Published: 2024-02-12 by, News Team in the Science & Tech news category

Amazon Raises Ring Subscription Price by 43% this March

Users of Ring video doorbells are expressing significant discontent in response to a substantial price hike set to take effect in March.

Following the purchase of these devices, customers have the option to subscribe to a service that enables them to store footage on the cloud, download clips, and access discounted products.

However, the subscription fee for this service is increasing by 43%, soaring from £34.99 to £49.99 per device, per year, for those on the basic plan.

Despite being owned by Amazon, the company insists that it still offers "some of the best value in the industry."

However, its customers beg to differ.

Some have taken to Ring's message board to express their intention to cancel their subscriptions and boycott the company altogether.

One disgruntled user wrote: "A 40% plus increase in the annual fee for no extra benefits. Not even an attempt to justify."

Numerous other customers have voiced their dissatisfaction, with many stating that they have already canceled their subscriptions. Some admitted they had previously recommended the cameras but would not do so given the circumstances.

In an official statement, Amazon defended the price increase, stating: "Since Ring launched its Protect Basic Plan in 2015, we've regularly found ways to enhance the plan to give our customers more value. As we continue to invest in the services we offer, we are updating our Protect Basic plan pricing."

This hike represents a doubling of the basic plan's cost since 2022 when it was priced at £24.99 per year for each device.

Customers also have the option to pay monthly, with charges increasing from £3.49 to £4.99 a month.

The upfront cost of the doorbells currently ranges from £49.99 to £169.99, according to Ring's website.

Although there remains an option to use Ring products without subscribing to a monthly plan, the features are significantly limited.

The sharp rise in prices has sparked criticism, particularly at a time when many are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Natalie Hitchins from consumer group Which? remarked, "Ring must justify these steep increases to its customers, particularly when it is unclear how its services are improving."

The popularity of smart security products like those provided by Ring has surged in recent years, with the proportion of homes fitted with them rising from 4% to 11% between 2019 and 2023, according to consumer research firm GWI.

While Ring remains one of the market leaders, Chris Beer from GWI suggested that the price hike could tarnish Amazon's reputation for offering value for money.

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