Setup is very easy, and everything you need (except a drill) is included in the box. They even include a drill bit and screwdriver.I'd personally follow the instructions for setup via video in the app or online on their website as it's much easier to follow than the paper instructions included. For the latter, it's best to view the setup video before purchase to see if the device is compatible with the current setup have in your home. Hardware setup took me around 20-30mins and the only hard part about the setup is the wiring which the instructional video and labels make it simple and clear to follow.Software setup is much easier. You just download the app, make an account, link the app to your wireless connection and sync the device.After installing, for the first few hours it will work flawlessly, then it will have connection issues, where you have to contact customer support. My friend and I had this issue. You have to call the support number when this happens for a hard reset, like when calling Comcast to reset your router for your internet a few times a year.There is a subscription service involved, but is not required. Subscription service is basically for cloud video storage. The Ring device is always on and when someone rings the doorbell it records/saves the first 10secs before the press the doorbell until the camera notices it's clear and stops recording. You can also set up motion sensors for recording, and even share videos of suspicious activity with Ring users around the neighborhood. You can view the recorded videos at anytime once it's automatically recorded.Subscription fee is $3 a month, or $30 a year ($2.5 a month). They give you a 30 day free trail to start.If you decided not to subscribe, you'll lose the video recording and sharing feature. I'd say the $30 a year is worth it for peace of mind.Without a subscription, you are able to:1. Answer to door through voice on your smart phone. You can see them and they can't see you, but you can chat with them instead of having to use the door peep hole or look through our window blinds. This is great when you're in your underwear and want to answer the door before an important guests think no one is home then leaves.2. When not home, you able to answer the doorbell like 1 in real time. You will get phone notification when the button is pressed.If you have the subscription it will record everything that is happening as mentioned before, just in case you're busy and not able to answer the door via the app in time. Regardless of no subscription or subscription it will time stamp when the doorbell is rung in the history section3. Able to monitor the front yard at anytime via the app. Just in case you're part of neighborhood watch for a burglar or suspicious person. Also good for keeping an eye out on the kids if they play out front. You can also call out to them when dinner is ready.Camera quality is really good. Similar to most back facing smart phone camera these days, but with a fish eye lens. Night vision camera quality is a bit lower, but you're able to make out things in detailSpeaker quality is good also as it's slightly louder than smartphones when they're on speaker phone.Door bell ring. You can set it for digital or use your existing doorbell. I'd go for the latter if you live in a large home and not in the living room (or close to it) often as the digital ring can a bit low. The doorbell does not let off repeated rings (in case your guests are button happy). May be a negative or positive depending on how you view it. You will get alerted in both the app notification/sound and the door bell itself. Overall, very good doorbell that triples as a security cam, and one way video conference with guests.