Ring Security Compatibility and Equipment

The Ring Alarm system is a low-budget, low-commitment DIY home security system for renters and homeowners alike. Part of what makes Ring so popular is its compatibility with third-party devices like smart locks, smart speakers, and light automation. 

From Ring’s own video doorbells to third-party devices, we found compatible equipment to make your Ring Alarm more than just a security system.

In the UK? Check out our Ring UK review.

Ring’s cameras have impressed us for years. The company’s wireless cameras, outdoor cameras, and video doorbells earn top spots among our recommendations.

Ring works with plenty of third-party devices, but when it comes to cameras, you have to stay within the Ring family. The good news is you’ve got plenty of cameras to choose from, each with HD live feed and easy setup.

Ring offers nine video doorbells. Many of them have similar features, but the instructions for installing each Ring doorbell may differ depending on their power source. If you already have a traditional wired doorbell, you can choose from any of them.

Learn more: How do Ring video doorbells work?

Need help with set up? Read our Ring video doorbell troubleshooting guide.

The Ring Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 3, and Ring Doorbell 3 Plus all work with batteries, so you can set up a video doorbell in a few minutes without an existing one. Renters, these are for you.

Read the video transcription: the best Ring video doorbells for renters.

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Hardwired doorbells like the ones below may take a little longer to install, but they’re easier to use in the long run. Without a battery to charge, your doorbell is up and running 24/7.

Ring also offers bundles with its video doorbells. If you don’t have a Ring Alarm system yet, you can add a doorbell to your kit for a small discount. There are also bundles with Ring-compatible smart locks and cameras. 

The doorbells have optional add-on accessories like solar chargers for battery-powered doorbells or a chime box for a more traditional doorbell feel. 

If you have an Amazon Echo or Google Home smart speaker, you can link them to your doorbell. Once connected, the smart assistant will announce that someone’s at the door via its speaker or screen. This means you can keep cooking, watching TV, or playing with your kids and answer the door at the same time. 

Alongside video doorbells, Ring has a handful of cameras that add eyes to your security system. If you need help with setup, check out our Ring camera troubleshooting guide.

The Ring Floodlight Camera Plus is another outdoor security camera from Ring. Like its smaller counterpart, it sends HD live feed to your phone or tablet. 

Its two powerful floodlights brighten up walkways or darker areas around your home. Installation is a little more involved with this model, but the heavy-duty camera, ultra-bright lights, and blaring siren make it a worthy addition to your Ring system.

Ring recently released an updated version called Ring Floodlight Camera Wired Pro. It retails for about $250 and includes dual-band Wi-Fi and Bird's Eye View motion tracking.

Check out our Ring floodlight camera review for more details.

The Ring Stick Up Cam is an indoor/outdoor camera with multiple power options (plug, battery, or solar charger). It mounts to the wall or stands on a table. To install it on the ceiling, buy a separate mounting kit for about $20.

We had the opportunity to test this camera for a week. See all the details—including some footage—in our full Ring Stick Up Cam review.

The Ring Indoor Cam looks like a mini version of the Stick Up Cam. It’s a helpful addition to entryways, nurseries, and public areas of your house where you need an extra set of eyes. 

Like all the Ring cameras (indoor, outdoor, or doorbell), it works with your Amazon Echo. If you have an Echo Show, it can stream its HD live feed to your smart speaker, allowing you to watch the kids in the playroom or keep an eye on the pets at the back door.

Technically yes, though unlikely. Read our article "Can Ring Cameras Be Hacked" for more info. You can also check out the video below on how to prevent hacking with end-to-end encryption.

Read the video transcription: how to set up Ring end-to-end encryption.

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Accessories like smart locks, lights, and plugs can make your home seem occupied while you’re away. They also add a layer of convenience to your daily routine. (No more leaving your comfy duvet to turn off the lights.) 

The Ring security system plays well with a medley of third-party security and smart home accessories.

The Schlage Camelot Electronic Deadbolt is a sleek lock that comes in different finishes to match your home. It has an LED touch screen that’s resistant to smudges and fingerprints. Plus, its glow makes it easier to see what code you’re entering in the dark.

Once you’ve set up your deadbolt, you can connect it with your Ring system and Alexa speaker. This means you can lock or unlock the door with a simple voice command or set it on a timer to open the door when the kids get home or welcome expected guests.

This smart lock works with Alexa as well as your Ring system. If you’re busy or out of the house, you can lock or unlock your door by asking your smart speaker. This is a huge help for busy parents or home cooks who may not be able to let their visitors in.

The Yale Living Assure lock is a multi-talented smart lock that’s widely compatible with different platforms. 

You can control the Yale lock through your Ring Alarm system app or Alexa speaker through voice, programmed schedules, or the simple touch of a button on your app. And, when paired with a video doorbell, you can see who’s at the door and let them in or leave the door locked. It’s a handy feature for anyone who gets a lot of deliveries (or takeout).  

It comes with a nine-volt battery backup inside to prevent lockouts from dead batteries. You can learn more about this and other Yale models in our Yale Smart Lock review.

Kwikset Smart Code 888 is another Ring-compatible door lock that works closely with your home security system. You can lock and unlock this Kwikset model from the Ring app or set it to lock or unlock when you arm your system. 

Like all the other Ring-friendly smart locks, this one also works with Alexa. And its simple, soft-button keypad makes it easy to manually open or lock the door for yourself or visitors.

If you're not sold on the look of a keypad on your front door, check out the Level Bolt. It installs under your existing deadbolt faceplate and remotely locks or unlocks via the Ring app. Your key will continue to work too.

There's also the Level Lock, which pairs the Level Bolt with a touch-sensitive faceplate for those times when you don't have your phone or key on you.

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Ring sells its own line of smart light bulbs and outdoor lights, such as the solar steplight. You'll need the Ring Bridge for them to work. Alternative brands include Philips Hue and Lifx.

The Lifx Smart Bulb is one of the most affordable smartbulbs on the market with many of the same features as the Philips Hue. It doesn’t match Hue’s color range, but Lifx has variations like a candle white with softer light for lamps and smaller lights.

Lifx bulbs connect to Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and, of course, Ring Alarm.

Ring is a part of the Amazon ecosystem, so naturally it’s compatible with the Amazon Smart Plug. This smart plug also works with your Amazon Echo to control devices you plug into it. 

You can add this smart plug to Alexa routines to turn on lights, your computer, or your coffee maker when you start your day. Or set it to turn off devices when you arm your Ring system and leave the house. 

Find more ideas for how to use smart plugs and get creative with your new smart home devices.

Your Ring Alarm security system works with IFTTT and Z-Wave protocols. There are tons of products out there that use both, so we didn’t list everything under the sun that would match with your Ring system. Generally, if a device uses IFTTT or Z-Wave, it should be compatible with your Ring system.

We’ll define IFTTT and Z-Wave so you can see how they fit into your smart home. 

IFTTT is short for “If This Then That.” It helps you create automations with the smart home devices in your house. Ring works with IFTTT, meaning you can add your security system to automation chains. 

With the right equipment, you can create automations like these:

• Turn on lights if the doorbell rings after a certain hour.
• Lock the doors when the system arms to Away. 
• Kick up the thermostat when you unarm the system.

You can search the IFTTT site for automations other users have created with their devices. When you find one that matches your devices, you can download the automation and program your devices into your routine.  

Z-Wave is another common protocol for smart home devices. Whether or not you have a Ring Alarm system, Z-Wave devices are compatible with each other, allowing you to create a customized smart home system with various device brands. 

Smart speakers are one of the best entry-level smart home devices. And the most popular ones, the Amazon Echo and Google Home, both work with Ring security systems.  

Your Amazon Alexa or Google Home smart speaker works as a smart hub for all your other devices. Lights, locks, cameras, you name it. If it’s compatible with either of the two major players, you can link it to make your Ring security system smarter. 

Learn how to connect Alexa with your Ring system.

Smart speakers linked with your security system also means you can arm and disarm your system with your voice. A simple “Alexa, I’m home,” can be the magic words that disarm your system, turn on the lights, and fire up the thermostat. 

As an Amazon product, Ring works better with Alexa and Echo devices. We have a list of more Alexa-compatible devices to add to your home.

TVs might seem separate from home security systems, so Ring’s integration is a pleasant surprise. If you have a Samsung Smart TV model 2018 NU7400 and later, 2019 RU7400 and later, or 2020 TU8500 and later, you can stream live footage from your Ring camera to your TV. 

Just like with live feeds on an Amazon Echo, you can watch the feed from the nursery while your baby sleeps or see who’s dropping in through your video doorbell.

We found Ring-compatible accessories for your garage door like the Chamberlain Smart Garage Control. It can pair with Ring to open or close your garage door, and its sensor can tell you if you left your garage door open when you leave (and close it for you). 

Ring also works with the Ecolink Garage Door Tilt Sensor. This device won’t open or close your garage door, but it can tell you if it’s open or closed while you’re away. 

Check out our list of the best smart garage door openers to learn more about options for securing your garage. 

You can also connect water shutoffs and valves to your Ring system. The Flo by Moen series works with Ring. Although it’s expensive, it can prevent water damage, save on utility bills, and conserve water. 

Water leak sensors are another affordable solution for sensing leaks, but they aren’t equipped to shut off your water main in an emergency. (Some of the sensors on our list may not integrate with Ring.)

Smart thermostats like the Ecobee SmartThermostat can lower your energy bills by reading the environment in your home. This and other Z-Wave thermostats like it connect to Ring, adding a layer of comfort to your home security system.

You can set an automation that kicks on your thermostat when you disarm your system or one that shuts it off when you arm the alarm and head out. The best smart thermostats are great standalone smart home devices for newcomers to smart devices because they practically pay for themselves in energy savings.

We’ve gathered a few basic questions about Ring and its compatible devices on this page. But we’ve only scratched the surface. Check out our dedicated Ring FAQ for more Q&A content. 

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