Ring’s most advanced go-anywhere security camera
Editors‘ Note: This is the most recent version of the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro. Read our review from October 25, 2023 below.
The Ring Stick Up Cam ($99.99) scored high marks for its versatile indoor/outdoor design, sharp 1080p video, and third-party integrations, including support for Amazon Alexa voice control. The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is more expensive at $179.99 but offers a lot more bang for your buck with features such as HDR video, color pre-roll, 3D Motion Detection, and dual-band Wi-Fi. As with all other Ring devices, it doesn’t include native support for Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant, but the Stick Up Cam Pro’s excellent performance, ease of use, and robust feature set earn it our Editors’ Choice award.More Features for Better Surveillance
The weatherproof Stick Up Cam Pro maintains the same cylindrical shape as the Stick Up Cam but is much larger, measuring 6.0 inches tall by 2.7 inches wide (compared with 4.9 by 2.3 inches). The camera comes in black or white and sits atop a round base with a hinge that offers 45 degrees of backward tilt maneuverability. The base can be used as a desktop stand or mounted on a wall, outdoor soffit, or ceiling using the included mounting hardware. The rear of the camera holds a USB-C power port for use with an optional AC power adapter.
We reviewed the wire-free battery version of the Stick Up Cam Pro, but it is also available as a plug-in camera that uses AC power. Both versions cost the same $179.99 and offer dual-power capabilities with dynamic switching: You can purchase an optional Indoor/Outdoor Power Adapter ($39.99) for the battery-powered camera or purchase a battery pack ($34.99) for the plug-in camera. To access the battery, simply twist off the bottom part of the camera and press the silver tab.
Ring doesn’t provide battery life specs for this camera, but the standard Stick Up Cam is rated to last six to twelve months between charges, depending on usage, and we expect similar runtimes for the Pro model. As a more environment-friendly alternative, you can power the camera with a small 1.9-watt solar panel ($39.99) or a larger and more powerful 4-watt solar panel ($59.99).
The front of the Stick Up Cam Pro contains the camera assembly, a motion sensor, a speaker, and a microphone. New to this model is Ring’s Audio+ technology, which offers advanced noise cancellation for cleaner two-way talk. The 1080p camera uses HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology to deliver enhanced contrast with more detail in dark shadows and bright highlights. It has a 155-degree diagonal field of view and uses two infrared LEDS for black-and-white night vision. With enough ambient light, it can also capture color night video. Under the hood is a dual-band Wi-Fi radio and an 85dB siren.
The Stick Up Cam Pro doesn’t have an integrated light, which might be a drawback if you plan to use it outdoors. The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera costs a bit more at $199.99, but it casts a bright light on whatever is moving around on your property and captures it in detailed 2K, making it our top pick for floodlight cameras.
The Stick Up Cam Pro offers the 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View features that debuted on the Video Doorbell 2 Pro and that are also available on the Floodlight Cam Pro.
