Ring Indoor Cam, Home or business security in 1080p HD video, Black
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AI Verdict
This 1080p plug-in camera with a 115-degree horizontal FOV and manual privacy cover is for Ring users who need basic indoor monitoring on a budget.
This camera is a situational fit because while it offers 1080p video and a manual privacy cover, its core functionality like recorded video and person detection is locked behind a subscription. The 115-degree horizontal field of view is also somewhat restrictive for broader coverage, making it suitable for specific, smaller areas.
If you need broader coverage or automated privacy features, look for cameras with a wider field of view (e.g., 130+ degrees) or app-controlled privacy shutters, and consider models that offer some free cloud storage or local storage options.
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Pros
- Captures 1080p HD video with Color Night Vision, providing clear footage even in low-light conditions.
- Includes a manual privacy cover that physically blocks the camera lens and mutes the microphone for privacy.
- Features two-way talk, allowing real-time communication through the camera.
- Integrates with Amazon Alexa for audio announcements when motion is detected.
- Offers a remote-activated siren from the Ring App to deter intruders.
- Plug-in design and flexible swivel mount allow for versatile placement on surfaces or mounted high.
Cons
- Requires a paid Ring Protect subscription to access recorded video, person detection, and advanced alerts.
- The manual privacy cover cannot be controlled remotely via the app, requiring physical interaction to activate or deactivate.
- Field of view is 115 degrees horizontal, which some users find narrow for covering larger rooms.
- Lacks free cloud storage, making event history inaccessible without a subscription.
- Uses a Micro USB power cable, which is an older standard.
- Does not support Google Assistant or HomeKit, limiting smart home integration to Alexa.
Dimension Scores
Motion detection is present and customizable, but person detection requires a paid subscription, leading to potential false alerts from pets without it.
Connects via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but some users report inconsistent video performance potentially due to Wi-Fi signal strength.
The Ring app provides live view, two-way talk, and siren activation, and it integrates with Alexa, but lacks Google Assistant support and app-controlled privacy features.
Designed for indoor use with a flexible swivel mount and manual privacy cover, but it is not weather-resistant for outdoor placement.
Best For
- Monitoring specific entry points like a front door or a single room from the inside.
- Existing Ring ecosystem users who want to expand their security coverage without adding a new app.
- Keeping an eye on pets or children in a designated area when you're not home.
- Budget-conscious individuals who prioritize a physical privacy cover over advanced smart features.
Not Recommended For
- Users who require automated privacy modes or app-controlled camera shutters.
- Homes needing wide-angle coverage of large spaces with a single camera.
- Individuals unwilling to pay for a monthly subscription to access recorded video and person detection.
Watch Out For
- You'll need a Ring Protect subscription (starting at $3.99/month per camera) to view recorded motion events or enable person detection, otherwise, you only get live view and basic motion alerts.
- The manual privacy cover means if you mount it high (like on a ceiling), you'll need a ladder every time you want to physically close or open it.
- Some users report inconsistent video performance, including artifacts or complete cut-outs, which might be related to Wi-Fi signal strength.
- The bright blue indicator light can be distracting, especially if used in a bedroom or as a baby monitor, and some users resort to covering it with tape.
- The live view in the app can time out after 10 minutes, which is frustrating for continuous monitoring.
What Buyers Say
The biggest takeaway from user feedback is the recurring frustration with Ring's subscription model; many buyers are surprised that basic features like recorded video and person detection are locked behind a paywall after purchasing the camera. The manual privacy cover is also a point of contention, with users finding it inconvenient when the camera is mounted high. While the 1080p video quality and color night vision are generally appreciated, the 115-degree horizontal field of view is often cited as being too narrow for comprehensive room coverage.
“Seriously, why do I gotta pay MORE just to see what happened after I bought the camera? It's like buying a car and then they tell you the engine is extra. And that privacy cover? Useless if I gotta climb a chair every time I leave the house.”
Common Praise
- Video quality is clear in 1080p HD, even in low-light conditions with color night vision.
- Setup is quick and straightforward, making it easy to get the camera running.
- The physical privacy cover provides peace of mind by blocking the lens and muting the mic.
- Two-way talk functionality works well for communication.
- Integration with Amazon Alexa allows for convenient voice commands and alerts.
- The siren feature is a useful deterrent that can be activated remotely.
Common Complaints
- Subscription to Ring Protect is mandatory for viewing recorded events and person detection, which feels like an unexpected extra cost.
- The privacy cover is manual only; you can't close or open it from the app, which is a hassle if the camera is mounted high.
- The 115-degree horizontal field of view is often too narrow, requiring multiple cameras for larger spaces.
- Some users experience inconsistent video streaming, with artifacts or cut-outs, even with strong Wi-Fi.
- The bright blue indicator light is annoying, especially in dark rooms or at night.
- Still uses Micro USB for power, which is outdated compared to USB-C.
Ownership Tips
- You'll quickly realize that without the Ring Protect subscription, the camera's utility is severely limited to live viewing only.
- The manual privacy cover becomes a chore if you frequently want to use it and have the camera mounted anywhere but eye-level.
- Expect to adjust camera placement multiple times to get the best coverage due to the 115-degree horizontal field of view.
- The blue status light is surprisingly bright and can be a nuisance in dark rooms, often requiring a piece of tape to cover it.
- If your Wi-Fi isn't rock-solid, you might experience dropped frames or video interruptions, making critical moments unreliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) offer free cloud storage for recorded videos?
No, the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) does not offer free cloud storage. You need a Ring Protect subscription (sold separately) to access and view recorded motion events.
Can I control the privacy cover from the Ring app?
No, the privacy cover on the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) is manual. You have to physically slide it to cover the lens and mute the microphone; it cannot be controlled remotely through the app.
What is the field of view for this camera?
The Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) has a 115-degree horizontal field of view, a 59-degree vertical field of view, and a 143-degree diagonal field of view.
Does this camera work with Google Assistant?
No, the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) works with Amazon Alexa but does not support Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit.
Is the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) battery-powered?
No, this camera is plug-in only and requires a constant power source. It comes with a 6.5 ft Micro USB power cable.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at indoor security cameras, you need to think about what you actually want it to do. Are you just checking in live, or do you need to see what happened while you were out? If you need recordings, almost all cameras will require a subscription. Also, consider where you'll put it; a wide view means fewer cameras, and a physical privacy cover is great, but only if you can easily reach it.
Resolution (1080p HD)
Field of View (115 degrees horizontal)
Privacy Cover (Manual)
Subscription Requirement (Ring Protect)
Alternatives
If this camera's 115-degree horizontal view is too narrow, look for models with 130+ degree fields of view or pan-and-tilt functionality. If you want recorded video without a monthly fee, search for cameras offering local storage via an SD card slot or free cloud storage tiers.
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