MCYSEKA-Maritime Cyber Security Knowledge Archive

Hi everyone,

We are moving into a new home in the next 3 months and I am thinking of purchasing a new alarm system. We are currently with Rogers and have Smart Home Monitoring. For our move we would need to purchase another 9 door sensors which are $49.99 each ($450 total) and will be paying $24.99/month for professional monitoring ($300/year).

We are considering switching to Ring but am not sure if it will meet our needs. From a financial perspective, Ring is the better decision. Our initial purchase of equipment will cost about $800 but the monthly Protection Plus plan is only $150/year which includes the professional monitor. Wondering if anyone has this service in Canada and what your thoughts are on the points below.

1. How is the quality of the devices? Do you find devices disconnect frequently? How’s battery life on door sensors? Do device break or stop working or are they durable?

2. Professional monitoring service quality? Any issues with no/late responses? In you own personal opinion, would you recommend this service or is self monitoring sufficient for you?

3. Rogers offer back-up wireless when wifi cuts out so device continue to work when wifi is down. Does Ring offer anything similar?

4. Does Ring app have automation or rules that can be set? What about different arm setting? E.g. turn off alarm at 7AM, arming in night mode vs away mode vs. stay mode?

5. Is there anything we should be aware of if we decide to purchase a ring alarm system. Any other features/services that you find most useful which are only offered by ring alarm systems? Is there any reason why we shouldn’t choose Ring?

6. Ring.com only shows prices for their alarm kits in USD even when changing the location at the bottom to Canada. The protection plan indicates it is in CAD, not sure why it’s like that. We are interested in the Alarm Pro 14-piece kit with wifi6 but cannot find this on Amazon or Best Buy. Is there somewhere else where I can find these? Is the wifi6 kit even worth the upgrade or is the 2nd generation kit good enough?

I appreciate any and all feedback.