Unlike. With the multitude of options at our disposal in now’s world we definitely have some decisions to make to decide the right business. The price of purchasing a self-tracked DIY system may be a great deal more affordable than rigging up a complete security solution with a business that is expensive. We're here to help if you're considering low cost means to keep your house safe. The first part of the post is only knowledge and some basic data on a DIY system might be precisely what you require. Video surveillance is an enormous portion of any house alarm strategy that is successful. Now, let us compare the absolute best security alarm systems in 2016.
Good Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them well
Best home security systems comparison
1. ≡ Menu
Whats the Best? Complete Home Security Systems
Review Guide - 2016
If you’ve ever shopped around for home alarm companies in the past, then you know how expensive they can be once everything
starts adding up. While many professionally installed and monitored systems still carry a pretty hefty monthly and total cost, do-
it-yourself friendly options out there can save you a lot of cash and provide you the same level of safety. Unlike traditional
alarm companies, these newer DIY systems have some surprisingly new and advanced features. Some even offer the peace of
mind of 24-hour professional monitoring with no contracts after you install your own equipment.
Not all home alarm systemsare created equal. With the multitude of choices at our disposal in today’s world we certainly have
some decisions to make to pick the right company. It is projected an estimated $1.5 billion dollars is to be spent on the more
modern breed of DIY home alarm systems. The cost of buying a self-monitored DIY system may be much more cost effective
than rigging up an entire security solution with an expensive company. If you are interested in low cost ways to keep your home
safe we are here to help. The first part of this article is just some basic statistics and knowledge on why a DIY system might be
exactly what you need. Video surveillance is a huge part of any effective home alarm plan. Now, let's compare the very best home
security systems in 2016.
Best Home Alarm and Home Security Companies Review
Comparison 2016
Best Home Security Systems Comparison | Home Alarm Reviews 2016
Best Professional Alarm Company Reviews:
1ST - FrontPoint
2ND - ADT
3RD - Protect America
4TH - Vivint
5TH - LifeShield
Best DIY Home Security System Reviews:
1ST - SimpliSafe2
Search...
2. 2ND - Fortress
3RD - Canary
4TH - Piper NV
5TH - iSmartAlarm
D.I.Y. Monitoring
Obviously one of the best parts about DIY home installation is that it’s free, you don’t have to pay a professional for installation
fees. Also, when you install your system you don't have to wait and you can completely customize your set-up. Do-it-yourself
systems give you the ability to reconfigure your equipment or add more as you see fit. With DIY systems such as FrontPoint and
SimpliSafe you actually own the equipment, which means that if you end up moving, you just take your equipment with you, no
hassle.
Pros:
Save a ton of money on installation fee's alone
If you’re a handy person, this task really shouldn’t be too difficult.
Install on your own time schedule
With D I Y setups you won’t have to wait until you fit into a technician’s schedule.
Complete Customization
Set-up your entire system precisely how you want it. Professionals are trained to install these systems in specific ways wether
you may like it or not.
Cons:
You have to do the work
You will need to hang equipment, connect all the wires and cables, and work out all the bugs on your own. If things happen to go
wrong, this can eat up some time.
No immediate professional to ask questions
When a professional comes out to install your home security system, they will often walk you through the in's and out's of the
features. But, If you are faily good with technology, this probably isn't a major concern.
Equipment price
You may have to pay more for the equipment and you also may not qualify for warranties if the company can’t guarantee you
installed your system correctly.
Professional Monitoring
People can be lazy, so it comes to no surprise that the best part of a professional installation is that you get to kick back and relax
while your kit is installed for you. The time it takes for the installation can vary greatly depending on where you live. Some home
security companies can come to your home that very same day you call, other's you may have to wait for up to a week.
Pros:
3. PROS CONS
+ Monitoring stations are UL-Certified - Wireless range can be a little short
+ Built in cellular connection - All battery operated
+ 8-piece alarm - Customer service hours
Less work for you
You will not need to worry about if you did something wrong or spend hours listening to automated voice prompts.
Professional opinion
If a professional technician installs your system, you will be able to take advantage of his or her's knowledge.
Possible Discounts
Paying for a professional installation has other benefits. Companies might include major price deduction incentives on their
equipment.
Cons:
Installation charges
If a professional has to come out to install your system, you can bet it will cost you. This can cost upwards of $300
Less control over system layout
When you install a system by yourself, you can essentially do anything you want. A technician is going to set it up to a pre-
defined standard criteria.
Must schedule an appointment
You will have to make time to be home when the technician plans on coming. People are busy and this can be a pain for some.
Top 5 Best DIY Security Systems ComparisonTop 5 Best DIY Security Systems Comparison
Simplisafe2 Wireless Home Security System
Some consider this the best
wireless DIY home security
system value on the market. It
features an 8-piece package
with pre-programmed sensors
4. + DIY easy setup
+ All sensors are wireless
that work together
automatically right out of the
box. The setup should be very
easy even if you aren't super
technical. You can install them
and fully protect your home in
about 30 minutes or less. The
whole system is fully
customizable, you can start with the sensors listed in this package and then add more of the sensors if need be, whenever you
want.
SimpliSafe believes being safe should be simple. This package contains no salesperson, contracts or hidden fees. This powerful
new security system uses the most cutting-edge wireless and cellular technology to guard your home. The cellular service is
usually much more reliable than using your own home internet which can go out at anytime. However, this cellular service does
come with a price tag of $14.99 per month.
With a range of up to 500 feet, SimpliSafe's wireless sensors should certainly have you covered. The SimpliSafe system is
designed to shield your entire house with multiple layers of protection including:
Entry sensors for your doors and windows
High-caliber motion detectors
Panic button for emergencies
Carbon monoxide detection
Wireless keypad with secret PIN
Keychain remote
Wireless freeze sensor
Wireless water sensor
The components are mostly "stick on" but are also designed so you can remove them easily without damaging your home. The
system is totally wireless. The available window sensors, panic buttons, and motion detectors have long-life lithium-ion batteries
and are linked to a keypad and a separate base unit that connects to the dispatch center. You will not need to "hard-wire"
anything. Although you have the option to do so, you will not need to connect the base unit to your telephone line. If a
prospective intruder cuts your phone line you will still be protected.
Overall, The cost of the system is quite low considering the intelligent design and quality of the components. You may also get a
break on your homeowner's insurance having it installed. It is also portable so if you move around, you can just take SimpliSafe
with you.
Fortress Security Home Security Alarm System
5. PROS CONS
+ No monthly fee/uses SIM card - Software seems outdated
+ 140dB siren - All battery operated
+ Extra sensors are cheap - Remote access can feel "clunky"
+ DIY easy setup with loud sirens
+ All sensors are wireless
PROS CONS
+ Built-in 105 dB siren - Potential problems with accessories
+ Multiple sensors that protect your home or
office at all times.
- App can be buggy
The Fortress S02-B allows you to
install a full-scale monitored alarm
in your home without the
annoying monthly fees. A totally
wireless system, the main console
monitors the remote sensors and
will trigger the alarm if an
intrusion is detected. At the same
time, it is able to send a text
message or call you to notify you of
the potential break-in. Fully
programmable, the S02-B will
automatically call a designated
number in case the security system
is breached. It can also be used
to play a recorded message or
custom sound when the break-in
occurs. Worried there is someone in your house? You can call the system from your phone and actually listen to what's going on.
Not to mention the alarm will automatically sound if it has detected that the landline was forcibly cut and the system is armed.
This system allows you to dial in to arm or disarm the system, check the current status, or even use the built-in
intercom which allows you to talk to anyone near the main console.
This package like many others includes a wide range of senors:
Piper: Stream-Lined Security
Featuring a 105-decibel
alarm, Piper certainly gets
the job done. It comes with
an HD camera, a smart
switch for lights, and a door
and window sensor. The
6. + HD Video with a 180-degree field of view - Price for accessories can add up
+ Recieve real-time alerts
+ No monthly fees
PROS CONS
+ Stream real-time video of your home with
Canary's 1080p HD camera
- Not a complete home security setup
+ 90+ dB siren - App has some bad reviews
+ HomeHealth Technology - Seems to go offline for no reason
+ Intelligent Notifications - Uses landline and not GSM
+ No monthly fees
camera design is sleek,
compact and elegant,
while the other accessories
are small and
compact. Piper offers free
cloud storage, and there's
no installation required.
Piper is ready out of the
box and up to 5 Pipers can
be linked together to create
a larger network.
Set-up took approximately
20 minutes thanks to the
easy-to-follow set-up guide. After downloading the APP and entering some basic information, Piper connected to our network,
and installed updates all on its own.
Canary All-in-One Home Security Device
There are 3 modes - privacy, disarmed, and armed. Arming the device happens with a click on the app.
The camera's motion alerts could still use some fine-tuning, and a newer website interface would be nice for someone who can't
be checking their phones all day long. But the live feed and ability to sound the siren or call police in an emergency are obviously
valuable tools when it comes to home safety. The cloud-storage plans for video footage are reasonably priced.
Overall it really is a cool and innovative product when it comes to monitoring in a simple-to-use device. Everything is controlled
with a smartphone and it is very easy to set up. Canary is a great quality DIY safety device that is consistently improving.
7. PROS CONS
+ iPhone and Android smartphone enabled - Sub-par night vision
+ No monthly feesor contract - Short battery life
+ Almost unlimited expandibility - Siren may be too quiet
+ Extremely easy to setup - Can't change many settings
+ Sensitive camera
iSmartAlarm iSA3
The iSmartAlarm home security
system is going a bit beyond simple
camera monitoring, it’s a buildable
complete home solution that
consists of door and window
sensors, a movement sensor,
remote keychain disarming tags
and a hub with a 110dB siren. It
does have very basic night-vision
features but only captures video in
640×480 resolution.
The iSmartAlarm home protection
8. PROS CONS
+ Top Rated Customer Service - 2/3 Year Warranty instead of Lifetime
+ 100% Wireless - All battery operated
+ Dedicated cellular connection
+ Super easy DIY setup
+ #1 Rated System by many
device is a DIY, self-monitored and
managed gadget with no monthly charges or contracts required. The iSmartAlarm App allows the user to utilize their iPhone to
arm, screen and disarm their safety device at any time, from anywhere, in real-time. The App can also suggest who’s at home by
checking the status of all the sensors. Like most others, the App will alert all specified members with a cellphone call, SMS
message, or e-mail. Systems like these are clearly becoming the future of home automation with near unlimited expandability.
Best Home Security Systems Comparison | Home Alarm Reviews
Best Professional Security SystemsBest Professional Security Systems
FrontpointFrontpoint vsvs VivintVivint vsvs Protect AmericaProtect America vsvs SimpliSafeSimpliSafe vsvs LifeShieldLifeShield vsvs
AT&TAT&T vsvs LiveWatchLiveWatch
FrontPoint Home Security
Frontpoint has some of the most comprehensive customer service help and support among all other alarm system companies.
Frontpoint places customer concern at the very top of their priority list by providing a multitude of services. Installation should
be a breeze with help from their video's and e-books. Frontpoint offers this painless experience in addition to an amazing array
of monitoring devices and alerts. Frontpoint is the clear winner for many people and it is easy to see why.
9. PROS CONS
+ High Quality Online Presence - Costly Installation Fee
+ Automated - Several Sneaky Monthly Fee's
+ App has many Great Features - Lot's of Recent Complaints and Sub-par
Customer Service
+ Quick Professional Installation
+ Oldest Home Alarm Company
ADT Home Security
The telegraph system ADT was
created from allowed for much
faster communication between
clients and their services.
Eventually though, ADT security
did become a publicly owned
company in 1969. ADT still uses
these advanced communication
systems today to allow their
clients to contact them anytime,
24/7. One way ADT can easily
display their trustworthiness is
due to the fact that ADT systems
monitor every Federal courthouse in the USA. But, as ADT has grown it needed to instate an authorized dealer program which is
used to sell and install their systems by region. Due to these shotty local installer's ADT's reputation has begun to suffer
severely. I would only recommend ADT to someone who know's they have a reliable and reputable local installer.
10. PROS CONS
+ Tons of Neat Home
Automation Features
- B Rating with Better Business
Bureau
+ 100% Wireless and Easy to
Move
- High Up-front Cost
+ Lifetime Warranty - High Monthly Fee's
+ Energy Efficient
+ Doorbell Camera
PROS CONS
+ No activation or
installation fee
- 36-month contract
+ 100% Wireless, DIY and
Easy to Move
- Bad app reviews
+ Lifetime equipment
warranty
- Overcharge for some
features
+ Basic $19.99/month plan
Vivint Home Security
Vivint is a privately held and operated residential
alarm company which was acquired by the Blackstone Group in
2012. Vivint is known for more than just home safety, they also
offer many services to help families conserve more energy.
Their mission is to help families live safer and smarter with
their home automation and security hardware.
Vivint is still considered a new name in the game but they are
not a new company by any means. Vivint originally began
business all the way back in 1997 and after just one short year
they decided to partner up with Goldman Sachs. In response to this deal and their ever growing technology and equipment,
Vivint currently monitors just shy of 1 million homes.
Protect America
11. + A BBB rating
PROS CONS
+ Cellular connection
standard
- Poor home automation
+ 100% Wireless, DIY and
Easy to Move
- Cameras dont tilt
+ Affordable basic plan - Horrible BBB rating due to
complaints
+ Great mobile app
+ Full Warranty for
Equipment
Protect America really does sell some great devices and provides
excellent monitoring services for the average home owner. The
lack of professional installers is something a lot of people find
appealing, and the simplistic design of modern systems make DIY
installation increasingly easy. The absolute best and most
important factor about Protect America is the extremely low up-
front cost considering the high-end equipment you are given.
Lifeshield
Direct TV's LifeShield is still a relatively new player in the home
alarm game. I would say their main goal is to make sure that they
are providing the most current and up to date technological home
alarm gadget's on the market today. They really try to show
customers how out-dated and less advanced systems should no
longer even be an option for today's standards. LifeShield offer's
a free 30-day trial to help and hopefully make your buying
decision a little bit easier. It's as simple as bringing the system
into your home and trying it out. Don’t like it? Just send the
system back and it's like nothing ever happened.
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