Ring Spotlight vs. Floodlight – Which Security Camera is Best?

Ring is well known for its home security gadgets, and the Ring cam is widely used by homeowners who want to go for a robust yet straightforward home security and surveillance network. The main concern for home security is the dimly lit areas around your house, which may not be visible with a regular camera. In this case, you need to go for a security camera that comes with lights for some additional visibility.

Thankfully, Ring has introduced two cameras: Ring Spotlight and Ring Floodlight. While these two have some similarities, there are differences too. Hence, choosing between these two can be challenging. Here, you can check out the features and other aspects of Ring Floodlight and Ring Spotlight cameras to find the most suitable model for your home!

What is Ring Spotlight?

Ring Spotlight is a home security surveillance camera with a vital spotlight source, color HD video facility, and advanced motion detection to keep your home intruder-free. The spotlight camera is rectangular with a built-in light. The camera’s backside comes with a mount for attaching to the wall.

At present, this range of cameras comes in four variations-

• Ring Spotlight cam Wired
• Spotlight cam Battery
• Spotlight Cam Solar
• Spotlight Cam Mount/Plug-in
  

Features

• Round-the-clock 1080mp HD video recording with color night vision and live view facility
• Motion-activated LED spotlights that turn on automatically with movements and trigger the alarm sound
• 140-degree field of view
• 160-degree motion detection for the wired model and 180-degree horizontal and 30-degree vertical motion detection for the solar model
• Allows you to speak to your visitors through the camera and offers two-way talk
• Offers customized motion zones to know what is happening in a particular area of your home
• Compatible with Alexa
• Allows you to control the camera in use and store the footage in the cloud storage through the Ring app
• It can be paired with other ring cameras.

Installation of Ring Spotlight

The Ring spotlight camera can be installed in any place inside your property. But, if you are planning to get the Ring solar model, please ensure it receives enough sunlight while working.

Installation Guide

1. Set Up the Camera

• The first thing you need to do is to set up the camera using the Ring app. It is available on both Play Store and App Store. You can also use the website for this purpose.
• First, create an account in the Ring app or website using your email and other information.
• Existing users need to log in to the app using their credentials.
• Now, click on the three lines icon in the Ring app (located on the left side of your account dashboard) and select ‘Setup a Device.’ Under this section, select ‘Security cams’
• Tap on ‘I’m Ready to Scan’ to scan the QR code of the camera through your smartphone. Wait for a few seconds. When the scanning is complete, your mobile screen will display a green square and a pop-up box.
• Alternatively, you can select ‘Other Options’ located below the scanner. From here, select ‘Can’t Scan the QR code’
• Here, manually enter the five-digit PIN below your Ring camera’s QR code.
• Now, allow the Ring app or website to access your location for service. It will enable the app to put your address, as the Spotlight camera does not work without location.
• After the location is fetched, name your camera.
  

2. Location

Now, choose the location where you want to install the Ring Spotlight cam. You must carefully select a place with a properly aligned height and angle to ensure the camera can cover the maximum area from there. The ideal location is 30 feet above the ground to properly monitor human movements in that area. If you are installing a battery-operated model, make sure to install it where you can easily access it for changing and recharging the battery. On the other hand, the solar model needs to be installed where it gets enough sunlight.

3. Installation of the Mounting Bracket

Next, install the mounting bracket. Make sure to put it so that the word “Up” is facing in your direction. You can use the built-in leveling tool to mark the holes. After that, you need to drill the holes. If installing on a brick wall or stucco surface, insert wall anchors during this time. Now, put the screws in place to fix the bracket in its place securely.

4. Mount the Camera

• Now, align the Ring camera in such a way that the screws at the base of the camera are in line with the four holes of the bracket. Slowly push the case in the slots. Now, put in the screws and tighten them properly.
• If you use a wired model, install the power cable on the mounting camera.
• Finally, please wait for the camera to turn on and connect it to your home WI-FI through the Ring app. Now, you can use the Live Feed option to position the Ring area per your preferences.

What is Ring Floodlight?

Ring Floodlight is a specially designed camera with two built-in floodlights that offer higher optical coverage and security. It is also a Motion-activated HD security camera. It also provides noise cancellation and two-way audio fidelity.

If you are looking for something that offers robust lighting with better security coverage, this model can be your ideal choice.

Features

• 1080p HD camera with motion-activated video camera and motion-activated flood light to eliminate blind spots.
• 150db security siren that is also motion-activated
• It offers you two-way communication. You can talk with visitors and listen to them. Besides that, it also offers active noise cancellation on both sides.
• Six customized motion zones to offer complete security.
• Live notification on your smartphone, laptop, and PC alongside live view from the Ring app
• Compatible with Alexa
• 140-degree field of view and 30-degree motion detection
• Instant object and facial recognition
• Smart zoom and panning
• It can operate at an exterior temperature range from -22 degrees F to 120 degrees F.

Installation of Ring Floodlight

Before you install the camera, you need to follow the setup of the Ring app and the camera, similar to the Ring spotlight camera. You must follow all the steps to set up the camera through the app.

1. Attach a Mounting Bracket

• Now, attach the mounting bracket to the wall. First, connect the ground wire and the ground screw inside the electrical box of your home.
• Secure the mounting bracket in the electrical box with the help of the two screws.

2. Attach Mounting Plate

• Attach the mounting plate and the adhesive foam gasket. Now, take the wires through the hole of the mounting plate.
• Now, pull the wires from the hole and place the mounting plate at the center of the mounting bracket and use two screws to attach them.

3. Attach the Floodlight

• Take the hook and attach the floodlight from the mounting plate.
• Now, place one end of the hook inside one of the holes of the floodlight and the other end to the hole of the mounting plate.

4. Attach the Power Cords

• Now, take an included wire nut and attach the white wire of the floodlight to the white wire of your electrical box. Follow the same process for the black wire.
  

5. Mount the Floodlight

• Now, take the floodlight and attach it to the posts of the mounting plate and use the two screws to place them securely. Now, turn on the power supply.
  

6. Set Up the Device.

• Open the Ring app and click on the “menu” icon,
• Select “Set up a device” from the drop-down menu and select “Smart lighting.”
• Now, select your location.
• Next, scan the QR code of the camera or enter the five-digit PIN below the scanner to connect the Ring floodlight to your smartphone.

Ring Spotlight vs. Floodlight: Similarities

1. Video Quality

If you check out the video quality during the daytime, both these devices perform similarly. Both offer 1080p HD video streaming and can recognize small human figures and objects in broad daylight.

However, the Ring floodlight works better than the Ring Spotlight during nighttime supervision, as the first model has more light sources. The Ring Floodlight has 1800 lumens brightness, while the Spotlight model has only 300 lumens. Hence, the floodlight cam gives you more comprehensive coverage of walls, surroundings, and the ground. Simply put, the Ring Floodlight cam has five times brighter images and clearer details than the Ring Spotlight.

2. Field of View

Both ring spotlight and ring floodlight camera offer 140 degree of view angle. Hence, they both cover a wider area at once. You can also eliminate the blind spots effectively.

3. Motion Detection

Both ring spotlight and ring floodlight cameras have six different surveillance zones coverage. You can customize these zones as per your preference.

Both cameras have highly adaptable and advanced motion sensors that trigger the lights with the slightest activity in the area. The cameras automatically start recording and send a push notification to your smartphone. You can also adjust the motion settings through the Ring app.

4. Siren (Alarm level)

Only the Ring floodlight camera has a siren of 140 decibels. Even though both cameras come with alarms, a buzzing and sharp siren often helps to fend off intruders and even to raise the alarm. The Ring app remotely activates the siren whenever some motion is detected in the area. So, in case you want an outdoor camera with a siren, go for the Ring floodlight.

5. Audio

Both of these devices offer excellent audio facilities. You get two-way communication, which means you can hear what is happening outside and even talk to visitors through the camera. On top of that, both devices come with a siren alarm of 110 dB, which turns on whenever there is some unwanted motion in the area.

But, we will place the ring floodlight model a bit higher as it has active noise cancellation, removing the unwanted noises to ensure you get clearer audio through the camera.

6. Connectivity

Both these cameras work with Wi-Fi connectivity. You can connect the camera with your home Wi-Fi through the Ring app. First, open the Ring app and select your camera from there. Now, clock on “Device Settings’ ‘ and then under this menu, select “Wi-Fi settings ‘. You can connect the camera directly to Wi-Fi with the given instructions.

7. Long Purchase Protection Plan

You must go for the Ring Protect Plan for maximum benefit. Ring also has a free plan that offers motion detection. Round-the-clock live video, two-way audio, spotlight, alarm (for Ring Floodlight), push notifications, etc. But it doesn’t allow you to store the footage for future use. For this, you need to purchase Ring Protect plans. There are two types of Ring Protect Plans-

1. Rig Protect Basic

• Price: $3 per month or $30 annually
• Cloud video storage: Get access to the video footage from the last 60 days from the cloud storage
• Review and shape option: Review and share the video with your contacts or store the videos in a spate location
• Compact security coverage: Integrate all Ring devices, including the camera, alarms for a compact surveillance network on your property.

2. Ring Protect Plus

• Price: $10 monthly or $100 annually
• Cloud video storage: You can access the video footage from the last 60 days from the cloud storage
• Compact security coverage: Integrate all Ring devices, including the camera, alarms for a compact surveillance network on your property
• Ring Alarm: Offers instant alerts to your neighbours and immediate contacts during an emergency if you do not respond to the push notification.
• Review and shape option: Review and share the video with your contacts or store the videos in a spate location

8. Control from Ring App

Controlling both Ring Spotlight and Ring Floodlight through the Rig app is bliss. As mentioned earlier, you need to connect the cameras with the Ring app.

After registering with the app, you can change a lot of features, including-

• You can change the motion settings to adjust the motion sensitivity
• The app also allows you to view live footage on your smartphone
• You can also check out previous activities from cloud storage. But you need the Ring premium plans for viewing content from the day before.
• You can also adjust the brightness, alarm, etc, from here
• The app also allows you to send the footage to your contacts from your smartphone.

Ring Spotlight vs. Ring Floodlight: Differences

1. Power Source

The ring Spotlight model comes in four variations-

• The Ring Spotlight camera battery version has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that you need to recharge after a few days of usage. Hence, you need to keep a spare handy and check out the battery level occasionally. On top of that, you also need to install these in a place where you can easily reach and replace the batteries when needed.
• The Ring Spotlight solar version comes with a solar panel. It can provide services without worrying about changing the battery or experiencing a power outage. But you need to install solar panels where it gets enough sunlight.
• The ring spotlight camera wired and Ring spotlight camera mount both run on electricity. You need to connect these cameras to your electric box by using cables. Those with an outdoor AC unit can install the wired cam using the six-meter power cord. But, the cam may only work if there is a power outage.
  

The ring Floodlight camera can efficiently work with a wired connection with a 120-volt power supply. But, if you want, you can also use a suitable solar panel alternative for continuous footage streaming.

2. Light Output (LED Bulbs and Brightness level)

In the case of light output, the Ring floodlight is the sure shot winner. It comes with a large floodlight with 18000 lumens brightness, offering brighter and more detailed pictures even at night. On the contrary, the Spotlight model has two LED bulbs with 300 lumens brightness; it also gives good nighttime footage. But the footage is a bit dull compared to the Ring floodlight camera. Choose the Ring floodlight cam if you want a device that will cover a larger area with detailed footage even during the night. But, if you need to cover a smaller area, Ring Spotlight is enough.

3. Installation Time

Both cameras take similar installation times, and while the wire versions may take some extra minutes, there is little difference.

4. Operating Conditions

The battery versions of ring spotlight cameras can operate in the temperature range of -5°F to 120°F (-20.5°C to 48.5°C), while the wired and other versions can work in the field of -22°F to 120°F (-30°C to 48.5°C). The Ring Floodlight can work within the temperature range of -22°F to 120°F (-30°C to 48°C).

If you want a camera that works well during the chilliest winter days, go for the wired versions of Ring Spotlight or Ring Floodlight.

5. Setup Requirements

Both these cameras are easy to install. The box comes with mounts and screws. You may need to use some drilling work and anchors to make holes in the walls. But, other than that, the installation is pretty straightforward.

Comparison Table

Ring Spotlight vs. Ring Floodlight: Which One Should I Buy?

Both cameras have similar features and price ranges, with Ring Floodlight having better features. If you want to cover a smaller footprint or need to be discreet, you can go for Ring Spotlight, as it is a smaller device. But, if you need to cover a larger area and need detailed night time footage, Ring Floodlight is ideal for you. But this camera is a bit larger.

If there is plenty of light on your property, a Ring spotlight camera is enough. But if you live in a tea that doesn’t have enough outdoor lighting, Floodlight models are a good option.

Ring Spotlight vs Floodlight – FAQs

Conclusion

Both Ring Spotlight and Ring Floodlight are good outdoor security cameras with great features and a reasonable budget. Both cameras also have similar characteristics and are easy to use.

Suppose you need a camera that covers a wide area with higher illumination and brighter images. In that case, you can go for Ring Floodlight. On the other hand, the Ring Spotlight is ideal for smaller areas. The best part about both these cameras is that you can customize the settings per your preference through the app.

Ultimately, it is up to you to choose the model that you feel will help you create a strong and secure surveillance network on your property.