Im looking for a dependable home security system that I can monitor from my smart phone. I have been looking at several such as SimpliSafe, Armorax, LiveWatch, etc and I am leaning towards SimpliSafe just because the price is right (15.00 a month monitoring) but I wanted to get opinions on what yall are using. I am using ADT at the moment but its expensive and they are a hassle to deal with. Any recommendations?
Don't go with CSG. Our system keeps having trouble with one of the doors since we got it installed and they keep having to come out. They charge for coming out too even though it was poorly installed.....lame.
I've had simplisafe since 2012. It's a solid system. ill have problems of sensors occasionally that are usually battery related. But everything works as advertised and the price of the equipment and monitoring is great. The one thing many customers might complain about is cameras. People like to tie security and cameras together and they e said they were coming out with cameras for like two years. Right now they're saying early 2016. Of course people could just go with a dropcam.
Best buy has great smart home systems now that require no monthly fees. You just pay cost of set up and can add components as necessary. Video, Motion Sensors Doors Windows App enabled for remote access Canary is one, there are a couple others. And check out their smart lighting too. Some wicked cool things going on for a tech junky.
CSG is lame, but Central Security (no group) is awesome. http://www.yelp.com/biz/central-security-houston?utm_source=ishare I have them and it's awesome. $37.18 with tax per month, no contract, and I can use their smartphone app for everything I need
Today I checked out my brothers home system which has his thermostat, lighting, and cameras all integrated. Pretty nice that they'll get an alert on their phone anytime someone is at the door, and can see a live video of them. I need to find out the company name. Edit: It's Vivint - http://www.vivint.com/
Frontpoint looks to be a company offering similar services but more do it yourself options as far as installation. I'll check them out as well. Anyone have experience with these companies?
First of all, what you need to do is secure your doors from being kicked in. You don't do that, all the security in the world ain't going to help you. My philosphy is to make it difficult for intruders to get in in the first place. http://www.asafehome.net/PAGES/Safe-Homes-International-StrikeMaster-II-Pro.html Also, pair this with some great 1 or 2 deadbolts. https://www.doorware.com/specials/help-center/deadbolt-guide.cfm and if you want to get really secure, buy you some window protection film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96x2tO9Xuxw
My girlfriend's parents have FrontPoint. They like it, but there's a contract, the equipment can be pricy, and the call center is slow to respond (like 15 minutes after the app alert that the alarm went off)
I don't see how Simplisafe is good unless your house did not include an alarm system when it was built. Most homes are now prewired and have a fully functioning control panel. So you have sensors on all doors and windows at a minimum. SimpliSafe can't use any of those. I see their largest package comes with 6 entry sensors and who knows how much each extra one is. I think our house has 19 windows and 2 doors all wired with sensors. If you already have a panel and sensors go with Smith Thompson...they also offer mobile monitoring from phone or pc for about $5 extra
