 |
Some of these prices start to enter the realm of proper, wired, prosumer-grade hardware when you look at the cost over five years. Be sure to take that into account when considering your security solution.
Header | Month | Year | 5 Years | Header | + Inital Hardware Price ($349) | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic | $49.95 | $249.75 | $297 |
| $598.75 |
|
Plus | $150 | $750 | $900 |
| $1099 |
|
4
Do you Really Own Hardware with a Subscription?
Every year Ring users learn that the terms of their previous purchase can change at any time. They can either agree to the new terms, have their hardware hobbled, or abandon their hardware entirely, which is particularly bitter if they have a few devices in the Ring ecosystem.
Back in 2020, another smart device manufacturer, Arlo, changed its terms. Owners of devices that previously did not need a subscription were now disabled with the message "This device is inactive. A paid Arlo subscription is required to activate the device."
Many of their customers may have bought that device because it didn't require a subscription, but the terms changed. Ring users are not immune from the same thing.
When you buy devices that require a subscription, do you really own them?
I am not against subscriptions entirely, as these companies need to spend real money to cover cloud hosting costs to host your videos. What I am against is crippling the device if people choose to not pay for the subscription.
I generally recommend Eufy in the wireless-battery category of doorbells and cameras. It costs a little more initially (in the case of the doorbells, only $40), but you are not at the mercy of paying a subscription to maintain its functionality.
Or even better, a wired solution like Dahua or Hikvision installed by a licensed security installer.
5
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Monthly Fee for a Ring Doorbell?
Yes, there is a monthly fee for Ring doorbell subscriptions if you want to access advanced features. Ring offers two main subscription plans in Australia: Ring Protect Basic, which costs AUD $4.95 per month, and Ring Protect Plus, which costs AUD $15 per month. These plans provide benefits like video recording, snapshot capture, and enhanced notifications.
Is It Worth Having a Ring Doorbell Without a Subscription?
Having a Ring doorbell without a subscription can be limiting. Without a subscription, you can access live view, motion alerts, and two-way talk, but you won't be able to record or save videos. This means you lose the ability to review or share past events, which is a crucial feature for security purposes. For comprehensive security, a subscription is highly recommended.
How Long Are Ring Videos Saved Without a Subscription?
Without a subscription, Ring devices do not save videos at all. You can only view live events as they happen. If you want to save, review, and share video recordings, you need to subscribe to one of Ring's Protect plans. With a subscription, videos can be saved for up to 180 days.
Does Ring Doorbell Record All the Time?
No, Ring doorbells do not record continuously. They are designed to record when they detect motion or when the doorbell button is pressed. Continuous recording is not available, but the device will capture short clips during these events. With a subscription, these recordings are saved and accessible for later review.
Do Ring Cameras Work Without Wi-Fi?
Ring cameras require a Wi-Fi connection to function. They need Wi-Fi to send real-time notifications, stream live video, and upload recordings to the cloud. Without Wi-Fi, you won't be able to access the live feed or receive alerts, making the device practically non-functional.
How Long Does a Ring Battery Last?
The battery life of a Ring doorbell or camera depends on usage and settings. On average, a Ring battery lasts between 6 to 12 months with standard use. Frequent motion detection, live viewing, and low temperatures can reduce battery life. Regularly checking and charging the battery ensures uninterrupted operation.
Does a Ring Doorbell Work with an iPhone?
Yes, a Ring doorbell works with an iPhone. The Ring app is available on the Apple App Store and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Through the app, you can receive notifications, view live video, and manage your Ring device settings, ensuring seamless integration with your Apple devices.
Hopefully, that clears up some of your questions about CCTV camera installation costs. If you still have any additional questions, you can email us here, and I'll be happy to answer them.
6
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, that clears up some of your questions about Ring subscription costs in Australia. If you still have any additional questions, you can email us here, and I'll be happy to answer them.
