Ring subscription pricing and plan options
Ring offers two paid subscription plans: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. Basic costs $3 per month or $30 per year and covers a single device. Plus costs $10 per month or $100 per year and covers all Ring devices at your location. Both plans include video recording, cloud storage, and motion alerts. Ring also offers a free tier with no subscription, though it limits you to live view and two-way talk without recorded video or cloud storage.
The price you pay depends on which plan you choose and whether you pay monthly or annually. Paying annually saves you money compared to monthly payments — Basic annual costs $30 versus $36 if you pay $3 monthly for twelve months, and Plus annual costs $100 versus $120 if you pay $10 monthly for twelve months.
Ring occasionally runs promotional pricing, particularly during major shopping events. These promotions typically offer discounted first-year rates, after which the standard price applies. Check Ring's website or your device settings to see current pricing in your region, as rates can vary slightly by location.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Protect Basic costs $3 per month or $30 per year and covers one device with video recording and cloud storage.
- Ring Protect Plus costs $10 per month or $100 per year and covers all Ring devices at your location with the same features.
- Paying annually instead of monthly saves approximately $6 on Basic and $20 on Plus over twelve months.
- A free Ring subscription exists but only provides live view and two-way talk without video recording or cloud storage.
What Ring Protect Basic includes
Ring Protect Basic records video from one Ring device and stores it in the cloud for 60 days. You receive motion alerts on your phone when the camera detects movement, and you can watch live video and talk two-way through the device at any time. The plan also includes video snapshots, which Ring takes periodically throughout the day even without motion detection.
Basic works for a single device only — if you own multiple Ring cameras or doorbells, you would need a separate Basic subscription for each one, making it more expensive than switching to Plus. The 60-day cloud storage window means older recordings disappear automatically after two months.
What Ring Protect Plus includes
Ring Protect Plus covers all Ring devices at your address under one subscription. Like Basic, it records video and stores it for 60 days, sends motion alerts, and includes live view and two-way talk. The main difference is the scope: one Plus subscription protects your doorbell, outdoor cameras, indoor cameras, and any other Ring devices you own, rather than requiring a separate subscription per device.
Plus also includes professional monitoring for Ring Alarm systems if you have one. This means Ring's monitoring center can contact emergency services on your behalf if your alarm is triggered, though this feature only applies if you have a Ring Alarm system as part of your setup. The professional monitoring is included in the Plus price with no additional cost.
Devices covered by each subscription tier
| Feature | Ring Protect Basic | Ring Protect Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Number of devices covered | One device only | All devices at your location |
| Video recording | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud storage duration | 60 days | 60 days |
| Motion alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Live view and two-way talk | Yes | Yes |
| Professional alarm monitoring | No | Yes (if you have Ring Alarm) |
| Video snapshots | Yes | Yes |
When to choose Basic versus Plus
Choose Basic if you own only one Ring device and want to record video and receive alerts from that single camera or doorbell. The $3 monthly cost makes sense for a single device, and you get the same 60-day cloud storage and motion detection as Plus.
Choose Plus if you own two or more Ring devices. The math shifts quickly: two Basic subscriptions cost $6 per month, while Plus costs $10 per month and covers both devices plus any future Ring devices you add. If you have a Ring Alarm system, Plus also includes professional monitoring, which would otherwise require a separate service contract. Most households with multiple cameras find Plus more practical and less expensive than stacking Basic subscriptions.
How to manage your Ring subscription
You can view, change, or cancel your Ring subscription through the Ring app on your phone or through Ring's website. Open the app, tap the menu icon, select "Subscriptions," and you will see your current plan, renewal date, and billing history. From this screen you can upgrade to Plus, downgrade to Basic, or cancel entirely.
If you cancel your subscription, you lose access to video recording and cloud storage when ready, though you keep live view and two-way talk on your devices. If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can do so at any time — there is no penalty for pausing and restarting a subscription.
Changes to your subscription take effect on your next billing date. If you upgrade mid-cycle, Ring prorates the charge so you only pay for the days remaining in your current billing period. If you downgrade, the change applies at your next renewal.
Free Ring features without a subscription
Ring devices work without any paid subscription. The free tier includes live view, two-way talk, and motion alerts sent to your phone. What you lose is video recording — without a subscription, your Ring device does not save video to the cloud, so you cannot watch what happened while you were away. You also do not receive video snapshots.
The free option works if you mainly want to talk to people at your door in real time or check in on your home while you are there. It does not work if you need to review what happened during the day or overnight, since nothing is recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one Ring Protect Plus subscription for devices at two different addresses?
No. Ring Protect Plus covers all devices at a single location only. If you have Ring devices at a second home or property, you would need a separate Plus subscription for that address. Each subscription is tied to one physical location.
What happens to my recorded videos if I cancel my subscription?
Your existing recordings are deleted when your subscription ends. Ring does not keep them in storage after your plan expires. If you want to save important footage, read it through the Ring app before you cancel.
Does Ring Protect include professional monitoring for all alarm systems?
Professional monitoring is only included with Ring Protect Plus if you have a Ring Alarm system. It does not explore to other alarm brands or security systems. If you have a Ring Alarm, the monitoring is built into the Plus subscription at no extra charge.
Can I switch between Basic and Plus whenever I want?
Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade through the Ring app at any time. Changes take effect on your next billing date, and Ring prorates charges if you change plans mid-cycle. There are no fees or penalties for switching between plans.
Is there a discount if I pay for a full year upfront?
Yes. Ring Protect Basic costs $30 per year if paid annually, versus $36 if you pay $3 monthly. Ring Protect Plus costs $100 per year if paid annually, versus $120 if you pay $10 monthly. Annual payment saves you money on both plans.