Ring Alarm 2nd Generation Review - 2020 Keypad, Contact Sensor, Motion Detector & Range Extender

Today, we are going to check out the new 2nd generation alarm devices from Ring in 2020. Not all the components got the refreshed look but Ring released the 2nd generation keypad which badly needs it because a lot of people doesn't like how it looked when it was released. There is also a newer version of their motion detector, contact sensors and their range extender.
The big difference is that Ring made them smaller and have different battery type for power. The motion detector uses 2 AA batteries and the contact sensor uses 2 CR2320 button cell batteries. The first generation was powered by CR123A batteries. The motion detector also has better motion detection as per Ring but the app settings looks exactly the same as the older model. The contact sensor also can be separated up to an inch and will still be reliable while the 1st gen sensors needs a max of 1/2 inch gap.
I have been using the Ring alarm system going on 2 years now and I haven't had any issues. I haven't even changed the batteries (CR 123s) on any of them and the battery level still show "green" in the app.
I will link down below my Ring Alarm videos starting from my initial review 2 years ago...
Ring Alarm Review - • Ring Alarm Review - Wi...
Ring Alarm Update - • Ring Alarm Update - Pr...
Ring + Z wave Smart Locks - • Ring Alarm Z Wave Smar...
Ring 1 Year Review - • Ring Alarm Long Term R...
Ring Retrofit Alarm Kit Review - • Ring Retrofit Alarm Ki...
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[@hgraphix]

Been using Ring alarm and cameras for 2 years now and absolutely love it.

[@elongatuspiranha]

Probably the best reviewer of this security system. Great job!

[@Guitargirl5005]

I agree. Great review. Thanks for actually using the product in the review instead of just talking about it.

[@NY_Patriot_Lady]

You are a great communicator and demonstrator

[@jamesw4445]

Your video showed door sensor installation no one else did. The angled sensor on your shed door really helped. Thank you.

[@janettesartmood]

Thank you! I was looking around for a comprehensive review and how-to for my new 2nd Gen Ring system and this video had everything I needed, unlike the other 10 or so videos I looked at before. Looks like you have a new subscriber 😊

[@potomoc11]

Very thorough review. I just installed the ring system today and your presentation helped me ramp down the learning curve!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@Irwhodunit]

I'm impressed by the "tamper" notification out in the shed. I didn't see anything like that with Simplisafe.

[@NickB-Philly-UI-Guy]

Fantastic review! I was really was wondering what the differences were. Keep up the fantastic content!

[@vaughndozier6645]

Your introduction was well plan and delivered. I just purchased the ring alarm and with your video, I am confindent I can install with no issue. Thank you sir.

[@lakersdodgers196]

I actually just bought the old version it was on sale at Costco .Your video really helped in convincing me to get the alarm system.looks like old and new version the same just different style in keypad..great video 👍🏽

[@AlexKluiber]

Same. New components look nicer, but for $180 at Costco for a 10-piece kit, and $100 for the Doorbell 2 which includes a year of Ring Protect Plus (so basically a free doorbell), the old system seemed like a no-brainer when it's functionally the same.

[@mele2259]

@@AlexKluiber can I use the new sensors , pads and motions with gen 1 alarm ? Thanks

[@BukuiZhao]

There is a difference. With the new sensors you get quick exit which is a bit like quiet open in Nest. Something I wanted for since I first got it.

[@rodrobinson6111]

Thanks for another great video. I’ve been going back n forth if I want to change this from my current alarm company. Thanks again, I will make a decision soon. Keep these videos coming!!!

[@damnitjanet3037]

I’m sold. Have it all set up and love it! Thank you for all the details. Great review.

[@darrylpolite8722]

I was trying to love it but I'm trying to see if an external siren besides the Z Wave can be added which is not loud either. With the volume all the way up and 3 keypads that three siren goes off on, it's not loud at all. I've been trying to see if an external siren can be installed but so far I'm not seeing that one can be installed.

[@picardo5397]

Because the blink xt2 is battery powered and uses pir sensor and the battery last for 2 years.

[@johnchan6191]

Wow, thx 4 the review. It's very informative & it's reviewed from an actual customer, so it provides insights of pro & con. Thx 4 sharing on the internet. Keep on being tech savy that U r.

[@MrTolcher]

ahh you made me laugh when you specified it wasnt you that set off the alarm. great vid as always Hackster, take care

[@mariathomas4815]

L. H., you an awesome reviewer and commentator on this item, thank you my dear friend, keep up the good job. You are always so professional in describing the items that you are talking about.

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@jimblv]

Great video. I'm glad to see Ring continue to develop new products for their alarm systems. I would love to see an option where you can change the "tone" of the Entry delay and exit delay. They sound the same and I can not figure out which is which. So I wait to see if I hear "House Armed" or the alarm go off. Yikes!

[@BukuiZhao]

The tone is the same but you can tell based on the lights on the base station and keypad.

[@gregb5876]

Just an FYI...I have a glass break sensor installed from my previous alarm system. I can confirm that it works using the Ring Retrofit Kit. I do have to have to power the old alarm system by leaving it plugged in and a backup battery...but it does work. By the way, leaving it old system plugged in allowed me to also install the Ring Keypad Converter Step Down to continuously provide power to the keypads.

[@JamesZ1025]

Awesome review my friend, my system is being delivered today, ordered the smoke detector with it so my wife will know when dinner is ready :-)

[@LifeHackster]

Lol..thanks.

[@jacqbx]

LMBO

[@MrRayflowmeter]

keep up the good work man love your videos !!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@user-lh2nd3wh2f]

Great review. Thanks Quick question plz, in 'Home Mode' while sleeping, have to go the app each time if u want to disarm only the room' motion detector' and keep others 'motion detector' inside ON ? Or is there 2 different Home Mode ?

[@mocobb4791]

Ring has responded to 3 smoke alarms in my home very quickly, within seconds of them going off. Everytime was due to my wife or daughter burning up something in the kitchen. I've had no problems with the 1st gen alarm outside of 3 faulty contact sensors that I'm replacing with the second gen. I due wish that Ring comes out with a glass break sensor and a smarter keypad that is more intuitive and can do everything that the app does. I dont believe I should be limited to using my cell or tablet to monitor the status of sensors, set up devices, or which window was left open.

[@tomt5698]

Mo Cobb... which is why smokes should never be installed in a kitchen area. Recommend a “rate of rise” heat detector instead. (Not just talking out my ass, 30 years in the industry)

[@ronm6585]

Very thorough review. Thanks.

[@amitray6614]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Really insightful.

[@Bails83]

Great video! Was wondering if you have tried using the motion sensors to turn on smart lights such as lifx or hue? Is this possible with the ring system?

[@derekolea4358]

Great information. I appreciate your talent. I wonder if one needs to "re-try Connection" to force the remote sensor to "pick" the new range extender for the better signal?

[@Spacemanwho1]

Blink does IFTT can be pretty handy. And is battery powered.

[@sergiopabon1387]

Nice vid. I like the new design of the keypad.

[@twadam5218]

Looking like a Fisher Price Toy! LMAO, for some reason that has been a really big hang up for me. Glad to see they finally upgraded the keypad. Also, nice to know about the notification if a jammer is being used! That last second piece of info is appreciated!

[@milanjurich1526]

Hi Lifehackster ... great review. Is the glass break something that they’re working on? Any insight into this. I’m aware of the guard feature, but this would seal the deal for me.

[@speedracer9132]

Milan Jurich from what I understand, guard will not trigger alarm if glass break is detected, it will only alert your phone

[@deejaybustab]

With the contact sensor outside in your shed what is the recommendation for the sensors high & low operating temperature? I ask because most sensors & basic electronics have the operational range between 40F - 120F or around that range. If the temperature is below or higher than that then you may errors or false alarms. I know sheds can get over 120F in hot summer weather & I don’t know if your area gets below freezing in the winter.

[@Resist3rdbass]

I had a question about the new keypad. Does it make a sound/siren when the overall alarm is triggered? I have the older one which I don’t believe makes any sound when the alarm triggers so it’d be worth an upgrade for that.

[@patrickhall3373]

Very thorough and to the point! Please comment more on the keypad battery. Is it rechargeable or does it use regular household batteries?

[@ProductsForMen]

Hi there, I just want to ask, is the ring alarm system compatible to other kits they have i.e. the flood lights camera? Also have you ever thought of hard-wiring the door/window sensors to have steady power from your old alarm wirings? thanks!

[@retrodog63]

Great video. Thanks for posting it.

[@TyBaloo]

Thanks for the review! It seems that many customers complained about the very short battery life of the new door sensors (sometimes less than 2 weeks!). After few months of usage, did you experience anything similar? Thank you!

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

We live in the wilderness of interior Alaska so our needs are fairly unique...I like the Ring system because I get an email as soon as a sensor is tripped...a motion sensor, a door or cabinet is opened, a water heater starts leaking, a entry way starts freezing, the smoke/CO2 detector is sensed, etc. No monthly service fee which would be useless in our case since emergency response is much slower than me getting an email and having the neighbor run over to check out the problem. I did order a different sensor on Amazon that emails me the room temperature so I can see if there is any problem starting during the cold Alaska winters. If someone breaks in a steals a $200 TV, no big deal, but if they break in and the pipes freeze, or our water heater leaks, or the freezer dies with prime Alaskan salmon...that's a big deal. Ring Alarm's base station has a battery backup that lasts for 24 hours if the power goes out...by then my neighbor will have our generator up and running

[@georgebrodie9795]

Great video thanks for all your info

[@joshcavener2768]

We have the whole eufy system. I am so far very happy with it. I have the ability to monitor on my own.

[@tonytroiano4697]

As my windows and doors are solid oak with a dark stain I prefer brown plugs, wall plates, and light switches which doesn't clash with the surroundings as the standard white ones do. These are usually more difficult to come by, and Ring's security system which is available solely in a matte white finish, is no exception. If I were to carefully paint the contacts, magnets, and motion detector (excluding the motion sensor) brown would it have a detrimental effect on the system? Your video is fantastic ... very informative. Thank you!

[@LifeHackster]

I think you can paint the contact sensors without a detrimental effect on its sensing.

[@hugojimenez7143]

Thanks for sharing. I really appreciate it. I have question about sirens, Do you know if ring systems support external sirens? Thanks in advance!!! Super video 😊😊😊

[@ConradMurkitt]

A so,I’d review. You’ve just gotten yourself a new subscriber.

[@mavpscvw1]

Because you can sync the 2 device together and have blink records video when the door shed open.

[@Ben-id1tc]

The Blink has temperature monitoring sensor so you can monitor your shed for temperature issues.

[@cameraz99]

Good video. I hope you will review the eufy Home Security Alarm System soon.

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

The problem with RING's water/freeze sensor is the alert is via email, not a text message to my phone. Frozen pipes are a concern up here in Alaska. So I went with a pp-Code sensor which has 3 distinct advantages: 1) The user can specify the threshold for temperatures, for example, send an alert if the temperature is above 70F or below 50F. 2) Text alerts whenever the threshold is exceeded. 3) The user can remotely look at hourly logs to see the exact temperature and trends for example 65F,62F,59F,55F 50F...etc.

[@landoniantv]

They updated it so you get notifications and calls from monitoring

[@hawaiian5oh]

Awesome review bro!

[@MrZACATECANO100]

Will you recommend this alarm system, since you have a while with it?

[@steven44goldberg]

Does the ring range extender (2nd Gen) have a glowing light that should stay on always like the light on the chime? Mine is showing online. But not sure about the glowing light... Thanks !

[@jeaninnemcguire892]

Amazing Video wish i watched before i purchased.

[@bruceli457]

Great video, choosing ring. Subbed..

[@Born2BeWildOfficial]

Is the blink feature the long lasting battery? Or amazing customizable features in app?

[@sassypantslucy]

We just bought the home security kit gen 2 and your videos are outstanding. What we are unsure of is the door sensors. With molding around the door which makes the molding actually higher than the door itself, how do you install these sensors so that they line up?

[@charleslancefield]

Great review mate :)

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@MALITHA8]

Love your videos. Can you do a video that explains all the features available on the free service? Thanks

[@premacy2003]

Great video as usual. Just wondering if Ring had a thermostat. I am trying to decide an ecosystem to go for. Either Google(Nest) or Amazon(Ring).

[@acoustic61]

Nice Review!

[@soulbrosampson]

Excellent review

[@Rooftop923]

Always you have great videos so I don’t need alarm but have questions for you so 2gen doorbell vs doorbell 2 is it lot of differents please let me know. Thanks

[@tazmanila6522]

This is the best ring video well done but i need see how the home setting works with a shed when I’m in the house?

[@FIRED13]

With the protection plus $100/yr monitoring that has cellular backup - if internet connection outside gets cut but inside wifi still works with the cameras running, will live video/audio feeds be transmitted through the cellular backup for: 1) home owners to see what is going on in the home? 2) storage on the cloud ?

[@philbeale8947]

Looks loads better the old version look put me of buying

[@GabrielFereira]

Great video as always. Do you know if the new generation devices will work with the original system? For instance can I buy the new motion detector section and add it to my existing setup? Thanks.

[@fadyfso]

Yes you can mix and match

[@LifeHackster]

Yes..you can. That is what I did..works without problems.

[@user-rl5jo1tt2g]

Thank you 😊

[@lesleebachus9605]

Two way communication through the Blink XT2

[@kapilkanojia5809]

Thank you, for sharing this review!

[@IamGeeOne]

Does it have a glass breakage sensor currently available? Also, if you live outstide the USA, can you assign your emergency contact numbers to the designated police & fire buttons ?

[@tedtolentino4955]

Pare, this was a very helpful tutorial. A question: have you or anyone you know who has the Ring alarm system have had sensors (specifically the Video Doorbell Pro) loose connection with the base station (or in my case the Chime Pro extender) and cannot re-connect? I have searched the Ring forums but have not found a good solution. Thank you for your time. Maraming salamat.

[@barryliu8]

question on the Keypad sound notification. Does the keypad make a sound (chime) when I open the doors/windows/etc?

[@S2KV]

After watching your video I went to look at my Ring panel and it’s matte white, I think they switch to matte white before the released of the 2nd gen alarm kit

[@samy.81]

Hi, is there any difference between the base stations of Gen 1 Vs Gen 2, I found a good deal for Gen 1 with an indoor cam, I need extra sensors, so I will get the new ones, maybe a new keypad. Thank you.

[@georgebrodie9795]

Enjoyed your video and I do like the new door and window sensors but why don’t they make their own glass break ?

[@tomfoolery8640]

how well does it work in extreme cold like 20 below zero windchill, I have an unheated pole barn I want to set it up in.

[@linlotto]

I was waiting for this!!! Thank you!!

[@LifeHackster]

You are welcome.

[@joachimwussow2023]

I had the impression you are combining triggers to execute. Have you been able to conncet the contact or motion triggers to IFTTT. How?

[@jayhernandez6812]

So is this your security now and is it the best for indoor and outdoor wireless home security?

[@canyonblue737-8]

It appears the new keypad uses the same installation screw pattern as the much larger bracket for the older keypad. can you check to see if they truly match if i chose to upgrade (doubtful its worth it but who knows, i do silly things) the keypads because that would prevent having to patch, paint and then create new holes in the wall. thanks!

[@AJDIYNetwork]

Can you interchange the old system with the new system? For example, changing out the keypads?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes you can.

[@abc123fhdi]

This is better than simply safe at least the 2nd gen which didn't have the medical and fire emergency buttons on the keypad.

[@LifeHackster]

I think so too..

[@manolocordovez9323]

How you used Eufy cameras to work with the Ring alarm, I recently bought a Eufy Floodlight and a Ring alarm second gen, now I am wondering if we can add the Eufy cameras, since I am planning to buy more cameras.

[@ashleytang1362]

Can you show more about how you place your contact sensors on windows and doors? You know, the old version can't apply to some types of windows. Thanks.

[@aaronl.8580]

Not sure if anyone asked this question, but do you plan on reviewing the new Ring Chime Pro? It just came out.

[@Bonze661]

How do I find the setting in order to change the delay time for my main door. I cannot locate it.

[@FIRED13]

Good overview vid. Questions. Can you bypass and individual sensors as you are arming the system, say a window was left open at time of arming? How about once the system is armed, can you both bypass and bypass individuals sensors? Can you at any given time, arm or disarm the system silently, meaning no countdown or beeps when arming or disarming the system?

[@LifeHackster]

I know you can bypass sensors but as to silent arming/disarming..not at this time.

[@FIRED13]

@@LifeHackster Ring has been out for guess many years now? Not to have this popular feature for silently arming and disarming by now says something about the company, and it is not good.

[@LifeHackster]

Waren - forgot to mention that you can adjust the volume on the base station and the keypad..so you can basically mute the the arming and disarming if that is your preference..but there is no toggle switch to have silent arm/disarm..

[@PolyVitus]

Good afternoon from France. Thank you for this test. Informations are clear and full of personal experience. Could you give me your best security system ?

[@picardo5397]

Blink xt2 is battery powered , and last for 2 years and it PIR sensor and and no false notification.

[@LifeHackster]

Almost..but what it has that most other security camera don’t have is temperature monitoring..

[@AJDIYNetwork]

Great video, btw

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@blackstarrent]

Very solid video.

[@FedericoFueguel]

Excellent Review! Thanks. Do You know if the range extender is 110v and 220v? Por only 110v? And do you know if the buttons on keypad for police and emergencies are customizables for other countries? I suppose that will call a phone number emergencies...911 maybe?

[@clee1173]

Could you review the First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smoke/CO Alarm (2nd Gen) detector that is compatible with Ring Alarm. I was thinking of getting it but not sure how it works with Ring systems...thanx

[@katerinamichael6449]

Is there a way of partially arming this system? I mean lets say we are upstairs and want the downstairs fully armed like we are away, is this possible? Does it have zones?

[@leslew778]

What about linked up to floodlight cam siren. Is that implemented yet.

[@danf4616]

Very good system I think. BUT we need a couple additions: #1 Key Fob Control, #2 When alarm triggers, it needs to tell Alexa to turn on the Echo-controlled lights! Ring Staff, please put these in Feature Request.

[@bosszell1]

Thank you

[@2Wins777]

You need to monitor temperature and Blink is the only one that has that feature

[@classiccorvetteguide9147]

How do I install a light like yours in the background?

[@BearPapa49]

Blink is battery powered wireless and you installed it for quick checks and footage

[@joelconkey2054]

the blink xt2 now has an early notification feature

[@theuncreatedlight4717]

Does the keypad make any alert sound when you open the door? Or does that sound only come through the Base station?

[@graffmixer]

Thinking of getting this for my apartment. Was wondering if I need to install keypad in order for the Ring security system to work? I already have the ring indoor cam and I usually just use the Ring App on my phone to turn on and off my cam.

[@Tagnz]

To use it for security yea. For the cameras, doorbells. No

[@Aviation_Racing]

Me the biggest fan of the channel. But I am back!!!!!! I watch all your vids

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@Aviation_Racing]

LifeHackster You do amazing vids and I am only a kid I saw all your vids now I know a lot of smart home stuff thanks to you

[@Aviation_Racing]

And here I am still