The catch
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit
Ring Alarm cannot be controlled natively through Google Home or Apple Home.
Side by side
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit vs X-Sense AS05 Compared: X-Sense needs two extra contacts to match the four openings Ring covers
Quick verdict
Ring 8-Piece is the choice if you need four entry contacts today and want the option of a monitored alarm with cellular backup. X-Sense AS05 is the choice for app alerts with no fee and a simple keypad alarm, though you should budget for two extra contacts to cover the same four openings.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
For 4 openings, count the add-ons first
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit needs 0 extra entry sensors. X-Sense AS05 needs 2. This is the hardware gap before monitoring or cameras enter the decision.
Where this comes from
Extra contacts = the larger of zero and 4 openings minus included contacts. The two bundles include 4 and 2, respectively. Each opening uses one contact sensor. This is a shopping-list calculation. It does not assess security.
The catch
X-Sense Smart Home Security System
Professional dispatch and cellular backup are both missing.
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit
- Why pick it
- Four door or window contacts are needed from the start.
- Optional professional monitoring and cellular backup are things you want.
- The catch
- Ring Alarm cannot be controlled natively through Google Home or Apple Home.
X-Sense Smart Home Security System
- Why pick it
- Handling alerts yourself, with no monthly fee, is what you want.
- Compatible X-Sense devices are already in your home.
- The catch
- Professional dispatch and cellular backup are both missing.
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What this page compares
Four entry points, subscription-free alerts, cellular backup and the extra hardware each setup needs: Ring Alarm 8-Piece vs X-Sense AS05 broken down.
What the additional Ring pieces get you is more entry contacts and a range extender. The AS05’s edge is a simpler ongoing service model.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Four openings, no sensor add-ons needed
Four contacts come with Ring. AS05 starts with two, so it needs two compatible add-ons.
- Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit
- Better fit
- X-Sense Smart Home Security System
- Depends
Core app alerts that carry no recurring cost
X-Sense gives you those alerts and skips the subscription requirement that Ring’s alarm has.
- Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit
- Caution
- X-Sense Smart Home Security System
- Better fit
Another person has to handle alarms
A response service comes with an eligible Ring monitoring subscription. With AS05, managing the alert is up to you.
- Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit
- Better fit
- X-Sense Smart Home Security System
- Caution
Motion sensors are needed in two separate rooms
Each box has one motion detector, so watching two rooms independently takes another sensor in either case.
- Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit
- Depends
- X-Sense Smart Home Security System
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
For 4 openings, count the add-ons first
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit needs 0 extra entry sensors. X-Sense AS05 needs 2. This is the hardware gap before monitoring or cameras enter the decision.
How we worked this out
Extra contacts = the larger of zero and 4 openings minus included contacts. The two bundles include 4 and 2, respectively. Each opening uses one contact sensor. This is a shopping-list calculation. It does not assess security.
Twice the motion coverage does not come from eight pieces
One motion detector comes in each starter package. What Ring offers is four entry contacts instead of two, and not another room watched for movement.
How we worked this out
Each inventory, the US Ring eight-piece and the AS05, specifies one motion detector.
Room to expand is no substitute for service
With a 50-device limit, X-Sense has room for more compatible hardware. That limit brings neither professional dispatch nor a cellular fallback, so adding sensors will not solve either requirement.
How we worked this out
The SBS50 specification covers how many connected devices it can handle. AS05’s service model is still app-based self monitoring.
Plug in your numbers
How many more sensors would you need?
Count the doors and windows you want covered, then see what comes in each box.
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit
The box has enough entry sensors4 in the box for your 4 openings.
X-Sense Smart Home Security System
Buy 2 more entry sensors2 in the box for your 4 openings.
This assumes one contact sensor per opening and counts only what comes in the box. Check motion coverage, pets, radio range, mounting and monitoring separately. Four openings is just an example until you enter your own number.
Option A
Ring, 2nd Gen
Alarm 8-Piece Kit
Four contact sensors make this the balanced Ring package, and it keeps a single motion detector and extender.
- Best for
- Average homes with two or three bedrooms
Facts we checked
- Comes with four contact sensors and one motion detector
- Comes with one keypad and one range extender
- A 24-hour backup battery is in the base station
Option B
X-Sense, AS05
Smart Home Security System
This five-piece alarm connects to an app and includes a keypad and a 100 dB base siren, with no professional monitoring plan required.
- Best for
- A small home you monitor yourself that wants a loud central alarm
Facts we checked
- Base station, keypad, two entry sensors and motion sensor are included
- A 100 dB alarm is in the base station
- The system can support up to 50 connected devices
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit | X-Sense Smart Home Security System | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Included entry sensors | 4 | 2 | Count the doors and windows you want to monitor individually. Keypads and motion detectors do a different job. |
| Motion detectors | One | One | A second motion zone is not something the larger Ring bundle adds. |
| Phone notifications | Compatible subscription required | Core app alerts without a monthly fee | Box size matters less than a no-fee requirement in this choice. |
| Professional response | Optional eligible paid service | Owner-managed alerts | Work out who should deal with an alarm if you cannot pick up the phone. |
| Range extender | Included | Not included in the AS05 bundle | The extra component in the Ring box helps with communication and does not watch another opening. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit
- A paid plan is required for full monitoring and cellular features.
With X-Sense Smart Home Security System
- The listed integrations do not include Apple Home or Google Home support.
Decision guide
How to decide
Make a list of openings before you choose a kit
First count the doors and windows that open on their own, then set apart the rooms where you want motion detection. A rental with four openings can use all four Ring contacts and does not need to be a large house. Counting bedrooms is a poor substitute for this list.
Decide who has to deal with the problem
Self monitoring works only if someone is able to notice the alert and act on it. When you travel, mute your phone overnight or often lose reception, look at the response service instead of buying more sensors. Paid monitoring still comes with local eligibility and response conditions.
Don’t mix up sensor ecosystems
Using a familiar wireless frequency does not make a contact sensor interchangeable. Buy only add-ons that the base you chose explicitly supports. Already own X-Sense smoke or water devices? Check exact SBS50 compatibility before you treat one app as a shared alarm system.
What this page can’t tell you
- A box of hardware cannot guarantee complete coverage or an emergency response. Sensor placement, eligibility for service and the layout of your home continue to matter.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the home security systems we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 5 of the 22 models checked meet every need here: “Several doors and windows get a sensor”, “Daily arming from a physical keypad”, and “Alerts in the app, no monitoring contract required”.
5 models fit, out of 22 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Several doors and windows get a sensor”, “Daily arming from a physical keypad”, and “Alerts in the app, no monitoring contract required”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit |
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| X-Sense Smart Home Security System |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit
Four door or window contacts are needed from the start.
See price & reviews on AmazonX-Sense Smart Home Security System
Handling alerts yourself, with no monthly fee, is what you want.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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