Amazon Ring Launches $250 Drone Cam and $999 Rover Robot: Prices & Dates
Amazon's Ring unveiled a $249.99 flying indoor drone camera and a $999.99 patrol robot under its new Ring Robotics line, with US shipping starting in December.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Buiobuione
SEATTLE, Nov. 10, 2026 — Amazon’s Ring on Tuesday launched a flying indoor security camera and a wheeled patrol robot for businesses, reviving two ideas that stalled in earlier forms under a new product line, Ring Robotics.
The Ring Drone Cam, priced at $249.99, will begin shipping in the United States on January 27, 2027, while the Ring Rover Cam, priced at $999.99, is available for preorder now and ships on December 16, 2026. Both run on Ring’s AI Pilot system, which uses cameras, vision models, sensors and cloud processing to map a space and steer around obstacles.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Drone Cam: $249.99, ships in the United States on January 27, 2027. Ring Rover Cam: $999.99, ships December 16, 2026, with preorders open now.
- Both run on Ring’s AI Pilot system, which maps rooms, selects patrol points and navigates around obstacles.
- Scheduled patrols and some video recording and review features require a Ring Protect subscription.
- The Drone Cam still lacks Federal Communications Commission authorization, so Ring is taking email sign-ups only.
How Much Does the Ring Drone Cam Cost and When Does It Ship?
The Drone Cam is a small indoor quadcopter with a built-in camera, weighing 165 grams, that flies custom routes to spots a fixed camera cannot reach. It records in 2K video and returns to its floor dock when a patrol ends.
The $249.99 price matches Ring’s first attempt at the same idea: the Always Home Cam, unveiled in 2020, also cost $249.99 but never reached wide sale. One hurdle remains: Ring’s announcement states that the Drone Cam has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission, and it may not be offered for sale or lease until authorization is obtained. Until then, United States customers can only leave an email address.
What Is the Ring Rover Cam and How Does It Patrol Businesses?
The Rover Cam is a wheeled security robot built for offices, stores and warehouses. It patrols autonomously after closing time, investigates disturbances and streams video in up to 4K, with a periscope camera, siren and light tower. Unlike the Drone Cam, it can be ordered today, with shipping starting on December 16, 2026.
The Rover revives an earlier Amazon idea at a much lower price: Astro for Business, a patrol robot for commercial premises, cost $2,350 and was discontinued in 2024. At $999.99, the Rover Cam costs less than half as much, while adding AI Pilot navigation and the periscope camera.
Does the Ring Drone Cam Need a Subscription, and What Does AI Pilot Do?
Both devices need a compatible Ring Protect subscription for scheduled flights and patrols, and for reviewing recorded video from the Rover Cam. Ring has not said which basic functions will work without one.
AI Pilot is the software that makes both machines move on their own, using cameras, vision models and cloud processing to map a home or business and steer around obstacles. The launch is part of a wider push to put artificial intelligence into physical hardware, from Apple’s planned agentic Siri to Google’s new AI chips.
| Feature | Ring Drone Cam | Ring Rover Cam |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 | $999.99 |
| US ship date | January 27, 2027 | December 16, 2026 |
| Video | 2K | Up to 4K |
| Designed for | Homes, indoor flight | Businesses, ground patrol |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Ring Drone Cam and when can I buy it?
The Ring Drone Cam costs $249.99 and is scheduled to ship in the United States on January 27, 2027. It cannot be bought yet, because it has not received the required Federal Communications Commission authorization; Ring is taking email sign-ups until clearance arrives.
Do I need a Ring Protect subscription to use the Ring Drone Cam?
A compatible Ring Protect subscription is required for scheduled patrols and certain video recording capabilities. Ring has not listed which features work without one.
What is the difference between the Ring Drone Cam and the Ring Rover Cam?
The Drone Cam is a flying indoor camera for homes that records in 2K video, costs $249.99 and ships on January 27, 2027. The Rover Cam is a wheeled patrol robot for businesses that streams in up to 4K video, carries a periscope camera, siren and light tower, costs $999.99 and ships on December 16, 2026.
The first Rover Cams ship to preorder customers on December 16, 2026. The Drone Cam follows on January 27, 2027, pending Federal Communications Commission authorization.
