Latest news with #Z-Wave
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Associated Press
ADT and Yale Introduce First-Ever Z-Wave User Credential Command Class Lock, Expanding Smart Home Security with Fingerprint Control
BOCA RATON, Fla., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ADT Inc. (NYSE: ADT), the leader in smart home security solutions, in collaboration with Yale and the Z-Wave Alliance, today announced the launch of the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Z-Wave for ADT+ . The Z-Wave 800 Series smart lock is the only one on the market with fingerprint control and the first smart lock to leverage the newly introduced Z-Wave User Credential Command Class. This industry-first innovation allows users to unlock and disarm their ADT+ security system using just their fingerprint. In addition to this revolutionary hardware, ADT is rolling out a major update to the ADT+ app, introducing Home | Away functionality, which leverages geofencing to provide real-time household awareness and automate security settings based on user presence. 'ADT, alongside our partners at Yale and the Z-Wave Alliance, is setting a new standard for smart home security,' said Omar Khan, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer at ADT. 'With the introduction of the User Credential Command Class and updates to ADT+, we're not just launching a new lock—we're redefining how security systems and smart locks work together. This is a leap forward for home security, combining convenience and protection in a way that has never been done before.' A Smarter, More Secure Home with the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Z-Wave The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Z-Wave 800 Series is designed to integrate seamlessly with ADT+ for an elevated security experience, offering multiple unlocking methods, including the new fingerprint recognition for biometric-based security, keypad code entry, traditional physical key access, virtual key control through the ADT+ app, or Trusted Neighbor's Auto Unlock feature. By directly integrating with the ADT+ Base, the lock uniquely enables users to arm and disarm their security system from the lock itself, creating a streamlined security experience. 'The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Z-Wave represents a significant advancement in smart home integration,' said Naveen Chhangani, Senior Vice President of Product Management and Chief Product Officer at ADT. 'By combining biometric entry with the Z-Wave User Credential Command Class, we're delivering a solution that securely connects physical access with system-level control — all in a way that feels seamless and intuitive for the user.' This milestone represents a major step forward in connected security and reflects the strength of collaboration across partners. 'The Touch Lock represents a major leap forward in how smart locks and security systems work together,' said Gilles Drieu, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at ADT. 'Developed in close collaboration with Yale and the Z-Wave Alliance, the introduction of the User Credential Command Class enables secure, biometric access while setting a new benchmark for interoperability across the smart home industry.' 'We're proud to partner with ADT and the Z-Wave Alliance to bring the first-ever Z-Wave User Credential Command Class lock to market,' said Kevin Kraus, Vice President of Technology Alliances and IoT Business Development at Yale, part of Fortune Brands Innovations. 'This collaboration has led to a truly innovative solution that delivers not only enhanced security but also unparalleled convenience for ADT homeowners.' Expanding Trusted Neighbor Access with Fingerprint Recognition Building on ADT's Trusted Neighbor program, the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Z-Wave 800 Series allows designated neighbors and helpers to enter during their access windows with just their fingerprint —no phone or code required–– which makes it a perfect solution for families who want a worry-free, flexible, and convenient lifestyle, supporting secure and seamless access for those who need it. ADT+ App Updates: Home | Away Automation for Smarter Security With the latest ADT+ mobile app update, users gain access to Home | Away, a feature that detects the location of participating mobile devices within a home's geofence to determine occupancy. If all registered devices leave the home, the system can automatically switch to Away mode, intelligently triggering security automations such as locking doors, adjusting smart home settings, and arming the security system. Key Home | Away capabilities include: The ADT+ app is also receiving a major design enhancement to update the app's original menu style with easier access to features most used by customers. Updates include navigation patterns with the addition of a navigation bar, and a stage-setting design that allows incremental improvements as ADT+ continues to evolve. Availability and Pricing The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Z-Wave 800 Series is available now for $279.99 at and can be installed with either ADT+ Self Setup or professional installation. Minimum one month monitoring contract required. The new ADT+ app is available in the App Store and Google Play Store today. For more information, visit About ADT ADT provides safe, smart, and sustainable solutions for people, homes, and small businesses. Through innovative offerings, unrivaled safety, and a premium customer experience—delivered by the largest network of smart home security professionals in the U.S.—ADT empowers people to protect and connect to what matters most, every second, every day. For more information, visit About Yale Yale Home is a leader in smart home security that protects the people, places, and things we love most. We secure homes throughout the United States and Canada with our innovative smart locks and smart storage solutions to protect front doors, interior doors, cabinets, package deliveries, and more. The Yale residential brand in the United States and Canada is part of Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. For more information, visit About The Z-Wave Alliance The Z-Wave Alliance is a standards development organization dedicated to developing and advancing Z-Wave® technology as an open and internationally recognized ITU standard (G.9959) for smart home and IoT solutions. Alliance members continue to shape and drive the future of Z-Wave through open development in the Alliance OS Work Group. With over 4,500 certified wireless, interoperable devices, Z-Wave Alliance member companies provide leading-edge products and systems that deliver increased comfort, convenience, energy conservation, safety, security, and more. The Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) specification uniquely enables IoT applications beyond the home. With a range of up to 1.5 miles, ZWLR delivers the performance and scalability required in MDU & hospitality deployments, and more. Learn more at Media Contact Max Borges Agency [email protected] This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rently and Kwikset® Announce Partnership to Develop Smart Bolt Elite with Kwikset® SmartKey Security®
Next gen smart lock for the rental industry merges advanced security with Rently patented touring and Kwikset® re-keying technologies for a secure and frictionless rental experience LOS ANGELES, April 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rently, the leader in self-touring, smart access, and home automation solutions for the rental industry, today announced a partnership with Kwikset, a trusted name in residential security since 1946, to introduce the Smart Bolt Elite—a next-generation smart lock designed to enhance unit access control for the rental housing market. By combining Rently's expertise in leasing automation, patented self-guided touring, smart home technology with Kwikset® SmartKey Security® advanced re-key technology solution, the Smart Bolt Elite will deliver a versatile, all-in-one smart lock designed to meet the evolving needs of rental operators. The Smart Bolt Elite is engineered to enhance security and streamline access control in the single-family and multifamily rental markets. Traditional access solutions in the rental industry have long been fragmented, forcing operators to choose between Bluetooth-only locks, Wi-Fi/cellular centralized hub solutions or non-smart access options—each with trade-offs in security, convenience and affordability. The Smart Bolt Elite eliminates this compromise, combining the best features of all three into a single, seamless solution. "The future of rental property management hinges on seamless, secure and scalable technology. With Smart Bolt Elite, we're not just introducing a new lock—we're redefining what access control can look like in the modern rental landscape," said Clark Li, CTO & Co-Founder of Rently. "By combining security, automation and flexible smart home integration, we're giving property managers the tools to enhance both operational efficiency and resident experience. This partnership with Kwikset represents a major step forward in creating a smarter, safer and more connected rental industry." Key features of the Smart Bolt Elite include: Seamless, hub-independent access: Operates with or without a hub, allowing property managers to control access via Z-Wave or Bluetooth. The lock can be used as a standalone smart lock or integrated into a larger smart home ecosystem—ensuring flexibility across diverse property portfolios. Multiple access options: Supports fobs, codes, mobile app, and physical keys for ultimate flexibility, ensuring 24/7 functionality even without constant internet or cellular connectivity. Enhanced with Kwikset® SmartKey Security® advanced re-key technology: Protects against common break in methods like lock picking and bumping, while enabling property managers to instantly re-key locks themselves. This eliminates the security risks and costs associated with lost or unreturned keys and streamlines tenant turnover, significantly reducing the need for expensive cylinder replacements or locksmith services. Self-touring compatibility for a frictionless leasing process: Unique, auto-expiring access codes provide secure, independent property tours, minimizing the need for manual key exchanges while enhancing security, and offers full remote management capability. Designed for Rently's Proptech Ecosystem: The Smart Bolt Elite is part of Rently's expanding suite of smart home solutions, seamlessly pairing with other Rently solutions, such as the Access Panel with Intercom, which enables secure, video-enabled entry management for shared spaces like gated entrances and lobbies. Together, these technologies offer property managers a comprehensive platform to optimize leasing, security, and resident experience. This partnership represents a major milestone for both companies, marking the first smart lock designed specifically for the proptech sector. The Smart Bolt Elite offers a long-term security solution for real estate operators in single-family and multifamily rentals, enabling greater security, convenience and cost savings. "A smart lock with both Rently and Kwikset SmartKey technologies is a game-changer for property managers. As the inventor of DIY re-key Kwikset provides unmatched convenience during resident turnover, while simultaneously delivering the robust security residents deserve. We're proud to partner with Rently to offer this proven, reliable solution that simplifies life for everyone involved," said Jeff Sandoval, Director of Marketing for Kwikset Electronics. Testing for the Smart Bolt Elite is currently underway, with a full launch expected in fall 2025. For more information on the Smart Bolt Elite, visit About Rently For single-family & multifamily owners/operators who want to maximize tenancy rates, efficiency and profitability, Rently is a proptech solution company that offers best-in-class leasing automation services and smart home solutions so customers can lease faster, secure their communities, streamline operations, and increase NOI — all from one platform. Whether you're seeking to increase security, reduce operating costs, or increase rental revenue, Rently has a tailored solution for you. Learn more at About Kwikset® Kwikset is the leading residential lock manufacturer, making homeowners feel safe since 1946. Kwikset works hard to understand the world you live in, so that we can do everything we can to protect it. The company's unwavering commitment to meeting homeowners' needs has inspired its innovative lock portfolio that includes patented SmartKey Security® deadbolts, keyless entry combination locks, connected home technology, Bluetooth-enabled Aura™, Wi-Fi and Matter enabled Halo™, door hardware with Microban® antimicrobial product protection and a wide variety of styles and finishes. Our interior and exterior door products provide customers with the quality, technology, durability and style they want while guaranteeing the highest level of security. Headquartered in Orange County, Calif., Kwikset is part of ASSA ABLOY Americas Residential, an ASSA ABLOY Group Company. Kwikset products are sold online and through retailers and distributors throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australia. Visit us at View source version on Contacts Media ContactIdea Groverently@
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Smart Locks Market is Set to Revolutionize Home Security with Advanced Features, Improved Convenience, and Enhanced Safety
The USA smart locks market is expected to grow rapidly at a 10.7% CAGR from 2025, driven by consumer demand for keyless entry and advanced security solutions. IoT and AI technologies fuel adoption, with rising concerns over home safety, theft prevention, and minimalist smart homes boosting the demand for sleek, automated security systems. NEWARK, Del, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global smart locks market is expected to reach a size of USD 4,457.6 million by 2025 and grow significantly to USD 18,195.4 million by 2035. With a projected CAGR of 15.1% from 2025 to 2035, the market is poised for substantial expansion, driven by increasing demand for advanced home security solutions and the widespread adoption of smart home technologies. This rapid growth reflects the increasing reliance on keyless entry systems and IoT-enabled security devices worldwide. Rising safety and security concerns, widespread use of smartphones and other connected devices, and the advantages of smart locks over conventional locking mechanisms are expected to fuel the demand for smart locks. Discover key market opportunities – Request your sample report now! The adoption of smart locks is predicted to rise exponentially in the coming years, and the factors attributable to its success could be categorised as: • Rising investment by government authorities in "smart city" initiatives. • Increasing regulation of security on a global scale • Evolution of trend for Internet of Things (IoT) for simplification of access to real-time data • Widespread acceptance of smart locks in the hospitality industry • Upgradation of locks to provide a high level of compatibility to technologies such as Z-Wave, ZigBee, and BLE Most people are still wary of smart door locks due to security concerns. Smart locks market expansion is anticipated to be stymied by the high price and lack of knowledge of smart door locks, particularly in rural areas. There are several other obstacles that could slow the smart locks market's expansion, including government regulations and a general reluctance to adopt new in Demand for Smart Locks for Home Security As the world continues to prioritize safety and convenience, smart locks for home security have become a cornerstone of modern households. These keyless entry systems allow users to unlock doors remotely through their smartphones, using voice commands, or through proximity-based solutions, eliminating the need for traditional keys and providing seamless control. With features such as remote access, real-time monitoring, and customizable user settings, these locks ensure safety while offering the flexibility to access homes, offices, and other spaces with ease. IoT and Smart Lock Integration: The Future of Security Systems The growing integration of Internet of Things (IoT) smart devices in everyday life has significantly contributed to the rise in smart locks. These locks are now being integrated with broader home automation systems, allowing homeowners to control their entire security setup, from lights and alarms to cameras and locks, all through a single application. IoT-enabled smart locks offer enhanced convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind, especially when combined with smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Regional Insights into the Smart Lock Market USA: The smart locks market in the USA is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2025 to 2035, driven by rising demand for advanced security solutions and smart home integrations. Canada: Canada's smart locks market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2025 to 2035, fueled by increasing adoption of keyless entry systems and a focus on home automation technologies. UK: The UK smart locks market is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 19.4% from 2025 to 2035, with a surge in demand for smart security devices in both residential and commercial spaces. China: China is expected to experience a CAGR of 18.5% in the smart locks market from 2025 to 2035, supported by rapid urbanization and growing interest in IoT-powered security solutions. India: The smart locks market in India is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 21.1% from 2025 to 2035, driven by increasing urbanization, demand for advanced home security, and the rise of smart homes. What's Next for the Hospitality Industry as Smart Locks Unlock Unrealized Opportunities A tidal wave of digital disruptions is set to hit the hospitality industry, and it is expected to be augmented by new additions that are likely to improve not only smart locks systems but also in-hotel service, reservation processes, food delivery, and more. To be ready for whatever 2023 may bring, the hospitality sector is putting a premium on the safety and security of its guests. Suppliers of door locks are increasing the adaptability and functionality of their solutions to meet a wide variety of property requirements and guest service preferences, thereby ensuring the smooth introduction of contactless smart locks services. Platforms for smart locks can now work in tandem with hotels' existing mobile apps or stand alone as a completely independent service. Innovative solutions let guests use and save digital keys without installing new software. This also helps tourists maintain track of digital hotel keys and boarding passes. Such platforms may increase the adoption rate of smart locks by offering visitors greater control over how they interact with a hotel's digital key service. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of transactions conducted using a mobile key, as business leaders have come to appreciate the convenience of using this method of payment to create seamless customer experiences from the moment passenger steps through the door. Many international hotel chains and independent properties have made digital key platforms mandatory since they reduce guest interaction with the front desk and the number of times keys are left on shared surfaces. Smart lock feature in hotels had a growth rate of 25% to 30% of chain loyalty members pre-pandemic, but it rose to 35% to 40% after the pandemic. Sales of smart locks are expected to surge as residential owners have been attracted by the elimination of the need to carry mechanical keys around. Smart home architecture, which includes features such as remote access, voice control, and seamless connectivity, is accelerating the demand for smart locks around the world. Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee, Thread, and Propriety are examples of communication technologies that are propelling the demand for smart locks and all of these technologies are sometimes combined into a single device. Factors such as the ability to track the security of the premises and secure and easy management of various entry points through remote access have aided the overall sales of smart locks in these spaces. The same ability is prompting various stakeholders to invest significant sums, in turn enlarging the smart locks market share. As various hotels are planning to replace RFID locks accessible by IC cards with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled locks as part of the process to improve the security of their premises, the demand for smart locks increases further. Sales of smart locks are projected to move forward as the new smart lock, which is aimed at businesses, and office spaces, has a lot of room for growth and as many people need access to the same place. The management has been forced to simplify the door unlocking process for authorised users due to the need for increased safety thereby pushing the sales of smart locks forward. For example, U-tec is expected to release a new biometric smart lock designed specifically for use in office doors which likely spikes the demand for smart locks. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the networking of smart electronic devices or things to exchange data signals without the need for human intervention which is considered to be another major force augmenting the sales of smart locks. Demand for smart locks is amplified as the market for IoT-enabled smart locks has a lot of room to grow and makes real-time data and remote monitoring more accessible. 'The smart locks market is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by advancements in IoT and security technologies. The growing adoption of smart home systems, coupled with heightened security concerns, is propelling market expansion. The integration of biometric authentication, remote access, and AI-driven features is significantly enhancing both convenience and safety for users.' - says Sudip Saha Managing Director and Co-Founder at Future Market Insights. Discover new opportunities and gain transformative insights with our Consumer Electronics Industry Reports! What Causes Fluctuations in the Smart Locks Market? The key drivers accelerating the demand for smart locks are increased popularity of smart home services coupled with smartphone penetration, which is expected to reach saturation points in the next two to three years. Moreover, declining costs of ubiquitous mobile broadband and cloud infrastructure have also aided in higher sales of smart locks by allowing users to easily remotely monitor and control any device, be it a smart lock or a smart thermostat. Some of the other factors impacting the demand for smart locks includes its various advantages such as allowing users to grant others access to their locks directly from their phones. Growing sales of smart locks can also be attributed to the convenience offered by smart locks to be able to walk up to a door and have it automatically unlocked without having to reach for one's keys and many others. One of the major challenges for global smart locks market is the issue of one's phone potentially dying. In such a scenario, a physical key still works which is expected to impede the demand for smart locks. Furthermore, concerns regarding hacking of phones and back-end clouds negatively impacts the sales of smart locks, hence there remains a real and perceived security risk related to smart locks. Also, companies tend to struggle to increase their smart locks market share as it will be critical for start-ups to invest in security since the headline and publicity risk is the largest in the early market which also results in less demand for smart locks. The augmentation of demand for smart locks can be credited to the ubiquity of smartphones and low power communication protocols, along with improved technologies primarily related to geo-locating an Landscape of the Smart Lock Market The competitive landscape of the smart lock market is driven by rapid innovation and technological advancements. Companies are differentiating themselves with features like biometric authentication, voice control, and AI-driven security, while focusing on seamless integration with smart home ecosystems to enhance user experience and convenience. Pricing and regional expansion are also crucial factors, with companies offering both premium and affordable models to cater to various consumer needs. Expanding into emerging markets and emphasizing strong cybersecurity and regulatory compliance are key strategies to build trust and meet rising demand for secure, advanced solutions. Recent Developments in the Smart Lock Market January 2025: August Home Introduces Biometric Smart Locks August Home launched smart locks with biometric fingerprint scanning and improved battery life, enhancing security and convenience for smart homes. March 2024: Yale Adds Voice Control to Smart Locks Yale expanded its lineup with smart locks that integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice-controlled access, offering greater ease of use and security. May 2024: Schlage Launches Commercial-Grade Smart Locks Schlage unveiled high-security smart locks for businesses with multi-factor authentication, designed for commercial applications requiring robust security and flexibility. Key Companies Profiled August Home Schlage Yale Kwikset Assa Abloy Access the Full Report Smart Lock Market Trends and Projections Now! Smart Locks Market Segmentation By Product Type: In terms of product type, the industry is divided into Deadbolt, Keypad & combination, and Biometric. By Sales Channel: The industry is further divided by sales channels that are Direct Sales, Mono Brand, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Department Stores, Specialty Stores, and Online Retailers. By Region: Key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Oceania have been covered in the report. Have a Look at the Related Reports of the Consumer Product Domain The garment steamer market size will grow from USD 2.29 billion in 2025 to USD 4.26 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 6.4%. The home audio equipment market value is expected to grow from USD 32.01 billion in 2025 to USD 94.23 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 11.4%. The demand for mobile phone accessories is expected to reach USD 215.51 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.8%. The 3D mobile theater market size is expected to grow from USD 34.62 billion in 2024 to USD 77.92 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 8.4%. Sales of camera accessories market is projected to grow from USD 3.48 billion in 2024 to USD 13.11 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 14.2%. The global home theatre system market value is expected to grow from USD 11.67 billion in 2024 to USD 28.91 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 9.5%. The demand for AC DC power adapter is projected to grow from USD 1.39 billion in 2024 to USD 3.36 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 9.2%. Sales of smartphone screen protector is expected to grow from USD 51.25 billion in 2024 to USD 101.77 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 7.1%. The 3D printed wearable market size is projected to grow from USD 4.25 billion in 2023 to USD 10.25 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 9.2%. The mechanical locks market value is expected to grow from USD 7.75 billion in 2025 to USD 11.15 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 3.7%. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Contact Us: Future Market Insights Corporate, 200 Continental Drive,Suite 401, Newark, Delaware – 19713, USAT: +1-347-918-3531For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Twitter| Blogs | YouTubeSign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
18-02-2025
- The Independent
Ring Alarm home security system review: smart, simple and Alexa-ready
Ring Alarm hardware The small Ring Alarm kit reviewed here has a retail price of £219, but sometimes falls as low as £129. It includes a base station, a keypad, one door/window contact sensor, one motion detector, a range extender and a set of Ring-branded stickers to ward off would-be burglars. There is no dedicated siren, but instead both the base station and the keypad contain a speaker. This chimes to let you know the system is active, and sounds a loud alarm when the system is triggered. Ring sells a wall-mountable outdoor siren separately, although it is included with some larger Ring Alarm kits. Installation is easy, and there are video tutorials for every component in the Ring app. The process starts with plugging in the base station and connecting it to your WiFi network and Ring account. After that, just pull out the plastic tabs of each component; this powers them on and sees them automatically connect to your system. You can then assign each device to a room or area of your home (hallway, kitchen, front door, etc) and give them a name (like Hallway Motion Sensor). While the base station uses WiFi (or Ethernet, if your router is within easy reach), to connect to the internet and the Ring app of your phone, everything else connects to the base station using Z-Wave. This is a wireless technology created specifically for smart home devices. The included range extender helps keep every component connected to the base station, and might need relocating to a different wall socket as you grow your Ring Alarm system. Both the base station and keypad have batteries. For the former this acts as a backup (alongside a cellular connection to the phone network) in case of a home power outage. For the keypad this means it can be positioned anywhere in the home, and only plugged in for occasional recharging. Both can be wall-mounted with the included screws and wall plugs. The keypad can be used to arm or disarm the system, by entering your user-defined passcode, and there are dedicated buttons for sounded specific alarm sounds, such as in the event of a fire, a break-in or a medical emergency. Ideally you'll want to buy Ring's external siren to be sure these alarms are heard outside your property. The contact sensor uses a magnet to tell when its two halves are close by or separated. Like the contact sensors of many other security systems, they simply stick to a door or window, then tell the alarm when it is open or closed. They work when up to 2.5cm apart, so should fit on just about any door or window frame. The motion detector also sticks into place, and is designed to fit high up (ideally at 2.3 metres) in the corner of a room or hallway. Each component feels well made, and I had no issues getting everything set up. Ring Alarm software Ring Alarm uses the same smartphone app as its video doorbells and security cameras, handily putting everything in one place and combining them to create a single, cohesive home security system. The app includes clear, concise instructions for setting up every Ring Alarm device. It also took care of a software update that my base station required, and in all the installation process took about 30 minutes. After that, I had a fully functional system, along with a free 30-day trial of the premium tier of Ring Home. Arming the alarm system is done either via the keypad, or by tapping an icon in the Ring app. You then have a set amount of time to leave before the alarm is armed; this time can be adjusted between zero and 180 seconds in the app. The same is true for when you return home, with the alarm either triggering immediately, or after up to 180 seconds. You are best setting this to 30 seconds, or however long it generally takes you to disarm the system once the door has been opened. It's also possible to adjust how the system works when in Home mode. Between Disarmed and Away, Home can be used to set certain aspects of the alarm when you are in the property. That way, you can have an alarm sound if a certain door is opened, for example, while the motion detectors ignore you walking between rooms. This could also work well at night, with the alarm configured to only trigger if movement is detected downstairs. It's also possible to create a schedule, which could be useful if you are always away from home at the same times every day. When the alarm is triggered, you are notified via an app notification and an email from Ring. The alarm is then switched off from either the app, or by entering your passcode on the keypad. Ring Alarm smart home features Since Amazon owns Ring, this alarm integrates well with the Alexa smart home ecosystem. The voice assistant can be used to set the alarm, check its status, and disarm it by stating your passcode. It also works with Alexa Routines, so you can create a routine where saying 'Alexa, goodnight' arms the alarm. This routine could be configured to control other smart home devices too, such as lighting, door locks and plugs. Ring devices do not have native support for Google Home or Apple HomeKit, but some workarounds are possible using third-party automation systems. In reality though, if you want your security to work with a smart home system that isn't Alexa, you're best looking for an alternative to Ring. Ring subscription plans and monitoring explained Ring products have less functionality if you don't pay for a subscription. That said, while its doorbells and cameras don't save video without paying, and are therefore somewhat useless, Ring Alarm still works as a basic intruder deterrent. The siren will still sound if someone enters when the alarm is armed, and you'll be notified via a smartphone app. You can arm and disarm the system using the keypad, but this cannot be done from the app unless you pay for a subscription. Ring Alarm subscriptions in the UK start at £7.99 a month or £79.99 for a year. Pay this, and you unlock a range of features. These include a cellular backup, where the alarm switches to a mobile phone network connection whenever your home internet goes offline, or the base station disconnects from your router. Paying also unlocks the ability to arm and disarm via the app, whether you are at home or anywhere in the world, and creates a 60-day timeline of events in the app, so you can see exactly what happened and when. Crucially, paying for a Ring Alarm subscription unlocks a feature called Alarm Calls. With that set up and enabled, Ring will place an automated phone call to your emergency contacts. Ideally you set yourself up as the first contact, followed by people like your partner, neighbour etc. Ring will work through the list until someone answers. However, it is important to note that a human does not make this phone call. Unlike some other alarm systems, like Simplisafe, this is a very basic form of monitoring, and it cannot be used to alert the emergency services. Ring offers such a service in the US, but not in the UK (at the time of writing in early 2025). I tried out the Alarm Calls function. The call came through to my phone about five seconds after the alarm was triggered, and an automated voice told me what had happened. It included details about the address and what exactly had caused the alarm, which in this instance was motion detected in the hallway. If I hadn't answered, the system would have moved to the next emergency contact. Meanwhile, the alarm was blaring from both the base station and the keypad, the Ring app had buzzed my phone, and I'd received an automated email. This all works well, and I'd like to think a burglar would leave the moment the alarm sounded (plus they'd be captured on video if I had Ring cameras and a doorbell installed). But it lacks the reassurance of a human-monitored system like Simplisafe. Although that system costs much more – up to £27.99 a month compared to £7.99 for Ring – for some homeowners it'll be worth the premium. The verdict: Ring Alarm home security system If you already own a Ring doorbell or security camera, adding a Ring Alarm system to your home is a no-brainer. It is very easy to install, connects seamlessly with your existing system, and provides an extra layer of security. I like how Ring offers a small kit for apartment owners or renters, but which can then be expanded to work with houses of practically any size. I also like how Ring's subscription service, which can feel expensive if only used with a single doorbell, adds features to the alarm system for no extra cost. So if you're already paying £7.99 for the Standard tier, you'll unlock the Alarm Calls and cellular backup features at no extra cost. All that's missing is professional monitoring. Ring's approach of making automated phone calls is still useful, especially if this leads to a neighbour checking on your property while you're away. But if you want anything more proactive, and a monitoring system that can call the emergency services, you'll have to look elsewhere.
