Ring Alarm Pro Review: Security & Wi-Fi Combined
Comprehensive review of the Ring Alarm Pro Base Station – security, Wi-Fi 6, setup, features, pros, cons, and who should buy it.
Introduction
The Ring Alarm Pro Base Station isn’t just another security system; it’s a complete home protection and networking solution. Many homeowners face the frustrating dilemma of choosing between robust security and reliable Wi-Fi. Internet outages can render security systems useless, while overloaded networks can impact video streaming and smart home device responsiveness. The Alarm Pro elegantly solves this, combining a powerful alarm base station with a built-in Wi-Fi 6 router – ensuring your home stays protected and connected, even when the internet falters.
Overview
The Ring Alarm Pro Base Station reimagines home security, merging advanced alarm capabilities with a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router in a single, streamlined device. Its design is minimalist, blending seamlessly with modern home decor. At its core, it’s a central hub for your Ring security devices, offering backup cellular connectivity and local processing power to enhance responsiveness and privacy. Unlike traditional security systems, the Alarm Pro’s integrated eero Wi-Fi 6 router delivers significantly improved network speeds, increased device capacity, and robust security features – all managed through intuitive mobile apps. This is particularly valuable for tech-savvy homeowners, families with numerous connected devices, or anyone seeking a truly integrated smart home experience.
Features
Local Video Processing & Privacy: The Alarm Pro processes video locally, reducing reliance on cloud storage and enhancing privacy. Local processing minimizes latency and improves responsiveness for live feeds and event recordings, while also freeing up bandwidth for other devices.
Expansive Device Compatibility: Expand your Ring security ecosystem with seamless integration for a broad range of Ring devices, including video doorbells, security cameras, Alexa-enabled devices, and compatible third-party accessories. This modular approach allows you to tailor your home security to your specific needs and preferences.
Next-Gen Wi-Fi 6 Router: Featuring a built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router, this base station significantly upgrades your home network. Experience faster speeds (up to 900 Mbps), improved coverage extending up to 1,500 sq. ft., and support for more connected devices simultaneously, resolving common Wi-Fi congestion issues.
Enhanced Security and Connectivity: The Alarm Pro’s core function is to act as the brains of your Ring security system, providing critical backup connectivity. Should your primary internet connection fail, the integrated cellular backup (subscription required) ensures your alarm remains active and notifications reach your mobile devices, preventing security gaps and delivering peace of mind.
Simple and Streamlined Setup: The Alarm Pro is designed for ease of installation. All necessary hardware is included, and the setup process is guided through user-friendly Ring and eero apps, eliminating complex configurations and empowering even non-technical users to establish a secure and connected home system.
Benefits
Uninterrupted Home Security: The cellular backup ensures your alarm system remains operational even during internet outages, providing critical protection when it’s needed most.
Enhanced Home Network Security: Optional online threat protection shields your network from external threats, providing an extra layer of security for your family and data.
Blazing-Fast Wi-Fi Speeds: Enjoy faster downloads, smoother streaming, and improved performance for all your connected devices thanks to the integrated Wi-Fi 6 router.
Customizable Security System: Tailor your Ring security system to your specific needs by connecting a variety of Ring and compatible devices, creating a personalized and comprehensive home protection solution.
Effortless Smart Home Integration: Manage your security and network settings through intuitive mobile apps, streamlining your smart home experience and simplifying daily life.
Usages
Secure Remote Work Setup: Perfect for remote workers needing a reliable and secure internet connection for video conferencing and file transfers, while also ensuring home security is always active.
Travel-Friendly Security System: Compact and easily portable, allowing you to bring your security and network setup to vacation homes or rental properties.
Smart Home Hub for Families: Ideal for families with numerous smart home devices, providing sufficient bandwidth and robust Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home.
Creator’s Content Studio: For content creators, the fast speeds and reliable connectivity are essential for uploading high-resolution videos and collaborating with teams remotely.
Peace of Mind for Seniors: Provides a simple and reliable security solution for seniors who want to maintain their independence while enjoying peace of mind knowing their home is protected.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Integrated security and Wi-Fi router simplifies setup and management
- Robust cellular backup provides reliable protection during internet outages
- Fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds and improved coverage enhance network performance
- Local video processing enhances privacy and reduces bandwidth consumption
- Extensive compatibility with Ring devices and third-party accessories
Cons
- Cellular backup requires a subscription plan
- Local processing may have limited storage capacity compared to cloud options
- Setup can be complex for users with existing, sophisticated network configurations
- Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain modem models
- Performance can vary based on network congestion and device limitations
FAQs
Does the Ring Alarm Pro Base Station replace my existing router?: It can. However, you’ll need to deactivate your existing router to prevent network conflicts. The Alarm Pro acts as both your security hub and your Wi-Fi router, simplifying your home network setup.
What is the cellular backup used for?: The cellular backup kicks in automatically when your primary internet connection is unavailable, ensuring your alarm system remains active and notifications are sent to your mobile devices. A Ring Protect Plan or Ring Home Premium subscription is required to utilize the cellular backup.
How difficult is the Ring Alarm Pro Base Station to install?: The setup process is designed to be user-friendly. The Ring and eero apps provide step-by-step instructions, and all necessary hardware is included. While some basic technical aptitude is helpful, most users can complete the installation themselves.
What are the coverage limitations of the built-in Wi-Fi 6 router?: The Wi-Fi 6 router provides coverage up to 1,500 sq. ft. However, coverage can be affected by factors such as wall construction and interference from other devices. Additional eero devices can be added to extend coverage if needed.
What kind of subscription plans are required?: To utilize the cellular backup and advanced features, a Ring Protect Plan or Ring Home Premium subscription is required. These plans provide additional benefits like professional monitoring and video storage.
Product Specifications
| Processor | Quad-Core Processor |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
| System Requirements | Ring App (iOS or Android) |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 13.8 x 3.3 inches |
| Included Accessories | Power Adapter, Ethernet Cable |
| Coverage Area | Up to 1,500 sq. ft. |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Cellular Connectivity | LTE |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
Ratings
| Overall | 4.3 |
| Value for Money | 3.9 |
| Wi-Fi Performance | 4.1 |
| Ease of Use | 4.0 |
| Security | 4.6 |
Recommendation
The Ring Alarm Pro Base Station is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a unified solution for home security and Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s particularly well-suited for families with multiple smart devices, remote workers requiring a reliable internet connection, or anyone prioritizing peace of mind and simplified home management. While the ongoing subscription fees represent a recurring expense, the benefits of enhanced security, faster Wi-Fi, and streamlined functionality often outweigh the cost.
If you’re currently juggling a separate security system and router, the Alarm Pro offers a compelling upgrade. Its integrated design minimizes clutter, simplifies setup, and provides a cohesive smart home experience. The combination of robust security features and high-performance Wi-Fi makes it a standout option for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s protection and connectivity.
Conclusion
The Ring Alarm Pro Base Station delivers on its promise of merging comprehensive home security with a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router. While the subscription requirement is a factor to consider, the benefits of reliable protection, seamless connectivity, and effortless smart home integration make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners. It’s a testament to Ring’s commitment to innovative solutions that simplify and enhance modern living.
