Home security is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you’re considering upgrading your indoor security setup, the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) might have caught your eye. Promising 1080p HD video, customizable motion detection, Alexa integration, and a manual privacy cover, this camera aims to be a versatile and affordable solution for home security. But does it deliver on these promises?
In this review, we’ll give you a thorough breakdown of the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it’s worth your investment.
- Design and Build Quality
Compact and Versatile
Right out of the box, the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) impresses with its compact design. Measuring 1.93 in. x 1.93 in. x 3.81 in., this camera can fit almost anywhere without being obtrusive. Available in a range of colors like White, Black, Blush, Starlight, and Charcoal, you can choose a shade that complements your decor.
The flexible swivel mount offers excellent versatility. You can place it on a table, mount it on a wall, or adjust the angle for the perfect view. The standout feature here is the manual Privacy Cover. With a simple swivel, you can disable the camera and mic, giving you peace of mind when you need privacy.
Ease of Installation
Setting up the Ring Indoor Cam is straightforward and takes just 5-10 minutes. The camera uses a 6.5 ft Micro USB power adapter, and if you need more reach, a 10 ft cable is available separately. The plug-in design means no fussing with batteries—just plug it in, follow the setup guide, and you’re ready to go.
- Video and Picture Quality
1080p HD Video and Color Night Vision
The camera captures 1080p HD video, offering sharp, clear footage during the day. Night monitoring is equally impressive thanks to the Color Night Vision feature, which provides detailed images even in low-light conditions. This makes it easy to recognize faces or objects in the dark.
Field of View
The Ring Indoor Cam offers a 143° diagonal field of view (115° horizontal and 59° vertical). While this provides good coverage for most rooms, it may not be ideal for larger spaces or areas requiring a 360-degree view.
- Audio Quality
Two-Way Talk and Noise Cancellation
The two-way audio is clear and reliable, allowing you to speak with family members, pets, or even unwanted visitors. The noise cancellation helps reduce background noise, ensuring your voice comes through clearly. This feature is especially useful for real-time communication through the Ring App or Alexa devices.
- Motion Detection
Customizable Motion Zones
One of the highlights of this camera is its customizable motion detection. You can specify which areas of your home you want the camera to monitor, reducing unnecessary alerts. For example, you can exclude areas where movement is frequent, like windows with curtains or areas with pet activity.
Advanced Pre-Roll
The Advanced Pre-Roll feature records a few seconds before a motion event, giving you a fuller picture of what triggered the alert. This helps you understand the context of motion events, though it’s worth noting that Pre-Roll works best in well-lit areas.
However, some users have reported that the motion detection can be finicky and may require careful calibration for best results.
- Privacy and Security Features
Manual Privacy Cover
For those who prioritize privacy, the manual Privacy Cover is a welcome addition. Swivel the cover to disable the camera and mic when you want privacy, or remove it.
Privacy Zones and Settings
You can also set Privacy Zones to blackout areas you don’t want the camera to record, such as a workspace or a neighboring window. Additionally, End-to-End Encryption ensures that your videos are secure and can only be accessed by authorized users.
- Smart Features and Connectivity
Alexa Integration
The Ring Indoor Cam integrates seamlessly with Alexa-enabled devices. You can receive custom notifications through an Echo Dot, launch live video with an Echo Show, or use voice commands to control the camera. This hands-free functionality is a major convenience.
Ring App Functionality
The Ring App is your command center for everything related to the Indoor Cam. From Live View and Two-Way Talk to motion alerts and privacy settings, the app is intuitive and user-friendly. You can also manage multiple Ring devices from a single dashboard.
- Subscription Plans and Cloud Storage
Ring Home Plans
To unlock the full potential of the Ring Indoor Cam, a Ring Home Subscription Plan is highly recommended. Options include:
- Basic Plan: 60-day video storage for one camera.
- Standard Plan: Covers multiple devices and includes features like Device Modes.
- Premium Plan: Offers 24/7 recording and 180-day event history.
While these plans add to the overall cost, the additional features (like 24/7 recording) are worth it for serious home security needs.
- Performance and Reliability
Connectivity Issues
One of the recurring complaints is related to Wi-Fi connectivity. The camera only supports 2.4 GHz networks, which can be problematic for homes using newer 5 GHz networks. Some users report frequent disconnections or difficulties connecting to Wi-Fi, which can affect performance.
- Value for Money
Affordable Security Solution?
At a limited-time deal of $29.99 (regularly $59.99), the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) is an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Despite some connectivity issues, the camera’s video quality, privacy features, and Alexa integration make it a solid investment for indoor security.
- Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sharp 1080p HD video with Color Night Vision
- Manual Privacy Cover for easy privacy control
- Customizable motion detection
- Seamless Alexa integration
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Connectivity issues with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Motion detection may require fine-tuning
- Limited field of view for larger spaces
Final Verdict
The Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) is a reliable and budget-friendly home security solution with a lot to offer. It excels in video quality, privacy features, and ease of use. While connectivity issues and limited motion detection can be drawbacks, they don’t overshadow the camera’s overall performance.
If you’re looking for a versatile indoor security camera with smart features and a focus on privacy, the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) is definitely worth considering.
