We may never know all that creeps in the dark around our homes while we sleep. One way to be sure that anything wandering around is aware of you, though, is with best outdoor motion sensor lights. Nothing scares off a prowler quicker than a light that snaps on suddenly without warning in the dark of night.

Motion sensitive lights save power because they activate only when there is movement in the area. Many save even more with powerful LED lamps, as well as options to adjust the time that the light is on when activated, or even solar-powered lights to avoid using any electricity from the grid at all.

Features of the many motion lights available include coverage area, the brightness of illumination, time light stays on when activated, power needs and usage of the light, installation requirements, and type of lamp used.

Benefits of Motion Sensor Lights

1. Energy and Money Saver

Motion sensor security lights help reduce your electricity bills and conserve energy. Lights left switched on eat up power and can lead to more burnt out bulbs. After the relatively small initial costs, motion sensors get to work on saving you money.

Motion sensor lighting is environmentally-friendly option and energy efficient in these circumstances:

• Motion-sensing lights save many hours of run time every year and enhance the lifespan the super bright floodlights.
• Prevent children from leaving the lights on or accidentally left the lights on in garages or attics.

2. Excellent Crime Deterrence

Motion detection lighting helps prevent break-ins and burglaries by making the intruder visible and startling them. These lights detect movement and automatically switch on when it detects one. Motion detection lighting deters intruders from breaking into your property.

3. Provides Light to Difficult Areas

Outdoor security lights with motion sensor provide easy lighting solutions without having to search and fumble for the switch in dark areas within your home. It makes it a breeze for you and your visitors not to fall or trip over because of the motion detection lighting.

4. Very Convenient

Arriving home in the dark and then having to search for your house keys to get yourself in might be challenging. In addition to being annoying and time-consuming, this poses a security risk if it is late at night and nobody is present. You won’t have to worry about these problems once you get this type of illumination installed because it will make it possible for you to see clearly and for others to see you, preventing any nighttime attacks.

Seven of the Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

1 – Baxia Technology Wireless Waterproof Security

On & Off like a Magician.  400 bright lumens.  Pack of 4 only $29.99

With 28 LED Ultra-Bright lights, the solar-powered Baxia provides good illumination for a small area when activated. Designed to be water and heat-resistant for the outdoors, the Baxia wireless is a good option for a small area of your yard that is far from any power source.

Pros

• Easy to install a device
• Brightest motion-activated solar lighting available
• Weatherproof
• Moderately LED illumination for small areas
• Solar-powered for energy savings
• 900 reviews – average 4.5 stars

Cons

• Detection distance of 9-16 feet
• 120° scope of detection best for contained areas like patios or walkways
• No dim mode for constant nighttime low light, only ON/OFF activator
• Stays off until motion is detected

2 – DrawGreen Solar Lights 1400 Lumens Outdoor Motion Sensor Spotlight

The red eye of doom?  Solar powered convience. $40 per unit

Providing a powerful flood of light up to 50 feet away from the source, the Solar Lights 1400 Lumens Outdoor Motion Sensor Spotlight illuminates a lot of areas and may be just right to light up the furthest corners of your yard. The solar-powered motion sensor LED bulbs are intensified with optics-grade PMMA lens. The aluminum casing is extremely durable and long-lasting through all types of weather, including extremes from -30 – 120° F.

Pros

• Solar powered with Li-ion battery for holding charges
• The device is constructed from a durable aluminum casing
• Very bright illumination
• Eco-friendly and free-green energy
• They look like security cameras giving bad guys even more of a reason to stay away
• Detects up to 26 feet away
• Easy to install

Cons

• Full recharge requires 5-6 hours of full sunshine
• $40 for one vs our number 1 pick which is $40 for 4
• Metal design and look may not fit the style of all homes
• Little bit expensive

3 – Mr. Beams MB3000 High-Performance Wireless Spotlight

Will you be inviting Mr. Beams to your home?  $32 + Free Shipping

The outdoor motion sensor lights battery-operated two adjustable light heads allow you to aim illumination where your yard it most. Producing 500 lumens from dual LED lights, when Mr. Beams goes on, intruders (and you) will know it, and your yard will light up.

Pros

• Wireless, requires no complicated installation
• Strong weatherproof design meant for all year outdoor conditions
• Easy to alter the direction of light
• Two light sources, to illuminate different parts of the yard
• Adjustable beams

Cons

• Battery powered.  Get ready to burn through the expensive large batters.  Also requires to pull off and replace periodically.
• Doesn’t allow adjustment of features such as duration light stays on
• Narrow light beam

4 – SANSI LED Security Motion Sensor Outdoor Light

Want to blind the bad guys?  This one wins ‘Brightest Of’ award.  $60 per unit

The 30W LED lights in the SANSI Waterproof Floodlight is energy efficient to provide the equivalent of 250W incandescent light. Rated at 3,400 lumens, the SANSI gives a lot of backyard illumination when the motion sensor is activated. The range of sensing ability sets the SANSI apart from many other motion sensor lights, with 180° and 50 feet of range. The SANSI outdoor security lights with motion sensor will be a good fixture in your front or backyard.

Pros

• Waterproof casing to stand up to elements like rain and snow
• Big 50 foot sensing range with 180° coverage
• Very bright 3400 lumens LED lights
• Comes in white or black
• With Four different modes
• Detects up to 72 feet away

Cons

• Adjustable modes limited to Test, Automatic, and Manual
• Not very appealing design
• Some knowledge required for installation as it is wired into a house electrical system

5 – Good Earth Two-Head Sensor Light

Two light heads of the Good Earth motion light rotate independently, up to 80° vertically and 30° horizontally to reach shadowy corners of deck or yard. With sixteen LED lights putting out 2060 lumens you will get plenty of illumination when this light triggers on.

Requires more advanced installation with electrical.  $56 per unit

Pros

• Energy saving and powerful LED lamps last 50,000 hours
• Two light heads rotate independently
• Change setting with Good Earth Lightning App
• Voice control with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
• Detection range between 5-100 feet
• Light Beam Detection Angle ranges up to 240–360 degree

Cons

• Wiring into home power system requires expert installation
• Spotlight style two-head look doesn’t fit with all outdoor designs

6 – Sunforce 82153 Triple Head Solar Motion Light 1000 lumens

For the paranoid or security preppers. 

The Sunforce 82153 outdoor motion light offers a lot of powerful features that make it stand out among the crowd. The outdoor solar lights 30-foot detection distance over a full 180° range assures you it will light up when anything moves in your yard. Solar panels soak up the sunlight to recharge batteries, but they don’t require full direct sun to get a full charge to power the light when needed at night.

Pros

• Two adjustable settings for detection distance and light duration
• Fully weather resistant
• Extremely bright at 1000 lumens (both good and bad)
• Simple to mount wherever you need it

Cons

• Three head design may not fit all outdoor designs
• 1000 lumen intensity may be too bright for some yard areas at night
• Some people prefer hardwired electric connection for a certainty of a power supply

7 – Solar Lights Outdoor Wireless Waterproof Security Light

This wins our most durable award.  $37 & free shipping

With the lighting power of 100 LEDs, the Solar Lights Outdoor Wireless Security Light produces 2000 lumens. The solar-powered motion sensor for outdoor lights works well for pathways or shadowed areas between house and garage, for instance. The motion sensor has an intermediate range of 12 feet at 125° angle, just right for medium-sized areas that need the security of a light that activates when anything moves in that area.

Pros

• Easy to install and mount, with no wiring to attach
• 3600mAH Li-ion battery recharges to work 12 hours of sensing and lighting at night
• Can illuminate a sidewalk

Cons

• No dim mode, only on when activated or off
• No adjustable length of light duration or other options

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose an outdoor motion sensor light?

You have to think in terms of what you want and how your yard is set up. First off, think about how far away you want the light to detect movement. Then, factor in how bright you want that light to be. You’ll also need to think about the energy source from which the light will draw power.

Another major factor is durability. While, at first, you might think that having a mounted light is no big deal because you can change the lightbulb any time, do be aware that you’re purchasing this device for security reasons, so you don’t want it to malfunction at the wrong time.

Moreover, you might want a light with an auto-reset function in case of power outages. And, of course, you’ll want to be able to adjust its sensitivity. When fall comes, and the leaves start falling, you don’t want it to get triggered non-stop because of that.

How bright should a motion sensor light be?

Go with a bulb with as much lumen count as possible. You’ll usually find motion sensor light between 300 and 700 lumens. Remember that these light also have ranges, so their brightness may vary from scenario to scenario.

Are solar motion lights any good?

Solar-powered motion lights are good as long as you live in an area where they can get enough sunlight to power themselves for the night. Be aware of how much battery they have because if you live somewhere where it gets dark early during the winter, you might find yourself without a functioning light to begin with. And you don’t want that to happen exactly on the night of a potential break-in. But, as long as their battery is powerful enough, you’ll be happy to know that they are independent from the power grid, so they can offer protection in case the power goes out.

Final Review of the Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

With so many different options available, the outdoor motion lights right for your home are out there for you to find.  They are the perfect addition to a home security system and a crime deterrent.  They can also help with lighting for better video capture on security cameras.

Knowing the area you need to cover and types of power needs (and installation requirements) is a good start to choosing the right light for your yard’s security.  Have any tips on beefing up home security? Leave them or other feedback on outdoor motion lights below.

Latest Posts

• 3 Ways to know your Alarm System is Outdated
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• 7 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights for Homes
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• How to Cancel Your Alarm Contract

William Eames

William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.

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The post 7 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights for Homes appeared first on Alarm Reviews.

Looking for the best home security apps?  We have tested dozens and ranked them according to:

• Ease of use
• Lack of glitches & bugs
• Functionality
• Availability (iOS / Android / any smart device)
• Cost

After compiling our reviews, the following are all companies that provides apps you can rely on to monitor your security system in your home or in your business.

Two categories – Self made or third party

Creating a functional apps costs thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Because of this, most ma and pa security shops (along with some big companies) use Alarm.com’s whitelabel app.  They pay a monthly fee based on the number of users, and their users see it as ‘Brand X’ security app.  The good news is, this isn’t a bad thing.  What companies using this lack in customization they make up for in reliability.  Alarm.com app is a extremely reliable security app that connects to dozens of control panels, sensors and z-wave products.  The majority of all companies use Alarm.com except for the two giants, ADT and Vivint.

(Control a smart automation home with the alarm dot com app)

Home Security App Smart Tips

• When streaming live views from security cameras, be on a wifi network if possible.  Live stream will eat up your cell phone data.
• Don’t give everyone you know a user account.  Limit who has access to the app.
• Lock your smart phone.  This gives one extra measure of security.

With those in mind and our rating criteria, here are the 3 best mobile home security apps.

#1 – ADT Pulse Home Security Apps

iOS app   |    Android App   |  ADT Pulse Review   |  Visit website

ADT’s proprietary app was the smoothest and user friendliest one we tested.  Whether controlling a simple security system ON & OFF or security cameras on an advanced automation system, it can handle any project it is put up against.

Pros

• User functionality 4.8 of 5
• Clean display
• High app ratings
• Voice recognition
• Cameras, automation available
• Other information regarding users area
• Manage users easily
• Apple Watch Integration
• Connects with Nest thermostat
• Connects with Ring doorbell cameras

Cons

• Can be slow to respond
• Must be a customer
• Voice control is only available with certain package

Great all around security app that can connect to existing Honeywell and GE security systems.   App is free with monitoring plans above $40.

#2 – Vivint Sky Home Security Apps

iOS app  |  Android app  |  Vivint security review  |  Visit Site

The Vivint app is also self-made by the company themselves which gives them lots of capabilities companies below with Alarm.com will not have.  The app is quick to load, gives notifications instantly when any sensors are triggered.  The live dashboard feed of security cameras loads quickly and updates with pictures taken every 5 minutes with security cameras (then if something like a unknown car or person is seen on a picture, users can click on that and load the live feed).  Going back in time on security cameras is easy drag and drop.

Pros

• User functionality 4.7 of 5
• Add / remove users easily (going out of town?  Have a relative download the app and add them as a user).
• Full smart home integration
• Connect to smart thermostat
• Smooth control
• Continual updates
• Different amounts of notifications users can opt in or out of
• 14,000 5 star reviews
• Great customer support
• Control door locks
• Garage awareness

Cons

• Must have Vivint monitoring service
• It requires an update in video storage
• Notifications can get overwhelming, set limits

The Vivint sky app comes free on any smart device (phone or tablet) on packages over $40/mo.  Once users terminate monitoring account their login to the app will be limited as well.  Costs vary depending on the type of security system one wants, anywhere from $40-80 a month. Additionally, it will cost you $129 if you wish to relocate the system.

#3 – Protect America Mobile Home Security Control Apps

iOS app  |  Android app  |  Protect America review  |  Visit site 

The Protect America app is very simple and to the point.  It is Z-wave product compatible so don’t be deceived by its simplicity.  It can still manage and view cameras, automation and even GPS tracking.  The dashboard has nothing to be envious of but it gets the job done.  It is also the most cost efficient option available.  Most of Protect America’s equipment is GE and they still use a keypad (simonXT) panel which integrates with this.

Pros

• Easy to setup user account and connect to security system
• Simple in design and nature
• Uses Alarm.com reliable software
• Lowest price monitoring
• Live support
• Free on all security plans $34 and above

Cons

• Several 3 star reviews
• Must be an active customer
• Not the ‘coolest’ app available

For users that want a reliable mobile security app for a low cost while not losing functionality then this is their choice.  Protect America has been around since 1992 and is a DIY security system.  For users who use this, most of the time it will be for the simple arm and disarming of the alarm.  Save walking to the panel to type in a code, just pull out a phone at night and use this.

If interested in Protect America’s security app, the following also use the same third party app to control their security systems:

– Frontpoint

– Monitronics

– Protection One

– LiveWatch

– Link Home

If interested in other proprietary apps and the top 2 ranked here don’t seem like a fit, they include:

– Xfinity security

–  SpotCrime, how to locate local criminal activity.

– SimpliSafe

– AT&T digital life

What You Should Look For When Choosing a Home Security Apps

In case you are not satisfied with the above offerings and want to see for yourself what the market has to offer, here’s a basic list of what you should be checking out.

An intuitive control panel

The way you control your security system can ultimately make or break the entire setup. Keep in mind that the control panel connects all of your security devices, allows you to arm and disarm your system, and do so much more, so don’t cheap out on this component.

Door and window sensors

Having such sensors is essential, especially if you live on the ground floor or if your building is structured in such a way that a burglar could easily climb up and break through your windows.

Motion detectors

It should be pretty obvious why having motion sensors is a good idea, especially in the rooms where you’re not expecting anybody to go at night, and especially at your entrance or front porch.

Doorbell camera

Instead of having a classic visor (through which burglars can also look), it’s a better idea to have a doorbell camera so that only you can see who’s at your door. Keep in mind that we also recommend having a backup generator for this feature in case the power ever goes out.

Audio sensor for glass

In case the motion sensors and window sensors don’t get triggered, the glass-breaking ones surely do. These sensors listen out for high decibel levels to detect if any windows or glass items are shattered. Once they detect these uncanny happenings, they’ll sound the alarm.

Panic button

If all else fails, then a panic button should always be the ace up your sleeve. Having this feature will allow you to alert the cops or the security firm with the press of a single button. Smooth and simple.

Interface User-friendly

A user-friendly is important for users. It should have ans easy features that all ages can understand and navigate through in an effective way.

Latest Posts

• 3 Ways to know your Alarm System is Outdated
• Vivint vs ADT
• 7 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights for Homes
• Top Home Security Systems in Atlanta, GA
• How to Cancel Your Alarm Contract

William Eames

William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.

alarm-reviews.net

The post Top Home Security Apps With Smartphone Control appeared first on Alarm Reviews.

2023 Update.  Vivint Smart Home Security is the show it off, gotta-have-it-all security system.  The Vivint security home automation is smooth and you feel as if your home turned into a luxury hotel.  With Vivint reviews that luxury comes with a higher price tag. Expect $10-15 more per month than other companies.  Vivint Smart Home has been re-branded from APEX Alarm years ago.

In the most recent years, Vivint alarm systems have branched away from being a standalone security company into offering other services such as internet and solar energy.  In June of 2015, they were the first security company to add a camera doorbell so you can always see who is at your door before you answer it. What distinguishes Vivint this year? Vivint Gives Back is an internal organization committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities where we work and live. In the Vivint reviews, you can see that Vivint smart home alarm employees have volunteered a total of 214,000 hours and donated a total of $22 million. In this manner, Vivint leaves its imprint on any security system platform. 

A quick look at the pros and cons of Vivint Smart Home:

Pros

• Lots of equipment points per package
• Advanced home automation
• 24/7 live monitoring with backup stations
• Great technology and always innovating
• Easy-to-use smartphone app to control the security system
• Professional installation
• A- BBB rating

Cons

• Most expensive of all home security systems
• A door to door sales
• Long contract terms
• Nest integration with the app has several reports of being buggy
• Moving Fee

What Are the Features of Vivint Smart Home Security?

Vivint SkyControl Panel

Vivint’s starter kit includes the latest version SkyControl panel. The control panel serves as the command center for the Vivint devices. The system will continue to work with its battery backup and cellular connection even if you lose power. It has a color touchscreen, built-in Z-wave technology, two-way voice communication with an alarm monitoring operator, built-in cellular communication, is compatible with all 2GIG sensors, allows remote management from a computer or any phone, has a rechargeable backup battery that lasts up to 24 hours, and is waterproof. 

Mobile App

You’ll get the Vivint mobile app when you purchase the Vivint monthly monitoring service. The mobile app lets you control your smart home security system from anywhere.

Doorbell Camera

Vivint’s doorbell camera offers two-way talk and one-way video, night vision, and a 180-degree view to provide wide viewing at the front door.  Alerts will also be sent and record 20-second clips when motion is detected. The Doorbell Camera Pro uses Smart Deter, which has been improved with computer vision chip technology, to deftly identify deliveries and lurkers. A 90 dB speaker and a bright LED ring are activated when the camera detects someone attempting to steal a box, alerting the would-be thief that they have been captured on camera. In the Vivint review, it is stated that the doorbell cameras have an image sensor, field of view, night vision, maximum video resolution, connectivity, and clip length.

Doorbell Live Stream

View your doorbell camera at any time using the Vivint mobile app.  Users will be able to speak to visitors through the mobile phone or the SkyControl panel. Through these Vivint security reviews, you will be able to know that you can view live events outside your home and watch recorded clips from your Vivint cameras.

Ping Indoor Camera

Vivint’s Ping indoor camera provides a night vision, one-way video, and two-way talk capabilities.

Element Thermostat

Vivint’s Element thermostat profiles can be set for away, home, sleep, and vacation.  The temperature can also be adjusted through Alexa, Vivint’s app, and the Sky control panel.

Smart Home Security System

Vivint’s motion detector can be installed in any room to receive alerts if the motion is detected.

Tip – skip ahead in this review by clicking any of these quick links:  Prices – Equipment – Installation – Uniqueness – Door to door – Customer support – Conclusion

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Vivint Quick Facts

What’s a Vivint Smart Home Alarm System going to cost?

Their price is higher than average but you get more bang for your buck.  In February 2017, they changed their pricing to a leasing term.  See the updated information below.

Free Installation and Activation:  $0.  You now lease/finance your equipment into the length of the contract (provided you qualify, see if I qualify!). But if you decide to relocate and move out to your old house and want to reinstall your Vivint smart home, you will need to pay  $129 for re-installed.

Packages updated:  Up until 2023, Vivint offered 3 packages ranging from $39-$60/month.  Each higher package had more equipment. With the recent changes, each package is now customized to what the user needs and wants.  There are no pre-defined pricing plans.  You just talk with a sales rep and decide what your residence needs in the way of home security and automation.  They have a ‘no money down’ option now available.

Monitoring:  This is dependent on how many services one uses.  For example, basic home security will be $15-25 less a month than the full home automation system.  Expect $39 to $80 a month with Vivint’s home security. If users decide to purchase the equipment outright, there is no long-term commitment.

Agreement:  Vivint is on the higher end of agreement lengths.  They have 36, 42 and now is 60 months.  You are able to move for a relocation fee during this time if needed.

Users can mix it up however they would like.  With $0 starting cost, now having a full home automation system is within reach. 

All the High Tech Gadgets…

Need the latest and greatest?  Want to convert your home to a Vivint Smart Home? This may be your choice.

Essentials: From A to Z…  The panel is touchscreen giving it a cleaner design than competitors.  You get your basic needs met with glass breaks, motion sensors, windows, CO2, cameras, and more.

(Vivint app store ratings, close to 5000+ 4.5 star reviews).

Home Automation: King of it.  Their mobile app can control your lights, smart thermostat, alarm, door locks, video surveillance, small appliance controls, medical pendants, and more.  As a company, they are pushing towards energy efficiency such as their solar panel program.

Advanced:  Technically speaking…  Are you a geek or like to show off?  Perimeter access, remote locks, Z-wave integration, and far more nerdy things are available.

Catering:  Would you like some fries with that?  Whatever you want you can get (for a price of course).

They lead the industry in smart home equipment.  Just like anything nice, you get what you pay for. 

Let Them Do the Work

A Vivint branded technician will show up.  Because the equipment does take an expert to install, users are glad they did not try to do it themselves.

Here’s how it should go:

Decide: Call 855-298-7671 to hear about different packages.

Schedule:  Set a date. Plan a time and make sure you or someone you trust is home. 

Go Time:  Sit back & watch. 1-2 hours to install the security system.  Everything is wireless but door locks, cameras, and other items will take longer.

You’re secured:  Show me how!  The tech will teach you how to run everything as well as set up your key codes and mobile control accounts.

If you buy from a door-to-door salesman, you may get an out of state technician who is a first timer and doesn’t do a great job.

What Makes these Guys Special?

They stand out from other companies by being on the luxury end.  

The Sky Smart screen panel. 

Touchscreen panel: This will look good.  They use GE & Honeywell equipment but not for their control panel.  Every package now gets a Sky touchscreen panel instead of the 2gig.

Seamless automation:  That was easy…  From the panel to the smartphone control, iOS devices, Android boxes, and devices, everything is one smooth transition.  Imagine driving into a 50 ft. range from your home and the alarm turns off, doors unlock and you walk in.

Energy Management:  Save some money!  The energy management package gives you 12 energy-efficient light bulbs, smart thermostat control, weather alerts, and small appliance control.

BBB Rating – A:  Updated — they now have an A on the BBB and negative reviews have been dealt with directly by customer relations.  Any bad rap they had is often associated with their door-to-door sales program which can be tied to the salesman (lying to the customer, resulting in a complaint to BBB, lawsuits, etc.) and not the company.  

The Neighborhood Blog:  Does anyone read this? You should. A daily blog with dozens of security (not just home) articles.  They are socially involved online and actively involved with serving the community.

Cellular Service Only:  No landline package available.  Out with the old, in with the new.  If you do happen to be one of the few people left with a landline phone, check out Protect America who can monitor it for $19/mo.

Hello… Anyone Home?

Their hours are more limited than other companies but they are easy to get hold of.

Chat Support:  Type away.  Customer or not you can chat with them.  Click here to chat with them

Technical Support:  Speak geek?  They have direct lines to security and automation support.

Online Videos:  Not your Friday night movie…  When the technician comes to your home he will show you them.

FAQ:  They have a great online FAQ area that is easy to navigate through and find your topic of interest.  

Customer Support:  They will be there.  Vivint’s customer support has a wide range of hours, making it easy for Vivint’s customer service. 

Email:  support@vivint.com.

We give their customer support a 3 of 5 star rating. 

Who’s that Guy at My Door?  A Door to Door Sales Reviews

Each summer (and yearly in warmer states) Vivint Smart Home sends out a massive door to door sales force.

It’s how it all got started after all…  Founder Todd Pederson first started a door-to-door Pest control company out of a trailer.  Fast forward a few years and that turned into a Home Security company named APEX and then they re-branded to Vivint to enter a new phase of innovative home automation, energy-saving, and solar features.  In 2015 he even appeared in an undercover boss episode to better study Vivint security.

How the Summer Sales program works:  They have 4,000+ commission-based men and women who after finishing a semester of college (end of April) head out to their assigned area and knock on doors 8-10 hours per day.  Offices staff between 20-50 sales reps and with their growing sales force size, a state may have anywhere from 1-5 offices. Vivint services are now available in 49 states.

They are known to re-knock areas and homes multiple times throughout the year which irritates the majority of homeowners.  Despite many lawsuits they have faced in several states, they bring in a LARGE number of sales each year (150,000 +) most of whom are homeowners who weren’t planning on buying a security system at the time.

Because reps are commissioned-based employees, they may have high sales pressure tactics to get the system installed the very same day.  You can verify your rep is by calling the company.

Tip:  If you are just not comfortable purchasing at the moment, then don’t rush it!  There are always good deals online and it is smart to have your other’s approval before doing anything first.

Make sure they have a  Vivint Smart Home badge and that it correlates with other IDs. 

Vivint’s home security & automation equipment:

Frequently Asked Questions In Vivint Reviews

Is Vivint a reputable company?

Despite a few flaws and drawbacks, Vivint is indeed a reputable company. Nothing is perfect, and neither is Vivint, but that shouldn’t distract you from all of the things that this brand does so well. Overall, according to Vivint home security reviews is a highly rated security system for those seeking professional installation. And, what’s best is that the brand offers all sorts of options for every possible budget. You won’t feel left out because there’s always an option for any pocket out there. You can check the Vivint security alarm reviews for the customers’ feedback on their products.

Does Vivint send door-to-door salesmen?

Yes, Vivint usually operates on this type of business model and their sellers work solely from commissions and nothing more. However, you can also access their website and purchase the equipment directly without having to wait for a door-to-door salesman to come knocking on your door.

How much does a Vivint door-to-door sales rep make?

The salary trajectory of a door-to-door sales representative ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $69,609 per year and goes up to $103,464 per year for the highest level of seniority. That is, of course, if the salesman manages to make their set monthly target. If not, then we don’t know the full level of disputes or what money they can get out of Vivint seeing that they only work on commissions and not actual salaries.

How much does a Vivint field tech make?

Typically, a Vivint Smart Home Field Service Technician makes $21 per hour. However, the salaries can vary based on experience, overall performance, and numerous other factors. Based on the most recent data, field service technicians at Vivint can make anywhere from $13 to $37 per hour. Is that too little? Well, we’re not sure because we don’t fully understand all of the work that goes into this position. So we’ll let you be the judge of that.

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Final Thoughts on the Vivint Customer Reviews

Vivint has had its share of ups and downs ever since the start as APEX Alarm.  Due to high commission payouts for their sales reps, it may never be easy to monitor what is said and promised by their sales reps in order to get a sale.  It is always smart to do your research and call before buying.

If you plan on living in your current residence for 5 years with confidence and can afford it, then Vivint smart home security reviews should be your choice for home security.  If you think you might move in the next 1-5 years and want something more affordable, then review some of the other top home security systems first.

You may also be interested in Vivint versus ADT.

 Call for a Free Quote 855-298-7671

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Isabelle Landau

Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.

The post Vivint Smart Home Review appeared first on Alarm Reviews.

This article will cover the topic of biometric security systems and explain why they are essential in the increasingly dangerous world of the 21st century. We will also discuss the privacy concerns that these systems and their use entails.

What Is Biometric Security?

Biometric security is security based on the physical characteristics of an individual. The word itself is a combination of two Greek words: bio, which means ‘life,’ and metric, which means ‘to measure.’

When Did It Originate?

Using key biologic markers to identify individuals goes back thousands of years. As far back as 500BC, we have evidence that Babylonian clay tablets used for business transactions included fingerprints.

1800s Biometrics

Alphonse Bertillon, a Persian anthropologist and French police officer in the late 19th century, developed a method of identification based on physical characteristics. He used an anthropological technique called anthropometry,

Bertillon went on to codify his system, which came to be known as the Bertillon System. It was defined by an individual’s physical characteristics such as height, trunk measurement, front and side photographs, scars, birthmarks and other metrics. It was used for decades in both in Europe and the United States until fingerprint identification supplanted it.

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Biometric Scanner Limitations

Types of Biometric Security

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyQsGxSUlfE

Current biometric security systems operate using different physical measurements. Here are some of the more common types:

Fingerprint Identification

 

While using fingerprints for identification began in theearly 20th century, the first automated fingerprint identification systems didn’t start to be used until the 1970s. Today, fingerprint scanners are available on many security systems, as well as on many smart phones.

Retinal Scanning

Your retina is a circle of tissue on the back side of your eye. It contains the rods and cones that translate the focused light from your eye’s lens into neural signals that your optic nerve passes to your brain.

There are many tiny blood vessels feeding the cells of your retina. Those blood vessels form a pattern that is unique to each individual. Retinal scanners can map those blood vessels and store them in a data base for recall.

 

Other Ocular Scans

There are two other types of ocular (eye) scans that are separate and distinct from retinal scans. They are iris scans and scleral vein recognition.

Iris Scans

Iris scans map the unique pattern of an individual’s iris, which is the colored area of the eye behind the cornea that contains the pupil. The advantage of the iris scan is that it can be performed from up to ten feet away and is as simple as taking a high-resolution photo.

Scleral Vein Scans

Scleral vein scanning is a recent technology. Scleral veins are the veins found in the whites of your eyes. They also have a unique pattern based on each individual’s eye structure. It uses the Y-shaped branches of veins which are multi-layered in the sclera to provide a high degree of recognition accuracy.

Voice Recognition

 

Voice recognition systems are computer programs that parse the human voice. They break down speech into its component parts, including timbre, modulation, tone and cadence to identify one individual from another.

There is some doubt how secure this identification is, however. One reporter used his identical twin to fool a banking system into thinking his twin was him. The best estimate of current voice recognition systems is that they are around 90% accurate.

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Hand Geometry

Hand geometry recognition is a refinement of Bertillon’s system. They measure the length, surface area, thickness and width of a user’s hand. A limitation of hand geometry security systems is that they cannot perform one-to-many comparisons but are limited to one-to-one verification.

Facial Recognition

Facial recognition systems use relationships between various facial features to identify one face from another. The distance between the eyes, or the distance from the chin to the tip of the nose are captured and stored in a data base.

Facial recognition systems are used in many security systems today, as they have the advantage of being able to be used at a considerable distance from the subject, making them valuable where large numbers of people are in attendance, such as airports or sporting events.

Smart Phone Facial Recognition

Many smart phones use facial recognition as one method of unlocking the phone to allow user access. For example, Apple’s iPhone X uses an infrared projector to send 30,000 dots onto the face of the user and uses pattern matching to unlock the phone.

The LG V30 smart phone combines facial, voice and fingerprint information to provide increased phone security. Using multiple security devices to prevent unauthorized access is becoming more common in today’s security systems.

Biometric Scanner Limitations

These scanners are not without limitations. Numerous successful attempts to fool biometric sensors have been successful.

3D Head Models

Some University of North Carolina (UNC) researchers were able to fool four out of five security systems that depended on facial recognition. They took photographs of people’s facial features and used them to produce 3D models of those individual’s heads.

Fingerprint Spoofing

Many fingerprint recognition systems have been spoofed by techniques as simple as creating a latex finger complete with a fingerprint. An early iPhone could be unlocked when a picture of a fingerprint was transferred to glass.

Today’s more sophisticated fingerprint scanners include other sensors to verify that the fingerprint is actually attached to a living finger. These include temperature and moisture sensors and have proven to be much harder to fool.

Is There a Need for Biometric Security?

 

Yes, with limits. While today’s increasingly complex world makes security systems unavoidable, there are also privacy concerns that also must be addressed.

Fourth Amendment Protections

In the United States, the fourth amendment to the Constitution protects us from unreasonable search and seizure, It also protects us from warrantless searches. The fourth amendment protection against warrantless searches was a response to the British colonial practice of judges granting ‘Writs of Assistance’ to British soldiers.

Those writs were unspecified about what was being searched for as well as the people or area that could be searched. In effect, judges were telling soldiers that they could just go into a township and search everyone for everything. These Writs of Assistance were one of the key factors that caused the colonists to revolt.

Patel v. Facebook

Many privacy advocates opine that the use of surveillance systems violate fourth amendment protections. In a recent decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Patel v. Facebook, the court ruled that Facebook had violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) because they used face recognition technology on the users’ photographs without the users’ knowledge and consent.

How Biometric Security Systems Will Work in the 21st Century

As we move further into the 21st century, we anticipate that Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) will continue to proliferate throughout our cities, airports and sporting venues. Court cases will challenge the fourth amendment ramifications of these cameras and their use to gather metadata.

Security systems will become increasingly multi-sensored, combining various biometric recognition factors such as fingerprint, retinal scans and voice recognition systems. We anticipate this increasingly multi-layered approach to biometric security systems will continue as even more unique biometric identifiers become available.

Conclusion

From smart phones to airports and from sporting events to strolling down the street to your favorite restaurant, biometric surveillance and security are here to stay. At the same time, privacy concerns and constitutional protections need to be considered and enforced.

How this will all work out? That’s the big question that tomorrow’s ethicists and courts will have to answer.

Featured Image from Pixabay

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William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.

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The post Biometric Security: How Security Systems Will Work in the 21st Century appeared first on Alarm Reviews.

Now that you’ve thought about it, finding the best wireless dog fence seems like a good idea, right? But where to start? In this article, we will help you figure out the best wireless dog fence for your needs, whether you have a huge area of land you want to use, an underground wireless setup you’d prefer, waterproof concerns, or more. Any dog owner who’s trying to find their best wireless dog fence will be able to make an informed decision with this knowledge at hand.

Product FAQ

1. What Is a Wireless Dog Fence?

Wireless dog fences are what their name says. Unlike a physical fence, these allow you to give your dog a contained space to run around and play in without a barrier in your yard. This is perfect for those who can’t build a fence for some reason, for those who have large areas of land where a physical fence might be impractical or don’t want to obstruct the views in their yards with an actual barrier.

They also have the benefit of being portable, so you can take it with you if you move or even if you go on vacation – like camping, for instance. They also provide a great deal of convenience to any owner who wants to let their dogs enjoy some freedom without being tethered to them. Once your dog is trained to understand the boundaries of your best wireless dog fence, you and your dog can both enjoy these benefits.

2. How Does a Wireless Dog Fence Work?

Wireless dog fences can be either underground wires, which are ideal for areas of land greater than two acres, or they can operate on a radio frequency through a device you keep in your house. This communicates with the collar to use negative reinforcement and give the dog a small shock whenever they get too close to the edge of the boundaries you’ve established. After some training, your dog will learn to avoid approaching these boundaries and will be able to enjoy running around in the established area without worry or stress from you.

3. Where Can You Buy Them?

You can purchase your best wireless dog fence at your local pet stores like PetSmart, or online from Amazon.
4. Do Wireless Dog Fences Hurt Dogs?

No, your best wireless dog fence will bring your pup no harm. It delivers a small shock through the collar,which has been compared to a splash of cold water to a human. It’s a surprise to the dog and meant to get their attention and serve as negative reinforcement to train them. They often have tones before the shock too, so the dogs can learn the alarm and avoid feeling anything physical at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIJf-qovn_Y

How We Reviewed

We reviewed these wireless dog fences in an unbiased manner, searching through reviews and best of articles, even seeing what veterinarians use on their own pets, to find the best wireless dog fence options for you. We compare the features, pros, cons, and price of each option so that you can figure out which wireless dog fence is the best wireless dog fence option for you and your pet.

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)

Cheaper wireless dog fences cost anywhere from $30 – $60 while the most expensive wireless dog fences on this list cost anywhere from $300 – $410.

What We Reviewed

• PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System
• Friendly Pet Products Wireless Dog Fence
• Petsafe PIF-300 Wireless Containment System
• PetSafe Pawz Away Pet Barriers Adjustable Range
• Stubborn Dog Fence without Wire
• AsyPets Wireless Pet Containment System
• PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Fence
• Motorola WIRELESSFENCE25
• PetPi Wireless Dog Fence Containment System
• Perimeter Technologies Wire-Free Wi-Fi Dog Fence
• AngelaKerry Wireless Dog Fence System with GPS
• Depps Wireless Pet Containment System

PetSafe Wireless Fence Pet Containment System

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Features

This system allows for up to half an acre of coverage around your home for your pet to roam free. With a waterproof adjustable collar, this comes with five different tones for your dog to learn from. It also sets up easily for portability.

Range of Coverage

1/2 acre, 90 ft in each direction around the transmitter.

PROS

• Adjustable collar fits pets of 8 lbs and up
• Works for up to a half acre of land
• 5 tones for levels of correction
• Set up in 2 hours or less
• Doesn’t require underground digging
• Waterproof collar

CONS

• Some said didn’t work well on a sloped yard
• Some had issues with plastic on collars breaking

Friendly Pet Products Wireless Dog Fence

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Features

This wireless dog fence is easy to set up by cutting a shallow line in the ground for your cable to be inserted. This allows for a customizable space for your dog to run in. With additional cable, it can cover up to five acres, so it can provide coverage for a huge area.

Range of Coverage

1/3 acre with included cable, up to five acres with additional cable

PROS

• Easy set up with customer support if needed
• Cord makes it more reliable with no patchy spots
• Doesn’t matter what shape area is
• Expands to up to five acres with enough cable

CONS

• Some said batteries that came with it were cheap and died quickly
• Some had issues with transmitters dying too quickly

Petsafe PIF-300 Wireless Containment System

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Features

Another radio frequency transmitter, this system effortlessly covers half an acre of land with the transmitter set up in your house. You just train your pet to understand the tones and the warning beep before running past the boundaries and you’re good to go.

Range of Coverage

1/2 acre of land

PROS

• Works on pets 8 lbs and up
• Works on up to 1/2 acre of land
• 2 dog set up includes an extra collar for two pets
• Waterproof collar
• No need for cables, just the transmitter

CONS

• Some had issues with the noise going off, so their dogs got out
• Some said the covered distance was less than claimed
• Expensive

PetSafe Pawz Away Pet Barriers Adjustable Range

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Features

Designed for indoor use, this pet barrier is meant to keep your dog away from areas you don’t want them touching in your home, such as the trash can, kitchen, or dining room table.

Range of Coverage

2-12 ft diameter out from the transmitter

PROS

• Perfect for training dog inside your home
• Ensures you can keep certain areas of your home untouchable to your pet, for their safety too
• Waterproof
• Effective on pets 5 lbs and up

CONS

• Not for outdoor use
• Some said it did not deter their larger pets

Stubborn Dog Fence without Wire

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Features

This wireless dog fence is intended to train even stubborn pets to stay within boundaries. It uses the maximum strength for shocking while still not being painful to make sure your dog stays in your area.

Range of Coverage

Up to 10 acres

PROS

• Covers up to ten acres
• Low battery indicator
• Works even on stubborn and hard to train pets
• Works on hearing-impaired dogs

CONS

• Expensive
• Some said transmitter gave up quickly

AsyPets Wireless Pet Containment System

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Features

This wireless dog fence keeps your pets in an area no matter how large or what shape you choose as long as it’s within 656 ft. This system is ideal for those with multiple pets since there is no limit to the number of collars you can use with it.

Range of Coverage

Up to 656 ft

PROS

• Works on dogs 8 lbs and up
• Water resistant
• Works on area up to 656 ft
• Produces tone that intensifies until the dog learns
• Variable area you can adjust
• No limit to the number of dogs

CONS

• Some had quality issues with product breaking

PetSafe Stay + Play Wireless Fence

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Features

This wireless dog fence is great for up to 3/4 of an acre of freedom for your dog. There are correctional tones for your pup to get used to, and the rechargeable collar helps you save batteries and money in the long run.

Range of Coverage

Up to 3/4 acre

PROS

• Covers up to 3/4 acre
• Can use with unlimited number of collars
• Rechargeable collar
• Easy and portable set up

CONS

• Expensive
• Some found signal to be inconsistent

Motorola WIRELESSFENCE25

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Features

This dog fence is ideal for any pet’s personality. With a whopping fifteen different tones of correction from gentle to firm, you can use this no matter how strong or stubborn your pet.

Range of Coverage

Up to one acre

PROS

• Covers up to one acre
• Works on pets over 20 lbs
• Rechargeable battery
• 15 different levels of correctional tone

CONS

• Not good for smaller pets
• Expensive

PetPi Wireless Dog Fence Containment System

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Features

This wireless dog fence uses wi-fi instead of an underground wire or a radio frequency in order to create a fence. While this system should not be used on more aggressive dogs, it’s a great collar system for those who don’t have a huge area for their dogs to run.

Range of Coverage

Up to 500m

PROS

• Uses wi-fi to wirelessly create fenced in area
• Works on up to 500 m
• No limit on number of collars
• Sleeping mode to save battery

CONS

• Some said signal was inconsistent

Perimeter Technologies Wire-Free Wi-Fi Dog Fence

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Features

This powerful wi-fi wireless dog fence covers up to 2 1/2 acres of land just on wi-fi. The transmitter doubles as a charging port so that you can save money on batteries.

Range of Coverage

Up to 2 1/2 acre

PROS

• Up to 2 1/2 acre
• Uses wi-fi
• Built in battery station in transmitter
• Easy set up

CONS

• Expensive
• Incompatible with certain metal areas

AngelaKerry Wireless Dog Fence System with GPS

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Features

This system uses GPS, which is much different from most wireless dog fences. The GPS is supposed to be more accurate at tracking the location of your dog, and, as a bonus, it eliminates the need for a transmitter.

Range of Coverage

Up to 800m

PROS

• Uses GPS in the collar to track the location
• No need for transmitter since it’s built-in
• Protection feature turns stimulation off after 20 seconds if the dog leaves boundaries
• Covers up to 800m

CONS

• Not ideal near tall buildings or on rainy days

Depps Wireless Pet Containment System

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Features

This system worked even through forest on dogs up to 1000 ft away. With two tones to gradually increase based on how close your dog is to the boundaries, this waterproof collar works well to keep your pets right where you want them.

Range of Coverage

Covers up to a 1000ft radius

PROS

• Works on dogs 10 lbs and up
• Coverage goes to up to 1000 ft without wire underground
• Two tones gradually build in intensity
• Easy setup
• Waterproof collar

CONS

• Expensive

The Verdict – Best Wireless Dog Fence

After examining the features, pros, cons, and price of twelve different wireless dog fences, we’ve determined that the best wireless dog fence is the Depps Wireless Pet Containment System. It falls into the midrange of price, at $170 for the system. But it seems to be worth it, with users satisfied at the effect this collar had on their pets.    Though it takes a few weeks of training, like with any wireless dog fence, this system has an easy setup and doesn’t have to deal with some of the limitations of other dog fences, like being in the rain or near tall buildings. Users said that even letting their dogs run around in the forest had no effect on how well this collar worked. For these reasons, we’ve determined this to be the best wireless dog fence available.  That said, if you have specific concerns for your dog or a lot of land to cover, you may determine that you have other choices in your best wireless dog fence. Luckily, this list is full of quality products with all different ways of containing the dog to a specific area. Any dog owner should be able to find their best wireless dog fence from this list so that they and their dog can enjoy some freedom and peace of mind.

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Isabelle Landau

Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.

The post Best Wireless Dog Fence Systems to Check Out Today appeared first on Alarm Reviews.

Smart locks not only make accessing our homes more secure but also a convenient and easy task. This is because they use encrypted data to get information and instruction from us and, at the same time, involve little to no effort to get the job done.

If you struggle to keep your keys in sight or forget about them all the time and are always searching for them whenever you want to leave the house, smart locks could be the solution you have been waiting for.

In this article, we are going to see what these smart locks can offer, and we will give you a complete solution to what you have been yearning to know. We will give you information about the best smart locks, their prices, and why you should consider purchasing one.

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Product FAQ

1. What Are Smart Locks?

Smart locks are little devices that are either fixed to the door handle or replace it to offer better security and convenience for the owners. While smart locks may use different methods, commonly they have cards, chips, or Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity that allows them to connect with your phone.

This allows them to unlock immediately when they sense you are near. Other devices use password protection in which you are prompted to enter a combination or PIN to unlock them.

2. What Are the Benefits of Smart Locks?

Security

Since most smart locks use encrypted data, security is highly enhanced. This makes it one of the safest ways to protect your home against break-ins or other situations you wish to avoid.

Another security feature is the ability to notify you when some unusual activity is occurring at your door. This might be a thief trying to break into your house or any other unauthorized persons trying to access your premises. The lock can also be set to trigger an alarm whenever this happens. This makes it a perfectly safe option if you are away from home.

For more enhanced security, you can also set it up to prompt you to enter a password or pin code to unlock the door. This is very convenient while ensuring maximum security and safety. Smart locks are also able to detect the time you are most likely to arrive by tracking your location and thus will be ready for that unlock.

Convenience

Just imagine getting to your door and finding it open just for you. This is great, right? Smart locks use WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth to sense when your phone is nearby and prepares for your entry by unlocking itself.

3. What Are Some Types of Smart Locks?

Bluetooth locks

Bluetooth is one of the most common types of smart lock. This is because they are very convenient as you can set them to open the door with a tap of your phone or the key fob once you are near your house. Bluetooth locks also support multiple devices, meaning you can add more people to your door. This is enabled by seamlessly adding different phones to the lock. Bluetooth locks also use very little energy and have a long battery life.

Biometric locks

These use registered fingerprints to open the door. Most locks allow up to 100 fingerprints, making them a solution to managing security and access to not only homes but also sensitive information and work areas.

Keypad locks

Whether on a touch interface or physical keys, these locks use a PIN to unlock. This is very convenient as you can set different passwords for different people, change passwords within minutes, or even limit access to specific users.

4. Where Can You Buy Smart Locks?

Smart locks can be found online on websites such as Amazon. Their prices have a broad range but usually start at $50.

5. Can Smart Locks Make My Life Easier?

Yes, the high security and convenience means the smart locks make your life easier.

How We Reviewed

Basing our review on features, price, pros & cons, where to buy, and warranty, we came up with a list of some of the best smart locks available on the market.  

Overall Price Range of Smart Locks

The price of the best smart locks ranges from $$ to $$$.

What We Reviewed

• August Smart Lock Second Generation
• Kwik Set Kevo
• Next X Yale
• Luckily Bluetooth Keyless Entry Door Smart Lock (PGD 728)
• Schlage Smart Sense Deadbolt
• Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock
• AKASO Smart Lock
• Danalock V3 Bluetooth & Z-Wave Smart Lock
• U-max Fingerprint Smart Lock
• Gate Labs Camera Smart Lock

August Smart Locks Second Generation

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Using Bluetooth technology, August Lock uses battery technology to connect with your phone. This makes it a perfect solution as you no longer need to use keys or even a key fob. August Lock also informs you whenever you need to replace the battery, meaning you will never get inconvenienced.

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for about $$.

Warranty

This product has a customer warranty of 12 months after you make your purchase.

Kwikset Kevo

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Another great smart lock for your home is the Kevo lock which comes packed with Bluetooth technology to connect seamlessly with your phone and allows you to unlock it by simply tapping on it. This device can also track your location for better precision. With easy-to-install instructions and a smartphone app, Kevo will ensure that your security is at par.

Price

This product can be purchased from Amazon for around $$.

Warranty

This product has a warranty of only 90 days.

Next X Yale Lock

No products found.

The Next X Yale Lock is a password-prompt lock that lets you not only encrypt your access to your house but also allows you to create different accounts with different passwords. This lock also allows you to schedule times for your guests to be allowed in and can notify you once any activity occurs.

Price

This lock is available on Amazon for around $$$.

Warranty

Two-year limited warranty.

Lockly Bluetooth Keyless Entry Door Smart Lock (PGD 728)

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With a great variety of options to consider, Lockly allows you to either use the one-touch feature to lock and unlock, use the pin option which allows up to 8 users with a master account, or use Bluetooth. Lockly is a great option for a house with family and friends who access the premises individually and would like timely access.

Price

Lockly can be purchased at around $$$ on Amazon.

Warranty

Lockly has a 16-month warranty from the time of purchase.

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

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The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt offers another great option with versatility and security being key strengths. This smart lock offers a great option if you need an almost entirely warranted product as it has a lifetime warranty.

Price

This product sells on Amazon for around $$$.

Warranty

This product has a lifetime warranty. It also has up to 3 years of electronic warranty.
 

Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock

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Named after a rock, this lock takes simplicity to the next level. It has a simple square, stylish design that immediately blends with your interior décor.

Price

This product costs around $$$ on Amazon.

Warranty

This product has a one-year electronic warranty from the time of purchase.

AKASO Smart Lock

No products found.

AKASO Smart Lock is another cheap yet versatile smart lock.

Price

Going on Amazon for about $$$.

Warranty

3 year warranty

Danalock V3 Bluetooth & Z-Wave Smart Lock

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With a relatively simple design, the Danalock V3 Bluetooth & Z-Wave Smart Lock uses both passwords and Bluetooth connectivity to provide access to your house lock.

Price

On Amazon, Danalock V3 Bluetooth & Z-Wave Smart Lock costs about $$$.

Warranty

90 days from the time of purchase

U-Max Fingerprint Smart Lock

No products found.

This is a 5-in-1 keyless entry that increases the convenience of entering your home. The lock can be controlled using your smartphone via Bluetooth technology.

Price

This product goes for around $$$ on Amazon.

Warranty

One-year warranty

Gate Labs Camera Smart Lock

No products found.

This lock combines the power of a biometric fingerprint reader and password prompt with Bluetooth technology, making it a versatile smart lock option.

Price

This product goes for about $$$.

Warranty

One-year warranty

The Verdict: The Best Smart Locks

Using this review, you may find it easy to choose a smart lock that matches your needs. For an individual household where convenience and security are the key issues, a lock such as August Smart Lock should do very well. In offices, however, where access is required by some staff, you can consider getting much wider access with the Kwikset Kevo which allows up to 100 users. Either way, getting a smart lock will not only ease the way you interact with your door but also your sense of security, control, and confidence as a whole.

Featured Image via Unsplash

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• How to Cancel Your Alarm Contract

William Eames

William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.

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The nanny cam has come a long way as smaller cameras and recording devices benefit from nanotechnology and innovations in silicon chip design and manufacturing. As technology does more in smaller packages, spy cameras can reach the public at affordable prices. Consumers can use these cameras to keep watch over babies and toddlers, elderly family members, and even beloved pets. Don’t let perceived high cost and setup challenges dissuade you from taking advantage of this affordable technology. The uses for the best nanny cam models are many, and the best nanny cams are usually under $100.

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• Brickhouse Security CAM-MICRO Camscura Micro 720P HD Hidden Camera
• HawkCam Pro Home Security Camera Wireless, Nanny Cam
• Black Motion Detection Spy Clothes Hook Hidden Camera
• IP Camera, UOKOO 720P WiFi Security Camera Internet Surveillance Camera
• Nest Security Camera, Keep an Eye on What Matters to You, from Anywhere
• Arlo – Add-on Camera with Motion Detection
• Amcrest
  ProHD 1080P WiFi Camera 2MP (1920TVL) Indoor Pan
• Blink Indoor Home Security Camera System with Motion Detection
• D-Link DCS-5222L HD Pan & Tilt Wi-Fi Camera

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A small camera with a nice range of features in an affordable package. Hides well, and includes motion, sound and vibration detection.

Features

The Brickhouse is an affordable camera with a good range of basic features: it records 10 hours continuously and you can get a couple of more hours by adjusting the settings; it has high quality 1280-pixel video that it stores on an SD card, and it activates by motion, noise, or vibration.

Pros

• High-quality video
• Easy to hide
• Affordable
• Easy to use

Cons

• Recording time somewhat limited
• The small size makes adjustments more difficult
• No live feed

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.

Where to Buy

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Marketed as easy to use, with five-minute setup simplicity even a chimp could master, the HawkCam is an aggressive eye in the sky that will convey live recording, a feature many many dog owners and security enthusiasts treasure.

Features

The Hawk has a wide-angle lens that is quick and easy to mount and set up in the home. Multiple cameras can be used and easily set up with a live feed to your phone, tablet, or computer. This camera will give live-action feedback. Wireless, motion-advanced and affordable—this security beacon will please most buyers.

Pros

• Can set up multiple cameras
• Live feed
• Great for pets, elderly, security
• Quick and easy setup
• No monthly subscription

Cons

• More camera than most people need
• Advertisers SMS but doesn’t deliver
• Set-up time optimistic

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $$$.

Where to Buy

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Super simple, easy to mount, and will get you into the nanny cam groove with a minor investment.

Features

The name says it all: it attaches with a clothing pin to almost any area. This means mounting is simple and it can be placed almost anywhere. This affordable little recorder handles video. The mountain device looks just like a clothes hanger, so tell family NOT to hand anything as that will obscure the camera’s eye.

Pros

• Simple mounting
• Hidden camera
• Easy to use
• Very Affordable

Cons

• Hard to control lights
• Films a small area
• No live feed
• No Cloud or other compatibility
• No WiFi
• No Audio
• Third-party sellers only

Price

This product can be found only on Amazon for around $$ but can only be purchased through third-party sellers.

Where to Buy

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This little Nanny cam sits on the table or counter and works great for pet monitoring and home security. For an affordable camera without spy specs, the IP does the job with decent quality video and two-way audio for a surprisingly affordable price.

Features

With 355-degree horizontal views and a 120-degree vertical view, this camera gets a good range of view in your home. It has its own base and can be set up on any flat surface. the IP UOKOO comes with a 64GB TF card and has HD quality filming at 720p. Compatible with Android or iOS. Remote access, motion activation, and two-way talk allow for a lot of interactivity.

Pros

• Pan tilt
• Night vision
• Two-way talk
• High-quality video
• Multi-platform compatible
• Live feed
• Affordable

Cons

• Made for sitting on a surface
• Can’t hide it

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.

Where to Buy

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Sleek looking eye in the sky and interactive, the Nest covers a lot of bases for a moderate investment.

Features

A versatile camera that looks like modernized security came, the Nest can be set up to stand on its base or can be mounted on a wall. Small enough to keep it unobtrusive, it has 2-way speakers, live feed and multi-platform capability.

Pros

• High-quality video
• Stands or mounts to the wall
• Saves film on Cloud
• Plugs in easily
• Cool looking art addition to home
• Night vision
• Motion-activated

Cons

• Not small enough to hide
• Expensive

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $$$.

Where to Buy

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This mini camera is weather-resistant, wireless, uses batteries, and is easily wall-mounted or set on a dresser, desk, or patio table.

Features

The wide-angle lens is motion-activated, and the Arlo can be used indoors or out. Doesn’t hide completely but can be made to blend in, and the WiFi is easily set up. This camera can be hacked, and leaving it outdoors is risky.

Pros

• Cute
• Great lens view
• Indoor/outdoor capability
• SD card easy to use
• Magnetic mounts

Cons

• The basic model lacks audio
• Thief magnet
• Doesn’t record 24/7

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.

Where to Buy

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The Amcrest won’t miss anything with its wide-angle lens and high-quality filming. Pricey but for best nanny cam video quality we recommend Amcrest.

Features

As in its name, the 1080p beats out most of the best nanny cam products available. This little camera is also completely spy-proof and can be hidden anywhere. It has 24/7 recording and video can be uploaded to numerous storage platforms.

Pros

• 24/7 video
• Secure storage options
• Pans and tilts
• High-quality video
• Easy to hide
• Highly interactive uploads
• Small
• Affordable

Cons

• Indoors only
• Expensive
• No audio
• Best for sitting rather than mounting

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.

Where to Buy

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With strong battery life and WiFi capability, the Blink does the basics at an affordable price. Motion detection will upload to the Cloud and even save a brief video clip when necessary.

Features

This motion-activated camera is great for pet monitoring or security. For indoor use only, the Blink is durable and the batteries will last for an amazing two-years, so maintenance is a great feature. Multiple cameras can be set up easily and will interact with Alexa, Android or iOS platforms.

Pros

• Free Cloud storage
• Motion-activated
• Decent video quality
• Notification alerts
• Small

Cons

• No longer integrates with Samsung Smart Things
• Choppy antennae signal
• The instant-on feature is faulty
• Indoor use only
• Blink servers, not 100% activated

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.

Where to Buy

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A camera that moves around to capture video and sits easily on any surface, with USB and audio capability with built-in mic. An interactive cam, the D-Link has 32GB capacity for storage and 720p video quality.

Features

This small white camera looks like a mini-robot and pans and tilts to get a 340 degree horizontal and 120-degree vertical view. The Link does as it says and hooks up with Windows, Android, iPhone and uses a mdLink app for more features. A two-way mic makes communicating with pets possible, and the Link has triggers and alerts to view clips live.

Pros

• Two-way audio
• Easy to set up
• HD quality video
• Pans and tilts, good perspective
• App available
• Compatible with most platforms

Cons

• The clunky design doesn’t blend
• Poor customer service experiences
• Somewhat expensive

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.

Where to Buy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An56kQMknoA

The Verdict

Before you buy a nanny cam or dashcam, do the research. These mighty little cameras have the potential for wide-pan views, compatibility with Cloud for storage and apps for expanded features, and two-way audio. What features do you need, and what level of video quality are you looking for? Some customers want an easy-to-use device that hides, while others want indoor and outdoor security cameras in multiple rooms. Decide before you buy. An all-around starter cam we recommend is The Nest. It’s a little pricier and not a spycam, but its live stream, versatile placement, and cool look captured our attention.

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Isabelle Landau

Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.

The post 9 Best Nanny Cam Models appeared first on Alarm Reviews.

If you’re a new parent, you’ll agree that as much as you’d like to, it’s not possible to remain in the nursery all day or all through the night. Here’s where a baby monitor can help. This device is a convenient way to keep track of your baby and remotely monitor their sleep pattern. 

If you’ve been looking for the best baby monitor to keep a check on your little one, your search ends here, because we’ve prepared this list exclusively to help new parents find the right device to handle their requirements. Read on to discover the nine best baby monitor models available in the market.

Best Baby Monitor: Comparison Table

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How We Reviewed

In order to help you find the best device to monitor your baby, we carefully went through the multiple models available in online and brick-and-mortar stores to identify the finest and most effective baby monitors.

We even looked through scores of user reviews and consulted a few experts on this subject. Thereafter, armed with the information needed to filter out the best models, we arrived at this list of the best baby monitors.

Overall Price Range of the Best Baby Monitors

Higher-priced models are generally sturdier and more durable and may be equipped with a variety of functional features like pre-loaded lullabies, two-way communication, night vision, and video recording features.

What We Reviewed

• Motorola MBP36XL Portable Video Baby Monitor
• Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
• iBaby Premium Baby Monitor
• VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor
• Nanit Smart Baby Monitor
• Philips AVENT SCD630/37 Video Baby Monitor
• Babysense Video Baby Monitor
• Arlo Baby Monitor
• Cocoon Cam Plus – Baby Monitor with Breathing Monitoring

Motorola MBP36XL Portable Video Baby Monitor

Powered by a rechargeable battery that comes with a low-battery alert, this is one of the best baby monitors for parents who wish to keep an eye on their babies.

It is equipped with several utilitarian features like an LED sound level indicator, five pre-loaded lullabies, two-way communication, and a 5-inch diagonal color screen.

The camera also supports functions like remote panning, tilting, zooming in, and infrared night vision. Additionally, the device also displays the room temperature, so you can ensure that your baby is snugly cocooned in a room that isn’t too hot or too cold.

Warranty: This baby monitor is covered by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty from the date of the original purchase.

Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor

Winner of the Popular Mechanics Best Baby Monitor award in 2022, this is undoubtedly the best baby monitor for parents who are looking for a simple device that offers a ton of useful features. It comes with interchangeable optical lens capabilities, allowing you to customize the viewing angle and the zoom levels.

This baby monitor also comes with other functions like remote panning, tilting, digital zooming, sound-activated LED display, a two-way talk feature, invisible IR night vision, and an alarm.

The battery life lasts up to 12 hours in audio-only mode and 8 hours in the live-screen mode. The monitor also offers 100% digital privacy.

Warranty: This baby monitor is covered by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty from the date of the original purchase.

iBaby Premium Baby Monitor

Equipped with clean and distinct 1080p HD video quality, this device from iBaby is one of the best baby monitors available in the market.

It is equipped with several utilitarian features like night vision using nearly invisible IR LEDs, a two-way wireless communication system that allows you to communicate with your baby from wherever you are, and sensors that track the temperature, humidity, and air quality in your baby’s room.

The baby monitor also comes with a smart nursery feature that is pre-loaded with thousands of lullabies and bedtime stories. The monitor can also be connected to the affiliated app, which is extremely helpful.

Warranty: This baby monitor is covered by the manufacturer’s 365-day limited warranty from the date of the original purchase.

VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor

With a lightweight body and a vibrating sound alert on the parent unit, this is one of the best baby monitors for parents who wish to stay updated about how their baby is doing.

It supports three languages (English, French, and Spanish), and is powered by rechargeable batteries that can run for around 18 hours on a single charge. The device also comes with a 5-level sound indicator that allows you to monitor the noise levels in your baby’s room visually without turning up the volume.

This baby monitor also has a “talk” option that allows you to communicate with someone in the baby’s room and help them out if they have any queries.

Warranty: This baby monitor is covered by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty from the date of the original purchase.

Nanit Smart Baby Monitor

This smart device from Nanit is one of the best baby monitors for parents who want to understand their baby’s sleeping patterns better. The device comes with a handy feature that allows you to go through a recap of your baby’s nap and sleep-time activity.

The camera offers you round-the-clock audio and video support, with HD live streaming, exceptional night vision, and a zoom-in feature to view your baby up close. The camera can easily be wall-mounted.

Additionally, the device also offers other useful features like a soft-glow nightlight and sensors to track the temperature and humidity.

Warranty: This baby monitor is covered by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty from the date of the original purchase.

Philips AVENT SCD630/37 Video Baby Monitor

With a wall-mountable design that is easy to install and navigate, this is one of the best baby monitors for people who prefer a USB-powered device. The use of micro USB power connectors eliminates the need for special charging cables.

The screen size is around 3.5 inches, and the device has an outdoor range of up to 300 meters. It’s also pre-loaded with a few lullabies and is equipped with a handy little talkback feature that allows you to communicate with your baby. Some of the other features included in this baby monitor are a night light, a voice-activation mode, and a room temperature sensor.

Warranty: This baby monitor is covered by the manufacturer’s 24-month limited warranty from the date of the original purchase.

Babysense Video Baby Monitor

This device is one of the best baby monitors for parents with twins or parents who require devices with two cameras. An OK button on the parent unit allows you to switch between the cameras, and the unit comes with a 2.4-inch high-quality color LCD display that is powered by 2.4GHz FHSS technology.

The baby monitor also supports two-way talkback communication and comes with a number of utilitarian functions like infrared night vision, room-temperature monitoring with alerts for high and low temperatures, sound-activated LED indication, alarm and timer settings, and a 2x digital zoom.

Warranty: This baby monitor is covered by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty from the date of the original purchase.

Arlo Baby Monitor

One of the best baby monitors in the market for tech-savvy parents, this device from Arlo works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant. It supports 1080p HD video quality and allows you to view live and recorded videos in rich detail.

The baby monitor is also equipped with advanced night vision that’s powered by nearly invisible infrared LEDs and comes with a convenient and useful two-way wireless talk feature to connect with your baby from wherever you are.

Additionally, this baby monitor also has a host of smart nursery features that include a lullaby player and sensors that track the temperature, humidity, and the air quality in the room.  

Warranty: This baby monitor is covered by the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty.

Cocoon Cam Plus – Baby Monitor with Breathing Monitoring

The Cocoon Cam is validated by top pediatricians including the NICU at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. What makes this device one of the best baby monitors in the market is the fact that it comes with a number of thoughtful features that parents will actually love.

Swaddle stories is one such innovative function, and it shows you a time lapse of your baby’s sleep throughout the night. Another useful feature is the breath-monitoring graph. The device also comes with a two-way talk feature that allows you to communicate with the baby from wherever you are.

Warranty: If you’re unsatisfied with the product, you can return the Cocoon Cam within 100 days in exchange for a full refund. However, for obtaining information about the warranty on this baby monitor, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer.

Best Baby Monitor FAQ

Let’s first take a look at the answers to some frequently asked questions about the best baby monitors.

1. What Is A Baby Monitor?

A baby monitor is an electronic system that parents can use to remotely monitor their babies. Back when baby monitors were first conceived and developed, they could only record sounds.

However, with progress in technology, baby monitors evolved to record both audio and video in high resolution. A baby monitor typically consists of one or more cameras that are linked to a parent unit. 

Today, baby monitors carry out a variety of functions such as live streaming of audio and video; recording and replaying overnight footage; monitoring the temperature, humidity, and air quality in the baby’s room; alerting parents in case there’s a change in the baby’s breathing pattern; and facilitating two-way communication between the baby’s room and the parent’s location. 

2. What Are Some Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Baby Monitor?

Some of the primary factors to consider before buying a baby monitor include the device’s battery life, the quality of audio and video streaming and recording, and the durability of the construction.

Secondary factors to take into account include the presence of additional features like temperature sensors, lullabies, two-way communication, and footage replays.

The kind of circuit also needs to be considered. While closed-circuit baby monitors ensure that your network isn’t hacked, it prevents you from monitoring your baby when you’re not at home. So, take all your requirements into account before making a purchase. 

3. Where Can You Buy The Best Baby Monitors?

Online marketplaces like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Home Depot are the most convenient places to shop for the best baby monitors.

You can read through tons of user reviews before making a purchase. Alternatively, if you’ve heard highly about a specific model, you could try to purchase it directly from the manufacturer’s online store if they have one.

But if you prefer to shop for a baby monitor in brick-and-mortar stores so you can physically inspect and look through the many models before purchasing one of them, a local departmental store or an electronic outlet is a good place to go.

Also if you want to look for something extra, check our reviews about baby nanny cam models and choose what is best for you!

The Verdict

Without a doubt, the DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor from Infant Optics is the finest baby monitor from among the nine best models we’ve chosen to review.

While its screen may be a bit smaller when compared with other models, it performs its core functions excellently. The audio and video quality are above par, and the battery life is quite impressive.

It’s even priced quite reasonably and comes with several handy and useful features. Following close behind as the runners-up are the baby monitors from Nanit and Arlo Technologies.

William Eames

William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.

alarm-reviews.net

The post 9 Best Baby Monitor Models appeared first on Alarm Reviews.

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Protecting yourself and your family from burglars is one of the most, if not the most, important things you can do when thinking about getting a security system for your home. Sure, you have alarms, motion sensors, and detectors, and many other measures, but there is also a way to stop the criminals before they even enter your home.

A security system, which is essentially a glass break sensor, sounds an alarm whenever a window or a glass door becomes broken or damaged, thus scaring off the criminal and alerting everyone inside the house.

If a glass break sensor is something you need or you are thinking about because you live inside a house that has many windows or glass doors, we have selected some of the best sensors for you to consider.

How We Reviewed

When reviewing the following glass break sensors, the most important thing we took into consideration was effectiveness. Why install a poor sensor and compromise the safety of your family?

Since safety is the priority, we reviewed some of the most useful and overall best sensors out there in the market. Since they are all very effective, some will be better than the others, but ultimately, it depends on which one you need for your home.

Each of the eight detectors has its list of pros and cons, but the cons can be seen as pros, again, depending on your situation and how you plan to use the sensor.

image via Pexels

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)

The overall price range of the following glass door sensors is from $10 to $62. The more expensive models have more features and can pick up frequencies from multiple windows at the same time, as compared to the least expensive models which are mostly one-per-window.

Other than that, they all perform the same duty, and it’s completely up to you to decide which one fits you the most.

Top 8 Best Glass Break Sensor Options

Simplisafe Glassbreak Sensor

Features

Because of this product’s advanced detection algorithm, it can detect glass sound frequencies with pinpoint precision and accuracy.

It’s also able to process digital signals quickly and trigger an alarm to scare off any criminals. This sensor can also be paired with professional monitoring.

Warranty

Can be requested upon purchasing the product.

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $5

Pros

• A range of 30 feet
• Digital signal processing
• Advanced detection algorithm
• Compact wireless sensor

Cons

• A range of 30 feet
• Digital signal processing
• Advanced detection algorithm
• Compact wireless sensor

Sale

120 DB Loud Door and Window Open Alarm Sensor 3 Pack for Kids,...

• LOUD ALARM: The 120 DB security alarm is perfect for signaling to you when there is an unwanted entry. Audible at over...
• WIRELESS ALARM SENSOR: No wiring is necessary and 3 LR44 batteries are included in each device. Made to last 6 - 12...
• EASY TO INSTALL: The wireless security alarms can be installed anywhere with an opening. Simply use the adhesive...

Buy on Amazon

SABRE Wireless Window Glass Break & Vibration Detector Alarm

Features

This glass break sensor is wireless, so you don’t have any wired connections to a base system. Easy to install, all you need to do is stick the sensor on your window, and you are good to go. Better yet, the alarm is so loud that in certain environments, you can hear it from distances of up to 300 feet.

Warranty

Can be requested upon purchasing the product.

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $12 (1 pack) or $15 (2 pack).

Pros

• Sensitivity settings (low/high)
• Battery status tester
• Loud alarm
• Warning sign alerts
• Helpful customer service
• Stick-on alarm (battery powered)

Cons

• Not very sensitive
• Might have trouble when detecting frequencies on larger windows

Honeywell 5853 Wireless Glass Break Detector

Features

Unlike other sensors, the Honeywell 5853 has a tamper-proof casing on the back and the front to add an extra layer of protection to itself, which means it will be harder for criminals to deactivate it.

The device also has four different sensitivities which you can select with no problems. To make things even easier, the batteries, which can last up to 10 years, can be replaced effortlessly.

Warranty

Twenty-four months from manufacture date code.

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $39.

Pros

• Ten years of battery life
• Four selectable sensitivities
• Works on many types of windows
• Tamper-proof casing
• Has a remote test mode

Cons

• None

USP Window Bug Glass Break Sensor

Features

If you do not mind a wired sensor at home, this reliable detector is not susceptible to vibrations or shock. Plus, you will rarely experience a false alarm. The USP Window Bug also has a patented tuning fork that increases its accuracy in most areas.

Warranty

Twenty-four months from manufacture date code.

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $20.

Pros

• Less vulnerable to shock and vibrations
• Has a tuning fork technology
• Accurate and reliable
• Can be installed on most windows

Cons

• Lacks instructions
• Wired

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DSC BV500GB PIR Motion Detect/Glassbreak Sensor

Features

Having a two-in-one security system, this glass break sensor can save you a lot of time and money. Aside from picking up glass frequencies, this detector can also pick up movement from inside the house. This alarm is also useful to those who live in windy neighborhoods because it doesn’t pick up that many vibrations.

Warranty

Can be requested upon purchasing the product.

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $55.

Pros

• Has a two-in-one security system
• Not sensitive to false alarms
• Battery-powered system
• Has a breakage and motion protection
• Good in windy neighborhoods

Cons

• Has complex wiring
• The wiring can be seen as an inconvenience

Doberman Security SE-0106 Ultra-Slim Alarm

Features

Although these detectors have a sensitive mechanism, they will not react because of false alarms like wind or rain. The sensors also come with stickers, meaning you can install them with no problems and with extreme ease.

Warranty

If the product doesn’t work regarding materials or workmanship, Doberman will replace it within 90 days, including date of purchase.

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $24.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Each pack comes with four alarms
• Battery powered
• Has a loud alarm
• Has perfectly tuned sensors

Cons

• Poor customer service

GE Personal Security Window/Door Alarm

Features

This product is as easy as it gets regarding installation. There is no need to hard wire them, nor use mounting brackets—just place these sensors in sensitive locations and let them take care of you, your family, and your home. The sensors have a sophisticated motion sensing system which monitors all activity in real time.

On top of having the sophisticated system, the alarms, upon detecting an intruder, will ring loudly, not only alerting you and everyone else on the block but also making the intruder run away.

Warranty

If you get a defective product, you can return it in within 90 days.

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $10 (1 pack), $13 (2 pack), $20 (4 pack).

Pros

• 90-day warranty
• No wires needed
• Battery powered
• Loud alarm
• Easy installation

Cons

• Batteries drain quickly
• Non-rechargeable

Honeywell Intellisense FG-730 Glass-Break Detector

Features

When looking for the ultimate glass break sensor, nothing can beat the Honeywell Intellisense FG-730. First, this sensor is durable and will withstand the test of time while performing its job. Furthermore, the FG-730’s dual flex-audio system has signal filtering and validation, meaning it is accurate and can distinguish between the different types of glass when they shatter.

Warranty

Twenty-four months from manufacture date code.

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $62.

Pros

• Dual flex-audio system
• Has a reliable design
• Can distinguish different types of glass
• Compatible with most windows
• Easy to install and use

Cons

• None

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Product FAQ

Before you consider upgrading your security system with a glass break sensor, you most likely have some questions in mind. In this FAQ section, we answered some of the most frequently asked questions, so hopefully, you find the answers you are looking for.

1. What Is a Glass Break Sensor?

A glass break sensor is a detector you install near a window. The detector not only works whenever a window or door is opened but also when a window or door is broken. The point of the detector is to alert you and your family whenever a criminal breaks into your house through a window or glass door.

2. What Does a Glass Break Sensor Do?

The way a glass break sensor works is by using an audio microphone to pick up the frequency of broken glass. Once enough frequency is picked up, the alarm will sound, thus notifying you of a potential intruder. Since most of the sensors have a radius of a few feet, it would be a good idea to place one that can pick up frequencies from multiple windows at the same time.

3. How Does a Glass Break Sensor Work?

Typically, you can buy one anywhere online through stores like Amazon, or directly from the company’s website.

4. Where Can I Buy a Glass Break Sensor?

Like we said in the answer above, it works by using an audio microphone to pick up noise, or frequency, from the glass which usually pertains to windows and glass doors. If a burglar were to break a window, the shattered glass would make enough noise to trigger the alarm within the sensor.

5. Is There Anything Else I Should Know?

There are a few small things you have to keep in mind. First, consult a professional who will help you install the sensors if you don’t know where to place them. Next, be sure to check the batteries occasionally (the sensors should be able to notify you if the battery will die soon).

Last, if you will have a party, or watch a movie where there’s a scene with broken glass, be sure to disable the alarm so it doesn’t pick up the frequency.

The Verdict

We said it once, and we’ll say it again: It’s completely up to you to decide which glass break sensor fits you most. Every person’s situation is different, as is their house.

If, for instance, you are planning to heavily invest in your home’s security, then the best choice would be the Honeywell Intellisense FG-730. It’s accurate, reliable, trustworthy, and does its job with no problems. It’s no wonder why this device has so many loyal users!

However, if you don’t want to spend too much money on a glass break sensor, then the next best option would have to be the USP Window Bug. Again, if you don’t mind a wired sensor, the USP Window Bug is a great choice. It’s not too sensitive to vibrations or shock, and it has a patented tuning fork which will increase its effectiveness and accuracy further in some areas.

Not that the rest of the sensors are poor; they are all useful for alerting you to an intruder, but some have extra features and better accuracy which separates them from the other sensors.

Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to protect yourself and your loved ones from criminals and harm, and with the help of a glass sensor, you can sleep soundly at night with no worries or bad thoughts.

Hopefully, you can choose a sensor that fits you the most. With the safety of you and your loved ones, you can’t afford to make a bad decision—but you can probably afford a glass break sensor.

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William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.

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With $320B in spare cash, Apple has enough money to enter any market it so desires. The Apple Company has jumped into the smart home game in a big way with the HomeKit. There are now hundreds of HomeKit compatible devices available in over a dozen different household categories, including lights, locks, cameras, doorbells, garage door openers, thermostats and more.

HomeKit and the Smart Home

Smart home devices allow you to set schedules for operations, control operations remotely through your smartphone or tablet, and let devices work together more efficiently and effectively. HomeKit is Apple’s smart home controller, introduced in 2015. In the years since HomeKit came on the market, dozens of different makers of home products have created a range of products that work with the controller.

Simple to Set Up and Use

Keep an eye out for the above image on any products you buy. 

To use HomeKit, you don’t need a central hub, only an iOS (with the recent version, iOS11) device like your iPhone or iPad, or even an Apple Watch, together with the Home app from Apple, to get remote control of devices installed throughout your home. The system works optimally with an Apple TV at home, or you can use an iPad that stays at home so that it can send you remote notifications and give you control of the home devices remotely through the app.

It is possible to start simple with just a single smart home device along with HomeKit, and then build more smart devices into the system as you go. The thermostat, for example, is one device that you could start with to get more control over power usage and efficiency of the heating and cooling system in your home.

HomeKit is designed around the idea of ease of installation and set up for each smart device you use. If you are comfortable using a smartphone with apps, getting going with HomeKit will be simple. The Home app is installed already on iOS devices. Once you have HomeKit, just open the Home app and you will get a prompt to name your HomeKit network, or go with the default called “Home.” From there it is easy to add new smart devices around your home. Simply use the + button, tap Add Accessory, and aim your phone’s camera at the HomeKit sticker with a numeric code (on the device or in the manual), and select the device name that pops up.

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Siri Will Be Glad to Help

Siri responds to voice commands on your iOS device

Once the device is recognized on your HomeKit network you can control it from your iPhone or tablet or even use Siri for voice command control. Some devices don’t allow the full range of control options with voice, and some users report challenges getting the wording just right to get Siri to recognize the device and command you are giving, though.

Expand Your Smart Home Network

After you have made the leap to smart home control with HomeKit and one smart device, you can begin to think of other things around your home to make smarter and more responsive. Fortunately, the number and type of smart home products that are compatible with HomeKit are rapidly expanding.

Lights

Lights get smarter with HomeKit compatibility.

Want to get tricky and show off your power to control the color of lights? With lots of competition underway, prices have gone down and ‘smart lights’ but still expect high prices per unit. Most have an app you can download to program your settings and change custom colorization.

1 – Philips Hue makes options for lighting in various colors or just white, you can control brightness, color, and more with a range of products.  $48 per bulb here.

2 – Lifx offers LED bulbs or light strips that work well with HomeKit. $60 per bulp

3 – Sylvania is a known brand in light bulbs that offers smart lights for use with HomeKit.

4 – Nanoleaf makes energy-conscious LEDs in a variety of unique sets for your smart home.

5 – Elgato offers a range of mood lighting options with dynamic changes in your home’s light.

6 – iDevices makes a smart socket that lets you install normal light bulbs to control with voice commands through Siri.

Smart Outlets

Even power outlets get smarter when they are HomeKit compatible.

1 – Elgato produces smart outlets in addition to lights, so that you can control devices plugged into it through HomeKit.

2 – iDevices makes outlets for indoor or outdoor use that turn anything plugged in into a smart device you can control through your Home app.

3 – ConnectSense promises to make any device HomeKit-compatible when plugged into this smart outlet.

4 – Incipio makes a smart outlet that also monitors your energy usage of devices plugged into it.

5 – Koogeek offers voice control through Siri for this smart outlet.

6 – PureGear makes a smart outlet that connects to your WiFi and has a USB port on the side.

7 – VOCOlink offers outlets and power strips that give you smart control over devices plugged in to them.

Thermostats

With ecobee thermostats you can add sensors for precise control.

Ecobee is one of the first smart thermostats, and it promises peak efficiency by letting you add multiple sensors throughout the house, with control of the system through Home app with HomeKit.

iDevices offers a thermostat compatible with HomeKit to give you precise control over your home’s temperature.

Honeywell works with Siri to let you raise or lower the temperature in your home.

Windows and Window Coverings

User pushing out a Velux window.  Image credit

1 – Lutron makes window shades that are compatible with HomeKit so you can set a schedule to raise and lower shades, helping to control temperature and security of your home.

2 – Hunter-Douglas lets you control your shades through Siri voice commands or on a set schedule if desired.

3 – Velux windows are HomeKit compatible so you can open and close windows remotely or in response to conditions in the environment.

Sensors

1 – Elgato makes a range of sensors designed to report on conditions in your home, including energy, weather, motion, and door and window status throughout your home.

2 – Fibaro offers a flood sensor with probes to detect moisture and an ambient temperature sensor, very useful for parts of the home like basements that may be prone to flooding.

3 – iHome lets you monitor five environmental conditions from one sensor: motion, temperature, light, sound, and humidity.

4 – Netamo offers a tower sensor to monitor humidity, temperature, and air quality.

Cameras

Smart and simple security cameras are in.  Blink shown

1 – Netatmo offers an outdoor security camera that is compatible with HomeKit.

2 – Logitech produces the Circle 2 camera for home security that works with the Home app.

3 – D-Link created the first HomeKit compatible home camera.

Smoke Detectors

Smart smoke detectors are a thing.  Nest C02 shown

1 – First Alert produced the original smoke detector that is compatible with HomeKit.

2 – OneLink makes smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors that work through your Home app with HomeKit in place.

And Many More

This is not a comprehensive list, as more HomeKit compatible products come on the market every month. Many other types of smart home devices are available as well, including garage door openers, fans, air purifiers, doorbells and more. Once you start to build your HomeKit network of smart home devices you will probably begin to find many things around your home that can operate more efficiently, either on a set schedule, in response to conditions in the environment, or by your remote command through your iOS device.

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Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.

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