Ring - Always Home for iOS

Ring - Always Home is the official app for the Ring home security system. We tested it in tandem with the Ring Video Doorbell 2.

Pros

Works on all your devices: You can monitor your home's front, side, or back areas -- from five to 30 feet away -- and respond to any motion detection from your phone, tablet, or desktop.

Expansive, high-definition video: The wide-angle camera lens gives you an expansive view of the 30-foot area around your home, and the HD picture is crystal clear, so you can make out any cars or faces within that distance.

Infrared night vision: This handy feature enables you to see what's going on outside your door -- day and night.

Two-way talk: The intercom-like two-way talk feature is handy if you need to ask a visitor who they are. It's also helpful to tell a friend or family member that you'll be right out. The built-in microphone also enables you to pick up chatter within 30 feet of your home, but you probably won't be able to understand it all.

Advanced motion detection: In testing, we were blown away by Ring's instant alerts to our phone, tablet, and computer, each time anyone approached our home. The alerts came quickly, even after we left town.

Video recording: Every time motion detection is sensed or the doorbell is rung, Ring begins capturing video. This can be particularly helpful, in the event that a burglary happens, for example, and you need to identify the perpetrators. Go to Event History to review previous rings and motion events.

Live View: Why wait for anyone to make their approach? Just tap the "Live View" button at any time to get a glimpse of what's going on outside your home.

Neighborhood alerts: Get notified when anything suspicious happens in your area, so you can better protect yourself and your property.

Customizable: First, you can name your device, which is particularly helpful, if you have multiple Ring cameras, doorbells, or sound-enhancing chimes. Under Settings, you can adjust the motion range from five to 30 feet. We recommend somewhere in between if you live in a highly trafficked area, so you don't get an alert each time a car drives by or a neighbor walks their dog. You can also customize a schedule for when you want to receive motion alerts and even how frequently you receive notifications. You can modify the neighborhood alerts radius, too, from 0.1 to 5 miles.

Eases setup: The Ring app makes the setup process easy, with step-by-step instructions on how to name your device, connect it to Wi-Fi, and even test it -- all in the Help Center. It also offers directions and videos on how to install the actual Ring devices.

Cons

No portrait mode: If you're using the Ring app and you want to use it in portrait mode, you'll be disappointed as it's landscape view only.

Bottom Line

The Ring - Always Home app exceeded expectations. Anyone who's concerned about their home security should purchase a Ring doorbell and download the app today.

Enjoy a fresh new Ring app update, including bug fixes and improvements.

Your feedback helps us make the Ring app better for everyone. Send suggestions to help@ring.com