Following the initial purchase of the devices, customers have the option to subscribe for cloud storage of footage, clip downloads, and access to discounted products.
The subscription fee is set to surge by 43%, jumping from £34.99 to £49.99 annually per device for basic plan subscribers.
Despite being owned by Amazon, the company defends the move, asserting that it still offers competitive pricing compared to industry standards.
However, this reassurance hasn’t resonated well with its user base.
Disgruntled customers have taken to Ring’s message board to voice their discontent, with some threatening to cancel their subscriptions and boycott the company altogether.
One user expressed disappointment, stating, “A 40% plus increase in the annual fee for no additional benefits. Not even an attempt to justify.”
Numerous others have echoed similar sentiments, revealing that they’ve already canceled their subscriptions or withdrawn their previous recommendations for the cameras.
Amazon defended the price hike, citing ongoing investment in service enhancements since the introduction of the Protect Basic Plan in 2015.
The cost of the basic plan has now doubled since 2022 when it was priced at £24.99 annually per device.
Additionally, monthly subscribers will see their charges rise from £3.49 to £4.99.
Although Ring products can still be used without a monthly subscription, the features available are significantly limited.
Consumer group Which? expressed concern over the steep increase, particularly amid widespread financial strains faced by many consumers.
Ring’s parent company, Amazon, risks facing a dent in its reputation due to the price hike, according to consumer research firm GWI.
While Ring has been perceived as offering value for money in the UK, the unexpected rise in prices might challenge this perception among consumers accustomed to its pricing strategy.
