Home Security Systems

[Ruttiger]

I know there has to be a thread or two on this but a quick search didn't reveal anything.

We're contemplating pulling the trigger but we're on a single income budget. Any recommendations on the best bang for the buck from the various providers?

We get a deal on Protelec through AMA - any experiences with them?

Thanks all.

[Iceman90]

I have an ADT system - 2 door sensors, 3 motion sensors, control panel, 2 keyfobs and access to the mobile app for $50 a month. The system runs on 3G (has its own SIM card) so you don't need a phone line.

[Northendzone]

I am sure there is a thread about this somewhere in here.

i believe your cost will always be dependent on how much bells and whistles you want and regardless of which company you go with - some will love and others will hate.

theoretically, you could go to home depot and buy a couple of IP camers and set up something yourself

[Ace]

I'm with ADT at $26/month. We bought a few extra sensors and such which increased our upfront cost, but to me the biggest issue is monitoring cost. Keep that as low as possible.

I had a guy come after the fact and install a card in my system that cost me $100 (think third party, or DIY). It's from a company called Connect2Go, which basically allows me to get alerts and set the alarm from my phone. Added no additional monthly cost to my system, and ADT wouldn't even know its there.

http://www.connect2go.com/

[CaptainCrunch]

A thread and a shot gun and a door knob has to be cheaper.

[ricosuave]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

A thread and a shot gun and a door knob has to be cheaper.

"... and we LAUGHED!"

[The Boy Wonder]

Fiancé and I went with Vivent. Found it had a better deal and less commitment than ADT and they will give you a deal in order to get your business. We've had nothing but awesome support from them so far. But as others have said it depends on what bells and whistles you want

[DoubleF]

I've been researching the Almond Guard 3S since it was a thing on indiegogo but I didn't pull the trigger at $250 USD or whatever the package was for my home size. I really like how it works, the slightly lower monitoring fee is nice and the ability to go pure self monitoring if I don't want to pay for monitoring is nice as well.

https://www.securifi.com/ca

I liked the IOT integration aspect as well as the ability to disarm the alarm without a code. The interface is also a wifi extender.

The Almond 3, 2015 and original aren't really security systems though. Don't buy those. They're just wifi extenders.

EDIT: Looks like the indiegogo is over for Almond Guard 3S. I guess you'd have to sign up for early availability through the securifi website to attempt to acquire an Almond 3S.


I think you can get discounts via home insurance, but it has to have monthly monitoring. IIRC it was something like $10-15 bucks off, but it had to have monthly monitoring from a professional. Not something that really moves the needle decision wise, but would be nice to take advantage of if I get a security system. I was actually curious if I'd have to prove each month I was paying for monitoring to get that discount.

Note: Most of the other systems I've seen friends use annoy me. Clumsy, clunky, useless or constant annoyances from bad sensors. I decided to continue using a combo of windows film and a spare security alarm sticker my brother had because I don't like most of the options out there. But, with Bell buying into the alarm scene, it might be worth holding off a purchase for a little longer to see what they end up doing with Alarm force.

[DionTheDman]

A bit of an investment at the outset, and will require you to get your hands a bit dirty, but I think in the long run it's a more economical (and cool) system, but going with a home automation system like SmartThings or Insteon will allow you to roll your own system which whatever features or monitoring you'd like. AFAIK, the only thing you will lose out on is the remote monitoring. However, you could always get the system to send an SMS to yourself/family/whoever to put them on alert when things go sideways.

[bob-loblaw]

I went with Rogers Smart Home Monitoring a couple years ago. It costs $55/month but I have remote three door locks, a smart thermostat, cameras, lights, outlets and it's all programmable with access through an App and a touch panel in the house. It actually all works really well, plus now I can control it all through voice with Google Home. I more than made up for the initial hardware spend as I saved about $700 a year on home insurance because of their Allstate discount.

[Iceman90]

A friend of mine showed me today that United Alarm has a Do It Yourself kit. Sounds like it is a monitored, but you pay one flat fee instead of a monthly fee.

http://www.unitedalarm.ca/services/r...urself-system/

[mizzle]

Check out Think Protection. The company was started by the ousted CEO of Alarm Force. I have used them for the last year and a half. You buy the equipment ~$300-400 depending on size of hous or how many sensors you want. Basic monitoring is $13/month. I was prepared to pay ~$500 for additional sensors and the sales guy talked me out of it saying a couple well place motion detectors would do the trick. There is also no contract/commitment. I also use a ring video doorbell which costs ~$4 per month. No complaints so far.

[csnarpy]

Originally Posted by Ace

I'm with ADT at $26/month. We bought a few extra sensors and such which increased our upfront cost, but to me the biggest issue is monitoring cost. Keep that as low as possible.

I had a guy come after the fact and install a card in my system that cost me $100 (think third party, or DIY). It's from a company called Connect2Go, which basically allows me to get alerts and set the alarm from my phone. Added no additional monthly cost to my system, and ADT wouldn't even know its there.

http://www.connect2go.com/