Frontpoint Hub vs 2GIG GC2/GC3 vs Qolsys IQ Panel 2
In this post we will be looking at some of the leading home security panels like Frontpoint’s Hub, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2, and the 2GIG GC2 and GC3 panels.
Frontpoint Hub
Frontpoint recently came out with their own proprietary control panel called the Frontpoint Hub. This panel is a little more basic than the 2GIG and Qolsys panels, doesn’t have a touchscreen and requires a separate keypad for you to be able to control it.
Aesthetics
How a panel physically looks is important. After all, it’s the first thing you see entering the home. Based on some of the feedback posted by customers on various sites, the Frontpoint Hub lacks the sleekness of most top panels on the market. Furthermore, the Hub is designed to sit on a flat surface as opposed to being wall-mounted, so a nice big beautiful touchscreen by your front entryway is out of the question - the Frontpoint Hub just won’t allow it.
The Good
On the flip side, the Frontpoint Hub is a cellular panel, so you will not need an internet connection for it to work, although it does comes with an internet-backup feature and is one of it’s stronger points. You can add up to 50 users as well, each with their own code. And the on-board Z-Wave allows you to connect to smart home devices and control them via the Alarm.com app.
The Hub is powered by an AC power source and comes with a 24-hour backup battery. The keypad on the other hand is 100% wireless and is powered by two double A batteries with a 2-year battery life.
So overall, the Frontpoint Hub does a good job of delivering on the essentials, but not so much the bells and whistles. For that, we encourage you to take a look at our Qolsys panel or call us at 1-877-826-5443 for more details.
2GIG GC2/GC3
2GIG GC2
The 2GIG GC2 is a highly rated control panel that has been out on the market for some time. If after reading this review you decide to go with the 2GIG GC2 panel, take a look at our basic package, which includes the 2GIG GC2 panel, here.
Features
The 2GIG GC2 has an easy to use full color touchscreen that displays system status, date, time and temperature. The siren is loud, at 85 decibels. External sirens that are louder can be bought separately and connected to the panel with little fuss.
Being cellular means this panel can connect to an LTE service provider whose chip is installed in the panel (at Link Interactive, we prefer Verizon). It’s also wireless, which means it will work with wireless sensors.
The panel is AC powered, but has a 24-hour backup battery just in case the power goes out. It has built-in 2-way audio, so you can respond to the central monitoring station right from the panel’s speaker.
You also have the ability to create over 64 unique user codes, pair up to 60 wireless sensors (zones) along with 2 wired sensors. This allows you to connect and control multiple security devices right through the panel.
The GC2 also includes built-in Z-wave technology, allowing you to connect to smart home devices and control them via the Alarm.com app.
Installation
Installation is pretty easy; you can wall mount the control panel or place it on a flat surface. The sensors can paired up wirelessly or over-the-air cellularly.
Range wise, it can receive signals from sensors up to 100 feet away, although this depends on other factors as well, such as the presence of metal objects. A variety of range extenders and antennas are available, that can double the range of your sensors to the panel or improve your cellular connectivity if you live in a poor coverage area.
2GIG GC3
The GC3 is pretty similar to the GC2 in terms of functionality, but if also offers a touchscreen that is slightly larger than the GC2. The GC3 also includes more security zones, allowing you to wirelessly connect up to 100 sensors/zones. All the other features are pretty much the same. Price-wise, the GC2 is much cheaper than the GC3 (so we do not recommend upgrading to the GC3 if you absolutely want the bigger screen).
If you are interested in the GC2 or want to upgrade to a more advanced panel, take a look at our offer at Link Interactive here - we specialize in the GC2, and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 as an upgrade to the GC2, which is a far more superior upgrade to the GC2 than the GC3.
Qolsys IQ Panel 2
The most premium panel that we will be taking a look at is the Qolsys IQ Panel 2, which is currently being offered at a great price by Link Interactive here.
Features
This panel has an amazing 7-inch full HD colored touchscreen that displays system status, notifications, and the local date and time. The panel also has a built-in front facing 5 megapixel camera that can be set to capture images of the people who are messing around with your control panel.
The Qolsys IQ 2 panel is wireless and uses cellular LTE, but it also includes a WiFi radio so you can have your panel connected to WiFi as well.
The panel is powered through AC power and includes a backup battery. It also has 8GB NAND Flash internal memory with a Micro SD slot so that you can place a Micro SD card into it for extra storage.
The Qolsys IQ 2 has an 85-decibel internal siren that is sure to scare off any home invaders who are brave enough to break into your home. It is also super expandable and includes Z-Wave Plus technology. Z-Wave Plus allows you to connect to even more different brands of smart home devices.
The panel itself can be wall mounted or placed on a surface, and would be great for anyone looking for a security panel that will not be becoming obsolete anytime soon!
Verdict
We have gone over a few different models in this post, but our personal favorite is the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 because of all latest and amazing features that are included in this one powerful panel. If you are not looking for all of the features of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2, then the GC2 would be a perfect simpler alternative to the Qolsys and cost you much less.
If you are interested in either of these panels you can purchase them through Link Interactive by visiting our website here or calling and speaking to one our security specialists at 1-877-826-5443.
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