security alarms systems
Every
home is different, and so is every homeowner’s security needs. Like most technical services, you can pay for professionals to craft your home security system or you can take matters into your own hands. DIY home security means you customize your device kit, self install, and then monitor alerts from your sensors and video feed. Self monitoring is the common difference between DIY and traditional security, but there are plenty of companies that strike a happy medium between both. We looked at providers offering pure DIY as well as those offering professional monitoring, either de facto or as an upgrade. We required all systems to have Z Wave Support — the most universal mesh network for communicating appliance to appliance. One of the biggest draws of a DIY system is the opportunity to add in third party equipment like Philips Hue lights or a Nest Thermostat at any point. Z Wave is available in over 2,400 home security and automation devices from more than 700 companies. Plus, you have flexibility in where you place various devices because Z Wave can communicate
farther distances than other protocols — like Wi Fi, for example — since it functions by sharing an Internet connection between devices as opposed to a localized router. Ultimately, we wanted systems that could integrate seamlessly into our homes and improve our quality of life. To find which fit the bill, we spent a day outfitting a 1,900 square foot home with the equipment of our finalists.
99MSRPTend Secure Lynx Indoor at $59. 99MSRPSkyBell HD at $199. 00MSRPNest Cam Outdoor at $199. 00MSRPWyzeCam at $19. 99MSRPHoneywell Lyric C2 Wi Fi Security Camera at $169. 99MSRPNest Cam IQ Indoor at $299. 00MSRPArlo Go at $429. 99MSRPRing Spotlight Cam Battery at $199. 00MSRPCanary All In One Home Security Device at $169. 00MSRPAugust Doorbell Cam Pro at $199. 00MSRPRing Video Doorbell Pro at $249.