Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit Review: A Reliable Security System with Room for Improvement

I recently got my hands on the Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit, expecting a straightforward security system for home or small business. It's a reputable brand, and I was curious to see how it would stack up against others I've tested. My first impression was that it promised a lot, especially with features like Alexa compatibility and 24/7 professional monitoring.

After going through the setup process, I found it was pretty simple and didn't require much technical know-how. However, there were a few quirks I'll get into later. What stood out immediately was the system's expandability, which is a big plus if you're looking to start small and add on as needed.

Over a couple of weeks, I put the system through its paces, paying close attention to how it handled real-world conditions. I was interested in seeing if it would live up to its 4.6 out of 5 rating on Amazon. This review will break down the main aspects of the Ring Alarm Kit, focusing on what works and what doesn't.

Overall, this system offers a decent level of security, but it's not without its drawbacks. Let's dive into the specifics to see if it's worth the investment.

Battery life in any wireless system is crucial, and the Ring Alarm Kit doesn't disappoint in this department. The Base Station features a 24-hour battery backup, which is a nice safety net if the power goes out. During my usage, I didn't encounter any battery-related issues, and the transition to battery backup was smooth and unnoticeable.

The contact sensors use CR2032 coin cell batteries, which have an approximate lifespan of three years. I liked that these batteries are standard and easy to replace when the time comes. In my experience, these types of batteries are also affordable, which is a bonus.

It's worth mentioning the system's reliance on a continuous power source for optimal operation. While the battery backup is a great feature, it's not a long-term solution, so ensuring the system is plugged in is vital. I imagine in a real-world scenario, the battery backup would prove invaluable during short power outages, but for extended periods, it might be a concern.

Overall, the battery setup is pretty solid. It provides peace of mind without the constant worry of the system dying on you unexpectedly. Just be prepared for some battery maintenance down the line.

Once I got past the initial setup, which was fairly easy, I was keen to test the Ring Alarm Kit's performance. I appreciated the real-time mobile notifications whenever the system was triggered. It was reassuring to know I could keep tabs on my home from anywhere.

The motion detectors and contact sensors worked as expected, although there were instances where the motion sensors seemed overly sensitive. I had to tweak the settings to avoid false alarms, which was a bit annoying but manageable. The advertised 250-foot range of the Z-Wave connectivity held up well in my testing. I didn't experience any connectivity issues between the sensors and the Base Station, even with walls in the way.

The integration with Alexa is a nice touch, allowing me to arm and disarm the system using just my voice. However, this feature requires a Ring Protect subscription, which adds to the cost. Speaking of which, the professional monitoring and cellular backup are also behind a paywall. It's worth noting that the system doesn't include smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring for business addresses, which could be a dealbreaker for some.

In summary, the performance is reliable, but the extra costs for full functionality are something to consider. It does what it says on the tin, but don't expect any frills without additional expenses.