OUR VERDICT: The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a versatile, wireless security camera that works indoors or outdoors with minimal setup effort. Its sleek design, sharp 1080p video, and long battery life make it a standout choice for anyone seeking reliable home security. While the Pro version adds advanced features like radar-powered 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View, the standard model is no slouch, offering solid performance and Alexa integration. The main drawback? A subscription is required for recorded footage, and the outdated micro-USB charging feels like a missed opportunity. Still, if you’re in the Ring ecosystem, this is a smart, hassle-free solution for keeping an eye on things.
Security cameras have come a long way from bulky, wired systems that required professional installation. Today, they’re smarter, sleeker, and more user-friendly than ever, and the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a perfect example. This compact, wireless camera is designed to work both indoors and outdoors, offering versatility and convenience without the need for complicated setups. It comes loaded with useful features, from high-definition video to smart motion detection, all wrapped in a modern, weatherproof design. But with a price tag and subscription plan to consider, is it the best choice for your home security needs? Let’s break it down and find out!
WHAT IS IT?
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a wireless, battery-powered security camera created by Ring, the company famous for its smart video doorbells and seamless Alexa integration. Designed with flexibility in mind, this camera is both weatherproof and versatile, meaning it works just as well indoors as it does outdoors. Whether you want to keep an eye on your front yard, monitor a hallway, or secure your backyard, this camera can handle it. Its standout feature? It connects to your Wi-Fi without the need for complex wiring or drilling holes. This makes the Stick Up Cam an excellent choice for renters, those who frequently move, or anyone who values an easy, no-fuss installation process.
FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS
| Resolution | 1080p HD (HDR on Pro version) |
| Field of View | 130° (Standard); 155° diagonal, 139° horizontal, 80° vertical (Pro) |
| Night Vision | Infrared LEDs; Color Night Vision (Pro version) |
| Motion Detection | Standard; 3D Motion Detection with Radar (Pro only) |
| Bird’s Eye View | Pro-exclusive, plots motion path using radar |
| Audio | Two-way audio with noise cancellation |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz (Standard); Dual-band 2.4/5GHz (Pro) |
| Power Source | Rechargeable battery (lasts 6–12 months standard, 1–2 months Pro) |
| Weatherproofing | IPX5-rated for outdoor use |
| Smart Home | Works with Alexa, IFTTT; Pro adds better Alexa routines |
| Dimensions | 9.7 x 6.0 x 6.0 cm (Standard); 15.4 x 7.0 x 7.0 cm (Pro) |
| Price | $99.99 (Standard); $179.99 (Pro) |
| Subscription | From $4/month for cloud storage and features |
DESIGN & BUILD
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is a winner in the looks department. Its modern, sleek design features a compact cylindrical shape that can easily blend into most home setups without screaming, “Look, I’m a security camera!” You can choose between black or white finishes, making it easy to match your home décor, whether it’s indoors or outside.
Mounting the camera is refreshingly straightforward. You can attach it to walls, ceilings, fences, or simply place it on a flat surface. The adjustable mount lets you get just the right angle for your surveillance needs. That said, there’s a small oversight—there’s no built-in anti-theft mechanism. So, if a bold thief decides to walk off with your camera, they technically could. The silver lining? The camera would catch them in the act before they succeed.
The Pro version of the Stick Up Cam is slightly larger than the regular model, but it’s still compact enough to fit just about anywhere, making it versatile for various uses. However, one design quirk feels like a blast from the past: the battery charges via micro-USB. In an era where USB-C is the standard, this feels like pulling out an old flip phone charger. A minor gripe, but worth noting if you’re all-in on modern conveniences.
Overall, the design is thoughtfully minimalist, but there’s room for a few updates to make it truly standout.
CAMERA & PERFORMANCE
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery delivers impressive performance for its category, but there are some clear differences between the standard version and the Pro. Let’s break it down:
Video Quality
The standard Stick Up Cam records crisp 1080p HD video, capturing clear details during the day and utilizing infrared for reliable night vision. It’s great for keeping an eye on what matters, whether it’s the driveway, your porch, or a mischievous raccoon raiding the trash. The Pro model of the Stick Up Cam steps things up with 1080p HDR video. HDR ensures better clarity in tricky lighting—like when shadows and bright sunlight mix—so you can pick out important details like license plates or faces more easily. That said, neither camera offers 4K video, so don’t expect the kind of hyper-detailed footage you’d get from pricier models.
Motion Detection
The standard version of the Stick Up Cam relies on basic motion detection, which does the job but can sometimes be a little overzealous. On windy days, you might find yourself getting alerts about a tree branch swaying rather than anything truly suspicious. The Pro version, however, introduces radar-powered 3D Motion Detection, which is a game-changer. This feature doesn’t just sense movement—it tracks it. Using Bird’s Eye View, it plots intruders’ paths on a map of your property, giving you a clearer picture of what’s happening. The downside? Motion detection isn’t perfect at longer distances. Anything beyond 30 feet might not trigger the sensor reliably.
Battery Life
The battery performance is one of the Stick Up Cam’s highlights. The standard version boasts a hefty 6–12 months of life on a single charge, depending on usage. This is ideal if you want a low-maintenance setup. The Pro version, however, sacrifices some battery life for its advanced features, clocking in at about 1–2 months per charge. If the idea of regular recharges sounds like a hassle, adding a Ring Solar Panel (sold separately) is a clever workaround. It keeps the camera powered with minimal effort.
Connectivity
Both models connect wirelessly to your home Wi-Fi and generally perform well in terms of reliability. The standard version of the Stick Up Cam uses 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which works fine but can struggle in areas with network congestion. The Pro version adds support for 5GHz Wi-Fi, which allows for smoother video streaming and quicker response times, even if you have multiple smart devices competing for bandwidth. If you’ve got a dual-band router, the Pro version of the Stick Up Cam is a clear winner here.
Overall Performance
While both cameras perform admirably in most scenarios, the Pro version is the better choice if you need advanced features like 3D Motion Detection or faster connectivity. Just keep in mind its trade-offs, such as shorter battery life and higher price. The Stick Up Cam’s standard version, on the other hand, is perfect for those who value simplicity, long-lasting power, and reliable, no-frills operation.
SETUP & SOFTWARE
Getting the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery up and running is as easy as assembling IKEA furniture—except you actually won’t need to consult YouTube for help. Just scan the QR code on the back of the camera with the Ring app, follow the on-screen prompts to connect it to your Wi-Fi, and voilà—you’re ready to roll. No tools, no fuss, no tears.
The Ring app itself is a polished, user-friendly companion to the camera. It gives you access to live feeds, motion alerts, and settings to customize motion zones or sensitivity. Recorded footage is neatly organized for playback, making it easy to review what happened when you weren’t looking.
The Subscription Catch
Now, here’s where things get a bit tricky. If you don’t sign up for a Ring Protect subscription, you won’t get access to recorded footage—only live video. That essentially turns the camera into a high-tech peephole. Plans start at $4 per month (or $40 annually) for a single device, and they unlock video history, advanced notifications, and even snapshot captures between recordings. If you’ve got more than one Ring camera, the $10/month ($100 annually) plan covers unlimited devices. Without a subscription, it’s like buying a pizza and only getting the crust—functional but not satisfying.
Bird’s Eye View on the Pro Version
If you spring for the Pro model, you’ll gain access to the Bird’s Eye View feature, which maps motion paths onto a satellite view of your property. It’s a handy tool, but setting it up can feel like solving a minor tech puzzle. You’ll need to place the camera precisely on a satellite map during setup and carefully configure the motion zones. While it takes a little effort to fine-tune, the results are worth it. Bird’s Eye View is particularly useful for small areas like a front yard, where knowing exactly where someone moved can give you peace of mind.
Smart Home Integration
Ring cameras play nicely with Amazon Alexa, letting you view live footage on Echo Show devices or control the camera with voice commands. If you’ve got other Ring devices, the app neatly integrates them for seamless monitoring. However, Google Assistant support is limited, and there’s no HomeKit integration. It’s an Alexa world, and we’re just living in it.
Final Thoughts on Software
The setup is beginner-friendly, and the app provides all the features you’d expect from a modern security camera. However, the subscription requirement for full functionality feels a bit like a mandatory toll on a bridge you already paid for. If you’re comfortable with the monthly fee, you’ll appreciate the added features like video history and advanced notifications. Otherwise, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more value without the recurring cost.
COMPARISON WITH COMPETITORS
| Model | Price | Resolution | Field of View | Local Storage | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Stick Up Cam (Standard) | $99.99 | 1080p HD | 130° | No | Alexa, IFTTT |
| Ring Stick Up Cam Pro | $179.99 | 1080p HDR | 155° diagonal | No | Radar, Bird’s Eye View |
| Wyze Cam v3 | $35.98 | 1080p with HDR | 130° diagonal | Yes | Color night vision, lower price |
| Arlo Ultra 2 | $599.99 | 4K UHD | 180° diagonal | Yes | HomeKit, high resolution |
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery gets a lot of things right, making it a solid choice for home security. It delivers the essentials with flair: reliable performance, a painless setup, and impressively sharp 1080p video, even in challenging conditions. Its flexibility to work indoors or outdoors and its sleek design make it a winner for renters, homeowners, or anyone who values simplicity.
If you go for the Pro version, you’ll enjoy extra perks like radar-powered motion detection and the unique Bird’s Eye View feature. These add-ons are undeniably cool, but let’s be real—not everyone needs to know the exact walking path of a trespasser. For most, the standard version will cover all the bases at a lower price.
That said, no product is perfect. The absence of local storage can be frustrating for those who want full control over their footage, and the subscription requirement for recorded videos feels like a bit of a money grab. But if you’re already in the Ring ecosystem, these are probably minor inconveniences rather than deal-breakers.
Speaking of inconveniences, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the micro-USB charging port. In 2024, sticking to micro-USB feels like bringing a flip phone to a smartphone party. Ring, it’s time to catch up! Switching to USB-C would be a small change with a big impact on user experience.
SO, IS IT WORTH IT?
If you want an easy-to-use, wireless camera that delivers consistent performance and integrates seamlessly with Alexa, the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is an excellent option. The Pro version sweetens the deal with smarter motion detection and enhanced video capabilities, but the added cost might not be justified for everyone.
In a Nutshell
Buy it if you:
- Want easy setup. No wires, no hassle. It’s as plug-and-play as security cameras get, and versatile enough for any space.
- Already own other Ring devices or use Alexa for smart home control. The camera works seamlessly with Echo.
- Value convenience and don’t mind paying for a subscription for recorded footage.
- Like extra features. The Pro’s radar detection and Bird’s Eye View are unique, even if a bit niche.
- Want weatherproofing. Rain or shine, this camera won’t flinch.
Skip it if you:
- Hate subscription-based features. Without a Ring Protect plan, you can’t save recordings.
- Need local storage. Unlike some competitors, there’s no SD card slot or local backup option.
- Are annoyed by outdated features like micro-USB charging.
- Want 4K video or advanced motion tracking at a budget-friendly price.
Overall, the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is like a dependable sidekick—reliable, versatile, and there when you need it most. With a few minor tweaks (hello, USB-C!), it could go from great to exceptional. For now, it’s a strong contender in the wireless security camera game.
Score:
- Standard: 4/5
- Pro: 4.5/5
Would you buy it?
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