LifeShield Home Security Review 2017

Every company claims to have the most advanced home security devices, but LifeShield is one company that really provides it. So if you are worried you are going to have a home security system from the Triassic Period, you won’t.

They want to bring you into the current era, where home security devices are cool and useful. LifeShield also doesn’t want you fussing around with a bunch of wires, which is why their devices connect to your wireless Internet. They want you to have a great home security system that is easy to use and that keeps you and your family safe.

You can also be confident that they have everything that you need to protect your home.  You won’t end up with a dinosaur when it comes to equipment.

A Little About LifeShield

Once upon a time, long long ago, LifeShield was known as InGrid. Founded in 2004 by Louis Stilp InGrid was the first iteration of what several years later would become LifeShield. In December of 2009, Michael Hagan decided to leave his position at Nutrisystem and become the CEO of InGrid. He then rebranded the company calling it LifeShield Home Security.

LifeShield, along with almost everyone else with a home, believes that everyone should have an affordable home security system. Our lives take place in our house, which means all of the stuff we cherish needs protecting.

This includes you, your family, your pet turtle who I assume is named Carlton (I would name my turtle Carlton), and everything you have spent your hard earned money to buy.

So there is no reason, zero, nada to not protect the things that mean the most to you. And LifeShield is one way to help you worry less and enjoy yourself more. Which is pretty sweet. If only LifeShield had been around in the Triassic Period, perhaps we would have pet brontosauruses.

Monitoring Services

So other than a pining for a long lost era where dinosaurs freely roamed the earth, what else can LifeShield give you?  Quite a bit. The first of which is their three layers of monitoring. Should a sensor trigger an event, you don’t have to wait for help.

By using your internet and landline phone, paired with a cellular signal, you will always get help quickly when you need it. The cellular element ensures that even if lose your internet, power or both you can still connect quickly with their monitoring station. Which is pretty nifty.

LifeShield has four monitoring packages, so if you need to start small, you can.

Packages	Security Basics	Security Essentials	Security Advantage	Security Platinum Plus
Monthly Monitoring Cost	$29.99	$39.99	$49.99	$59.99
Monitoring Method	Internet with a landline backup	Internet, cellular with a landline backup	Internet, cellular with a landline backup	Internet, cellular with a landline backup
Contract Duration	36 months	36 months	36 months	36 months
Motion Detector	Purchase for $57.99 each
Window/Door Sensor
Base
Touchpad
LifeShield App
Remote KeyFob
Fire Safety Sensor	Purchase for $49.99
Smoke Detecor	Purchase for $107.99	Purchase for $107.99	Purchase for $107.99	Purchase for $107.99
Flood Sensor	Purchase for $74.99	Purchase for $74.99	Purchase for $74.99	Purchase for $74.99
Freeze Sensor	Purchase for $74.99	Purchase for $74.99	Purchase for $74.99	Purchase for $74.99
Glass Break Sensor	Purchase for $105.99	Purchase for $105.99	Purchase for $105.99	Purchase for $105.99
Indoor Wi-Fi Camera	Purchase for $169.99	Purchase for $169.99

Remote Access

Another nice thing about LifeShield is that you can manage your home security system using your smartphone, web browser or by using your wireless touchpad. You can use the mobile app to arm and disarm your system. You can also change system codes and manage your video settings and set up alerts.

Fire & CO Detection

When you add the Fire-Safety Sensor to your LifeShield plan you won’t have to worry when you leave your home. If smoke is detected by your fire-alarm LifeShield will send help. So you can feel safe even when you are away.

The sensor will send a signal to the monitoring center when your alarm goes off. It works by listening to your existing smoke and CO detectors. So you all you need to do is add the sensor, you don’t need to replace your current equipment.

Video Monitoring

If you are looking for a wireless camera that doesn’t require any installation, LifeShield can help. All you need to do is find the best location to place your camera and it can be up and functional for you in a matter of minutes.

You can also set up times for your camera to record by adding dates and time settings using the app. The app also lets you adjust your camera settings when you are away from home.

Self-Help

While you can easily call LifeShield’s customer service and get all of your questions answered, if you are like me you prefer to look up things on your own. Which is why I love, and you should love, all of the awesome tutorial videos on their site. If you don’t like to ask, you don’t have to.

Just click on the help button   and you will have access to helpful tutorials and videos. Which is great if you are stubborn like me. And if you still find yourself stuck, you can call an agent between 9am-10pm EST.

There is a lot to like about LifeShield, so if you are in need of a home security system, they are a good place to start. You also don’t have to buy the equipment, which means you can save money. Here are 5 reasons we think LifeShield is a strong competitor.

1

They Provide the Equipment

One of the biggest reasons we don’t have home security systems is the cost of the equipment. But LifeShield makes all of their devices and they don’t make you buy them upfront.

2

They Have a Cellular Backup

Most house phones rely on a landline connection and usually need to be plugged into a power source. And Wireless connection always relies on power. That is why having a cellular connection is so important. If your power, or phone lines, are down, cellular will still allow you to connect to the LifeSheild monitoring center if you have an emergency.

3

Remote Access

I don’t trust any business who doesn’t have an app. LifeShield not only has an app they have one that lets you control your system. You can adjust camera settings, arm or disarm your alarm and see video clips. Which is great for people who travel all the time.

4

They Make Their Own Equipment

By making their own equipment they can make sure that the devices they provide can work with their system. They can also easily replace or repair any device.

5

LifeShield Has 5 Monitoring Centers

Why does the number of monitoring centers matter? It means that they have taken the time to ensure that your home security isn’t dependent on just one location. If a site should lose power, there are 4 other centers that can back them up. Which means your alarms will always receive a response.

PROS:

• By using Internet, Cellular and Landline options you will always be able to connect to the monitoring station should an emergency arise.
• With five monitoring stages around the US, you will always be able to get coverage
• You can easily customize your sensors
• Moving is easy, and there is no fee
• The Fire Saftey Sensor can protect you even when you aren’t home.

CONS:

• They lack a substantive home automation solution
• They could have a camera with a pan and tilt option
• They don’t offer any outdoor or garage sensors.

 

 

The post LifeShield Home Security Review 2017 appeared first on Home Security List.

source https://www.homesecuritylist.com/lifesheild-home-security-review-2017/

Abode Home Security Review 2017

Abode is quietly becoming one of the best DIY home security providers on the market. This well designed, easy to install system provide you with a professional system that eliminates a lot of the hassle of more conventional systems.

If you are new to DIY home security systems, abode makes it easy to get started. You can purchase a beginners kit that includes a Gateway (hub), 2 Door/Window Sensors, a remote KeyFob and 1 camera with a motion sensor.

But that is not all adobe can do. It’s just the beginning of what may become a long-term relationship. By connecting to your lights, locks, thermostats, garage door openers and other devices adobe can automate your home.

Now, you may be thinking that some device that you put in your house that wants to take over all of your devices may be a little scary. But adobe is a very friendly system. It’s not Skynet. I promise. You will still be the smartest person in your home, adobe will just make being in your home easier.

Now if you see Arnold Schwarzenegger in your house, grab your stuff and run. But until then just enjoy some awesome home automation. Unless he is your neighbor, then you should invite him in for some tea.

Oh, and if I forgot to tell you abode works with Alexa, it does. So you can have an automated home, that responds to voice commands and possibly Arnold Schwarzenegger for a neighbor.

But if Alexa isn’t enough for you, adobe also connects with Nest. You can link your Nest Camera and see what your house is up when you are away using the adobe app. You can also request images, and enable the motion detection feature.

That is not the end of the journey for adobe and Nest, you can also connect Nest Protect to the Gateway. Which means you can get alerts and messages using the timeline in the adobe app. So you can review what is happening, and then take the appropriate action.

And on top of that, you can use the abode monitoring system to contact law enforcement.

You can also connect with te Nest Thermostat. By using geo-location services abode can set your Nest Thermostat based on abode’s system modes. So you can save money (sweet) and have a nice comfortable home (sweeter).

When it comes to integration abode does a more than admiral job. Beyond Alexa and Nest abode also connects with IFTTT and supports a variety of ZigBee and Z-Wave devices. Which makes its $300 price tag look more reasonable, and worth it.

In addition to playing well with others, abode also has an array of other devices and accessories. Which when you consider the integrations and ZigBee and Z-Wave devices makes it a highly intelligent system.

Abode offers three different packages, all but the basic plan offers abode’s professional monitoring service.

 

 

Here is a breakdown of that each package provides:

• Basic: this is abodes free package. It allows you to manage your own security and home automation using their app. Their other free (and not free) features include:
  • (not free) Optional on-demand professional monitoring $8 for 3 days/$15 for 7 days.
  • 3 Days of timeline and media storage
  • Connect with up to 155 devices
  • Unlimited user accounts
  • Able to create up to 100 home automation “recipes”
  • IFTTT channel access
  • Customer support via email and online support
• Connect: this package has a monthly rate f $10. It includes cellular backup. You get all of the features in the Basic plan, plus:
  • 3G cellular backup connection that will keep your system online if you lose your home internet connection
  • 14 days of timeline and media storage
  • (not free) Optional on-demand professional monitoring $8 for 3 days/$15 for 7 days.
  • Phone and email support
• Secure: this package has a monthly rate of $30. It includes all of the features in Basic and Connect, plus:
  • 24/7 professional monitoring support
  • 90 days of timeline and media storage
  • Premium customer phone support

DIY is a constant evolution of new devices and technology. And like all evolutionary events (like us) it takes some time to get things right.  DIY home security is still working through their evolution. Which means sometimes things are great, and other times they aren’t.

Abode seems to be ahead of the curve. Not quite as daft as a dinosaur, they work to add new devices and features that can seem more advanced than some other providers. Does this mean they are fully evolved? No. But they do offer a lot of devices that make them a decent start to keeping your home secure.

What we like about their evolution is their commitment to making sure that you have everything you need. Building a DIY home security system can sometimes be a pain in the ass, but Abode gives you everything you need to get started. Without the pain.

You can install your abode system in a matter of minutes. Really. Which makes it easy to get your home security operational with minimal hassle. The app can be a little more frustrating, but we hope that as abode continues to evolve that process includes a simpler app.

There are three modes; home, standby and away. If you are in standby mode everything is off, you can still get alerts via a chirping noise from the app if a sensor becomes active, but for the most part that it is. Home mode will activate the door and window sensors, and that is it. Away mode activates sensors, detectors, and cameras.

You can use the geofencing feature to turn the alarm on and off using your smartphone which makes it more convenient. Your adobe system will also track events in your home, so when a door or window is open or closed there will be a record of the event.

And you get all of this with no contract. You can add some paid services with the Connect and Secure packages, but you won’t have to commit to a long-term contract. Which is another example of how abode is outpacing the evolution of some of the other contract bound home security providers.

 

The post Abode Home Security Review 2017 appeared first on Home Security List.

source https://www.homesecuritylist.com/abode-home-security-review/

Best Nanny Cams for 2017 [Buyer’s Guide]

Nanny cams are notorious for catching everyone from au pairs to husbands and wives in the act of doing something devious. And while that sounds like a great idea for a show on E! network, in the real world we have rules. And laws.

So what do you need to know before you buy a camera? You need to know what laws are applicable when it comes to how you use your Nanny Cam.

•  Video surveillance and speech laws: it is perfectly legal for you to have a nanny cam in your home. But there are a few things that you cannot do without first informing your nanny first.You cannot place a hidden camera in a location that is private. Like your bathroom or in a bedroom or private quarters if your nanny is live-in.
• Several states have laws that can restrict how you use your nanny cam. If your camera has an audio feature you cannot record audio and use it against you nanny. In fact, you cannot record audio at all in the following states; California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Florida, Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Washington State. You must have the permission of the person being recorded before you can use audio.
• Ethical concerns: these issues may not be illegal, but if you want to have a successful relationship with your nanny these are things you should consider. When you film an employee, there are always risks associated that could cause harm to the relationship between you and you nanny. In this situations, honesty and openness will always service you well. Tell your nanny when you are putting in the camera, and reassure them that it is for security reasons and not to try to catch them doing something wrong.

After you have discussed adding a camera with your nanny, the next thing you will need to know is what kind of camera will work best for you. While we can’t talk to your nanny for you, we are pretty confident that we can help you find the right camera for your home.

What Can Your Nanny Cam Do?

These cameras earned the nickname Nanny Cams because they were originally, and remain, a great way to let you know that your children are safe when you are not home. Even trusted nannies can sometimes make mistakes, so taking extra steps to protect your kids is more than reasonable.

It also lets you see if your nanny is spending hours on their phone instead of caring for your children. Which means you can make an informed decision and back it up with factual evidence.

By knowing how your children are being cared for when you aren’t there, you can work with your nanny to create an action plan. Which will make sure that they are getting the exercise and support that they need.

Depending on your relationship with your nanny, you may have a more casual conversation to just let her know a few things you would like to change. Or if you see something that you don’t like, you may want to give her the boot.

What are The Risks Associated with Installing Nanny Cams?

Every device comes with some level of risk. Hackers and other nefarious players make a career trying to get into our smart devices. But there are some things that you can do to minimize risk and keep your nanny cam and your kids safe.

1. Register Your Nanny Cam: you should always register any device you buy. It lets you know if there are updates, recalls or security issues that need to be addressed.
2. Create Complex Passwords: this is something you should do for every device or account that you have. We all know we should create complex passwords, but is shocking how few of us really do. If you want to keep your nanny cam, and all of your other devices secure, create a password no one would ever be able to guess.
3. Tighten Up Your Wi-FI: Wi-Fi is easy to hack. If you want to keep all of your devices safe, invest in a good VPN or buy a camera that comes with a built-in encryption feature.

There are also more personal risks. If you have installed a hidden camera to try and catch your nanny doing something wrong and you haven’t advised her of the existence of a camera, you may sour the relationship between you.

But to be honest with you, if you are putting in a camera because you think that your nanny is doing something wrong, you should probably find a new nanny. The last thing you would want to see is someone harming or neglecting your child when you could have prevented it.

Nanny cams should be a way to check in and work with your nanny to give your children the best experience. Using them to “spy” on someone without their knowledge will never end well, and could end in litigation.

If you decide that you are ready to add a nanny cam, these are our top ten cameras. Each one will be able to provide you with a quality camera that will allow you to keep your home and your little ones secure.

Cameras	Pros	Cons	Price
Falcon Watch HawkCam Pro	Two-Way Audio 1082p HD Resolution Wide Angle Lens Live Streaming	You can't hide it It is a little expensive Setup isn't always easy
Hidden Camera Clothes Hook	No one would think it was a camera It can hold up to 5lbs Footage is saved on a microSD card	Batteries die quickly You have to purchase a microSD card
UOKOO Wireless Surviellance Camera	It is super easy to install It cost less than other cameras with fewer features The app is simple to use	One missing feature is night vision You have limited camera control on the app You cannot connect it to other devices
Netgear Arlo Wireless Security	Easy to setup Attractive Great video and audio Geofencing feature Integrates with IFTTT and Smart Things Store video in the cloud	Each device will need it's own account Lacks a continuous recording feature
Amcrest Qcam Infrared Hidden Camera	It has a motion detection feature While it is small it has a wide enough angle Recordings can be scheduled.	You have to buy microSD card You have to connect to a USB cable to transfer video
D-Link Pan & Tilt	Support more than one camera Wide angle lens with pan/tilt feature Apps are easy to use Reasonably Priced	No storage online Video is not HD
iShot Mini Alarm Clock	It has a decent camera with a glass lens It records audio	It desn't let you schedule recordings It looks like an alarm clock from the 1970s
Nest Indoor Security	Awesome 1080p video Easy to install Great night vision Connects with other Nest devices	It is more expensive than competitors You have to pay for extra features
Conbrov WF HD Mini	Not too expensive Easy to use Provides two different angles Rechargeable battery	Camera cannot work with Windows 80.1 or 10 10 feet of night vision Uses a mini USB
Camscura Hidden Camera Black Box	The camera is small enough to hide anywhere It has several recording modes	The warranty is short at just 90 days It is battery operated

Falcon Watch HawkCam Pro

If you can excuse the overuse of bird types, you will find an easy to use security camera that comes with a QA code that makes setup a breeze. It is up and ready to go within a few minutes, which lets you start using it immediately.

The Falcon Watch HawkCam Pro has a two-way audio feature that allows you to talk to your nanny or you kids. You can also download the app and watch live streaming video. The HawkCam can even provide clear video when it is dark.

It is also small enough to fit pretty much anywhere. The camera is motion activated and will start recording when it detects movement. It also has a feature that includes the five seconds before the motion was detected. You can also capture more footage with the HawkCam’s 1080 HD wide angle lens. It also has a lighting sensor built in that will automatically switch to night vision when the light is dim.

PROS:

• It provides two-way audio, so you can talk to your kids or nanny
• By connecting to your WiFi you can view live footage from anywhere
• The camera only turns on when it detects motion, it will also add 5 seconds of video before the motion was detected
• It has a pretty sweet 1080P HD wide angle lens

CONS:

• It doesn’t have rear-facing features
• It’s a little pricey

Hidden Camera Clothes Hook

If you really want to go full on spymaster, this is probably the hidden camera you have been dreaming of. It looks like a simple clothes hook but it’s really a camera. It isn’t a great camera, but what can you expect when it fits in a clothes hook.  It lacks things like storage and battery life. But it can take a good video and let you see what happens when you aren’t home.

This one is a little sketchier than some of the other more obvious cameras, but it can also double as a place to hang your coat. You can get one of these cameras for around $15 bucks, so you won’t have to pay too much to see what happens when you are away from home.

You can use hidden cameras so long as they don’t have an audio component, so if you just want to see if your nanny is spending all day texting this is a good way to find out. But it only has a battery life of around two hours. So you may not be able to see everything you want to see.

If you think you have an issue with your nanny and you are looking for proof you may want to check out cameras that can operate 24/7.

UOKOO Wireless Surveillance Camera

If you need something that is bigger than a coat hook, the UOKOO Wireless Surveillance Camera is a good place to look. It can pan 360 degrees around a room, which means it can catch everything that happens. It also has a 120-degree tilt, you can control both the pan and the tilt remotely and view the live footage using an app.

This camera also comes with two-way audio, so if you see something you don’t like you can address it from your location. You can also store a good amount of video, like 64GB of storage that you don’t have to pay extra for.

In addition to the 360 pan and 120 tilt, you can also zoom up to 4x to get a close up look at what is taking place.  It has a decent night vision feature which is great if you have a baby. Or you want to know what the dog is doing at night.

NETGEAR Arlo Wireless Security Camera

If you kids are a bit older, this indoor/outdoor camera will let you see what they are doing both inside and out. Able to withstand temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, Arlo covers all of the areas where you kids can be found.

Arlo is also wireless and battery operated, which makes it easy to place it anywhere in or out of your house. You will need to connect the base station’s power cord and use an ethernet to connect to the router, but that is doable. You can have it up and running within 20 minutes.

The camera is weatherproof, so if you want to place one outside of your home, you can. You just need to make sure it doesn’t go more than 300 ft from the base station. Arlo connects to the base magnetically, so you shouldn’t have a hard time getting it attached.

The camera will record video that is stored on a cloud-based server. You can review clips for up to seven days before they are deleted. If you want more time or space you can pay to upgrade your service. Because the camera is battery operated there are some limitations when it comes to storage. If you only view the 10-second clips you can get around six months of battery power. Viewing longer videos will drain the battery more quickly.

The Arlo camera gives you some options that traditional wired cameras can’t. You can have indoor and outdoor cameras that let you get a better view of what happens when you aren’t home. While there are some battery limitations, if you want pretty decent video the Arlo can get the job done.

Amcrest Qcam Infrared Hidden Camera

If you are dedicated to the idea that having a hidden camera is the best way to check in on your kids, then this is camera may be the one you want. It packs a lot into a pretty small space. It comes equipped with a 160-degree super-wide angle lens and it has infrared heat detection, which is kind of super cool. Battery operated you can expect a 4-month battery life when it is in stand-by mode.

The Qcam can detect everything, motion, heat, sound and vibrations all of them will turn the camera on. Using the motion detector feature, the Qcam can also extend the battery life by automatically shutting down when no motion is being detected. You can also schedule times for the camera to record, which also saves your battery.

It is also designed to fit in with your normal decor. So no one will know that its a camera, it will just look it was placed there to be decorative. It’s plain design it is made to be overlooked. But while no one is looking your Qcam can store hours of footage. When you want to view the footage or save it, you can transfer the data via a USB cord which is included when you buy the camera.

If you like the Qcam, but you want higher quality videos, you can upgrade to the Qcam HD. It has all of the features that come with the original, but it also offers infrared lights that improve night vision recordings. The battery that comes with the HD version is also rechargeable.

D-Link Pan and Tilt Camera

If you want a more versatile camera that can venture out of the nursery, the D-Link Pan and Tilt is a camera that can grow with you. It has a simple design that can fit anywhere in your home. It is small enough to blend in but powerful enough to let you know what is going on in you home 24/7.

If you have a D-Link router set up will be easy, as soon as you connect the ethernet the camera will automatically connect using your WiFi. By connecting to your wireless internet you can see what is happening in your home in real time using an app on your smartphone.

D-Link also comes with HD resolution and night vision. You also get a PIR sensor that excels at motion detection, so you can be confident that if something moves within the scope of your camera the D-Link will catch it. You can also set motion detection areas by accessing the grid on your app. You can just tap the areas that you want to be covered.

While the D-Link is more of a hybrid when it comes to nanny cams, it does a more than admirable job of helping you keep an eye on what is happening in your home. The pan and tilt features give you a wider range of vision. Which means ou can see more of what is happening without moving the camera.

iShot 2.0 Mini Alarm Clock Hidden Camera

I really try to be impartial when it comes to devices. To show you the good and the bad and give you the tools to make your own informed decisions. But when it comes to this hidden camera I have a pretty strong opinion. It looks like an alarm clock from the 1980’s. And while I may have been a baby in the 80’s this legit looks like it was in the first Back to the Future movie.

If I saw this in someone’s house, I would probably never know it had a camera in it, which means it is doing its job. But I would wonder given all of the alarm clock options in the world, why would someone choose this one. Maybe for sentimental reasons? Okay, now that I have stated my feelings about this old school (I am being kind here) alarm clock/nanny cam we can discuss the features.

This is a hidden camera. It works like an alarm clock. But in this alarm clock is a hidden 2048 X 1536 pixel camera. It comes with a 32GB memory card that stores recorded video, which means it can stay incognito. Which is probably a good thing.

There are a few things you can’t do, like schedule video. There is also no audio with this alarm clock/spy camera. No audio is not a bad thing as it is against the law in certain states to record audio when you are using a hidden camera.

It is motion activated which is nice, it saves on your battery by only turning on when motion is detected. At least the insides are modern. If your nanny doesn’t get too curious about that weird old looking alarm clock in the nursery, the video recording will work just fine.

In terms of what areas of concern (other than the appearance) you should know about, this alarm clock/camera deletes older video when it needs to make space. So you will need to do some house cleaning to get rid of videos you no longer need.

You will also need to charge the battery often. It taps out at around 10 hours. So if you are going to be away longer you may not get all of the recordings that you need. You cannot connect to Wifi using this alarm clock (let me just say that you can connect alarm clocks with Wifi in this decade), so you have to put the memory card in your laptop to view your footage.

Nest Indoor Security Camera

Now for something modern! Like most of the products that come from Nest, this security camera is sleek and elegant. You can choose to mount it, or you can leave is sitting on a flat surface. Either way, it will fit in nicely with your decor.

While it may seem pricey, this is one time that you should spend some money. The return you will get on your investment will make you glad you decided to splurge on some great technology. And now that Google owns Nest you can look forward to lots of cool features.

Nest Cam comes with a full 1080p video resolution, a sleek rotating base, and an app that is well designed and easy to use. You also get night vision, two-way audio, sound (remember you have to tell your Nanny before you record sound that you are recording it) and motion alerts. And last but not least you cannot forget the 8X zoom.

While they don’t market the night-vision feature it is one of the best when it comes to quality. The detail that the Nest Cam can pick up is better than you might expect. While motion delays happen (they happen with all cameras) Nest tries to minimize the time it takes.

What makes Nest Cam a good nanny cam, also makes it a bad security camera. Security cameras are designed to send alerts when they detect motion. Nest Cam doesn’t do that. They send alerts every 30 minutes. But if you are using it as a nanny cam and not for security reasons, you can get what you need.

Nest records video and the app allows you to see a live streaming video. So if you just want to see what is happening in our home, the absence of alerts shouldn’t be too much of a concern for you. The app is straight forward and easy to use. You can use it engage the audio feature, review your video history or view the live feed.

When it comes to storing videos you can pretty much get unlimited storage. Nest connects to the cloud, so you can pretty much get what you want when it comes to stored videos. This camera has a lot of awesome features that makes it our choice when it comes to nanny cams.

BrickHouse Camscura Micro 255-BBMHD

If you really want to hide a camera this camera is the one to buy. You can turn your current decor into a nanny cam. You just need to make sure that that you place it where it has a clear view of what you want to be recorded.

There are some oddities and some concerns when it comes to the Camscura. First, because you place it in another device, you will have to make sure it doesn’t shift. It turns on when it detects motion or sound if you don’t set a recording schedule. While sound is a way to turn the camera on, there is no audio feature. So the rules that govern audio recordings would not apply.

It can be difficult to know when, and if, your camera is actually taking video. So you have to rely on the motion detection feature and your ability to hide it without obscuring its field of vision. Another problem with this camera is that the amount of storage is a big fat zero. No storage at all. So you will have to purchase your own microSD card.

It’s not a bad camera. And it’s not stuffed into an outdated alarm clock (which is a good thing). It is small and easy to conceal. And the pinhole camera cannot be detected by any person, maybe ants. But I doubt they would tell anyone.

Conbrov Wf90 HD Mini Wifi Indoor Motion Activated Security Camera Monitor

This camera may look small but in size, but with a 155 degree super wide angle this IP camera can show you more than almost any other stationary camera. When it comes to nanny cams, being small is a benefit.  They can fit in anywhere, and should you want to go the hidden camera route they are pretty easy to hide.

This camera comes with an SD card that records video on a loop. You should make sure you review video withing a day or two, the camera will record over the existing video if the card is full.

Motion activated the camera will only turn on when some kind of movement is detected. Once it senses motion it can send an alert to your phone and send you an email. There are some other nifty features that can enhance your video experience. You can see clearly for up to 30 ft in the dark, which is pretty good for an indoor camera.

One Last Thing

Being a parent is hard. And it is even harder to leave your children with someone, even someone you know. Nanny cams can provide you with a level of security, especially if you children are young. But it is also a delicate matter when you are recording someone without out their knowledge.

When you are considering adding a camera, you should take into account how you would feel if someone took video of you without your permission. That is how your nanny will feel. So if you want to have a good relationship with your nanny or babysitter, you should tell them first.

Will you lose the element of surprise? Yes, and you should. Trusting someone with your children is a big deal. It is also a two-way street. Your nanny needs to trust you as much as you trust them. And not disclosing that you are recording them is not the best way to earn and keep trust.

If you are that concerned about your childcare provider, you should let them go and find someone else. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a nanny cam. They do have the benefit of making sure your nanny is taking care of your kids. But they work best when everyone involved knows why they are there, and that they will be recorded.

 

The post Best Nanny Cams for 2017 [Buyer’s Guide] appeared first on Home Security List.

source https://www.homesecuritylist.com/best-nanny-cams-buyers-guide/

Gillmore Security Review 2017

Gillmore Security Systems is a Cleveland, Ohio-based company that is locally owned and operated. They serve a limited audience in Northeastern Ohio and the surrounding areas. If you live in their service area, and you want to add a home security solution, you should give Gillmore a look. They are one of the few UL 5-diamond in-house monitoring providers in the country and they provide service 24/7 365 days a year.

What you should know about Gillmore Security

Gillmore Security began over 40 years ago in North Eastern Ohio, they are now considered the premier home security provider in that region. One of the nice things about regional home security companies is how they treat their customers.

By keeping their monitoring center in the area in which they provide service, you not only get someone who knows about home security, you also get someone who knows the area. Which can be critical should an emergency or break-in occur.

Equipment Packages

If you want the latest in home security technology, Gillmore has it. Their packages typically include the following:

• Central command panel
• 2 door sensors
• 1 motion detector
• 1 keyfob
• 24/7 professional monitoring service
• Window and yard signs and stickers

When it comes to pricing, you will need to call them directly. Currently, they do not provide any pricing on their features and packages online. However, one thing we can confirm is that all of the home security equipment is purchased by the customer. The prices range between $600 to $700 and include the installation and activation fees.

Gillmore Security will always send you the most current home security devices. They typically favor Honeywell and First Alert when it comes to their equipment packages. And while the cost of ownership may seem high, it’s important to remember the equipment is owned by you. So if you would need to move to another location that Gillmore doesn’t cover, you can take your devices with you.

There is a downside, other than the price. Currently, there is no warranty on the equipment. While most providers offer at least a one-year warranty, Gillmore Security currently doesn’t provide any type of written document that states what happens should your equipment not work as it should.

However, after speaking with a customer service agent it seems that in the first year they will cover parts, labor, and replacement. But they have yet to put that in writing, which means there is nothing concrete that will protect your equipment.

Gillmore also gives their customers access to some of the most current smart home devics. They can provide geofencing options using their proximity card feature, they can also use biometric readers that will allow you to enter your home by fingerprint.

You can also get the latest technology in digital camera security. Gillmore Security’s commitment to using the most advanced technology is another reason their customers give them such rave reviews.

Professional Monitoring Service

Gillmore Security has some happy customers. That happiness is largely attributed to their local monitoring center. Local support means quicker response times when you have an emergency. And given the consistently high service ratings, Gillmore Security seems to have mastered professional monitoring.

They also keep their contracts short. They have one-year contracts. That’s it. Which means you aren’t tied in for the long haul. However, they do self-renew. So if you are not planning on renewing you will need to contact them before the end of your contract term to cancel.

Most of their packages are customizable, so it’s hard to get the exact services you can add. When it comes to monthly rates, they can range between $35-$45 per month depending on what features you add. Some of the additional features include temperature, water, and carbon monoxide detectors.

In Conclusion

Gillmore Security has a lot to offer. They have not only achieved the highest UL rating at 5-diamonds, they also have very happy customers. This may be a testament on keeping businesses local. By keeping their professional monitoring services in house they feel like part of the community because they are.

They are also committed to giving their customers some of the best advanced home security devices. But you also have to pay for the devices up front. You will also have to pay the installation and activation fees. The devices and fees can run between $600-$700, which is a pretty big chunk of change.

They are also uncomfortably vague when it comes to their equipment warranty or lack thereof. While they have excellent monitoring services and the latest technology, the lack of a clear policy for repair and replacement should be a concern.

You don’t want to find yourself with a piece of equipment that doesn’t work, only to find that you have to fix or repair it yourself. This is why we would love to see a clear policy that covers repairs, you pay a lot up front for devices, they should be covered by a written warranty.

We like that the contracts are just one year, but with an automatic renewal policy, you may find yourself stuck in a contract you didn’t want to renew. You will need to call and cancel your contract before the renewal date to prevent the contract from being renewed.

But all in all, Gillmore Security is one of the best home security providers in the country. They have kept their business local, which results in people who know you and know the area you live in. You probably cannot find a better monitoring service. So if you are in North Eastern Ohio, and you want a great home security company, give Gillmore a try.

PROS:

• Service is only available in North Eastern Ohio
• Contracts are only for one year
• They invest in the latest technology
• They keep their monitoring center local
• They are one of the only companies to have a UL 5-diamond rated monitoring center

CONS:

• There are a lot of gray areas when it comes equipment warranties
• You have to pay for the equipment upfront

 

 

 

 

The post Gillmore Security Review 2017 appeared first on Home Security List.

source https://www.homesecuritylist.com/gillmore-security-review/

Best Smart Home Automation Hubs Buyers Guide 2017

 

If you feel like your smart home may be smarter than you, you aren’t alone. With so many smart home devices that can control everything from your kitchen appliances to your door locks, it can feel like technology is taking over.

But in reality, devices are just pawns, governed by a powerful smart home hub. You set the rules, and your smart home hub enforces them. Which still makes you the leader of your smart home, at least for now.

One smart home hub to rule them all…

You have a smart camera, doorbell, and thermostat but can they talk to one another? Maybe the thermostat and the doorbell can, but not the home security camera. Which means you have to manage the camera separately because it has no idea what the doorbell is doing.

That is where the smart hub comes in. It allows all of your devices connect with one another, and it manages what they do all in one centralized location. While the hub is the manager, you are the one in charge of what they do.

You can set rules that turn your lights off or on or you can set geofencing to open the door when it senses you are in the set zone. Geofencing sets parameters, and if you are within the set zone, your smart door lock, or doorbell can send an alert that lets your lights know its time to come on.

You can also set rules to turn the television on or point the security camera in a certain direction to make sure your dog doesn’t have the refrigerator door open.

But none of this futuristic awesomeness happens without a smart hub. The most commonly known smart home hubs come from Amazon, but with huge new players like Samsung, Apple and Google the market is expanding quickly.

So that begs us to ask, which smart home hub is best?

Best Smart Home Security Hubs

There can be a lot of confusion around the smart home industry as a whole. It’s still a young industry, but it’s a young industry that has been saddled with the burden of almost immediate success. It is easier than ever to come up with an idea for a smart device, and then have that device crowdfunded. Which often leads to super smart people having great ideas, but no experience in how to manage their newly found businesses.

And while new devices and ideas are awesome, they are also prone to issues. Untested and unproven a lot of the crowdfunded smart home devices fail. So like new devices, smart home hubs have still some growing up to do.

Understanding Common Terms

When I first started writing about smart home technology, I couldn’t tell ZigBee from Z-Wave. With so many new names and terms, it can get confusing at times to know what connects with what and how different devices work together.

We have put together some of the common language used in the smart home world. If these terms aren’t new to you, that’s awesome. If theses aren’t terms you know, you will soon be able to speak fluent smart home.

• Hub: a device that connects to all of the smart devices that you own, and creates a centralized place where you can manage each device and create rules for how your devices interact.

• Smart Device: an electronic device that can connect to other devices or networks using wireless protocols that include Wi-FI, Bluetooth, and 5G.

• Home Automation: connecting a variety of devices in your home to work together harmoniously to allow you to manage your device to provide a higher quality of security, energy efficiency, and comfort to build a better way of life.

• Smart Home: Any home that is equipped with at least one smart device.

• Bluetooth: a communications protocol that allows you to send data when you are near the device you are using.

• Bluetooth LE: Bluetooth Low Energy runs on a lower level of power, which allows the user to save energy. Bluetooth LE is common in smart thermostats and appliances that do not use large amounts of data.

• ZigBee: an IEEE 802.15 specification for low-power, low bandwidth wireless local area networks.

• Z-Wave: a protocol for home automation devices that allows communication

Smart Home Hub Reviews

Insteon 2245-222 Central Controller Hub

If you are new to smart home devices, Insteon is an easy way to get your footing. Insteon’s hub is a breeze to install, and simple to use it is also free of monthly fees. You can pick up the Insteon Starter Kit at Best Buy. Once you have it installed you can use its free smartphone app to begin your journey to building your dream smart home.

Now, when we say starter kit, we mean a hub and two LampLinc dimmers. But before you start thinking that your smart home dreams have capsized, it’s important to know what while the Insteon hub starts small, you can easily grow it into a solid home automation system. So take a moment to be underwhelmed, and then move on to the other cool things this hub can do.

You can add additional Insteon devices like thermostats, motion sensors, and front door sensors. They also have a decent leak sensor, which can alert you to a small leak before it floods your house. This hub also works with other smart devices like Amazon Echo and Nest Learning thermostat, which makes it a great option to build a robust home automation and security system.

Additional Features

The Insteon hub has made some improvements and it now can be considered a viable solution for your smart home security devices. Some of the upgrades include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility, as well as Android, iOS, Apple Watch and Windows app. They also have a larger range that is 250 feet, and you can get instant push and email notifications.

PROS:

• Works with a wide range of smart home devices
• Provides push and email notifications
• Allows you to create schedules to manage devices
• Updated mobile app makes it easier to control devices

CONS:

• Hub is best for very basic home automation systems
• Doesn’t support Z-Wave or ZigBee devices

Logitech Harmony Home Companion

When I think of Logitech, I think of keyboards, mice, and universal remotes. So it came as quite a surprise to know that they had a home automation hub tucked into a universal remote. The Logitech Harmony lets you control all of your device using their Elite remote. You can also add on the Harmony Hub should you miss having a hub.

The Logitech Harmony lets you control all of your device using their Elite remote. You can also add on the Harmony Hub should you miss having a hub.

The Harmony Hub will turn your smartphone or tablet into a universal remote that allows you to control all of your entertainment and smart home devices from their app. You can even control your devices when you are away from home.

It is a decent hub when it comes to controlling your home theater, but something about the Harmony feels undone. The Harmony is supposed to be compatible with over 250,000 devices that are sold by a variety of smart home device companies. But sometimes adding too much can end up with a hub that is confused and not focused on the devices that matter.

As a hub that works with just about everything, the Harmony Hub does have a lot to offer. The remote makes it easy to control connected home devices like your lights, home security devices and the temperature of your home.

If you were waiting for the day you could manage everything in your home with a remote; you are much much closer to that reality now. The Harmony Hub is small enough to be placed on a shelf or even in a cabinet. It connects to your Wi-Fi network, and links to your Wi-Fi enabled smart home devices. Logitech is always working on the customer experience, and as they put out new versions, the setup process should get easier.

The Elite remote has a micro USB port that allows you to connect to a laptop or PC to complete the setup process. But you can also complete the setup using the iOS or Android apps. Depending on the number of devices you want to connect and create rules for, you may want to set aside a little bit of time too get everything added.

The Harmony refers to rules as “activities” these activities allow you to set a sequence of commands that tell the devices what to do. You can create activities for your television, lighting, temperature a slew of other smart devices that connect to the hub.

Additional Features

One upgraded feature that we like is the upgrade that makes the app easier to use.  The interface now makes it easier to add and set activities for all of your Wi-Fi connected devices. You can now see the devices that have activities, and you can and access them by swiping.

Another improvement has also made it easier to manage devices from the Elite remote. You can now use buttons on the remote to do everything from turning your coffee pot on to turning your lights off when you are watching a movie.

PROS:

• They have improved the setup process to make it easier
• Updates to the interface allow you to add activities and manage them with ease
• The Elite remote has added buttons to allow you to control more smart home devices
• The Harmony Hub can work with over 250,000 devices

CONS:

• Adding too many devices can make managing them all a bit confusing

Wink Hub 2

Buying smart home security devices is just the start of building a home security system. You also need a way to connect your devices that allow you to manage them from one centralized hub. But adding a smart home hub can some times be expensive and labor intensive.

But not with the Wink Hub 2. This reasonably priced hub ($99) allows you to control your smart devices using an Android or iOS app.

If you thought that the first version of the Wink looked more like a router than a hub, you were right, but the Wink 2 is a pleasant surprise. It no longers just lays there on the shelf, it has been redesigned into an elegant vertical hub that will easily fit anywhere you want it to go.  It also has both a Wi-FI and Ethernet connection option, so should you want to connect it with an Ethernet, you can.

Setting up your Wink 2 is a fairly simple process. You just need to connect the power and the Ethernet cable. Next, you download the iOS or Android app and follow the steps. Once you have completed the setup process, you can connect the Wink 2 to your Wi-Fi if you want to.

Once you are all set up you can link your smart devices accounts in the Wink app.  One downside is that any rules you have set for those devices will not work in the Wink app.  After you have connected your account, you should get a notification on the device app to complete the linking process.

Some devices may require extra steps in the setup process, but overall the setup and connection process is not too complicated. Once you have your devices connected, you can create “Robots” that allow you to set actions for each device. So while Wink 2 doesn’t carry over rules, they let you create new ones using the Robot option.

Additional Features

One nice thing about the Wink 2 is how well it plays with other smart home devices and protocols like ZigBee and Z-Wave. Wink 2 supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Lutron Clear Connect, Google Thread, and Kidde. It also works with several Nest products including the Nest thermostat, smoke detector, and the Nest Cam.

PROS:

• They have improved the setup process to make it easier
• Works with more devices than before
• Connects with a wide range of protocols and smart home devices
• Updated app is easier to use

CONS:

• Wink 2 doesn’t import device rules from the smart device’s account
• Not all device features work on the Wink 2

Samsung SmartThings Hub

Every company has challenges getting new products to work they way they are supposed to. Even well-known companies like Samsung can struggle with new devices. Following a lackluster response to the first generation of the SmartThings Hub, they are rolling out the 2^nd generation of their SmartThings Hub.

The new version comes loaded with additional features and now allows users to connects with the cloud. One thing that is a nice surprise is that despite all of the shiny new options, the price has remained at a very affordable $99. The 2^nd gen has also added some needed improvements to the design of the hub. Less boxy, it looks more current and less like it was rolled out in 1990.

Glammed up and ready to mingle it now connects to Amazon Echo, so now you can use voice commands to manage the majority of your devices. So now you can set your temperature, change the lighting, or start a movie just by asking.

The SmartThings Hub 2 also includes a battery back-up that can keep your devices working for you to ten hours. Other new additions include redesigned sensors to make them smaller and easier to place, which is nice. And it also has upped its power game and resolved one of the biggest complaints about the first gen hub.

It has kept its support of Z-Wave and ZigBee protocols and Wi-Fi connected devices. There are also a few other things that are a welcome addition; first, the hub now supports 2 USB ports and Bluetooth. The Bluetooth isn’t active yet, but that it is included speaks of good things to come.

Another interesting improvement is the addition of professional monitoring option. You can now add a month to month professional home security monitoring option through a partnership with Scout. The rate for the monitoring will be $19.99 and provide you with 24/7 monitoring.

Additional Features

The new app, which is better but still not great, has a new dashboard that comes with a Smart Home Monitor option. It allows you to set up rules that you can attach to various devices to allow you to monitor what is happening in your home from your smartphone.

You can also manage your alarm system from the app; you can arm and disarm from anywhere now. And now checking the status of your connected devices is just a swipe away. So now you can know what is working and what isn’t when you are away.

Another added benefit with the 2^nd gen SmartThings dashboard is the way it works with connected security cameras. The dashboard now has extra features like buffering video so you can see what happens before and after an event takes place. They also support security cameras from D-Link and Samsung.

One thing I find odd is that they don’t support the new Scout camera through the partnership they have with them. But perhaps monitoring is just the beginning, and we will see a more robust partnership with Scout shortly.

PROS:

• New battery backup for 10 hours of connection in a power outage
• Supports ZigBee and Z-Wave protocols and other smat devices
• Adds new professionally home security monitoring through partnership with Scout
• New enhancement to connected to security cameras that include buffering

CONS:

• Despite some improvements to the mobile app, it still needs more
• Still relies on ethernet to fully control some devices

Google Home

What doesn’t Google do?  As of late, its seems Google is everywhere, with the acquisition of Nest and YouTube, Google continues to grow more powerful almost every day. And now with Google Home, it has jumped into the Smart Home assistant realm.

Given how Google operates it only makes sense that the internet giant has one of the better smart home hubs around. Google Home is similar to Amazon’s Echo; each provides a wireless hub that allows you to connect smart home devices that you can then control by using voice commands.

Unlike some of the traditional hubs, like SmartThings, Google Home has the added convenience of being able just to say what you want your devices to do. It is easy to set up and only takes about 15 minutes to get things going.

Once you have the app installed, you can use the app to connect to all of the wireless devices to your home network. Depending on your Wi-Fi speeds and how many devices you need to connect this process usually takes no longer than five minutes.

When you have completed adding all of your devices you can use the Home Hub to control them. With Nest devices, it’s easy since Google owns them, but you can also connect devices from SmartThings, Phillips and other providers.

If you want to create rules for the connected devices, you can use IFTTT to create them. Once you have your rules in place, you can use voice commands to tell Google Home what to do.

Additional Features

Google Home also has some additional features that make your life easier. It connects to Google Assistant, which means it knows what is on your Google Calendar and when you have unread emails in your inbox. You can also use the hub to set reminders to tell you when your mom emails you (to either answer or avoid her) and tell you when your hair appointment is scheduled.

While most home automation hubs can manage devices, Google Home manages all of your wireless devices like a boss.  While the main command to wake Google Home up is “Okay, Google” I actually never say that. I always say “Hey Google, ” and it answers whatever random question I have.

Google benefits from being Google. Which means it has one of the most powerful web browsers around, this gives it infinite power when it comes to answering your questions. From driving directions to how to install strobe lights (if that is your thing), Google can find it.

And now they can make it easier for you to binge watch cat videos on YouTube.

 

PROS:

• Easy setup for wireless devices
• Uses Google Assistant which manages your calendar and email using voice commands
• Can provide useful information when asked
• The speaker is high quality for a reasonable price

CONS:

• Response times can be slow
• If you ask for a joke, you will get a bad one

Amazon Echo

Not all smart home hubs are the same, so before you dismiss the Amazon Echo as more of a voice assistant than a truly smart home device manager, you may want to take a second look. Much like Google Home, Amazon Echo, with a little help from Alexa, is also a smart home managing digital assistant.

What makes the Echo different than other voice assistants isn’t about Alexa, it’s about the convenience Alexa adds. And unless you have been living under a rock, you know that Amazon sells everything. From facial cleansers to automotive parts, you can find pretty much anything and everything on Amazon.

And only one smart home hub voice assisting device can get you everything you want without opening your wallet or going to a website. The Echo and it’s smaller less expensive sibling Dot, lets you buy things just by telling Alexa what you want to buy.

It is the buying power behind the Echo that makes it different from other smart home hubs. While both Google Home and Echo have an edge on some of their silent smart home hub competitors, Amazon not only manages all of your smart home devices, it makes it easier to buy more of them.

While Amazon Echo has native compatibility with some devices, others may require a little help to pair with the Echo. Other smart home hubs like Wink 2 or SmartThings can bridge the gap if there are pairing issues.

Additional Features

Obviously,  the biggest draw for the Amazon Echo is Alexa, she can call an Uber or order a pizza, and that is all both wonderful and amazing. But there are some other things that your Echo can do; it can control your lights, and the temperature in your home, and it even works with home security systems like Scout and Vivint.

PROS:

• Easy set up for some smart home devices
• Can pair with other smart home hubs to add additional devices
• Allows you to manage your smart home using voice commands
• The speaker is high quality for a reasonable price

CONS:

• While the Echo has some native pairing options, others require the assistance of other smart home hubs

Our Favorite Smart Home Automation Hub

Samsung SmartThings Hub

 

We love all things smart home automation here. That is why we choose the SmartThings Hub as our favorite hub. It supports DIY, for those of us who are tech savvy, and it has a price that is friendly to every budget. We want everyone one to have a fully automated smart home, and the SmartThings Hub can help us accomplish our goal.

By making a Smart Hub that allows you to pair devices with ease, it makes smart home automation available to everyone. It also makes setting up a smart home security system less stressful by providing a Home Monitoring Kit. The kit includes the sensors and security monitoring that helps you to start beefing up your home security.

SmartThings also has the most potential when it comes to adding new protocols and devices. It can already boast that it works with Z-Wave, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Nest and Amazon Echo. And now through the acquisition of Nest by Google, is works with Google as well. That gives consumers the ability to choose devices they like, rather than ones that connect with their hub.

So for all of these reasons, SmartThings Hub is our preferred smart home hub. Yes, I know I have Google Home, but now it plays well with SmartThings too, so I am already planning my own home automation expansion!

Why Everyone Needs a Smart Home Automation System

Smart home automation isn’t just about making your life more convenient although that is a terrific benefit of owning smart home devices. Home automation also keeps your homes and families safe. Adding a security system that can quickly identify and report a break-in as it happens even when you aren’t home is just one of the reasons to build a smart home.

You can also control the temperature in your house; you can set it to raise or lower the temperature when you leave the house, and then do the opposite when your smart lock notices you are walking up to your door. The result is that you use less energy when you aren’t home.

Beyond just being cool, home automation gives us more control over our homes and security. And while I still feel amazed when I ask Google to start a movie, and it does, it more impressive to know that your home is always safe, even when you aren’t there. But your cat will still be mad that you were gone “forever” so you may want to buy some treats before you come home.

 

The post Best Smart Home Automation Hubs Buyers Guide 2017 appeared first on Home Security List.

source https://www.homesecuritylist.com/best-smart-home-automation-hubs/

MONI Home Security Review 2017

If you have never heard of MONI Smart Security, it’s okay. With so many home security players on the field, it can be easy to overlook a few. But, if you are in the market for a mid-range home security provider that has some interesting features, you should get to know MONI a bit better.

MONI keeps things simple by providing three plans. You can start small and progress to a higher level with more features when you are ready. The higher the level of the package you choose, the more equipment and monitoring features you can get. If you don’t want to go up a level you can still add some additional services a la carte.

These are the current packages that MONI Home Security offers.

Packages	Core	Connected	Comprehensive
Monthly Costs	$39.99	Core + $10	Core + $20
Activation Costs	$99	$99	$149
Contract Terms	36 or 60 months	36 or 60 months	36 or 60 months
Landline Requirement	Yes	No	No
Equipment
Touchscreen Keypad	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weather Alerts	No	Yes	Yes
Door/Window Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Yard Signs and Window Decals	Yes	Yes	Yes
Remote Keychain	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pet Sensitive Motion Detector	Yes	Yes	Yes
Indoor Security Camera	No	Can be added for additional fee	Yes
Heat, Smoke & Freeze Detectors	Can be added for additional fee	Can be added for additional fee	Can be added for additional fee
Carbon Monoxide Detector	Can be added for additional fee	Can be added for additional fee	Can be added for additional fee
Water Detection	Can be added for additional fee	Can be added for additional fee	Can be added for additional fee
Two-Way Voice Communication	Can be added for additional fee	Can be added for additional fee	Can be added for additional fee

Core Package

Activation Fee: $149

Monthly Price: $39.99

The Core package includes a 4G LTE wireless home security system, 24/7 monitoring, and ASAPer. You will also get a two-way voice service that is connected to the alarm panel.

One item that this package won’t support is the security camera. However, should you choose to upgrade you can add a security camera as you are able to increase your budget?

Connected Package

Activation Fee: $149

Monthly Price: $49.99

The connected package has all of the features of the Core package, but it adds a few new options to the mix. You will get Smartphone Control, which will allow you to use MONI’s mobile app to arm and disarm your system. You will also be able to set customizable texts and notification to alert you of changes in the system. These notifications will be sent to your mobile device.

Comprehensive Package

Activation Fee: $149

Price $59.99 to start

The Comprehensive package comes packed with both security and home automation features. It includes all of the features found in Core and Connect packages, as well as remote lighting, appliance control, automated locks, garage door and thermostat control.

This package also includes an indoor camera at no extra charge. If you want to add features like smart locks and smart thermostats you can add those to your automation package. Adding these features will allow you to manage all of your home automation devices using MONI.

What we like about MONI

MONI offers interactive monitoring services that allow you to check the status of your system and make changes to it while you are away from home. By partnering with Alarm.com MONI can provide remote access to control your thermostat, lighting and other connected devices when you add a home automation service.

You will also get a touchscreen panel that will allow you to control your MONI system when you are home. Each package will come with its own control panel, so depending on your service level you will get one of three options when it comes to control panels:

 

• Core: with this package, you will get the 2GOG GO!Control keypad which allows for two-way communication, weather updates, and one-touch arm and disarms features.
• Connected: with this package, you will get the Interlogix Simon XTi which allows you to control your system using your smartphone, you can talk to control center personnel using their two-way voice service, you can also activate panic and silent mode features.
• Comprehensive: with this package, you will get the Honeywell Lynx Touch L7000, this is one of the more advanced control panels, you can view videos, communicate via two-way voice and control your panel with your smartphone

Additional Features

Home Automation

MONI also offers a home automation service, it comes in three forms: video, control and energy management. These services are only available to Comprehensive package customers. Their automation features are available using the Alarm.com app. The app can let you control your smart home devices and security system, monitor your home, get notification and access ASAPer.

MONI recently merged with LiveWatch, so we have LiveWatch to thank for the ASAPer technology. By using this interactive messaging hub you can consolidate communications during a triggered event. This will allow you to better secure your home or apartment.

ASAPer allows you to set a list of contacts that will be contacted in the event of an alarm. They will contact everyone at the same time, so if you are away from home one of your contacts can manage the situation for you. You can also communicate with your selected contacts using a chat room.

If you travel a lot ASAPer is a great service to have, you won’t have to worry about your home while you area away. But this is just the beginning of MONI’s home automation features, you also have a variety of home security cameras that you can add to your service.

Home Security Camera Add-ons

Indoor Wi-Fi Fixed Camera

This is the most basic of the four cameras, it is designed to be an indoor only camera. It does not come with night vision, but you can view feed remotely from your smartphone, laptop or tablet. It can also send you email and text alerts should the camera detect motion.

Indoor Wi-Fi Fixed Camera with Night Vision

Picture the Indoor Wi-Fi Fixed Camera with added night vision.

Indoor Wi-Fi Pan-and-Tilt Camera

This camera allows you to view your home from a variety of angles using the tilt and pan features. You can also control this camera using your smartphone, laptop or tablet, and it comes with night vision.

Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera with Night Vision

This camera will let you see what is happening outside of your house, even in the dark. Like the other cameras, you can stream live videos using your smartphone or laptop, and you can access data from the cloud when an event is triggered.

Control and Energy Management

MONI’s home automation will allow you to control small appliances, locks, doorbells and other smart home devices when you have the Comprehensive plan. You can add devices from a variety of manufacturers to create a fully functioning smart home that allows you to manage lighting, thermostats and even your garage door using a smartphone.

Medical Monitoring

With the Connect and Comprehensive plans, you can get medical monitoring services. You will receive either a pendant or a watch that will allow you to connect with a certified operator in the event you experience a medical emergency.

Free Moving Program

If you need to move MONI wants to make it as easy as possible to take your home security system with you. They will schedule a date, and install a brand new system in your new place. However, there are a few things you should be aware of.

First, you will need to sign a contract extension to get the Free Moving service. You can get a moving kit with a 12-month extension, or you can get a moving kit with 2 additional sensors if you choose a 24-month extension.

You will need to have 1-year with MONI and your bill must be current. You will also get a new 36-month contract at the minimum required monthly rate. You must also be the owner of the new home and within the MONI service area to take advantage of the program.

Final thoughts about MONI

There are some things we like about MONI, and some things we would like to see changed. They do an admiral job at providing home security and home automation services. And they have kept their prices in line with the majority of their competitors.

You also only need to pay one fee for activation, which makes it easy for the customer to know what to expect in terms of payment. They will send professional installers to set up your service as well, which is great if you aren’t that handy. And you can also upgrade your package to get additional features.

What we don’t like is the 36-month contract. With the fluidity of our economy and the expansion of the home security sector, 36 months just seems a bit dated. There are also a lot of requirements around the “free” moving program. Tying a customer into a longer contract just because they moved is not really cool with us.

But if you are looking for a solid solution that provides both home security and home automation, MONI is worth a look.

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source https://www.homesecuritylist.com/moni-home-security-review/