I got me the Ring alarm system with a bunch of sensors, however I decided against the Ring cameras, and nearly decided against the alarm system too, and I would like to share why so maybe in the future Ring can do better.

When evaluating diy alarm systems, a few things mattered to me, such as wide range of sensors, good apps, ease of installation and maintenance and smart home integration. Notable condenders in the same class where Simplisafe, Wyze, Abode and ADT.

I would have preferred Abode, they have a bunch more sensors and especially entry sensors in various form factors, an actual contact glass break sensor, indoor siren unit, smoke alarm, keyfob and home assistant integration. However, just like the others except Ring, availability was poor where I live. So congrats to Ring for being the second best and only choice I had…

As for cameras I went with Reolink PoE, for 5 simple reasons:

• 4k
• wide selection of camera capabilities/shapes
• 24/7 live grid view that works
• no subscription
• central local storage with an nvr

In summary, Ring, you gotta do better and god help you when vendors figure out international markets exist.