Ring Doorbell Subscription Price Hike Sparks Customer Outcry

Customers of the popular Ring video doorbells have expressed outrage following a significant price increase in their subscription fees announced in March. Owned by tech giant Amazon, Ring offers customers the option to pay a subscription fee to store footage on the cloud, download clips, and access discounted products.

The subscription fee for the basic plan is set to rise by 43%, going from £34.99 to £49.99 per device per year, a move that has stirred discontent among Ring users. Despite Ring’s claim of providing great value, many customers have taken to social media platforms like Twitter to voice their dissatisfaction.

One user threatened to cancel their subscription and boycott the company, while another criticized the 40% plus increase as unjustified, highlighting that no extra benefits were being offered in return.

Several customers have already proceeded to cancel their subscriptions, with some expressing disappointment that they can no longer endorse the cameras due to the price hike.

In response to the backlash, Amazon stated that since the introduction of the Protect Basic Plan in 2015, they have consistently improved the plan to offer customers more value. However, the company emphasized the need to update the pricing structure as they continue to invest in their services.

Natalie Hitchins from consumer group Which? expressed concerns about the steep price increase, particularly at a time when many individuals are facing financial challenges. She called on Ring to justify the significant hikes to its customer base.

Consumer research firm GWI noted the rapid growth in the smart security products market, with a significant increase in households utilizing these devices. Chris Beer from GWI highlighted that the price hike could impact Amazon’s reputation in the UK, where the company is known for its value offerings.

The Ring Doorbell subscription cost has now doubled since 2022, with annual charges rising from £24.99 to £49.99. Customers also have the option to pay monthly, with fees increasing from £3.49 to £4.99.

Despite the price hike, Ring still provides an option for users to use their products without a monthly subscription, albeit with limited features. The current range of Ring doorbells is priced between £49.99 and £169.99, catering to varying consumer preferences.

As the controversy surrounding the price increase continues, customers are left weighing the value proposition of Ring’s offerings against the higher subscription fees.