Ring Doubles Alarm Monitoring Prices for Grandfathered Customers

The Recent Ring Alarm Pricing Changes: What You Need to Know

If you’ve invested in a Ring Alarm system for your home, you might have enjoyed the affordable professional monitoring that came with it—for just $10 a month or $100 a year. However, many users, including myself, have recently received alarming news about a significant price hike. Starting next March, the cost of the Ring Protect Plus plan is set to double, raising the subscription fee to $20 a month or $200 annually.

Understanding the Price Increase

The email notifying me about this change claimed that it was a simple transition to align with the 'Ring Protect Pro' plan, which has been available since its launch three years ago. While any price increase can be frustrating, it’s crucial to consider the current market landscape. For reference, other home security systems, like Ecobee, Simplisafe, Arlo, and ADT, have subscription rates that have been steadily increasing, with prices now topping $30 in some cases.

A Closer Look at the Communication

What makes this announcement even more contentious is how Ring communicated the price hike. The email suggested that customers had been forewarned, stating, "This is your reminder that we previously notified you." However, upon looking deeper into Ring’s communications, I discovered a previous email from September 2021 that only referenced a name change for the subscription, without making any mention of a future price increase.

Dark Patterns and Customer Trust

The term ‘dark pattern’ refers to user interface designs that trick users into taking actions they may not want to. Many Ring customers feel that this pricing strategy falls under this category. The email flashy titled, "New name. New features. Same great price," created confusion, especially when the content later revealed significant changes. This tactic could lead loyal customers to believe they were remaining on the same plan, only to be shocked by the abrupt price hike.

(💰 ) Considering Alternatives

As I ponder whether to stay with Ring or explore other options, I’m torn. Will I really want to uninstall my hardwired Ring doorbell? Or risk losing benefits, like insurance discounts, during the transition? While sticking with Ring does provide the advantage of a system I’m already familiar with, exploring other companies’ packages may offer more value.

Market Comparison

• Ring Protect Plus: Initially $10/month, now $20/month
• Simplisafe: Costs have recently climbed above $20/month
• Arlo: Starting at $25/month
• ADT: Approximately $30/month

Final Thoughts

While inflation and the reality of business adjustments justify price hikes, transparency is critical for customer retention. Those of us who are current Ring subscribers feel a sense of betrayal and disillusionment with how this was handled. As we weigh our security options, it’s essential to remain informed and keep an eye on changes in the security market. If you’re similarly affected, I encourage you to review your options and consider what’s best for your home security needs moving forward.

Stay Informed

For those seeking information on home security systems or related news, consider following security tech blogs or reviews for comprehensive comparisons and insights. And remember, always read the fine print!