Ring subscription plans charge a monthly or annual fee for video storage, emergency response, and device protection

Ring offers two main subscription tiers: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. Basic covers a single device and costs $3 per month or $30 per year. Plus covers all Ring devices at one location and costs $10 per month or $100 per year. Both plans store your video footage in the cloud so you can watch it later, even if someone deletes it from your device. Neither plan is required to use your Ring device — you can still get live view and two-way talk without paying — but without a subscription, video is not saved.

The main difference between the two plans is device coverage. Basic protects one camera, doorbell, or alarm system. Plus protects every Ring device you own at that address. If you have a Ring doorbell and a Ring camera, you need Plus to cover both. If you have only one device, Basic is cheaper.

Both plans include 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring Alarm systems. If your alarm is triggered, Ring's monitoring center contacts you and can dispatch emergency services. This service is included in the subscription price — you do not pay extra for the monitoring call itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Ring Protect Basic covers one device for $3 per month or $30 per year; Plus covers all devices at one address for $10 per month or $100 per year.
  • Without a subscription, your Ring device still works for live view and two-way talk, but video footage is not saved.
  • Both plans include 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring Alarm systems at no additional cost.
  • Ring Protect Plus adds device replacement coverage and extended warranty protection beyond what Basic offers.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time; Ring does not lock you into a contract.

What video storage means and how long footage stays available

When you pay for a Ring subscription, your video is uploaded to Ring's servers and stored in the cloud. This means you can log into your Ring app from anywhere and watch footage from days or weeks ago. Without a subscription, many Ring devices do not save video at all — you can only watch live.

Ring stores video for 60 days on both Basic and Plus plans. After 60 days, the oldest footage is automatically deleted to make room for new recordings. You cannot extend this window by paying more. If you need to keep a specific video longer, you can download it to your phone or computer before the 60 days are up.

Video is stored only when motion or sound is detected, or when you manually start recording. Ring does not record 24/7 continuously. This means your storage fills more slowly than it would with constant recording, and you see fewer hours of footage per month than a system that records everything.

Professional monitoring and emergency response included in your subscription

If you own a Ring Alarm system, your subscription includes professional monitoring. When your alarm is triggered — by a door sensor, motion detector, or manual panic button — the monitoring center receives the alert. They call you to confirm whether it is a real emergency. If you do not answer or confirm an emergency, they contact local police on your behalf.

This monitoring is included in both Basic and Plus subscriptions. You do not pay a separate fee for the monitoring service. The monitoring center operates 24/7, including nights and weekends. Response time is typically a few minutes from the time your alarm triggers.

Ring Alarm monitoring is available in most of the United States, but not in all areas. When you set up your alarm system, Ring tells you whether monitoring is available at your address. Some states and municipalities have rules about how monitoring centers must operate, which can affect whether the service is offered in your location.

Device replacement and warranty coverage with Ring Protect Plus

Ring Protect Plus includes device replacement coverage and an extended warranty. If your Ring device is damaged, stolen, or stops working, you can file a claim with Ring. If the claim is approved, Ring sends you a replacement device at no cost. You pay only the cost of shipping in most cases.

The warranty covers hardware failure and accidental damage. It does not cover normal wear and tear, intentional damage, or damage from misuse. Ring reviews each claim individually, so approval is not may provide. The replacement device is usually a refurbished unit, not a brand-new one.

Ring Protect Basic does not include device replacement. If your device breaks and you do not have Plus, you have to buy a new one. This is one of the main reasons people choose Plus over Basic — the replacement coverage can pay for itself if you need one replacement during your subscription.

How to manage your subscription and make changes

You manage your Ring subscription through the Ring app or the Ring website. Go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and you can view your current plan, your renewal date, and your billing history. You can upgrade from Basic to Plus, downgrade from Plus to Basic, or cancel your subscription entirely.

Changes take effect immediately if you upgrade. If you downgrade or cancel, the change takes effect at the end of your current billing period — you do not lose coverage mid-month. You can also switch between monthly and annual billing at any time.

If you have multiple Ring devices at different addresses, you need a separate subscription for each location. You can manage all of them from one account, but each address has its own plan and billing cycle. This is important to know if you own rental properties or have devices at a vacation home.

What happens if you do not subscribe

Your Ring device continues to work without a subscription, but with limits. You can still see live video when you open the app, talk through the two-way speaker, and receive motion alerts on your phone. You just cannot watch recorded video later.

Some Ring devices have local storage options — you can buy a separate device like a Ring Stick Up Cam Pro and add a microSD card to store video locally. This video stays on the card and is not uploaded to the cloud. You can watch it through the app, but only if you are on the same Wi-Fi network as the camera. Local storage is not available on all Ring devices, and the microSD card is sold separately.

Without a subscription, Ring Alarm monitoring is not available. Your alarm will still sound and send you a notification, but no monitoring center will call or dispatch emergency services. You would have to call 911 yourself.

Comparing Ring subscriptions to other home security options

Ring subscriptions are cheaper than many traditional home security systems, which often charge $20 to $50 per month for monitoring and storage. However, Ring is designed primarily for video storage and doorbell cameras, not for full-home alarm monitoring. If you want professional monitoring for an alarm system, Ring's $10 per month for Plus is significantly less expensive than competitors.

Some home security companies bundle monitoring and video storage into one price. Others charge separately for each service. Ring's approach is simpler — one subscription covers both — but you have to decide whether you need both services or just one.

If you already have a security system with another company, you may not need Ring's monitoring. You could use Ring just for video storage and doorbell cameras, which costs $3 to $10 per month depending on how many devices you have. This is often cheaper than adding a second system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Ring without paying for a subscription?

Yes. Your Ring device works for live view, two-way talk, and motion alerts without a subscription. You just cannot save video to the cloud. Some devices support local storage with a microSD card, which lets you save video without a subscription, but you can only watch it on the same Wi-Fi network.

What is the difference between monthly and annual billing?

Monthly billing costs $3 per month for Basic or $10 per month for Plus. Annual billing costs $30 per year for Basic or $100 per year for Plus. Annual billing saves you money — you pay the equivalent of 10 months instead of 12. You can switch between monthly and annual at any time.

If I cancel my subscription, do I lose my old videos?

Yes. When your subscription ends, Ring deletes all your stored video within a short time. Download any videos you want to keep before your subscription expires. After cancellation, you can resubscribe later, but your old footage will be gone.

Does Ring Protect Plus cover devices at multiple addresses?

No. One Plus subscription covers all your Ring devices at one address only. If you have devices at a second home or rental property, you need a separate subscription for that location. Each address has its own billing cycle and plan.

Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?

Ring does not refund unused portions of monthly subscriptions. If you cancel on the 15th of the month, you lose the remaining 15 days of service. Annual subscriptions may have different refund policies depending on how long you have been subscribed. Check Ring's refund policy or contact their support team for details on your specific situation.