Ring Cameras: Comparison Chart & Overview

While Ring may be best known for their video doorbells, they offer several options for smart security cameras as well. The brand doesn’t have quite the same breadth as competitors like Nest or Arlo, but the company has recently released cameras that take major steps forward in features, performance, and smart control.

What Makes Ring Cameras Special?

There are several ways that Ring differentiates itself from other leading brands like Nest or Arlo.

The Ring subscription is increasingly affordable, starting at just $3 per month for up to 60 days of cloud storage. This makes the brand an attractive option for those looking to minimize their monthly fees while still enjoying access to lengthy storage and useful features.

The new Ring Stick Up Cam Wired is also one of the only models that offers a Power over Ethernet option — combining stable internet access and reliable power in a single Ethernet cord.

Outside of the cameras themselves, the brand offers a complete solution for smart home security with the Ring Doorbells and the Ring Alarm security system which offers 24/7 professional monitoring.

What is the Ring Lineup?

The Ring Stick Up Cam Elite records in 1080p HD at 30 FPS. Notable features include two-way audio, advanced motion and sound detection enhanced with person recognition, support for up to 6 custom motion zones, night vision, and Amazon Alexa. The camera is suitable for both indoors and out and is equipped with a 110 dB siren that will sound in the event of an emergency. The most unique aspect of the Ring Stick Up Cam Wired is support for Power over Ethernet which allows for power and internet connections with a single cable.

The offers many of the same features as the Elite model with more flexible power options. The two cameras are about the same except for a slightly smaller field of view, less sophisticated motion detection and zones, and single band WiFi without PoE support.

The Ring Spotlight and Ring Floodlight are designed exclusively for outdoor monitoring and have most of the same features included with the Ring Stick Up Cams. The main difference between the Spotlight and Floodlight are the strengths of their lights and the associated power options.

Because the Ring Spotlight doesn’t have as powerful light, you have the option for Ring Spotlight Battery, Ring Spotlight Wired, or Ring Spotlight Hardwired connections. The Ring Floodlight is significantly less flexible with only support for hardwired connections, but the light is much brighter and will do a better job of illuminating your yard. The other main advantage of the Floodlight is the ability to zoom — a feature that is notably lacking with the Spotlight.

Ring Stick Up Cam Elite, Power over Ethernet HD...

Ring Spotlight Cam Battery HD Security Camera with...

Ring Floodlight Camera Motion-Activated HD...

How Does Ring Stack Up Compared to Other Brands?

Ring has been around for years but was recently purchased by Amazon. The brand continues to improve, and the recent release of the makes the brand an attractive option for home security. Plus, when compared to other leading brands on the market, Ring’s subscription model is particularly competitive.

The main downside to Ring is that they don’t have any option for Continuous Video Recording. However, the brand includes the Doorbell and Alarm products that can complement Ring cameras to build a complete home security system.

Which is the Best Ring Camera for Indoors?

The best option for indoor monitoring is definitely the Ring Stick Up Cam Elite.

With this model you’ll have access to 1080p recording with zoom and the ability to view Live View whenever you please. Other features include two-way audio, night vision, a built-in siren, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa. Plus, a fantastic 150-degree horizontal field of view, advanced motion detection, WiFi support, and Power Over Ethernet.

For more information, check out our comparison of the All-New Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite.

Which is the Best Ring Camera for Outdoors?

Although the Ring Stick Up Cam can also be used outside, the brand offers the Ring Spotlight and Ring Floodlight as dedicated outdoor cameras.

Regardless of which model you choose, you’ll have access to 1080p HD footage recorded at 30 FPS, as well as a 140° field of view and the ability to view a live stream whenever you please. Other features include two-way audio, 2.4GHz WiFi, a built-in siren, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, and integration with the IFTTT and Stringify conditional trigger platforms.

With the Ring Spotlight, you’ll have the option for either battery or hardwired power. The wired model includes advanced night vision and motion detection, which gives it an advantage over battery power. Additionally, the 375-lumen lights are brighter than the 300 lumens offered with battery power. Downsides to this camera are mainly the lack of a zoom feature and a smaller operating temperature range of -5°F to 120°F.

The Ring Floodlight only offers a hardwired option, but what it lacks in flexibility it makes up for in features. Advanced night vision and motion detection are enabled by default, and the lights are significantly brighter with 1800 lumen LEDs. The camera also has digital zoom and a wider temperature range of -22°F to 120°F — two areas where the Ring Spotlight falls short.

Unless you really need the flexible placement of a battery-powered model, we think you’ll generally be better off with the Ring Floodlight.

For more info, see Ring Spotlight vs. Floodlight — Differences Explained.

What is the “Ring Security System”?

Ring Cameras are great options on their own, but where they really thrive is as part of a larger Ring Security System.

A complete security solution would include a Ring Doorbell, Indoor and outdoor security cameras, the Ring Alarm system for sensors to place around your home and 24/7 monitoring with the Ring Protect Plus subscription, and collaboration with the rest of the homes on your street using the unique Neighbors App.

The best collection of products is going to depend on your individual needs, but an example setup would be a few floodlights and spotlights for the exterior of your home, Ring Stick Up cams for the interior, and strategically placed sensors to instantly alert you in the event of an intrusion.

For total protection, you can even buy the Ring Security System as a kit and never have to worry about the safety of your home again.

Ring Alarm 8 Piece Kit (1st Gen) – Home Security...

Ring Alarm Smoke & CO Kit – Home Security System...

Ring Alarm 14 Piece Kit (1st Gen) – Home...

What is Ring Protect?

Even without a subscription, you’ll have access to all standard features like Ring and Motion Alerts, Custom Motion Detection, Live Video On Demand, and the ability to interact with visitors from wherever you happen to be. If you’d like the ability to record and share footage or access professional monitoring, however, you’ll need to pay for Ring Protect.

Ring Protect is the brand’s subscription plan and is offered in two tiers: Basic and Plus.

Basic is available for $3/month or $30/year and covers a single Ring Doorbell or camera. This subscription gives you access to 60 days of cloud storage for a Ring, Motion, and Live View events.

Plus costs $10/month or $100/year, and covers all Ring products at a single address. In addition to the 60 days of cloud storage offered in the Basic tier, you’ll have access to 24/7 professional monitoring should you choose to further protect your home with Ring Alarm. As an added perk, you’ll also have a small discount when you purchase Ring products through their website.

Although Ring doesn’t offer any sort of storage for free like you’d see with a brand like Arlo, their subscription plans are one of their strong points due to their very affordable prices.

Check out the Ring Protect Page for more information on how the plans are structured.

Do Ring Cameras Offer CVR?

Unfortunately, Ring Cameras do not offer Continuous Video Recording at this time. However, the Ring Stick Up Cam Wired does have the technology to support the feature.

CVR requires a lot of storage space in the cloud, which we assume is the reason why the feature hasn’t been offered. However, with the underlying tech already there, we anticipate that Amazon will add CVR in one way or another in the near future.