First things first, the wireless nature and battery operation are the big wins here. Installation was a breeze – charge the battery, connect it to my Wi-Fi using the Ring app, and mount it. No drilling through walls for power, which is great. The app guides you through the setup, and it's pretty straightforward.
The 1080p HD video quality is good during the day, clear enough to see faces and details. Night vision is decent too, though obviously in black and white unless you have other external lighting. The two-way talk feature works as advertised; I can hear and speak to delivery drivers or visitors through the app on my phone, and the audio quality is usually clear enough, though there can sometimes be a slight delay. Works with Alexa is a neat touch – I can ask my Echo Show to display the camera feed.
Ring positions this as an alternative to a traditional CCTV system. For basic home monitoring and alerts, it does a good job. You get motion-activated notifications to your phone, and you can jump into a live view anytime. However, and this is a big "however," to get the most out of it – specifically, to record, save, and review video clips – you really need to subscribe to the Ring Protect Plan. You get a 30-day free trial, but after that, it's a monthly or annual cost per camera (or for all your Ring devices on a higher tier). Without the subscription, it's mostly a live-view and notification device, which significantly limits its usefulness as a "security" camera.
Pros:
Easy Wireless Installation: Super simple to set up without needing to run power cables. Ideal for outdoor spots where wiring is tricky.
Good 1080p HD Video Quality: Clear daytime footage and decent black-and-white night vision.
Two-Way Talk: Useful for communicating with visitors or deterring unwanted guests.
Motion Detection & Alerts: Get notifications on your phone when movement is detected (customisable zones help reduce false alarms).
Works with Alexa: Convenient for viewing the feed on Echo Show devices or getting voice announcements.
Versatile Placement: Being battery-powered, you can place it almost anywhere within Wi-Fi range.
User-Friendly App: The Ring app is generally well-designed and easy to navigate.
Cons:
Subscription Dependent for Key Features: To record, store, and share video clips, a Ring Protect Plan subscription is pretty much essential after the trial. This adds to the ongoing cost.
Battery Life Varies: Ring claims months, but in the UK, especially with colder weather and frequent motion events, expect to recharge the battery more often – maybe every few weeks to a couple of months depending on settings and activity. A spare battery is a good investment.
Wi-Fi Dependent: Needs a stable Wi-Fi connection to your router. If your Wi-Fi is patchy in the intended outdoor location, you might experience connectivity issues or delays.
Field of View Could Be Wider: While adequate at around 110-130 degrees (diagonal), some other cameras offer a wider perspective.
No Local Storage (Without Ring Alarm Pro base in some regions, but less common standalone): Primarily cloud-based storage means if your internet goes down, or if you don't subscribe, you don't get recordings.
Potential for False Alerts: While you can adjust motion sensitivity and zones, you might still get alerts from passing cars, pets, or swaying trees if not carefully configured.
Overall:
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a solid choice for UK homeowners looking for an easy-to-install, wireless outdoor security camera with good video quality and smart features. It integrates well into the Alexa ecosystem and provides a convenient way to monitor your property.
However, it's crucial to factor in the ongoing cost of the Ring Protect Plan subscription if you want to use it as a proper recording security camera. Battery life is decent but will require regular management, especially in high-traffic areas or during cold snaps. As a flexible, user-friendly alternative to more complex CCTV systems for general home surveillance, it does the job well, as long as you're aware of the subscription model.
Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.
As certified by
Reducing CO2
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full life cycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.
