Ring subscriptions add cloud storage and monitoring features to your Ring doorbell or camera, but you don't need one just to use the device
A Ring subscription stores your video recordings in the cloud so you can watch them later, and it unlocks features like person detection and advanced motion alerts. The two main plans are Ring Protect Basic (monthly or annual) and Ring Protect Plus, which covers all your Ring devices at once. Without a subscription, your Ring device still works — it just won't save video to the cloud, and you'll lose access to recordings if the device is damaged or stolen.
Ring is owned by Amazon. The company offers subscriptions through its own website and through Amazon Prime Video Channels. Pricing and features vary slightly depending which route you choose, and some features depend on your device model.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Protect Basic costs a monthly fee or an annual fee (annual is cheaper per month) and covers one device; Ring Protect Plus covers all your Ring devices for the same price.
- Without a subscription, your Ring device records video but does not save it to the cloud — recordings are lost if the device is unplugged or stolen.
- Person detection, package detection, and motion zones are subscription features; motion alerts and live view work without a subscription.
- You can pause or cancel a subscription at any time, and Ring offers a free trial period so you can test the service before paying.
- Some homeowners insurance policies offer Ring subscription discounts, so check with your insurer before buying.
Ring Protect Basic versus Ring Protect Plus
Ring Protect Basic covers one device and costs a monthly fee or an annual fee. The annual option works out to a lower per-month cost. This plan includes cloud video storage, person detection (alerts when a person is spotted rather than just motion), package detection, and the ability to set motion zones so you're not alerted every time a car passes on the street.
Ring Protect Plus covers all your Ring devices — doorbell, cameras, and the Ring Alarm system if you have one — for the same price as Basic. If you own more than one Ring device, Plus is the better value. Both plans include the same features; the difference is the number of devices covered.
Some Ring devices, like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, have built-in storage that works without a subscription. That storage is limited and local only — you can't access it from your phone if you're away from home. A subscription gives you cloud access and longer retention.
What works without paying for a subscription
Your Ring device will send you motion alerts and let you view live video without any subscription. You can also answer the doorbell or speak through the camera. These core functions work as long as your device is powered and connected to Wi-Fi.
What you lose without a subscription is the ability to save video to the cloud. If someone steals your Ring doorbell or it loses power, any recordings stored only on the device are gone. You also won't get person detection (which distinguishes people from other motion) or package detection, and you can't create custom motion zones.
If you have a Ring Alarm system, the subscription is required for professional monitoring. Without it, the system will still arm and disarm, but it won't alert a monitoring center if a sensor is triggered.
Pricing and where to buy
Ring subscriptions are sold directly through Ring's website and through Amazon Prime Video Channels. Pricing is the same either way, but the payment method differs. Through Ring's website, you pay Ring directly. Through Prime Video Channels, the charge appears on your Amazon account.
Monthly plans cost less per month if you commit to annual billing. Ring offers a free trial (usually 30 days) so you can test the service. The trial converts to a paid subscription unless you cancel before it ends.
Some homeowners insurance companies offer discounts on Ring subscriptions — typically 10 to 20 percent off — if you're a policyholder. Ask your insurer whether they participate before you buy. A few insurers also bundle Ring subscriptions into their policies at no extra cost.
Pausing or canceling your subscription
You can pause a subscription for up to three months without canceling it. This is useful if you're traveling or temporarily don't need the service. When you pause, your video storage stops, but you can resume whenever you want without signing up again.
Canceling is permanent — you'll lose access to stored video and any subscription features. If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you start fresh. Ring does not refund unused portions of annual plans if you cancel mid-year, so check your cancellation date before you proceed.
Device compatibility and feature limits
Not all Ring devices support all subscription features. Older Ring doorbells and cameras may not have person detection or package detection even with a subscription. Check the product page for your specific device to see which features are included.
Video quality and storage length depend on your internet speed and the subscription plan. Ring typically stores 60 days of video with a subscription, but this can vary. If you record a lot of motion events, older footage may be deleted sooner to make room.
Ring Protect Plus covers Ring Alarm systems, but only for video storage and monitoring features. The alarm hardware itself is a separate purchase.
Alternatives if you don't want a subscription
Some doorbell and camera brands offer local storage without a cloud subscription — the video stays on a device in your home or on a memory card. Wyze, Eufy, and Logitech offer models with this option. The trade-off is that you can only view recordings when you're home or on your home network, and you lose access if the device fails.
If you want cloud storage without a subscription, some brands charge a one-time fee for a certain amount of storage instead of a monthly fee. Others include cloud storage in the device price. Research what each brand offers before you buy, because the subscription model varies widely.
If you already own a Ring device and don't want to pay for a subscription, you can still use it for live view and motion alerts. This covers most homeowners' basic security needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Ring subscription to use my doorbell?
No. Your Ring doorbell will send motion alerts and let you see live video without a subscription. You just won't be able to save video to the cloud or use person detection. If someone steals the doorbell, you lose any recordings stored on it.
Can I use one subscription for multiple Ring devices?
Yes, if you buy Ring Protect Plus. Basic covers one device only. Plus covers all your Ring devices — doorbells, cameras, and the alarm system — for the same monthly or annual price.
What happens to my videos if I cancel my subscription?
Your stored videos are deleted when your subscription ends. You won't be able to access them after cancellation. If you think you might want them, download them before you cancel.
Does Ring offer a free trial?
Yes, Ring usually offers a 30-day free trial. The trial converts to a paid subscription automatically unless you cancel before the trial ends. Check the terms when you sign up, because trial length can vary.
Will my homeowners insurance give me a discount for having Ring?
Some insurers do — typically 10 to 20 percent off the subscription cost. A few bundle Ring subscriptions into policies at no extra charge. Contact your insurance company to ask whether they participate.