Whether home security is a concern, or you’d simply like to keep an eye on your pesky pets, the Ring Stick Up Cam promises to bring you peace of mind. With it’s advanced cloud-based video storage system in effect, you may be wondering, does Ring Stick Up Cam Require a Subscription? Just how much can you get out of device without one?
The realm of security cameras has truly undergone a metamorphosis over the years. Back in the old days, we dealt with the likes of grainy camera footage and unreliable storage systems. But much has changed since then, especially today with the rise of smart home technology. HD security camera footage is absolutely a thing. This, along with a plethora of cloud-based storage and mobile/remote interactivity, has definitely modified and changed the game.
One such smart security camera on the market is the Ring Stick Up Cam. Ring as a brand has become pretty renowned for their smart surveillance doorbells. They have previously dabbled in the area of security cameras to accompany their doorbells. However, the Ring Stick up Cam definitely seems to be an appropriate competitor against the likes of Arlo and Nest.
Ring Stick Up Cam as a rather versatile offering, coming in both wired and battery operated versions. Beyond the physical capabilities of the camera, the device is also accompanied by Ring’s digital subscription service that enables you to use the device to it’s fullest capabilities. So it is fair to question, does Ring Stick Up Cam require a subscription? Just how much functionality will get out of your device without their payed service? To Find out, read on.
About the Ring Stick Up Cam
Before we dive into answering “Does Ring Stick Up Cam Require a Subscription?”, let’s take a quick look at the day to day functionality of this smart security camera. This way we can work out what features are and aren’t available with and without a subscription to Ring’s service.
Build and Installation
As previously mentioned, the device comes in both a battery powered version, as well as a wired version. To add to the versatility of the camera, it can be adjusted in many different orientations to obtain the best angle. This is due to the that stand that can be rotated, which is connected to the camera’s sleek cylindrical body.
If you’re utilising the wired version, a pretty long USB cable is provided by ring to power up the device. The battery version comes with a quick-release switch, enabling you to swap the batteries. The camera comes with accompanying tools such as a drill bit, screws and a screw mount for installation.
Setup
The setup of Ring stick up cam is pretty simple and quick for both the wired and battery versions. The actual device setup is done through the Ring Application on a mobile phone. It is as simple as scanning the QR Code on the back of the camera. You’re pretty much good to go after that.
For the wired version, you just need to ensure that you have a power source nearby to plug in. This can be either in the form of an ethernet cable or an electrical socket. The Stick Up Cam supports power via ethernet. So it is possible to connect the device to your network and power it with one cable.
For the battery version, all you need is to charge the battery and WI-FI access. Charging is done through the provided micro USB cable.
Functionality
The device features a motion tracking system, which automatically triggers recording when motion is detected. This basically works by defining motion zones and schedules within the Ring app. You are able set up and enable motion tracking based on whether you are at home or not. This is done by determining rest periods in the app for when you’re at home.
Motion zones are basically motion detection areas in the camera’s field of view. By default, the three horizontal sections in the camera’s field of view are defined as the motion zones. You can, however, define and set up custom motion zones in whatever shape you’d like. The key thing here is that once your motion zones are set up, you will receive notifications whenever motion is detected. While this is ideal if you’re living alone, you may want to turn this feature off if you have pets or kids at home. Just so that you don’t have an overload of notifications coming your way.
The camera captures at a really great wide angle. The fish-eye lens captures a good amount of space in it’s field of view. This is more-so the case with the wired version compared to the battery version. The overall video quality is quite good as well.
Ring Cloud-Based Storage
So we’re almost ready to answer the question “does Ring Stick Up Cam Require a Subscription?”. But before we dive into that. Let’s take a look at Ring’s Cloud based storage, and why it’s worth to subscribe to it in the first place. What exactly does it offer?
So, essentially, you are able to view a live feed from your camera at any given time in the app. Ring also enables you to receive notifications every time some motion is detected. When it comes to the actual cloud storage, Ring records up to 60 days of storage in its cloud system. You are able to access your recorded history in the cloud.
Having the wired version means you have continuous recording, you won’t miss a thing. Whereas, the battery version, for the sake of saving the battery life, will recording only when motion occurs within the field of view. But essentially all recorded footage is stored in the cloud.
Does Ring Stick Up Cam Require a Subscription?
We’ve pretty much highlighted the core functions of the cloud storage system. But how much of it needs to be paid for? So the real question here is Does Ring Stick Up Cam require a subscription to function?
The reality is, you are a little limited in terms of what you can get for free from Ring. Basically, for live viewing, you do not need a paid subscription. You are able to check into your home without the paid service. You are also able to receive motion detection notifications without the subscription.
In order to view past footage from over a period of time, you do need the paid service. For access to the motion-based cloud video storage, will need to subscribe.
How Much does Ring Subscription Cost
The good news is that the subscription cost will not break your bank, as they are super budget friendly.
- For access to the cloud storage for a sing camera (Basic Plan), it will cost $3 per month. This will be $30 per year.
- The Plus Plan will give you storage for an unlimited number of cameras for just $10 per month/$100 per year
Final Thoughts
Ring has a wonderful offering with the latest version of the Stick Up Cam. It offer’s great quality recording at great price compared it’s competitors (Arlo and Nest). Check out the Ring Stick Up Cam price here on Amazon.
While it is a great option if you know you’ve got good and consistent Wi-Fi connection for constant uploading. The lack of local storage can be considered a bit of downer.
If the latter is immaterial to you, the device is honestly a great security investment to make. It accompanies Ring other devices in the ecosystem very well, as well as working well with Alexa for voice control.