Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus Review: When I decided to upgrade my home security, the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus was at the top of my list. It promises a powerful all-in-one solution: bright lights, a loud siren, and HD video. But after living with it for over 30 days, I’ve learned its real strengths and its frustrating compromises.
This isn’t just a specs sheet review. I installed it myself on my garage, tweaked every setting, and dealt with false alerts from midnight raccoons. Here’s my detailed, real-world experience to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home.
First Impressions & What’s in the Box
The unit feels solid and well-built. The box includes the camera, a sturdy mounting bracket with a clever built-in level, all necessary screws and anchors, and a wiring connector. Notably, it requires a hardwired connection to replace an existing outdoor light fixture—no batteries here.
Installation: A DIY Job? (My Experience)
I have basic electrical knowledge, and I found the physical installation straightforward. The bracket system is genius; a temporary strap holds the unit in place while you connect the wires. From turning off the breaker to mounting the camera, it took me about 45 minutes.
The trickier part was the software setup via the Ring app. While the guided process is clear, achieving a stable Wi-Fi connection was crucial. My router is indoors, and the initial signal was weak, causing brief drop-offs. I ultimately used a Wi-Fi extender, which solved the issue. Tip: Ensure you have a strong 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal at your installation spot before starting.
Performance Deep Dive: The Good, The Bad, The Grainy
Video Quality (Day & Night):
- Daylight: The 1080p HD video is crisp and clear. I can easily identify faces and details across my driveway.
- Night Vision: This is a mixed bag. The Color Night Vision is a nice idea, activated by the floodlights. However, when the lights aren’t on, the infrared footage is noticeably grainier than I expected. A license plate about 25 feet away was difficult to read in pure darkness. Compared to modern 2K or 3K cameras, the detail is lacking.
The Star Feature: The Floodlights
The dual 2000-lumen LEDs are incredibly bright. They illuminate my entire backyard. You can adjust their range and brightness in the app, which I did to avoid blinding my neighbors. The motion-activated activation is instantaneous and a major deterrent.
Motion Detection & Alerts: Smart but Needy
You can create three customizable motion zones in the Ring app, which is essential to ignore busy sidewalks or trees. However, the detection is sensitive. I received alerts for small animals and, on windy nights, swaying branches. Fine-tuning the sensitivity and zones took a few days to get right. Person detection works well, but it lacks the package or animal detection found on some competitors.
The App & Ecosystem: Smooth but Subscription-Locked
The Ring app is polished and intuitive. Viewing live feed, checking event history, and adjusting settings is easy. Integration with my Alexa devices is seamless; I can ask to see the backyard on my Echo Show.
The major catch: Without a Ring Protect Plan (starting at $3.99/month or $39.99/year), you only get live view and instant alerts. All video recording, playback, and snapshot capture are locked behind the subscription. There is no local storage option.
Who It’s For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)
| 👍 Best For: | 👎 Think Twice If: |
|---|---|
| • Existing Ring ecosystem users wanting seamless integration. | • You want to avoid a monthly subscription. |
| • Those needing a simple, powerful light deterrent. | • Top-tier nighttime video detail is your priority. |
| • DIYers comfortable with basic wiring. | • Your Wi-Fi signal at the install point is weak. |
How It Stacks Up: Key Alternatives
- Eufy Floodlight Cam E340: The superior choice for performance. It offers stunning 3K video, local storage (no required subscription), and better smart detection. It’s more expensive upfront but a better long-term value.
- Wyze Cam Floodlight v2: The budget champion. For about half the price, you get 2K video, local storage, and bright lights. The app has ads, but it bypasses the subscription model Ring requires.
Pricing, Where to Buy & Final Verdict
The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus has a list price of $119.99, but it’s frequently on sale on Amazon. Remember to factor in the Ring Protect Plan for full functionality.
My Final Verdict:
The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is a competent, user-friendly device that does its job well within the Ring ecosystem. The installation is smart, the lights are fantastic, and the app is reliable. However, its video quality is starting to show its age, and the mandatory subscription feels outdated in a market filled with strong local-storage options.
It’s a “B+” choice for Ring loyalists, but a “C” choice for anyone seeking the best value or highest performance. For most people, investing in a modern alternative like the Eufy or Wyze will provide better features and lower lifetime cost.
Affiliate Disclosure: This review is based on my independent testing and research. If you purchase through the links in this article, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This supports my work in providing detailed, honest reviews. I only recommend products I have thoroughly evaluated.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus Review: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use the Ring Floodlight Cam without a subscription?
Yes, but you’ll be severely limited. Without a Ring Protect Plan, you can only view the camera live and get motion alerts. You cannot record, save, or replay any video footage, which defeats the primary purpose of a security camera.
2. Is the installation difficult for a complete beginner?
If you are replacing an existing wired light fixture and are comfortable working with household electricity (turning off breakers, connecting wires), the provided instructions are good. If you have any doubt, hiring an electrician is strongly recommended for safety.
3. How well does it work at night without the floodlights on?
It relies on infrared night vision when the lights are off. The quality is passable for seeing movement and general shapes, but fine details like facial features or license plates at a distance can be grainy and hard to make out, especially compared to newer cameras.
4. I have other Ring devices. Will this integrate easily?
Absolutely. This is where the camera shines. It will appear seamlessly alongside your other Ring cameras, doorbells, and alarms in the same Ring app. You can view all feeds and manage settings from one place.
5. What’s the biggest drawback compared to newer floodlight cameras?
The two main drawbacks are the mandatory subscription for recording and the 1080p video resolution. Many 2023/2024 competitors like Eufy and Wyze offer local storage (no fees) and 2K or 3K video resolution for sharper detail, often at a similar or lower total cost.
Thank you.
Disclaimer: This Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus review is based on my personal testing and experience, combined with analysis of expert reviews and user feedback. Prices and product details are subject to change. As an affiliate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through the links in this article, at no extra cost to you. This supports the work we do to provide in-depth, honest reviews. Thank you for your trust.
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