iSmartAlarm Home Security System: An Expert Review (2019)
iSmartAlarm is one of many DIY home security systems currently on the market. Their systems are easy to use, eye catching and user-friendly. In this review, we’ll be taking a close look at what they have to offer in terms of equipment, monitoring, pricing and more.
Equipment
Control panel
The iSmartAlarm control panel is made of two parts: The Cube One (the brains of the system) and the keypad. The Cube One is a pretty neat looking designed hub. It is shaped just like its name, a cube. It’s wireless and connects to your home’s WiFi network and has a built-in 110 decibel internal siren, which is very loud. The Cube One does not have any buttons on it, instead all functions must be accessed and controlled through the iSmartAlarm app, through the keypad, or through iSmartAlarm’s remote tags.
The keypad is also wireless and battery operated. You can use the keypad’s push button design to enter your arm and disarm codes as well as arm and disarm your system with a touch of a button.
Door/window sensor
The basic iSmartAlarm kit comes with a few different types of sensors. iSmartAlarm has door/window sensors that are battery operated and are designed to fit a variety of door and window frames. The installation of the door/window sensors is pretty easy. Since they come with double sided tape, all you have to do is stick them in place.
Motion sensor
iSmartAlarm has motion sensors as well. Their motion sensors are wireless and battery operated, with a detection range of up to 30 feet. You can easily install these by using the included double-sided tape or wall mount them by using the included mounts.
Remote tag
iSmartAlarm tags look just like a remote for many other security branded systems. It has a silicon push button design that will allow you to quickly arm and disarm your system with a simple touch of a button.
Packages
iSmartAlarm carries a number of packages and bundles. Let’s go through each one by one.
Guard Package - $353.96
iSmartAlarm’s most basic package, the Guard Package, includes 1 Cube One, 4 door/window sensors, 3 motion sensors and 3 remote tags. It’s advertised as 1-bedroom protection for homes and apartments. The Guard Package has a price tag of $353.96.
Protect Package - $483.93
The iSmartAlarm Protect Package includes 1 Cube One, 6 door/window sensors, 5 motion sensors and 3 remote tags, and recommended for 2-bedroom protection. The Protect Package will set you back $483.93.
Shield Package - $613.90
The Shield Package by iSmartAlarm is for larger, multi-bedroom homes. It comes with the Cube One control panel, a total of 8 door/window sensors, 7 motion sensors and 3 remote tags. The Shield Package will cost you $613.90.
| Guard Package | Protect Package | Shield Package |
|---|---|---|
| $353.95 | $483.93 | $613.90 |
| 1-bedroom | 2-bedroom | Multi-bedroom |
| Cube One | Cube One | Cube One |
| 4 door/window sensors | 6 door/window sensors | 8 door/window sensors |
| 3 motion sensors | 5 motion sensors | 7 motion sensors |
| 3 remote tags | 3 remote tags | 3 remote tags |
Monitoring
iSmartAlarm monitoring is pretty basic in nature. They only offer self-monitoring, which means you the end-user must control and monitor the system yourself and the system cannot dial out to a central station and connect to a dispatcher for help.
The app is free to download along with all self-monitoring features included at no charge. You will receive push notifications when an alarm has been triggered and be able to remotely control your system, including arming and disarming. iSmartAlarm does have video monitoring as well where you can view live video through the app for all connected iSmartAlarm cameras.
iSmartAlarm Comparison
Let’s compare iSmartAlarm to more traditional home security offerings such as ours at Link Interactive.
Limited compatibility
The packages offered by Link Interactive have more customization available due to Link Interactive using different types of control panels. iSmartAlarm only uses the Cube One which is branded by iSmartAlarm and this really limits what you can add on to your system. Currently you will only be able to use iSmartAlarm branded equipment with the Cube One, and as of now they do not have a lot when it comes to add-on equipment.
iSmartAlarm at this time also lacks a video doorbell offer. At Link Interactive, our system is compatible with the SkyBell doorbell camera, which can be controlled from the same app as your security system.
Professional equipment
Link Interactive specializes in 2GIG and Qolsys IQ Panel 2 panels, both of which are extremely expandable and let you add other branded security devices as well. Both panels are touchscreen and full color so there is no need for an app or keypad for you to control the functions.
Z-Wave
Link Interactive also has a ton of video, home automation and smart home devices that we offer via our website to really expand your system. This means you can connect smart door locks from manufacturers like Schlage, Yale and Kwisket. You can add garage door controllers, light switches, plugs and sockets, and thermostats just to name a few of the different kinds of smart home devices you can use with a Link Interactive system.
Cellular
The Cube One uses a WiFi connection to keep your system ‘online’ - so if your connection goes down the system will stop sending alerts for any security events. Link Interactive systems use cellular chips so you do not need an internet connection for them to work, and they’re always online provided you have good cell signal!
Upfront discounts
Monitoring and pricing works a little differently between Link Interactive and iSmartAlarm. iSmartAlarm only offers self-monitoring and it’s free of cost. Link Interactive offers a variety of monitoring packages that include professional and Alarm.com self-monitoring services for one low monthly fee.
Conclusion
It all comes down to what you are looking for. If you are looking for a really basic system that you can self-monitor at no cost, then you can make iSmartAlarm work for you. If you are looking for a security system that is more advanced with more features, and want to have the option of adding smart home products some day in the future, then Link Interactive is the way to go. Call us at 1-877-826-5443 for an instant quote or visit us here and take a look at what we have to offer!
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