Ring Alarm 8-piece kit (2nd Gen) by Ring

Curated from 88 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: September 23, 2024

Ring Alarm 8-piece kit (2nd Gen) by Ring

Brand: Ring
Price: $249
Snoop Score:
6.9
Sentiment
5.3
Popularity
5.0
Technical
8.1

Snoop's Take

The Ring Alarm 8-piece kit (2nd Gen) is a DIY home security system designed for small living spaces. It combines a Base Station, Keypad, Contact Sensors, Motion Detector, and Range Extender to safeguard your home with minimal fuss. Consumer feedback reveals a divided but lively debate: on one hand, users rave about features like audible alerts and long-lasting batteries, with one remarking, "I like the fact that it chimes whenever a door or window opens when I'm working from home." On the other hand, grumbles over connectivity issues and unclear subscription hikes emerge frequently. The system’s ease of installation and effective backup options draw consistent praise, even as some concerns about network limitations persist. In summary, while the product delivers on core security and ease-of-use, its drawbacks such as subscription price increases and connectivity constraints suggest a cautious recommendation for those with modest security needs.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Alarm Systems

Ring has been great. Love the peace of mind.

Positive Feedback

I wouldn’t even mount the keypad until you know you’re gonna use it.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.9
Ring Alarm 8-piece kit (2nd Gen) by Ring
Vehicle Protection
4 / 10
Residential Security
9 / 10
Office Safety
9 / 10
Remote Monitoring
8 / 10
See how this compares to all Alarm Systems

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Automation reminders for arming/disarming based on location
Ring has been great. Love the peace of mind.
Low subscription fees making the system cost effective
At $100 a year and a couple hundred for initial startup, I think people are silly to not have a security system.
Good base station range with an effective extender included
The base station has good range. I never had an issue with it and they include an extender.
Effective backup features (cellular and internet)
The backup cellular kicks in and continues to arm.
Pro adds internet backup which is useful for the cameras as otherwise they will not record anything.
New monitoring plan adds advanced features (local storage, 24/7 backup internet)
This is a new level of Ring Protect that includes the local storage feature, a new 24/7 backup internet option.
Fast alarm notifications and police dispatch
Never had an issue with my alarm not contacting me to verify there's an issue.
Good integration with existing Ring devices and Z‑Wave locks
I think it's one of the best values still, esp if you already have other ring cameras and doorbells.
Easy DIY retrofit installation
It’s easy. You can do it.
Super simple.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Underutilized keypad that sees minimal use
I wouldn’t even mount the keypad until you know you’re gonna use it.
Retrofit kit limitations: wireless sensors do not work, only hardwired ones function
Wireless sensors won’t work. Only hard wired work with retro kit.
Unclear upgrade path for network integration (e.g. Wi‑Fi 6E compatibility issues)
the upgrade path to Wi-Fi 6E when eero is integrated with the Alarm Pro is still unclear to me.
Forced built-in router requirement limits network flexibility
You cannot have one without the other. It has to be the primary router.
It seems like an odd choice effectively forcing a change of the WIFI setup, and not just that but to a specific router model.
Higher monitoring subscription costs
If pay for monitoring, pro is a better value.
Wireless, battery‑powered design seen as a downgrade from hardwired systems
Ring security system is a cheap DIY replacement. DSC is a Honda Civic, Ring is a tricycle.
Retrofitting may require additional components (transformers) for proper installation
You may need to get a 12v DC transformer for your wired motion sensors.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Ring Alarm Pro 14-Piece KitRing Alarm Pro 14-Piece Kit$379
7.8
DetailsBuy
Ring Alarm 8-piece kit (2nd Gen) by RingRing Alarm 8-piece kit (2nd Gen) by Ring$249
6.9
DetailsBuy
tolviviov Home Alarm System (2nd Gen)tolviviov Home Alarm System (2nd Gen)$89
4.1
DetailsBuy
LIFKOME 1Set Wired Door Security Sensor Alarm System for Home and Bedroom SafetyLIFKOME 1Set Wired Door Security Sensor Alarm System for Home and Bedroom Safety$7
3.0
DetailsBuy

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Potential product obsolescence and hardware repurposing due to standard Z-Wave components
A lot of Home Assistant users buy the kits on sale for use entirely locally instead of using the Ring platform as it’s cheaper than buying the pieces separately from other manufacturers.
I have the original ring system and I’m very happy with it… But I don’t expect it to last forever.
is there rumors of Amazon killing ring?

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Ownership transfer process requires device reset and careful account management
I mean new devices wound all need setting up anyway and the ring app is very friendly to setup devices.
Ring even says same.
Insurance discounts offset subscription costs
I basically get paid $5 a year to have the ring subscription, as my insurance discounts my bill more than the yearly cost of the subscription.
The discount my homeowners insurance gives me for having a monitored alarm more than pays for the yearly subscription.
Insurance company gives me a discount that is greater than the amount of the ring subscription.
Uncertainty over compatibility with T‑Mobile home internet
If I got the pro version who that cause problems with the t mobile?

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Wi‑Fi connectivity issues in the ecosystem (e.g., with Wi‑Fi 6 networks)
For some reason I could not get my Ring doorbell to connect to the wifi 6 network no matter what I did.
Confusing resistor requirements in retrofit installations
What would the resistors look like? So I should use a multimeter first before ordering the retrofit kits.
In my opinion you should not use any resistors when moving to the ring.

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