Does Amazon Own Ring in 2026? Everything You Need to Know

If you‘ve shopped for a smart video doorbell or security camera lately, chances are you‘ve come across Ring. Its wifi-enabled doorbells and cameras have become ubiquitous fixtures on millions of households across America.

But who actually owns this increasingly popular brand? The short answer – Amazon. The retail giant purchased Ring back in 2018 and has owned the company ever since.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore:

• Ring‘s origins as an independent startup
• How and why Ring caught Amazon‘s eye
• What products and services Ring provides
• Ring‘s installation process and product reviews
• Ring‘s hugely successful partnership with Amazon
• And lots more about this home security leader!

Let‘s dive in to learn everything you need to know about the Amazon-Ring relationship in 2024 and beyond.

Ring Origins: From Scrappy Startup to Amazon Acquisition

While Amazon owns Ring today, the company began in 2013 as the brainchild of entrepreneur Jamie Siminoff. After a stranger knocked on his door late one night, Siminoff came up with the idea for a WiFi-enabled doorbell that could show video of who was at the door.

He called his invention Doorbot and debuted it on the TV show Shark Tank in 2013. Though rejected by the Sharks, undeterred Siminoff used crowdfunding to raise over $360k for Doorbot‘s launch.

By 2014, rebranded as Ring, the company shipped its first video doorbell to backers. Over the next four years, Ring continued innovating:

• 2016: Launched first home security cameras
• 2017: Released Ring Alarm home security system
• 2017: Partnered with over 100 US police departments for footage sharing
• 2018: On track for $200 million in sales when Amazon came calling

After standing on its own for 5 years, Ring caught the eye of Amazon as an acquisition target. At the time, Ring had:

• Over 1.2 million users
• 6 total products including doorbells and cameras
• $415 million in total funding raised
• A valuation of $1.2 – $1.8 billion

Amazon purchased Ring in February 2018 for a whopping $1.2 billion. But why? And how has the relationship thrived since? Let‘s find out.

Why Did Amazon Buy Ring? A Perfect Marriage

Experts cite two key reasons Amazon pursued Ring:

1. To Gain Foothold in the Smart Home Market

The "smart home" market was exploding, forecast to reach $150 billion by 2023 according to McKinsey.

• As an internet giant, Amazon wanted in. Ring gave them a ready-made product line and 1.2 million customers overnight.

• Acquiring Ring allowed Amazon to expand beyond speakers and assistants into home security.

2. To Enhance Amazon‘s Technology Portfolio

• Ring‘s WiFi-enabled cameras, motion sensors, and two-way talk offered features Amazon sought to incorporate into products like Alexa Guard and Amazon Key.

• Amazon VP Dave Limp called the acquisition a chance to "accumulate great teams and technologies."

• Analysts noted Ring provided invaluable consumer data and subscription opportunities to Amazon as well.

Buying Ring let Amazon dove-tail their tech strengths while tapping into a $150 billion market. It was an obvious win-win.

The Ring Product Lineup: A Suite of Smart Security

So what exactly does the Ring line-up entail today? With Amazon‘s backing, Ring has expanded its offerings into a whole suite of smart security products:

Smart Video Doorbells

• Ring Video Doorbell – $99
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro – $169
• Ring Video Doorbell Elite – $199
• Ring Video Doorbell 4 – $139

Ring‘s iconic, best-selling product. Lets users see, speak to, and record visitors at their door using the Ring app and mobile alerts.

Outdoor/Indoor Security Cameras

• Ring Stick Up Cam – $99
• Ring Floodlight Cam – $139
• Ring Indoor Cam – $59.99

Capture video when motion is detected and send alerts to users‘ phones. Can be placed anywhere inside or outside the home.

Alarm Security Systems

• Ring Alarm 5 piece kit – $129
• Ring Alarm 14 piece kit – $259

All-in-one systems with motion detectors, sirens, keypads and optional 24/7 monitoring. Professional monitoring starts at $10/month.

Smart Lighting

• Ring Pathlights – $29
• Ring Steplights – $29
• Ring Floodlights – $89

Lights that pair with Ring cameras to automatically illuminate areas when motion is detected. Can also be controlled via app.

And more! With Amazon‘s support Ring now offers over two dozen devices starting at just $39.99. The company is continually expanding its smart home security ecosystem.

Ring Installation: Professionally Done or DIY

Installing a Ring product? There are two options available:

Professional Installation with Amazon Home Services

Amazon Home Services handles Ring installations and repairs. Customers book appointments on Ring‘s website and technicians handle everything from mounting to in-app setup.

Do-It-Yourself Installation

Ring provides detailed setup instructions and videos on their website and YouTube channel for handy homeowners. Products like the Ring Doorbell are designed for quick, easy DIY installation.

Per reviews, professional installation costs $99-$149 on average and takes 1-2 hours depending on complexity. Many opt for DIY to save time and money.

How Good are Ring Devices? The Pros and Cons

Ring is generally well-reviewed, with a 4 out of 5 star average across nearly 700,000 Amazon ratings. Here are some benefits and downsides:

Pros
👍 Easy wireless setup

👍 Affordable prices – doorbells from $99, cameras from $59.99

👍 User-friendly app with live view and video recordings

👍 Motion detection triggers alerts and video capture

👍 Seamless pairing with Alexa devices

Potential Cons

👎 Occasional missed motion alerts

👎 Must pay subscription for full video storage features

👎 WiFi connectivity issues in some cases

👎 Privacy concerns over camera usage

👎 Can experience false/nuisance alerts

Overall, Ring devices deliver reliable, user-friendly security for most homeowners at reasonable prices. Integrations with Alexa make them even more useful. While not perfect, the pros seem to outweigh the cons for most consumers.

The Amazon-Ring Partnership: Wild Success

The Amazon-Ring relationship has been a massive win, with Ring experiencing soaring growth since joining forces with the retail giant:

• 150% year-over-year revenue increase post-acquisition

• Expanded from 6 to over 24 products under Amazon

• Now partners with over 2,000 police departments

• Commands nearly 50% market share of the video doorbell category

• Integrates with over 100 million Alexa devices

• Maintains 4+ star average rating across major retailers

Ring device sales have skyrocketed under Amazon‘s leadership. Source: Business Insider

Clearly, joining Amazon has been a huge boon for Ring – and vice versa. Amazon gained dominance over the home security market while propelling Ring to new heights.

The companies continue pushing innovations like facial recognition, home mapping, and enhanced privacy controls to keep growing. Suffice to say, this partnership has been a runaway success story.

The Bottom Line: Amazon Owns Ring and Is All-In

In just 5 short years, Ring has gone from scrappy Shark Tank reject to market-leading home security brand.

Amazon scooped up Ring in 2018 for $1.2 billion to tap into the exploding smart home market. It‘s proven to be a smart acquisition, with Ring sales and market share soaring under Amazon‘s leadership.

While not without flaws, Ring‘s line-up of video doorbells, cameras, and alarm systems have earned widespread consumer trust and loyalty. And with Amazon‘s virtually unlimited resources behind it, Ring is poised to continue dominating home security for years to come.

So next time you consider a video doorbell or security camera for your home, know that it‘s Amazon‘s deep pockets and keen strategic vision that have made Ring a household name. Ready to give their products a try? Your home‘s security awaits.