Ring Spotlight Cam Review
Ring is most widely known for its high-quality video doorbell that allows users to see who is coming and going and even communicate with visitors at the front door. But Ring offers more security cameras that cater to every part of your home too. The Ring Spotlight Cam is one of the most versatile options, providing you with an outdoor camera that senses motion and automatically shines a spotlight on the area.
The Ring Spotlight cam is easy to install with a wide range of customization options including activity zones, sensitivity adjustments and different power options. It works seamlessly with other Ring products and is also compatible with Alexa for voice activation.
The best customer for the Ring Spotlight Cam is someone who wants a reliable way to keep an eye on their backyard and is comfortable with DIY installation. Although customers can opt for 24/7 professional monitoring with Ring, they can also utilize the app to monitor themselves.
The Ring Spotlight Cam has a remote-activated siren to scare off intruders, too. You’ll really love this model if you already have other Ring products in the home, because they all work together on the same app.
Nerd Pros
The Ring Spotlight Cam alerts you to anything happening in your yard, including whether the camera sees a person or an object. You’ll get alerts via the Ring app, and you can decide whether you want to sound the alarm if you have a self-monitoring system.
Nerd Cons
Customers have to pay $3 a month to be able to record video. If you want to use the free version, you’ll still get notifications, but you won’t be able to share video or save it.
Ring Spotlight Models
Which type of Ring Spotlight Cam you should choose depends on your own personal preferences. Each one of the cameras is compatible with Alexa. The main difference is the way the cameras are powered—battery, wired or solar option.
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery
The Spotlight Cam Battery is the battery-powered model, outfitted with LED spotlights and a siren. This model has a rechargeable battery that lasts anywhere from 6-12 months. If you are comfortable with using a rechargeable battery that lasts from 6-12 months, this can be an ideal option. Features include:
- Wire-free, 1080 HD video, wide-angle lens, two-way talk, customized sensitivity, motion zones, scheduling, smart alerts, person detection, spotlight, night vision, siren
- Connect your Ring camera with Alexa then enable announcements to be alerted when motion is detected. Talk to visitors through compatible...
- Lets you see, hear and speak to visitors from your phone, tablet and PC.
- Powered by the quick-release rechargeable battery pack.
- With a Ring Protect Plan (subscription sold separately), record all your videos, review what you missed for up to 180 days, and share videos...
- Monitors your home in 1080HD video with infrared night vision and Live View.
Ring Spotlight Cam Wired
The Ring Spotlight Cam Wired is the plug-in model that also has a spotlight and a siren. This option is best for someone who doesn’t want to worry about recharging a battery. Features include:
- 1080 HD video, wide-angle lens, two-way talk, customized sensitivity, motion zones, scheduling, smart alerts, person detection, spotlight, night vision, siren
- Connect your Ring camera with Alexa then enable announcements to be alerted when motion is detected. Talk to visitors through compatible...
- Lets you see, hear and speak to visitors from your phone, tablet and PC.
- With a Ring Protect Plan (subscription sold separately), record all your videos, review what you missed for up to 180 days, and share videos...
- Sends alerts as soon as motion is detected.
- Plugs into standard power outlets for non-stop power.
Ring Spotlight Cam Solar Panel
The Ring Spotlight Cam (battery version) connects to the Ring Solar Panel to provide nonstop power to the camera. It only needs a few hours of sunlight in order to get a full charge. This option is perfect for energy conscious customers and also those who don’t want to worry about remembering to change batteries. It does come with a backup rechargeable battery, which you may need if you live in a climate where you may not have abundant sunlight.
- Barrel plug connector works exclusively with Ring Spotlight Cam Battery and Stick Up Cam Battery (2nd and 3rd generations only).
- May be used with USB-C input Ring Cameras (Spotlight Cam Plus, Spotlight Cam Pro) with the Ring Barrel Plug to USB-C Adapter - *adapter sold...
- With just a few hours of direct sunlight every day, your Ring Camera will stay charged around the clock.
- Power connection is 13 feet. Item dimensions is 7.75 x 5.50 x 0.50 inch.
- Ring recommends at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight, depending on your usage. Ability to recharge varies based on device settings, motion...
Ring Spotlight Installation
No matter which Ring Spotlight cam you choose, installation is incredibly simple. Customers report completing installation in about 10 minutes. The cameras come with a mounting plate and bracket to allow for different orientation, whether you choose to place the camera on a wall or under an overhang.
If you’ve chosen the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery version or the model with the Ring Solar Panel, the battery must be charged and placed into the camera prior to mounting. The wired version does not need to be charged ahead of time because it’s simply plugged in.
Installation time for the battery and wired version is about the same, while the solar-powered option is more time intensive and may require drilling holes to mount the solar panel. The solar version still requires a battery, but the solar panel charges the battery during the day. Ring’s customer service is top notch, providing 24/7 customer service and online setup guides for all equipment.
Is the Ring Spotlight user friendly?
Using the Ring Spotlight Cam is simple thanks to the Ring app. Rated a 3.5 and 4 in both app stores, users like that you can see all of your Ring camera feeds in one spot, giving you a choice to arm and disarm right from your smartphone. You’ll have a chance to utilize the two-way talk feature, whether it’s an indoor, outdoor or doorbell camera.
The main complaint from customers doesn’t have much to do with the app or Spotlight Cam. Instead, reviews show users complaining about lag time on the doorbell camera. Overall, customers seem to be pleased with the overall usability of the Ring products and the way they integrate together into one app.
Ring Security Plans
While self-monitoring may be ideal for some homeowners or renters, purchasing additional security features for your Ring Spotlight Cam will bring an extra peace of mind and more tools to fight crime near your home. You can choose from two separate security plans from Ring that apply to all cameras you purchase.
- Protect Basic: For $3 a month, customers receive video saving and sharing, as well as video storage for 60 days. Without this plan, you can only look at a live feed and cannot save or share any videos to give to authorities in case of a break-in or emergency.
- Protect Plus: For $10 per month, customers receive everything from the basic plan, along with professional monitoring with Ring Alarm, extended warranties, and a 10 percent discount on Ring products. It’s important to know this option requires a Ring base station, which comes with the Ring Alarm system.
The Bottom Line
The Ring Spotlight Cam models provide crisp video day and night, with night vision and LEDs that illuminate the area as soon as motion is detected. This equipment is incredibly easy to install and provides enough customization to fend off constant false alarms some outdoor cameras tend to have.
Even without professional monitoring, the spotlight cam is a great tool to keep an eye on what’s happening outside your home. If you’re already a Ring customer, the best part about these cameras is how well the cameras integrate into one single app. You can control all cameras plus smart home equipment all in one place. Our Security Nerd thinks the cameras are priced competitively, while providing great coverage and customization to your home’s security plan.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Participation in these programs helps us keep the site up, and to continue to help you find great products. Our editorial process is in no way impacted by partnerships.
About the Author
Erin Maloney
Erin is a freelance video producer and writer based out of Florida. She works with major retail companies and digital startups as a brand storyteller. When Erin's not writing, you can catch her scuba diving and spending time with her dog (not at the same time).