Ring
Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)
- #1 in Best Pet Cameras Under $150
- #2 in Best Pet Cameras for Apartments
- #2 in Best Pet Cameras for Dogs With Separation Anxiety
- 1080p HD video with color night vision
- 115° horizontal field of view
- Two-way talk
- Works with Alexa
- Optional Ring Protect cloud storage
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On this page
Is the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) worth it?
Yes, especially if you already use a Ring doorbell or Alexa. The Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) is small, easy to set up, and adds a manual privacy cover that physically blocks the lens. If you don't want a monthly subscription for recorded video, consider a camera with local microSD storage instead.
Our take
The Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), explained
Indoor cameras are used to check on pets, keep an eye on a home while away, or see who's moving around at night. The second-generation Ring Indoor Cam is one of the simplest ways to do that, especially for households already in Ring's app.
Its most welcome update is the built-in privacy cover, a physical shutter you slide over the lens. It answers a real concern people have about cameras inside their homes.
What it does well
Setup is straightforward through the Ring app, and the camera offers 1080p HD video, night vision, motion alerts and two-way talk, according to Ring. Two-way talk is handy for calming a pet or speaking with someone at home.
The manual privacy cover blocks both video and audio when closed, per Ring, which gives you visible, physical certainty that the camera isn't watching. That's more reassuring than an app setting for many people.
Understanding the subscription
Without a Ring Protect subscription, you get live view and motion alerts, but recordings aren't saved for later playback. To review footage, share clips, or see what triggered an alert after the fact, you'll need a paid plan.
Factor that ongoing cost into your decision. If you only want live viewing, it's fine without a plan; if you want recorded history, the subscription is effectively part of the price.
Placement and privacy
Place it where it covers entrances and main walkways, at a height that gives a wide view. Avoid pointing it straight at windows, where glare and moving cars can cause false alerts. Use motion zones in the app to ignore areas like a busy street view.
Be mindful of household privacy. Tell guests and anyone who lives with you that a camera is present, and use the privacy cover or modes in the app when people are home.
Getting the most from it
- Set motion zones to cut down on false alerts from windows and pets.
- Close the privacy cover when you're home for physical peace of mind.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your Ring account.
- Decide whether you need recorded video before buying, since playback requires a subscription.
Written by the BuyOnceRight research desk. Updated . Specifications are the manufacturer's; we don't claim hands-on testing we haven't done.
Specs that matter
Key features
- 1080p HD video with color night vision
- 115° horizontal field of view
- Two-way talk
- Works with Alexa
- Optional Ring Protect cloud storage
The trade-offs
Pros & cons
Pros
- Highest ratings volume in this list, a strong signal of consistent day-to-day reliability
- Two-way talk is clear enough for a dog to recognize an owner's voice from across the room
- Motion alerts fire quickly enough to catch the start of pacing or whining
- Compact plug-in body means it can sit near a dog's usual resting spot
Cons
- No pet-specific AI, alerts trigger on any movement including shadows or a ceiling fan
- Saving clips for later review requires a Ring Protect subscription
- 115° field of view misses dogs that wander into adjacent rooms
Fit check
Should you buy the Ring Indoor Cam ?
Buy it if you're…
- Shopping for budgets under $150
- Shopping for apartments
- Shopping for dogs with separation anxiety
- Shopping for treat dispensing
- Shopping for budgets under $60
Think twice if this matters to you
- No pet-specific AI, alerts trigger on any movement including shadows or a ceiling fan
- Saving clips for later review requires a Ring Protect subscription
- 115° field of view misses dogs that wander into adjacent rooms
Where it ranks
Featured in 6 best-of lists
Cross-shop
Alternatives to the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)
Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.
- Top pickPetcube
Petcube Bites 2
- 1080p HD video with 160° full-room view
- Built-in treat dispenser with adjustable toss distance
Head-to-head
Compared with
Buying advice: pet cameras
- 1080p is enough for most rooms. A wide or pan-and-tilt view covers more space.
- Bark and motion alerts are helpful if they are accurate. Too many false alerts get ignored.
- Treat dispensers need the right treat size and can jam. They're fun but not essential.
- Compare free features with paid plans for clip history and smart detection.
- Use strong passwords, two-factor sign-in and cameras with a privacy mode or physical shutter.
Answers
Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen): common questions
Does the Ring Indoor Cam work without a subscription?
Yes, for live view and motion alerts. Saving, reviewing and sharing recorded video requires a Ring Protect plan.
What does the privacy cover do?
It's a physical cover that slides over the lens. Ring says it disables video and audio when closed, so the camera can't record or stream.
Can I use the Ring Indoor Cam outside?
No. It's designed for indoor use. For outdoor coverage, choose a weather-resistant Ring outdoor camera.
Is the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) worth buying?
Yes, for the right buyer. The Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) ranks #1 in our Best Pet Cameras Under $150 list. Its biggest strength: highest ratings volume in this list, a strong signal of consistent day-to-day reliability. The main caveat: no pet-specific AI, alerts trigger on any movement including shadows or a ceiling fan.
Who is the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) best for?
Based on our research it suits budgets under $150, apartments, dogs with separation anxiety and treat dispensing. It's ranked #1 of 3 in our Best Pet Cameras Under $150 list.
What are the downsides of the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)?
The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: no pet-specific AI, alerts trigger on any movement including shadows or a ceiling fan; saving clips for later review requires a Ring Protect subscription; 115° field of view misses dogs that wander into adjacent rooms.
What are the key features of the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)?
1080p HD video with color night vision, 115° horizontal field of view, Two-way talk, Works with Alexa and Optional Ring Protect cloud storage.
What are the best alternatives to the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)?
Worth comparing: Wyze Cam Pan v3, TP-Link Tapo C210 and Petcube Bites 2. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.
Where can I buy the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)?
It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.
Do I need a pan/tilt camera in a small apartment?
In a studio or one-bedroom apartment, a single wide-angle fixed camera placed centrally often covers most of the usable floor space already. Pan/tilt becomes more valuable in larger apartments with separate rooms, or if your pet tends to hide in corners a fixed lens can't reach.
Will my landlord allow me to mount a pet camera?
Every camera in this list works without drilling. Ring and Wyze both ship with adhesive or tabletop mounting options, and the Tapo C210 and Petcube Bites 2 can sit on a shelf or table without any wall hardware. If your lease restricts wall mounts specifically, a tabletop placement on a shelf or console table works for all four cameras here.
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Other pet cameras we recommend
- Top pickPetcube
Petcube Bites 2
- 1080p HD video with 160° full-room view
- Built-in treat dispenser with adjustable toss distance
