Skip to main content

Ring’s 3-in-1 Floodlight Cam is a replacement for your low-tech security lights

ring floodlight cam
Ring
Security cameras are typically only one piece in a smart home security setup. But why not build several different security devices into one? That is exactly what Ring did in its $249 Floodlight Cam, which launched at CES 2017 on Wednesday. It’s not only a camera but also a LED floodlight and 110-decibel siren all in one.

Like its brethren the Doorbell and Stick Up Cam, the Floodlight Cam works over Wi-Fi and its 1080p video streams are viewable through the Ring app. It’s designed to be a direct replacement for any traditional floodlight, but it’s a relatively easy self-install project, something Ring has tried to do with every one of its smart devices.

“With learnings from Ring Video Doorbell combined with our mission of reducing crime in neighborhoods, the team and I invented the next layer of easy-to-use, DIY, proactive outdoor home security,” Ring founder Jamie Siminoff said of the Floodlight Cam. “Floodlight Cam enhances Ring’s mission of reducing crime in neighborhoods and when used with the Ring Doorbell, provides a complete proactive, preventative home security system.”

While Ring users already were able to monitor their homes outside of the front door thanks to the Stick Up Cam announced at 2016’s CES, in order to turn on your lights you needed a lighting system compatible with IFTTT (If This Then That). Here, you can control the floodlight through the Ring app and even activate the siren or flash the lights to scare away intruders.

So why is Ring going after the floodlight? The company says it conducted an internal study that shows a majority of homes have at least one floodlight. It also pointed to earlier studies that showed motion-activated security lights are only marginally effective in preventing break-ins. The Floodlight Cam will also be compatible with the company’s recently launched “Live View” feature, which allows Ring device owners to access live video at any time through the company’s app.

Ring says it will accept pre-orders for the new device starting Wednesday, however, shipments of the actual device itself are not expected until April.

Editors' Recommendations

Ed Oswald
For fifteen years, Ed has written about the latest and greatest in gadgets and technology trends. At Digital Trends, he's…
Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro: Which is the best security camera?
The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro on display the 2023 Amazon Fall Devices and Services event.

The Blink Mini 2 is one of the cheapest security cameras you can buy. It's pretty well-rounded too. It's capable of filming in HD and offering support for outdoor use when paired with an optional accessory, making it a great choice for shoppers on a budget. That makes it wildly different from the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, which carries a hefty price tag and supports both indoor and outdoor use right out of the box without the need to purchase a secondary accessory.

But is the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro a better investment than the affordable Blink Mini 2? From pricing and video resolution to the installation process and additional features, here's a look at the Blink Mini 2 and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro to help you decide which is the best choice for your home.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more
How to save Ring Doorbell video without a subscription
Ring Doorbell mounted outside a front door.

Take a walk through any neighborhood, and you're bound to see a few Ring video doorbells installed next to front doors. The brand is increasingly popular, thanks to an ever-growing product lineup that makes it easy to find a device for all budgets and security needs. But one of the peskier features of Ring is the need for a Ring Protect Plan -- a monthly subscription service that unlocks the majority of the camera's most useful features.

One such feature locked behind a Ring Protect Plan membership is the ability to save Ring doorbell videos. Without a plan, you'll really only be allowed to view a live feed of your video doorbell. The plans are pretty generous, with the Basic plan costing $5 per month and offering video history for up to 180 days, making it a worthwhile investment for homes worried about their security.

Read more
Blink Mini 2 vs. Blink Mini: Is Amazon’s new security camera a worthy upgrade?
The Blink Mini 2 installed outside.

Amazon recently introduced the Blink Mini 2, the successor to the wildly popular Blink Mini indoor security camera. The smart home device adds a few new tricks, including support for outdoor use and Person Detection, making it a nice improvement over the aging Blink Mini. But what exactly is the difference between the Blink Mini 2 and Blink Mini? And, more importantly, is it worth rushing out to replace your Blink Mini with the newer security camera?

From resolution and pricing to Person Detection and more, here's a look at everything you need to know about the Blink Mini and Blink Mini 2.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more