Ring subscription pricing and what you get

Ring offers two paid subscription tiers for video doorbell and camera owners. Ring Protect Basic costs $3 per month or $30 per year and covers one device with cloud video storage and 24/7 professional monitoring. Ring Protect Plus costs $10 per month or $100 per year and covers all devices on your account with the same features plus professional monitoring, video storage, and extended warranty coverage.

Both plans store video in the cloud for 60 days, meaning you can review footage from the past two months. Without a subscription, your Ring device records video but stores nothing — you see only live feeds. The professional monitoring service means a monitoring center can contact emergency services if your alarm is triggered, though this applies only if you have a Ring Alarm system connected to your account.

Ring also offers a Ring Protect Pro tier in some regions at $20 per month, which adds 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring Alarm systems and extended video storage. Availability and pricing vary by location and whether you bundle it with other Ring services.

Key Takeaways

  • Ring Protect Basic costs $3 monthly or $30 yearly and covers one device with 60 days of cloud video storage.
  • Ring Protect Plus costs $10 monthly or $100 yearly and covers all devices on your account with the same storage and adds professional alarm monitoring if you have a Ring Alarm system.
  • Without any subscription, your Ring device records live video but does not store it in the cloud.
  • Professional monitoring services contact emergency responders only if you have a Ring Alarm system; video subscriptions alone do not include this feature.

What cloud video storage actually means

When you pay for a Ring subscription, you are paying for the ability to watch recorded video after the fact. Ring's servers store your video for 60 days, and you can rewatch it through the Ring app on your phone or computer. Without this subscription, your device still records when motion is detected or someone presses the doorbell, but that video disappears — you can only watch live feeds in real time.

The 60-day window resets as new video comes in. If your doorbell records 10 videos in a month, the oldest ones start disappearing after 60 days. This matters if you need to refer back to footage from several months ago — you would have no record of it without a subscription.

Professional monitoring and alarm systems

Ring's professional monitoring service is separate from video storage, though both are included in the paid plans. Monitoring works only if you own a Ring Alarm system — the security system that includes door sensors, motion detectors, and a hub. When your alarm is triggered, the monitoring center receives an alert and can contact police or fire services on your behalf.

A video subscription alone does not give you professional monitoring. You need both the subscription and the Ring Alarm hardware. If you have only a Ring doorbell or camera without the alarm system, you are paying for video storage only, and you would need to call emergency services yourself if something happens.

How to choose between Basic and Plus

Choose Ring Protect Basic if you own one Ring device — a single doorbell or camera. The $3 monthly cost covers that one device's cloud storage. If you add a second device later, Basic does not cover it, and you would need to upgrade to Plus or buy a separate Basic subscription for the new device.

Choose Ring Protect Plus if you own multiple Ring devices or plan to add more. At $10 monthly, it covers all current and future devices on your account, so adding a second camera or doorbell costs nothing extra. The yearly option ($100) saves you $20 compared to paying monthly, so it makes sense if you know you will keep the subscription for at least a year.

If you own a Ring Alarm system and want professional monitoring, you need at least the Basic plan, though Plus is often the better value if you have more than one device.

Where Ring subscriptions are sold and how to cancel

You set up and manage Ring subscriptions through the Ring app or the Ring website. When you first set up a Ring device, the app prompts you to choose a plan. You can also start a subscription later if you initially skipped it. Payment is handled through your Amazon account if you have one linked to Ring, or through a credit card on file.

Cancelling a subscription is done in the Ring app under account settings. You can cancel at any time, and your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period. If you paid for a year upfront and cancel mid-year, Ring does not refund the unused portion — you lose access to cloud storage when the year ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a subscription to see live video from my Ring doorbell?

No. You can watch live video from your Ring device without paying anything. A subscription is required only if you want to store and rewatch recorded video after the fact. Live feeds work as long as your device is connected to WiFi and power.

Can I use Ring without subscribing at all?

Yes. Your Ring device will record video when motion is detected or someone presses the doorbell, and you can watch that video live through the app. You simply cannot save it or watch it later. For many people, live access is enough.

What happens to my video if my subscription expires?

Your stored video is deleted when your subscription ends. You lose access to the 60-day history. If you resubscribe later, you start with a fresh 60-day window — old footage is gone. Some people download important videos before cancelling to keep a copy.

Does Ring offer a free trial?

Ring sometimes offers free trial periods for new subscribers, usually 30 days, but this varies by region and current promotions. Check the Ring app or website for current offers. Trial periods are not may provide and change frequently.

Can I share my Ring subscription with family members?

Yes, if they are on the same account. You can add family members to your Ring account through the app, and they will see all devices and video history covered by your subscription. Each person needs their own login, but they share the same subscription plan.