The Ring Outdoor Cam Plus is the latest addition to Ring’s security camera lineup, offering 2K resolution, a wide 160° field of view, and flexible installation options. While it introduces welcome design improvements and smoother performance, it doesn’t quite deliver a substantial leap in video quality compared to the older Ring cameras. Still, for those already invested in the Ring ecosystem, it remains a compelling, if not fully convincing, upgrade.

Design & Build

Out of the box, the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus includes all necessary mounting hardware, an extended power cable (USB-C), a security sticker, and a quick-start guide. We tested the Plug-In model, though Ring also offers battery-only and solar-powered variants. The camera feels lightweight yet sturdy and features a redesigned stand that provides flexible mounting—on a wall, eave, table, or even ceiling. Notably, ceiling mounting is now possible without a separate accessory.

One disappointment is the lack of an official IP rating. While it appears weather-sealed and Ring states it’s outdoor-ready, the absence of certification leaves room for concern in harsher environments.

Video Quality

On paper, the move from 1080p (1920×1080) to 2K (2560×1440) should yield a noticeable upgrade. In reality, however, we found the improvement to be subtle at best. Side-by-side comparisons show marginal detail gain and a slightly wider field of view, but nothing close to a transformative jump in clarity. You’ll notice the difference most when zooming in on a subject, such as a license plate or facial details—though even then, night-time performance is marred by compression artifacts and modest color accuracy.

That said, the 160° diagonal field of view (up from 143° on the older model) is excellent for broad coverage. Combined with color night vision, it covers more ground with greater context, making it suitable for front yards, backyards, or wide driveways.

Performance & Features

Where the Outdoor Cam Plus shines is in its responsiveness. Motion detection is fast and accurate, and app alerts are nearly instant. Live View loads quickly, and the app interface offers features such as two-way talk, a built-in siren, customizable motion zones, smart alerts (for people, vehicles, packages), and advanced scheduling.

When hardwired, the camera supports Advanced Pre-Roll, capturing a few seconds of footage before motion is detected. This feature adds valuable context to motion events but isn’t available when using the camera on battery power.

Installation is streamlined via QR code pairing and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) compatibility. Those with existing Ring devices will appreciate how smoothly the new camera integrates into their setup, and device linking enables automation between cameras and other Ring devices (like lights or doorbells).

App & Subscription

The Ring app remains one of the most intuitive on the market. Features like picture-in-picture Live View, rich notifications, event history with thumbnails, and smart video search (in beta) are accessible—but only with a paid subscription.

And this is where Ring continues to frustrate. Without a Ring Protect plan, functionality is limited to live viewing only. There’s no local storage (no SD card slot), and cloud storage, alerts, and video history are locked behind paywalls:

Basic Plan: $4.99/month per device – motion-based recording, 180 days of video history.
Standard Plan: $9.99/month – adds extended live view (30 minutes), multicam view, and daily summaries.
Premium Plan: $19.99/month – unlocks 24/7 continuous recording, advanced AI search, and local storage (only via Ring Alarm Pro).

Given that the camera uses your own Wi-Fi and power, limiting access to core functionality like extended Live View or 24/7 recording unless you pay extra feels restrictive. Many competing brands offer similar or better features with no recurring costs.

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The Ring Outdoor Cam Plus is a solid addition to Ring’s product lineup, especially for existing Ring users looking for a flexible, wide-angle outdoor camera. It improves on the older Stick Up Cam in subtle ways—better mounting, wider field of view, and faster alerts—but doesn’t offer a dramatic jump in video performance.

If you’re already using Ring and are comfortable with their subscription model, this camera is a smart, seamless upgrade. However, if you’re starting from scratch or prefer to avoid recurring fees for basic functionality, there are alternative systems that offer more features—like 24/7 recording and local storage—without the ongoing cost.

Also Read: Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera Review