Alarm 5-Piece Kit vs Alarm 8-Piece Kit: which is better?

Ravvy scores Alarm 5-Piece Kit at 89.54 and Alarm 8-Piece Kit at 89.69, so Alarm 8-Piece Kit is the stronger overall pick. A top-tier choice for DIYers who want a reliable, easy-to-install system and are comfortable with a subscription-based ecosystem.

Which is cheaper, Alarm 5-Piece Kit or Alarm 8-Piece Kit?

Alarm 5-Piece Kit lists at $200 and Alarm 8-Piece Kit lists at $250. Prices change often, so check the current listing before buying.

Head to head · Home Security

Alarm 5-Piece Kit vs Alarm 8-Piece Kit

Ravvy scores Alarm 5-Piece Kit at 89.54 and Alarm 8-Piece Kit at 89.69. Alarm 8-Piece Kit takes the overall pick, best for renters and homeowners seeking a no-drill diy security solution.

Ring

Alarm 5-Piece Kit

89.5

$200

Buy this kit if you want a reliable, easy to install DIY security system and are comfortable paying a monthly subscription for the best features.

Ravvy pick

Ring

Alarm 8-Piece Kit

89.7

$250

A top-tier choice for DIYers who want a reliable, easy-to-install system and are comfortable with a subscription-based ecosystem.

How they score

Factor	Alarm 5-Piece Kit	Alarm 8-Piece Kit
Response Time	84	–
App Experience	91.5	92.5
Installation Ease	98	98
System Expandability	88	–
Smart Home Integration	94	–
Integration	–	80
Reliability	–	85
Expandability	–	88

Alarm 5-Piece Kit

What owners praise

Extremely simple DIY installation with no tools required
Seamless integration with Alexa and the Ring ecosystem
Compact sensor design is less intrusive than older models
Battery backup provides 24 hours of power during outages
Z-Wave range extender included to ensure reliable connectivity

What to know first

Professional monitoring requires a recurring monthly fee
Limited functionality without a Ring Protect subscription
Base station siren could be louder for larger homes

Skip it if large multi-story estates requiring dozens of sensors

Alarm 8-Piece Kit

What owners praise

Extremely simple DIY installation with no tools required
Seamless integration with Alexa voice commands
Includes a range extender for larger floor plans
Responsive mobile app with real-time alerts
Reliable 24-hour battery backup during outages

What to know first

Advanced features require a monthly subscription
Base station siren could be louder for large homes
Limited third-party smart home compatibility outside Alexa

Skip it if privacy purists or those who refuse to pay monthly subscription fees

Specs side by side

Spec	Alarm 5-Piece Kit	Alarm 8-Piece Kit
Power	100-240V 60Hz	100-240V 60Hz
Support	Click here to view more information on the Ring Alarm Kit support page.For monitoring licenses, visit ring.com/licenses.	Click here to view more information on the Ring Alarm Kit support page.For monitoring licenses, visit ring.com/licenses.
Dimensions	1.86 in x 3.19 in x 1.66 in	1.86 in x 3.19 in x 1.66 in
Disclaimers	1Compatible Ring subscription is required to enroll in Professional Monitoring. Service available in all 50 U.S. states (territories not included) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for business or commercially zoned addresses. See Ring Alarm licenses at: [ring.com/licenses](https://ring.com/licenses. Additional fees may be required for permits, false alarms, or Alarm Verified Guard Response, depending on your local jurisdiction.2Compatible Ring subscription](https://ring.com/plans)required. Alarm Cellular Backup uses a third-party carrier.3Compatible Ring subscription](https://ring.com/plans)required. Available in all 50 U.S. states (territories not included) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its monitoring center. Additional fees and permit requirements may apply depending on your local jurisdiction.4Compatible Ring subscription](https://ring.com/plans) required. Service available in all 50 U.S. states (territories not included). Ring does not own its monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for business or commercially zoned addresses. See Ring Alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional fees may be required for permits, false alarms, or Alarm Verified Guard Response, depending on your local jurisdiction.5Eligible device](https://ring.com/support/articles/flc8u/Requirements-for-Virtual-Security-Guard)required. Service available in all 50 U.S. states (territories not included). Ring does not own its monitoring center. See Ring Alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional fees may be required for permits, false alarms, or Alarm Verified Guard Response, depending on your local jurisdiction.	1Compatible Ring subscription is required to enroll in Professional Monitoring. Service available in all 50 U.S. states (territories not included) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for business or commercially zoned addresses. See Ring Alarm licenses at: [ring.com/licenses](https://ring.com/licenses. Additional fees may be required for permits, false alarms, or Alarm Verified Guard Response, depending on your local jurisdiction.2Compatible Ring subscription](https://ring.com/plans)required. Alarm Cellular Backup uses a third-party carrier.3Compatible Ring subscription](https://ring.com/plans)required. Available in all 50 U.S. states (territories not included) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its monitoring center. Additional fees and permit requirements may apply depending on your local jurisdiction.4Compatible Ring subscription](https://ring.com/plans) required. Service available in all 50 U.S. states (territories not included). Ring does not own its monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for business or commercially zoned addresses. See Ring Alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional fees may be required for permits, false alarms, or Alarm Verified Guard Response, depending on your local jurisdiction.5Eligible device](https://ring.com/support/articles/flc8u/Requirements-for-Virtual-Security-Guard)required. Service available in all 50 U.S. states (territories not included). Ring does not own its monitoring center. See Ring Alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional fees may be required for permits, false alarms, or Alarm Verified Guard Response, depending on your local jurisdiction.
Battery life	24-hr battery backup (lithium ion)	24-hr battery backup (lithium ion)
Connectivity	Z-Wave (250-foot range to Base Station, extends Z-Wave a further 250 feet)	Z-Wave (250-foot range to Base Station, extends Z-Wave a further 250 feet)
Installation	Plugs into standard power outlets, Ring Alarm Kit required	Plugs into standard power outlets, Ring Alarm Kit required
Security modes	Disarmed, Away, and Home	Disarmed, Away, and Home
Operating conditions	Indoor use, 32°F t0 104°F (0°C to 40°C)	Indoor use, 32°F t0 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
Warranty and service	Ring Alarm Kit includes 1-year limited warranty and service. Use of Ring Alarm Kit is subject to terms and conditions.	Ring Alarm Kit includes 1-year limited warranty and service. Use of Ring Alarm Kit is subject to terms and conditions.
Software Security Updates	Learn more about these software security updates. If you already own a Ring device, visit Software Security Updates in Ring Control Center for information specific to your device.	Learn more about these software security updates. If you already own a Ring device, visit Software Security Updates in Ring Control Center for information specific to your device.
Max distance between sensors	1 inch. Leave ½” space on non-magnet side to access battery compartment	1 inch. Leave ½” space on non-magnet side to access battery compartment