I tested Rings new outdoor camera in my garden and was blown away by the picture quality (and high price tag)

Date:
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Description:
The Ring Outdoor Cam Pro's 4K resolution and 10x magnification with pinch-to-zoom give you a better view than ever

FULL STORY ======================================================================Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: two-minute review

Although probably best known for its video doorbells, Ring offers a range of both indoor and security cameras, including the 2K Ring Outdoor Cam Plus launched earlier this year. However, with the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro, the manufacturer has upped its game by going full 4K for the first time.

Available in black or white (we tested the white version), this new model can be used either outdoors or indoors, with a number of different mounting options to suit your individual set up. Screws and wall plugs are provided
for mounting on a wall, fence or even a celling. Alternatively, you can use the built-in stand for placing indoors on a bookshelf or a unit.

Unfortunately, unlike other models in the range, the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro is mains-powered only. There are no battery or even solar charging options available for the unit which means it will need to be located close to a
power supply (Ring supplies 6m/20ft power cable with the camera). And
although there is POE (Power over Ethernet) version of the camera, this will set you back an additional 100 (279 rather than 179) rather a hefty premium in our opinion. (Image credit: Future)

While the lack of battery/solar power options will certainly deter some
buyers looking for a quick, wire-free fix, the use of mains power does enable more advanced high-bandwidth features that battery power simply cant sustain. Chief among these is 24/7 4K recording, turning the camera from a
conventional security unit triggered by motion alerts into a fully-fledged surveillance system. However, this will require a Premium Ring subscription currently costing a hefty 15.99 a month. Another Premium feature is Smart Video Search. Using AI, this allows you to type in a word or phrase such as man wearing a red top into the search bar and it will automatically scour the captured footage looking for a man in a red top.

Without a monthly subscription, the cameras functionality is a lot more
basic, restricted mostly to viewing live video streams and basic motion alerts. Its not possible to save or review past recordings. However, it does include Rings Smart Responses feature which will play the automated message Hi, you are currently being recorded to intruders letting them know they are being filmed. (Image credit: Future)

Other basic features not requiring a subscription include a loud 85dB Siren option (once pressed this will sound for thirty seconds) and two-way audio so you can speak to whoever is in view. Its also possible to set motion alerts for certain times of the day (handy if you use the camera indoors and know other family members will be back in, say, the afternoon/evening ), as well
as create different motion zones so for example the camera doesnt pick up passers-by walking past the house or activity in the neighbours garden.

Finally, motion sensitivity can be adjusted to reduce the number of motion alerts you get, as security cameras can tend to be a little over sensitive picking up the slightest movement such as a branch swaying on a tree! Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: subscription options

Ring Home Basic (formerly Protect Basic)
Cost: $4.99 / 4.99 / AU$4.95 per month or $49.99 / 49.99 / AU$49.95 per year Covers: one doorbell or camera.
Features: cloud storage (up to 180 days), person/package alerts, video previews.

Ring Home Standard (formerly Protect Plus)
Cost: $9.99 / 7.99 / AU$15 per month or $99.99 / 79.99 / AU$150 per year Covers: All devices at one location
Features: All Basic features plus Extended Live View, Picture-in-Picture, Daily Event Summary and 10% off Ring products.

Ring Home Premium (new tier)
Cost: $19.99 / 15.99 per month or $200 / 159.99 per year (not currently available in Australia)
Covers: All devices at one location
Features: everything in Basic and Standard, plus 24/7 recording and unlimited video storage. Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: price and availability How much does it cost? $199, 179, AU$329 When is it available? Since November 2025 Where is it available? UK / US / Australia

Given its a high-end security camera aimed at those who want the very best video quality on the market, I didnt expect Ring Outdoor Cam Pro to be cheap. Nevertheless, its near-200 price tag puts it at the very top of the range
when it comes to price.

For example, you can now buy the Ring Stick Up Cam for under 50. And while
the Stick Up Cam only offers 1080p video resolution (compared to 4K on the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro), it is unlike its high-performance sister model - battery-powered. This gives you much more flexibility when it comes to installation, especially if you want to cite the camera a long distance away from mains power.

Nor is it just the price of the hardware you have to think about when investing in a security camera. Theres also the monthly subscription. Ring isnt alone in charging a monthly subscription for its premium features, but with prices starting at 4.99 a month it is one of the more expensive. Whats more, if you want the most advanced features, such as 24/7 video recording
and Smart Video Search, you will need to pay 15.99 a month more than many peoples monthly mobile phone subscriptions. Value score: 3/5 Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: design Solidly built camera Various mounting options IP65 weather-resistance

When it comes to design, the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro certainly doesnt
disappoint. Standing around 6 inches / 15cm tall, its a solid-enough design with a base that can be easily angled to match your needs. Various mounting options are provided for indoor and outdoor use and set up is straightforward enough thanks to an easy-to-use app and a QR code that you can scan with your phones camera. (Image credit: Future)

Plenty of cable is provided although this is divided up with a slightly ugly power adapter (this can be screwed into the wall). On the one side of the power adaptor is the mains cable, on the other is a flatter USB-C cable that goes into the back of the camera. (Image credit: Future)

Turn the camera around and theres the 4K lens, offering a 140 horizontal and 85 vertical field of view, plus a small microphone and speaker at the bottom running along the bottom of the unit. Boasting an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 65 an improvement on earlier models - the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro offers protection from dust and low-pressure water jets, but isnt suitable
for submersion or high-pressure jets. It can also be used in temperatures as low as -5F and as high as 120F (-20C to 50C). Design score: 4/5 Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: performance Retinal 4K resolution 10x digital zoom Adaptive night vision

One of the first of the manufacturers cameras to incorporate Retinal 4K technology (3840 x 2160 pixels), the Ring Outdoor Camera Pro certainly stands out when it comes to performance. Indeed, we found that the higher pixel density, coupled with a 140 field of view and 10x digital zoom, meant it was possible to capture detail from footage filmed during the day that wasnt previously possible. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 2 (Image credit: Future)

However, night vision was a little bit more of a mixed bag. Ring advertises adaptive and colour night vision, but the colour functionality requires quite a bit of ambient light to work. Generally, we found that while it was very high quality most of the footage we captured at night was black and white, unless movement triggered one of the nearby security lights.

One area where the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro does excel is ease of use. Like many of Rings products, set-up is straightforward and the products menus are straightforward to use. Alerts are sent directly to your phone in an instant, complete with details such as person detected (providing you subscribe to a Ring plan). It is also linked with the Alexa skill so you can activate the camera with a voice command such as Alexa, show me the garden camera. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 2 (Image credit: Future)

Finally, its possible to reduce the number of false alerts that you get using the Rings innovative Birds Eye View feature. This works by combining 3D
motion detection (with radar) with a satellite map of your property to track an intruders path with pinpoint accuracy! Its also a good idea to reduce the motion sensitivity of the camera using the onscreen menu. Performance score: 4.5/5 Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: Should you buy the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

With a price tag close to 200, the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro is one of the pricier home security cameras on the market. And thats before you add in the additional cost of the monthly subs.

3.5 / 5

Design

Available in black or white, the Ring camera is well designed with different mounting options both for indoor and outdoor use.

4 / 5

Performance

When it comes to performance, the 4K camera generally excels with 10x digital zoom providing particularly detailed close-ups.

4.5/5

Overall

The Outdoor Cam Pro represents a leap into high-resolution surveillance for Ring. However, the high levels of performance come at a fairly hefty price, especially when you factor in the subscription plan.

4/5 Buy it if

You want high quality video footage

The Ring Outdoor Cam Pro offers exceptional video quality thanks to 4K resolution and 10x digital zoom.

You already have Ring products

This camera fits neatly into the Ring ecosystem, enabling you to link to
other Ring products including cameras, video doorbells and alarms. Don't buy it if

You are on a limited budget

The Ring Outdoor Cam Pro is one of the more expensive models on the market
and functionality is limited without spending at least 4.99 on a monthly subscription.

Mains power isnt available where you want the camera

The high performance levels of this camera, including the option of 24/7 recording, mean that it must be connected to the mains. Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: also consider

Attribute

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (Battery)

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

Subscription price

From 4.99 a month

From 4.99 a month

None

Viewing angle

140 horizontal, 85 vertical

140 view horizontal, 80 vertical

360 view

Network connection

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Wi-Fi/4G

Audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Video

4K video resolution

1080p Full HD resolution

4K video resolution

Power

Mains-powered

Battery

Battery

Hardware price

179 (mains only)

199 (battery model only)

189 (with solar panel)

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (battery)

Available in black or white, this outdoor security camera from Amazon-owned Ring boasts two 3000K spotlights. You can also buy a mains-powered version as well as a separate solar panel.

Read our full Ring Spotlight Cam Pro review

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

An extremely innovative battery and solar-powered camera, the Eufy can be
used with the supplied 4G Sim card to capture recordings, making it ideal for those who live in areas with poor Wi-Fi/broadband.

Read our full Eufy 4K Security Camera review How I tested the Ring Outdoor Cam Pro: I used the Ring every day for a week I set it up myself both indoors and outdoors

To test this camera, I first connected it to the mains plug in my garden and placed it in various positions and in all weathers including sunshine, rain and heavy wind! I also tested it both during daylight and at night (it was dark in London from about 4.30pm onwards). During this time, I didnt have any performance issues, despite extremely inclement weather conditions (thanks Storm Bram).

I then moved indoors to complete the testing with the device in various locations including the kitchen and my home office. One of the great things I noticed during the testing period was just how flexible the Ring camera is. All of the fittings are provided for installing on a wall or ceiling.
However, it can quite as easily be moved around for placing on a desk or a bookshelf handy if you go away and just want to monitor a particular area
for a short period of time.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/ring-outdoor-cam-pro-review


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