Ring Alarm Pro & Ring Alarm many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Ring Alarm Pro rather than the Ring Alarm.
Why Do I Recommend The Ring Alarm Pro?
- The Ring Alarm Pro comes with a built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router for creating a high-speed whole-home network with mesh expansion, while the Ring Alarm uses a standard base station that depends on an external router for internet connectivity.
- Ring Alarm Pro supports 24/7 Backup Internet with cellular data for keeping all connected devices online during an ISP outage, whereas the Ring Alarm uses a limited cellular backup that only maintains alarm signaling without full-home internet.
- It includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for faster wired connections to modems and devices, while the Ring Alarm has a single Ethernet port.
- The Ring Alarm Pro features compatibility with Ring Power Packs for extended battery runtime during long power outages, whereas the Ring Alarm uses only its internal 24-hour rechargeable battery without external expansion.
- Ring Alarm Pro supports Ring Edge local video storage on a microSD card for saving camera footage without relying solely on the cloud, while the Ring Alarm lacks any built-in local video storage capability.
- It has Wi-Fi 6 technology for higher bandwidth and lower latency to support multiple cameras and smart devices simultaneously, whereas the Ring Alarm uses Wi-Fi only through whatever external router is installed.
- The Ring Alarm Pro comes with advanced network security features through eero Secure for enhanced threat protection and parental controls, while the Ring Alarm relies on the security features of a separate router.
- Ring Alarm Pro includes a USB-C port for Power Pack connection and faster accessory integration, whereas the Ring Alarm has no USB-C port.
Maybe the Ring Alarm price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Ring Alarm Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Ring Alarm Pro | Ring Alarm |
| Integrated Router | Built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router for whole-home networking | No built-in router, relies on existing network |
| Internet Backup | 24/7 cellular backup internet for all devices on the network | Cellular backup only for alarm signal, not for full internet |
| Mesh Networking | Supports eero mesh expansion for extended Wi-Fi coverage | No mesh capability |
| Processor | Upgraded processor to handle routing and alarm functions | Standard processor for alarm control only |
| Ethernet Ports | Two Gigabit Ethernet ports for modem and wired devices | One Ethernet port for base station connection |
| Local Video Storage | Ring Edge support for local camera video storage on microSD (with plan) | No local video storage support |
| External Power Pack | Compatible with optional Ring Power Packs for extended outage runtime | No Power Pack support |
| Advanced Firewall | Built-in network security features through eero Secure | No integrated network firewall beyond router used |
| Max Wi-Fi Speed | Wi-Fi 6 up to ~900 Mbps depending on ISP | Depends entirely on external router |
| Coverage Area | Router coverage up to about 1,500 sq ft per unit | No coverage—requires separate Wi-Fi equipment |
| USB-C Port | Includes USB-C port for Power Pack and accessories | No USB-C port |
| Setup App | Unified Ring + eero setup for security and network | Ring app only for alarm configuration |
| Device Capacity | Handles large number of IoT devices on eero mesh | Limited to devices connected to external router |
| Local Processing | Onboard processing for camera video with Ring Edge | Cloud-only video processing |
| Data Usage Plan | Includes monthly cellular data allowance for backup internet | Cellular backup limited to alarm signal only |
| Size & Weight | Slightly taller and heavier to house router components | Slimmer and lighter base station |
| Router Replacement | Designed to replace existing home router | Must be paired with a separate router |
| Smart Home Integration | Direct eero integration for Alexa and smart-home networking | Integration depends on external router’s features |
| Price | Check Ring Alarm Pro Price | Check Ring Alarm Price |
Common Features
| Feature | Ring Alarm Pro | Ring Alarm |
| Core System Type | DIY home security system with a central base station | DIY home security system with a central base station |
| Wireless Protocols | Z-Wave for sensors and device communication | Z-Wave for sensors and device communication |
| Built-in Siren | Integrated 104 dB siren for audible alerts | Integrated 104 dB siren for audible alerts |
| Battery Backup | Internal rechargeable battery providing about 24 hours | Internal rechargeable battery providing about 24 hours |
| Cellular Backup | Optional cellular backup for alarm signaling during internet outages | Optional cellular backup for alarm signaling during internet outages |
| App Control | Full control through the Ring app on iOS and Android | Full control through the Ring app on iOS and Android |
| Professional Monitoring | Compatible with Ring Protect Pro plan for 24/7 monitoring | Compatible with Ring Protect Pro plan for 24/7 monitoring |
| Voice Assistant Support | Alexa integration for voice arm/disarm and status updates | Alexa integration for voice arm/disarm and status updates |
| Expandable Components | Supports Ring keypads, contact sensors, motion sensors, and range extenders | Supports Ring keypads, contact sensors, motion sensors, and range extenders |
| Smart Alerts | Real-time push notifications for alarms, arming, and disarming events | Real-time push notifications for alarms, arming, and disarming events |
| Easy Setup | Guided mobile app setup with QR code scanning | Guided mobile app setup with QR code scanning |
| Keypad Options | Works with the same Ring Keypad (Gen 2) and Quick-Release Battery Pack | Works with the same Ring Keypad (Gen 2) and Quick-Release Battery Pack |
| Environmental Sensors | Compatible with Ring Flood/Freeze and Smoke/CO listeners | Compatible with Ring Flood/Freeze and Smoke/CO listeners |
| Camera & Doorbell Integration | Pairs with Ring cameras and doorbells for triggered video recording | Pairs with Ring cameras and doorbells for triggered video recording |
| Automation Routines | Supports Ring Modes (Home/Away/Disarmed) and scheduling automation | Supports Ring Modes (Home/Away/Disarmed) and scheduling automation |
| Encryption & Privacy | End-to-end encryption for sensor data and user account protection | End-to-end encryption for sensor data and user account protection |
| Two-Way Audio | Allows two-way communication via connected cameras | Allows two-way communication via connected cameras |
| Price | Check Ring Alarm Pro Price | Check Ring Alarm Price |
