Get ready to dive into the world of smart home security with a bang! We're reviewing the Ring Indoor Cam Plus, a plug-in camera that promises sharp 2K video and smart AI alerts at an incredibly affordable price. But here's where it gets controversial... is it really as good as it sounds? Let's find out!
The Ring Indoor Cam Plus is a sleek, cylindrical-shaped camera that measures 3.8 by 1.9 by 1.9 inches. It comes in black or white and can be placed on any flat surface or mounted on a wall or ceiling. The camera boasts Ring's Retinal 2K technology, capturing crisp 2K video with a 115-degree field of view. This technology also enhances color reproduction in low-light conditions, ensuring you get clear footage even in dimly lit rooms. And for those who value their privacy, the camera includes a manual cover that slides over the lens, although it's important to note that the microphone remains active even with the cover on.
Now, let's talk about the features that set this camera apart. The Ring Indoor Cam Plus utilizes AI to provide detailed event descriptions, making it easy to understand what's happening in your home. It also offers smart video search, allowing you to quickly find specific footage based on its content. And here's the part most people miss: it combines similar alerts from the same camera, reducing notification clutter and delivering them in a single, convenient notification. However, one notable absence is face recognition, which is supported by competitors like the Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor.
Speaking of competitors, the Arlo Pan Tilt Indoor camera's AI feature, Arlo Intelligence, offers face and vehicle recognition, as well as the ability to request alerts for specific events. It can even distinguish between motion caused by animals, deliveries, people, and vehicles, and detect flames in case of a fire. So, if you're looking for a camera with advanced recognition capabilities, the Arlo might be the better choice.
The Ring Indoor Cam Plus integrates seamlessly with Alexa voice commands and supports third-party devices through IFTTT applets. However, it doesn't support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant. The Ring mobile app, available for Android and iOS, serves as the control center for all your Ring devices. When you open the app, you'll see a dashboard with a panel for each camera, displaying its name and the last captured image. Tapping on the panel opens a live stream, which can be viewed in full-screen mode for a clearer view.
One unique feature of the Ring Indoor Cam Plus is the ability to enable picture-in-picture mode, allowing you to continue viewing the live feed even when you leave the Ring app. This premium feature is a game-changer for those who want constant monitoring without being tied to their phones.
When it comes to pricing, the Ring Indoor Cam Plus is an attractive option at $59.99. However, to access recorded video and unlock all its features, you'll need a paid subscription. The Basic plan starts at $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, offering 180 days of video history and smart alerts. The Standard plan, at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, supports an unlimited number of cameras and adds extended live view and daily event summaries. The Premium plan, priced at $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year, includes continuous live view, 24/7 recording, and AI-powered smart video search and descriptions.
In comparison, the Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor also requires a subscription, but its plans are pricier. The Arlo Secure Plus plan, at $7.99 per month, supports a single camera and provides a 60-day video history. The unlimited camera support plan costs $17.99 per month. For $24.99 per month, the Arlo Secure Premium plan offers 24/7 professional monitoring and select home insurance discounts.
Setting up the Ring Indoor Cam Plus is a breeze. If you already have the Ring app, you're good to go. If not, you'll need to download the app and create an account. The process is straightforward: scan the QR code on the back of the camera, select your home, assign a name, install the lens cover, plug it in, and enter your Wi-Fi credentials. In just a few minutes, your camera will be ready to use and integrated with your Ring app and Alexa device.
Performance-wise, the Ring Indoor Cam Plus delivers. It produces sharp 2K video with good color saturation, both during the day and in low-light conditions. The black-and-white night video is also impressive, with strong contrast. Notifications with event descriptions are timely and accurate, providing valuable insights into what's happening in your home. And with Alexa voice commands, you can easily display video on an Echo Show.
So, is the Ring Indoor Cam Plus worth it? Absolutely! It offers an affordable way to monitor your home's interior, capturing sharp 2K video and sending precise notifications. Whether you're expanding your existing Ring ecosystem or starting from scratch, it's a great deal. However, keep in mind that you'll need to invest in a subscription to unlock its full potential, with plans ranging from $49.99 to $199.99 per year. If a wider view is your priority, consider the Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor, our Editors' Choice winner, which offers more features at a slightly lower price point.
Now, it's your turn! What do you think about the Ring Indoor Cam Plus? Do you prefer the convenience of its AI alerts and event descriptions, or do you value the advanced recognition capabilities of the Arlo camera? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with these smart home security cameras.
