However, Ring has introduced measures that make it easier for customers to access and adjust their privacy and security settings, including requiring two-factor authentication for its camera-equipped devices. After learning more about Ring's partnerships with law enforcement through its Neighbors program on the Ring app, as well as some security concerns, we temporarily removed Ring products from consideration a couple years ago. I go into that at length in this commentary about Ring, but the gist is that privacy and security necessarily factor into how - and, sometimes, even whether - we review a product. Ring privacy and securityĪs far as Ring's privacy and security goes, I've felt conflicted. The updated keypad offers "one-touch buttons" to contact emergency services, but, again, I didn't test their capabilities. The sensors, keypad and app worked as expected, too, responsively sending alerts to my phone and arming and disarming the system. I can attest to the siren being very loud and scaring my two dogs, as well as my husband (sorry, y'all). You can program the siren to sound when the system is armed and unexpected activity is detected - and also manually from a button on the app, whenever you want. I also tested out the siren built into the base station that comes with this system. I tested arming and disarming the system, both from the app and from the keypad. To test out the system, I walked in front of the motion sensor and opened the doors and windows with door/window sensors attached. Some of the devices, like the keypad, come with hardware if you want to mount it to the wall for a more permanent install, which could make the overall installation time longer. It probably took me 15 minutes to set up everything from start to finish. It installed quickly, thanks to the straightforward steps in the app and the sticky tape on the back of the sensor devices. The biggest benefit it has over competitors like Wyze, or the equally cheap Kangaroo security, is cellular backup (essentially, if your power or internet goes out, they'll still be able to notify you and emergency service providers of problems). Wyze unseated Ring as our favorite budget DIY option - but that doesn't mean Ring isn't worth considering. But other budget options have entered the race in recent months - most notably Wyze Home Monitoring, which costs about half as much, both for its hardware and its monthly subscriptions. Speaking of SimpliSafe, when Ring Alarm originally launched, it represented a more budget-friendly alternative to many DIY competitors. That really stops it from competing with more full-fledged systems like SimpliSafe. That's a decent start for optional accessories, but it's disappointing that a year on, Ring Alarm still doesn't have even third-party glass-break sensors or key fobs for arming and disarming. Ring offers select partnerships between this system and third-party devices, including GE dimmer switches, a First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide detector, a Dome siren and Yale and Schlage smart locks. Note: If you ask Alexa to disarm the Alarm Security Kit, you'll be asked to say the same secret four-digit PIN you enter on the keypad to arm and disarm the system. You can also use an Alexa speaker or display to arm and disarm your system - or to ask for the status of the system.
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