Amazon announced that the price of the cheapest Ring doorbell subscription is increasing again, meaning the price will double starting in 2022. …
The latest increase takes effect next month and represents a 25% increase in the current price of a Ring Protect Basic subscription.
Doorbell Subscription
Although the device works very simply without a subscription, an app plan is required to many basic functions:
- Remote alarm setting and disarming
- Alarm notifications
- Alarm event history
- Modes ” At Home” and “Away”
In 2022, a Protect Basic subscription cost $24.99 per year. It was subsequently increased to $39.99 (or $3.99 per month) and is now increasing to $49.99 (or $4.99 per month).
Price hikes anger customers
BBC News reports that customers are reacting angrily to the news.
One of them took to the Ring message board to announce that they would be unsubscribing and boycotting the company.
Another user wrote: “40% plus an increase in annual fee without any additional benefits. Not even an attempt to justify”
Many other customers said they had already canceled their subscriptions, and some said they had recommended cameras in the past but wouldn't do so now.
Industry commentators have also questioned the price rise.
Natalie Hitchins of consumer group Which? said that the large price increase was “undesirable” given that many people are struggling to make a living wage.
“Ring must justify such a dramatic increase to its customers, especially when it is unclear how its services are improving” she said […]
Ring is one of the market leaders – but GWI's Chris Beer said raising prices could damage parent company Amazon's reputation.
Last year, Amazon was fined for privacy violations related to its Ring doorbell. camera.
Image: 9to5Mac collage of images by Ring and Luke Chesser on Unsplash
