Wired Home Security Systems Can Get Smart for Around $400 and Up
Ring popularized app-first security, from devices that work with its Neighbors app to simple DIY sensors that bring the neighborhood watch into the digital age. For homes with legacy wired zones, Ring’s answer was the Ring Alarm Retrofit Kit—a bridge that reuses existing door/window wiring with Ring Alarm. As of 2025, Ring confirms the Retrofit Kit is no longer sold new but remains supported for existing owners (Ring Help Center). Scope remains targeted: it brings wired contacts (and in many cases simple PIR loops) into Ring Alarm, but it doesn’t take over life‑safety devices or legacy keypads/sirens, and Ring Alarm devices do not support Matter (product page; Ring on Matter). Recent user feedback trends are mixed‑to‑positive when expectations match the scope—most reported issues stem from EOL resistor handling, zone mapping, and attempts to reuse powered sensors without separate power (Ring Retrofit Kit help section; Ring Community; Reddit r/Ring).
Availability and pricing have shifted to the secondary market. Ring does not list the Retrofit Kit on its current Alarm accessories page, and there are no in‑stock first‑party listings (Ring Alarm accessories). Amazon search results typically surface legacy marketplace entries rather than an active Ring listing (Amazon search). Recent resale data show completed eBay sales commonly in the mid‑$100s to low‑$300s depending on condition and completeness; prices can exceed the historical ~$199 street price due to scarcity (eBay Sold listings). Ring’s Help Center notes the product is not sold new and provides support information for current owners; no end‑of‑support date is published there (Ring Help Center).
Functionally, the Retrofit Kit is a wired‑to‑wireless bridge that brings up to eight hardwired zones (primarily perimeter contacts and, where suitably powered/compatible, some PIR motion loops) into Ring Alarm. It requires a Ring Alarm Base Station and the Ring app; it cannot operate on its own. Once zones are in Ring Alarm, they can participate in Alexa routines and voice arming/disarming with a spoken PIN (Ring base station; product details; Alexa with Ring Alarm). Not supported via the Retrofit Kit: wired smoke/CO/heat detectors, legacy keypads or sirens, or exposing zones to third‑party ecosystems via Matter (Ring Alarm does not support Matter) (Matter support policy). For those exclusions, Ring steers users to separate devices like the Alarm Smoke/CO Listener and the Alarm Glass Break Sensor.
If you don’t already run Ring Alarm, you’ll need to add a Ring kit to use any Retrofit Kit you source on the resale market—the Retrofit Kit is not bundled or sold new by Ring today. The smallest, five-piece alarm security kit remains the typical entry point. Total outlay now depends on the resale price you pay plus any installation costs, since there’s no current MSRP or first‑party bundle (Ring confirmation; current accessories catalog; recent eBay comps).
Professional installation remains advisable for many retrofits because zone mapping, EOL resistor identification, and power/battery checks can be non‑trivial. Scope typically includes: labeling each loop, measuring resistor values, deciding on resistor removal vs. learning, verifying loop type (NC/NO), confirming 12V needs for any powered sensors, testing each zone, and documenting the new map—common pain points highlighted in recent community posts (Ring Retrofit Kit help section; Ring Community). Ring has partnered with national installers in the past (see Professional installation), though availability and pricing vary by region. Since 2019, consumer service prices have risen, per BLS CPI data for household maintenance/repair (BLS CPI). For standardized context, big‑box flat‑fee installs like TV mounting list baseline labor around $199.99, with add‑ons priced separately—useful for benchmarking a simple low‑voltage service visit (Best Buy Geek Squad). To control costs, get 2–3 quotes with written scopes, verify licensing/insurance, and consider end‑to‑end bookings from retailers that coordinate vetted local pros (The Home Depot Services).
Choosing the right retrofit path in 2025 also means weighing alternatives and future‑proofing. If you already use Ring Alarm and mainly have simple wired contacts, the Retrofit Kit (sourced used) is the most app‑friendly way to keep those loops. If you need to retain powered motions/glass‑breaks or want pro‑grade supervision, consider a hardwire‑to‑wireless module matched to a professional panel: Qolsys Hardwire 16‑F (16 zones, aux power, EOL learning) for IQ panels (Qolsys 16‑F), Resideo 5800C2W (about 8–9 zones with aux power) for Honeywell/2GIG (5800C2W), or DSC PG9WLSHW8 for PowerG ecosystems (PG9WLSHW8). Typical module hardware costs run roughly ~$50–$150 but require a compatible panel and often a service plan. For maximum DIY flexibility without a pro panel, Konnected Alarm Panel Pro exposes wired zones to SmartThings/Home Assistant/Hubitat and provides 12V aux power and siren control; hardware commonly starts around ~$199 (Konnected Panel Pro). Note ecosystem trade‑offs: Ring Alarm doesn’t support Matter today, while broader platforms are moving toward Matter/Thread for interoperability even as core intrusion systems continue to rely on proprietary, long‑range RF. Z‑Wave Long Range improves retrofit reach and node capacity for panels/hubs that support it (Ring on Matter; Z‑Wave Long Range). For retrofit longevity and privacy, track platform policies (e.g., Ring ended police requests for footage in the Neighbors app) and prioritize products with clear update/support commitments (policy change coverage).
