Ring Floodlight Pro vs Plus — Which One is Better?

by Joel Manansala

When it comes to home security, outdoor floodlight cameras have gained immense popularity among homeowners. Their ability to not only capture video footage but also illuminate the surroundings with a powerful motion-activated spotlight ensures your safety and peace of mind. These devices have become an essential part of modern home security, deterring potential intruders and capturing clear footage, day or night.

Ring, a well-known player in the home security market, has solidified its reputation for producing reliable and user-friendly floodlight cameras. Whether you want to watch over your property or improve your outdoor lighting, Ring's options are a popular pick for many homeowners. Let's focus our attention on two of its flagship cameras: the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro and the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus.

Key Differences Between Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro vs Plus

Before we dive into the detailed comparison, let's highlight the main differences between the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro and the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus. These differences will give you a quick overview of what sets these outdoor security cameras apart.

Price

The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro stands out among the top-tier outdoor security cameras, and it comes with a higher price tag compared to its counterpart. The Cam Pro costs $249.99, while the Cam Plus is more budget-friendly at $199.99. So, that $50 difference is something to think about when you're deciding which one to get.

Design

When it comes to design, these two models don't have striking differences at first glance. However, if you take a closer look, you'll notice that the floodlights on the Cam Plus are round, while the Cam Pro's floodlights have a tubular shape.

Moreover, if you're concerned about color options, the Cam Pro provides more choices. It comes in black, dark bronze, graphite, and white, giving you the freedom to pick a color that blends well with your home's exterior. Meanwhile, the Cam Plus is limited to white and black options.

Video Quality

When it comes to video quality, the main difference between the two models is that the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro has HDR, which the Cam Plus doesn't. HDR, or High Dynamic Range, makes the video look better by enhancing the contrast and colors, so you can see details more clearly, especially in tricky lighting situations.

Smart Features

The Ring Floodlight Wired Pro packs some extra features that you won't find in the Cam Plus:

  1. 3D Motion Detection: This nifty feature uses radar to pinpoint movements around your home with precision. It can tell you exactly when and where someone steps onto your property, making motion detection more accurate.

  2. Bird's Eye View: With this feature, you get an aerial map view of motion events, showing you exactly how someone moved around your property.

  3. Audio+: Beyond just canceling out noise, the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro has an array of microphones that reduce sound distortion, resulting in clearer and more accurate audio recordings.

  4. Built-in Security Siren: Both the Cam Plus and Pro come with a security siren that you can remotely activate to scare away intruders. However, the siren in the Cam Pro is a tad louder at 110 dB, while the Cam Plus has a 105 dB siren.

Installation

Both the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus and Pro need a Wi-Fi connection to work correctly. The Cam Plus can connect to 2.4 GHz bands, while the Cam Pro provides more flexibility by connecting to both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.

Ring Floodlight Cam Pro Model Overview

Image courtesy of Ring

The original floodlight cam impressed smart home owners when it first launched in 2017. But how does the improved Pro model compare?

Design & Build Quality

The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro has a rugged design that focuses on durability and functionality. This floodlight camera comes in black or white finish and has an IP65 weather-resistant rating, ensuring it can withstand all kinds of weather conditions. Measuring 12.82 in x 7.77 in x 8.5 in, it's big enough to make its presence felt while maintaining a sleek look.

This Ring floodlight camera features two adjustable LED lamps, with the actual camera placed in the middle, right below these lights. Inside the camera enclosure are the HDR sensor, speaker and microphone, built-in siren, and six infrared LEDs.

Features

The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro is equipped with two adjustable LED lamps, each providing powerful illumination with 2,000 lumens of brightness and a warm 3,000K color temperature. Its 1080p sensor captures a wide 140-degree horizontal view, ensuring a comprehensive coverage area. In the event of an emergency, the camera boasts a loud 110dB built-in siren to alert you and deter intruders. It excels in night vision with six infrared LEDs, delivering clear black-and-white footage. Notably, when the floodlights are activated, the camera shifts to color night vision, providing added clarity.

The Floodlight Cam Pro's advanced features include 3D motion detection and a bird's-eye view of motion events, improving its ability to detect unusual activity. It seamlessly integrates with other Ring devices, responds to Alexa voice commands, and links with various third-party smart home devices through IFTTT. However, please be aware that it does not support Apple's HomeKit or Google Assistant.

Software

The Floodlight Cam Wired Pro shares the same mobile app available for Android and iOS with other Ring devices. The Ring app dashboard lists all Ring products, provides shortcuts for features like Neighbors and History, and allows customization through the Edit panel.

The app also displays the live video feed, time, options to end the stream, microphone, and speaker mute buttons. Full-screen viewing is possible by tapping the square icon in the lower right corner. After ending the stream, a timeline of motion events is displayed below, with the Bird’s Eye View feed in the upper left corner.

The app lets you can control lights, activate the siren, manage motion detection and alerts, and use a motion warning feature. Additional settings options cover geofencing, motion sensitivity, 3D Motion, Smart Alerts, motion alert schedules, light settings (brightness and motion zones), color night vision, video recording duration, notifications, device linking, network settings, and firmware updates.

Value for Money

The Floodlight Cam Wired Pro offers excellent value for money. While it may come at a higher initial cost compared to some other security cameras, its robust features, superior build quality, and advanced technology make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking reliable and comprehensive home security. With features like 3D motion detection, a built-in siren, and integration with other Ring devices, it provides a comprehensive security solution.

Installation

To install your Floodlight Cam Wired Pro, follow these steps:

  1. Safety First: Ensure the power is switched off at the circuit breaker.

  2. Open Ring App:

    • Tap the three lines in the top left corner.

    • Select "Set Up a Device."

    • Follow the in-app instructions.

    • Scan the QR Code on the back of the device.

  3. Prepare the Floodlight Cam:

    • If you're mounting it on an eave or overhang, rotate both lights outward.

    • If you're mounting it to a wall, rotate one light downward.

  4. Remove Existing Floodlight:

    • Turn off the power at the circuit breaker.

    • Carefully remove your existing floodlight at the junction box and disconnect the wires.

    • If there's a metal bracket attached to the junction box, remove it.

  5. Choose Screws:

    • Select the appropriate screws from the bags marked A through F for your junction box. Keep one screw from either bag B or C for later.

  6. Attach Metal Mounting Bracket:

    • Secure the metal mounting bracket with the chosen screws.

  7. Install Plastic Mounting Plate:

    • Gently free the plastic plate from the fixture and feed your power wires through it. Ensure the UP arrow points up if you're installing on a wall or toward the wall if under an eave.

    • Insert a screw from Bag B or C into the center hole and tighten it.

  8. Hang Up the Floodlight Cam:

    • Use the nylon strap on the back of your Floodlight Cam to loop the buckle over the hook on the mounting plate. Ensure it's secure before releasing the light fixture.

  9. Connect the Wires:

    • CAUTION: If you're unsure about the wires or uncomfortable working with them, consult a licensed electrician.

    • The green wire on the Floodlight Cam is the ground wire. Use a wire nut from Bag G to connect it to the green wire from the junction box.

    • The white wire is the neutral wire. Use another wire nut from Bag G to connect it to the white (neutral) wire from the junction box.

    • The black wire is the hot wire. Use another wire nut from Bag G to connect it to the black (hot) wire from the junction box. Ensure all connections are secure.

  10. Mount the Fixture:

    • Tuck the wires into the junction box and align the two holes on the light fixture with the threaded posts on the plastic mounting plate. Slide the light fixture onto the posts and push firmly into place.

    • Secure the fixture using two hex cap nuts from Bag G over the ends of the threaded posts.

    • Use the included screwdriver handle to tighten the hex cap nuts.

  11. Restore Power:

    • Turn the power back on at the breaker. The Floodlight Cam's lights will flash, indicating it's powered on.

  12. Complete Setup in Ring App:

    • Once the Floodlight Cam is installed, follow the setup instructions in the Ring app to finish the installation.

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus Model Overview

Image courtesy of Ring

While the more expensive Pro model boasts advanced features, the Plus model is not to be overlooked. Let's take a look at how it compares.

Design & Build Quality

The Floodlight Cam Wired Plus doesn't differ much from the Pro model when it comes to its build and design. However, the Plus variant is slightly smaller than the Pro, measuring 11.7 in x 7.03 in x 9.67 in. The Cam Plus also comes with circular floodlights, while the Pro has more tubular ones.

Features

The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus features a 1080P motion-triggered security camera, sandwiched between two powerful 2,000-lumen floodlights that can be adjusted to cover a wide 270-degree field of view. Similar to the Pro model, it incorporates six infrared LEDs for black-and-white night vision, with the added capability of switching to color night vision when the floodlights are turned on. This camera is wired for power and connects via Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz for a reliable network connection. Additionally, it comes equipped with a remote-activated 105dB siren, providing an extra layer of security to deter potential intruders or alert you to unusual activity.

Software

The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus offers seamless integration with Alexa, allowing for audio announcements upon motion detection and enabling you to ask an Alexa-enabled device to display the live view and engage in two-way communication. Additionally, you can conveniently monitor alerts, live views, and settings through the Ring app, available for both iPhone and Android devices.

Value for Money

The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus represents a good value for money for homeowners looking to enhance their home security. While it may not have all the advanced features of the higher-end Pro model, it offers a robust set of security features, including two-way talk, 1080p HD video, color night vision, advanced motion detection, real-time notifications, a powerful floodlight, and a 105dB siren. These features provide solid security coverage for your property, allowing you to monitor and respond to events effectively.

What makes it particularly appealing is its competitive pricing, making it accessible to a broader range of users without compromising essential security functions. While it may not have some of the advanced features of more expensive models, it delivers reliable security for the cost-conscious homeowner. If you're seeking an affordable and effective security solution, the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus offers great value for your investment.

Installation

To install your Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus, please follow these steps:

  1. Prepare in the Ring App:

    • Open the Ring app.

    • Tap the three lines in the top left corner.

    • Select "Set Up a Device."

    • Follow the in-app instructions.

    • Scan the QR Code on the back of the device.

  2. Prepare the Floodlight Cam:

    • If you plan to mount it on an eave or overhang, rotate the lights away from the camera.

    • If mounting to a wall, rotate the camera downward into the installation position.

  3. Remove Your Existing Floodlight:

    • Ensure the power is off at the circuit breaker.

    • Carefully remove your existing floodlight at the junction box and disconnect the wires.

    • If there is a metal bracket attached to the junction box, remove that as well.

  4. Select Appropriate Screws:

    • Choose screws from the bags labeled A through F that fit your junction box. Different sizes are available in these bags. Keep one screw from either bag B or C for later.

  5. Attach the Metal Mounting Bracket:

    • Use the selected screws to secure the metal mounting bracket to the junction box, utilizing either pair of screw holes. Ensure the bracket is oriented with the "FRONT" text facing outward.

  6. Install the Plastic Mounting Plate:

    • Carefully remove the plastic plate from the fixture and feed your power wires through the opening. Center it over the metal mounting bracket.

    • If you're installing on a wall, ensure the UP arrow points up when the wires pass through the plate. For installations under an eave, the arrow should point toward the wall.

    • Insert one screw from Bag B or C into the center hole and tighten it to secure.

  7. Hang Up the Floodlight Cam:

    • Locate the nylon strap on the back of your Floodlight Cam light fixture and loop the buckle over the hook on the mounting plate. Ensure the buckle and hook are secure before releasing the fixture.

  8. Connect the Wires:

    • CAUTION: If you have difficulties identifying the wires or feel uncomfortable connecting them, consult a qualified electrician.

    • The green wire on the Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is the ground wire. Use a wire nut from the bag marked G to connect it to the green wire from the junction box.

    • The white wire is a neutral wire. Use another wire nut from the bag marked G to connect it to the white (neutral) wire from the junction box.

    • The black wire is a hot wire. Use another wire nut from the bag marked G to connect the black wire from your Floodlight Cam Wired Plus to the black (hot) wire from your junction box. Ensure all connections are secure.

  9. Mount the Fixture:

    • Tuck the power wires into the junction box and align the two holes on the light fixture with the threaded posts on the plastic mounting plate. Slide the light fixture onto the posts and push firmly into place.

    • Secure the fixture using two hex cap nuts from Bag G over the ends of the threaded posts. Use the included screwdriver handle to tighten the hex cap nuts.

  10. Seal with Caulk:

    • After securely installing the Floodlight Cam Wired Plus, apply weatherproof silicone caulk or sealant (not included) around the outside where the Floodlight Cam and the junction box meet.

  11. Restore Power:

    • Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. The lamps on your Floodlight Cam Wired Plus will flash, indicating it's powered on.

  12. Complete Setup in the Ring App:

    • Once your Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is installed, follow the setup instructions in the Ring app to finalize the installation.

What Are the Alternatives?

Several alternatives to Ring floodlight cams are available in the market, catering to various needs and preferences for home security. Here are some popular alternatives:

  1. Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera: Arlo's floodlight camera offers 2K video quality, color night vision, and customizable motion zones. It's wire-free and weather-resistant.

  2. Eufy Security Floodlight Camera: Eufy's camera is budget-friendly and offers 1080p video quality, motion detection, and built-in AI for human detection.

  3. Blink Wired Floodlight Camera: Blink offers a wired, weather-resistant camera with advanced motion detection and 2600-lumen LED floodlights.

FAQ

Is Ring Spotlight or Floodlight better?

It depends on your specific needs. The Ring Floodlight provides more extensive coverage and features, while the Spotlight is more compact and budget-friendly.

Does Ring Floodlight Wired Pro require a subscription?

No, a subscription is not required for basic functionality, but Ring offers Ring Protect plans for added features and cloud storage.

Does Ring Floodlight Cam Pro have a battery?

No, the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro is a wired camera and does not have a battery. It requires a constant power source.

How many lumens is the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro?

The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro offers 2,000 lumens per floodlight, providing a total of 4,000 lumens when both are active.

Does Ring Floodlight Plus have night vision?

Yes, the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus has night vision capabilities, offering clear black-and-white footage in low-light conditions, with the added ability to switch to color night vision when the floodlights are on.


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.