Published On: January 6, 2025

Ring Security Cameras Get a Surprise Upgrade to 2K Resolution

Published On: January 6, 2025
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Ring Security Cameras Get a Surprise Upgrade to 2K Resolution

Ring is upgrading two of its top security cameras with a free firmware update that unlocks hidden 2K video recording capabilities.

Ring Security Cameras Get a Surprise Upgrade to 2K Resolution

Ring is giving two of its top-tier security cameras a significant upgrade. At CES 2025, the company announced that the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro and Ring Floodlight Cam Pro will receive a free firmware update, enabling them to record and stream video in 2K resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels). The upgrade will be available starting January 8, 2025, offering sharper video quality without any additional cost to users.

What makes this announcement particularly intriguing is that both cameras have always had 2K-capable image sensors, despite being limited to 1080p resolution since their launch in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The limitation was intentional, with Ring citing the need to optimize performance factors such as Wi-Fi data consumption, battery life, and streaming latency before enabling the higher resolution.

A Ring spokesperson confirmed, “These products use a sensor that supports up to 2K video resolution. The videos will natively record and stream in 2K,” clarifying that this is not a simulated enhancement like pixel doubling but genuine 2K video.

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro in white color.

While 1080p video is sufficient for many security needs, 2K resolution offers notable advantages, particularly when zooming in on recorded footage. Higher resolution allows for more detailed imagery, making it easier to identify faces, license plates, or small details in the background—features that can be critical for security purposes.

Additionally, the improved resolution enhances the cameras' ability to perform in low-light conditions. Paired with Ring's post-processing technology, Ring Vision, the cameras will also provide motion smoothing, balanced contrast, and improved clarity in various lighting scenarios.

To make the most of the 2K resolution, users may need to evaluate their current home Wi-Fi setup. Streaming at 2K requires more bandwidth than 1080p, and older routers (pre-Wi-Fi 6) may struggle to handle the increased data flow effectively. For households with robust Wi-Fi 6 or newer routers, the upgrade should result in a smoother and more seamless viewing experience.

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro with Bird’s Eye View and 3D Motion Detection.

The update will roll out via the Ring app, allowing current owners of the Spotlight Cam Pro and Floodlight Cam Pro to easily enable the enhanced resolution.

Ring’s decision to enable 2K resolution bridges a gap that competitors like Arlo and Eufy have been addressing for a while. These brands have offered cameras with 2K and even 4K video capabilities for years, so this update feels more like Ring catching up rather than breaking new ground.

That said, the timing makes sense. With Wi-Fi 6 becoming more common in homes and 5G networks improving how quickly we can stream on the go, higher-resolution cameras are now more practical. These advancements mean users can enjoy sharper, more detailed video with minimal lag, whether they’re watching live feeds at home or checking footage from their phones.

Both of these cameras are on the higher end of Ring’s lineup, with the Spotlight Cam Pro going for $229 and the Floodlight Cam Pro priced at $249. They already come loaded with features like radar motion detection and Birds Eye View, which lets you see a top-down view of movement around your home. The new 2K resolution is really just adding another layer to what these devices can already do.

If you’re hoping for even more advanced features, like being able to search recordings for specific objects—think people, pets, or cars—you’ll still need a subscription. Ring’s AI-powered Smart Video Search is part of its premium plan, which costs $19.99 a month. While it’s a handy tool, it’s worth factoring in the extra cost if you’re thinking about going all-in with Ring.

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