DIY Home Security Kits in 2021: Minut vs iSmart vs Abode
In this post, we will take a look at three different DIY home security kits, the Minut home alarm system, the iSmart home alarm system and the Abode home alarm system. We will also compare all three with a more traditional DIY home security setup and see how it stacks up. Let’s dive right in!
Minut
Before we go over the details of the Minut Smart Home Alarm, we would first like to give our readers some background information about the company. Minut was cofounded by a former Apple product designer. The cofounder along with to other founders of Minut wanted to design a product that was affordable for everyone. They also wanted to design a product that had your own privacy in mind and thus they came up with the Minut Smart Home Alarm.
Equipment
The Minut Smart Home Alarm is very different than other security systems that are currently out on the market. Unlike other security systems, everything that is needed to monitor and protect your home is built into the hub. This means there are no sensors that are needed to be installed or messy wiring. The Minut Smart Home Alarm is a DIY (do it yourself) type of installation with the only piece of equipment that needs to be set up is the hub itself.
The hub has a cylinder-shaped design that is white, and it is very easy to place. It includes a built-in light that will turn on every time you walk underneath it. You can place the hub using the included magnetic mounting plate which can be stuck or screwed onto a celling (which is the ideal place to put your hub). It is wireless system which means it works by connecting directly to your home’s WIFI network. The Minut Smart Home Alarm is powered by a rechargeable battery that can last up to six months without needing a recharge.
Our take: **We haven’t seen anything quite like the Minute Smart Alarm. We really like that fact that is has a rechargeable battery because it gives you the ability to place it pretty much anywhere in your home. We also like the fact that the Minut Smart Home Alarm is a single hub making installation a breeze. We didn’t quite like the fact Minut doesn’t really go into if their Minut Smart Home Alarm has a cellular backup in case your internet is down.
Advanced Features
One thing that sets the Minut Smart Home Alarm a part from other security systems that are currently out on the market is all of the advanced features that comes built into the hub. The Minut Smart Home Alarm has a PIR motion sensors built right into the hub. Its motions sensors can detect the heat signatures from living things. It also keeps track of the number of motion events that are detected around it throughout the day. If your Minut Smart Home Alarm is armed and motion is detected you will be sent an instant alert. You can also monitor the motion around the hub even when it’s not armed. The Minut Smart Home Alarm also monitors the noise levels around it which is a pretty standout feature. You can set your Minut Smart Home Alarm’s decibel level to a certain point, and if the noise around your Minut Smart Home Alarm goes above the pre-set level it will trigger an event. This is a great feature especially if you work away from home a lot, and have teenagers you would like to keep an eye on (teenagers are sometimes to throw parties when their parents aren’t around).
The Minut Smart Home Alarm’s advanced features don’t stop here, it also can monitor the temperature around the hub. If the temperature around the hub drops to low or rises to high the hub will send you an alert. You customize what temperature levels trigger alerts with your system. This is a super great feature because it cuts out the need to purchase a freeze, fire, and temperature sensor. Not only can the Minut Smart Home Alarm detect the temperature around it, it can also detect the humidity around it. High humidity levels can be harmful to your electronics, structures of your home, and even your health. The Minut Smart Home Alarm will alert you when it detects rises in humidity around it. The Minut Smart Home Alarm will even combine the temperature and humidity data it collects to let you know the mold risk of your home. The last advanced feature for the Minut Smart Home Alarm is its ability recognize sounds of other environmental safety sensors like CO2 doctors, and if these sounds are heard it will trigger an event.
Our take: The Minuit Smart Alarm is a new concept security system. We like the fact that it can collect your temperature and humidity data to give your home’s mold risk because mold can be very bad for your health. We also like the fact that it listens for noise levels because it can help you keep an eye on your kids to make sure they are behaving.
But if you’re looking for a DIY system that is more traditional and complete in terms of monitoring and the kinds of features it offers, check out a better alternative: Link Interactive >
Monitoring
The Minut Smart Home Alarm, as far as we can tell, only offers self-monitoring. Their self-monitoring is done through their app which works for Apple and Android devices. With the Minut Smart Home Alarm you can remotely check the status of your alarm including the temperature, motion, humidity, etc. If you alarm is triggered by an event you will instantly get a push notification that the event has happened. Minut doesn’t state if there is a charge for using their self-monitoring service, but from what we can tell there doesn’t seem to be a charge.
If a lack of 24/7 professional monitoring bothers you, consider a system that does both, self and professional monitoring: Link Interactive >
iSmart Alarm
iSmartAlarm is one of many DIY home security systems currently on the market. Their systems are easy to use, eye catching and user-friendly. Let’s take 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.
Abode
Abode’s home security system falls in the category of DIY (do-it-yourself) style of home security. This simply means that Abode has designed a system that you can set up without the need of an expensive professional installation. Let’s see what they’re all about.
Abode Gateway
Abode wanted to give you the ability to customize your home security experience, so they designed a product that did just that. The hub of their system is called the Abode Gateway.
Features
The Adobe Gateway is the central station that connects all of your security devices to one place. The security devices that are connected to the Adobe Gateway connect wirelessly. You can have up to 160 wireless devices connected to the Adobe Gateway, and there is a lot of compatibility with other security products as well. You can add products that use Z-Wave technology or smart home products from companies like Nest and Phillips. The Adobe Gateway connects to your home’s WiFi network, but Abode does offer the option to have a cellular backup chip included in the Gateway too. It is powered by an AC power source with a 5-hour backup battery so you will want to make sure to there is an outlet nearby, and it includes a 93-decibel internal siren.
The Adobe Gateway itself looks a lot like a wireless modem, and according to several reviews it should only take you up to 30 minutes to install it and its sensors. Control of the features of the Abode security system can done via their remote control or through the free Abode app.
Abode Smart Security Kit
When you purchase the Abode security system, you will purchase it in the form of a kit called the Smart Security Kit. This kit not only includes the Abode Gateway, but a few other types of security equipment as well. Let’s go over each type of sensor one by one.
Door/window sensor
The first intrusion sensor that is included in this kit is Abode’s mini door/window sensors. These are the intrusion sensors that will you will use to secure either the door or windows in your home. These sensors are extremely thin and small. They are designed this way so that they fit pretty much any door or window style of frames you have in your home. They are battery operated with a battery life of up to almost 4 years. You can install them by simply placing them on the door/window and its frame by using the double-sided tape that is provided in the package.
Motion sensor
The second intrusion sensor that is included with the kit is a motion sensor. Abode’s motion sensor uses PIR motion sensor technology, which is designed to cut down on false motion alarms. Their motion sensor is also battery operated with a battery life up 5 years. Installation of the motion sensor is as simple as using the double-sided tape to stick it on a corner wall or mount it using the optional wall mounts.
Keyfob
The last piece equipment that is included in this kit is Abode’s keyfob remote. This keyfob will allow you to quickly arm and disarm your system with a quick touch of a button.
Price
The total price of this kit is around $189 and you can purchase it from Adobe’s website or through other major online retailers such as Amazon.
Abode Monitoring
Now that we have went over the equipment that Abode offers in their Smart Security Kit, let’s take a look at what type of monitoring services they have. If you are looking to control your system via the Abode app and have no need for professional monitoring, you can do so at no cost.
Connect Service Plan
If you are looking to include cellular backup include with your system, then you will need to pay $8 per month for Adobe’s Connect Service plan.
Secure Plan
The last offer Adobe has when it comes their monitoring services is called the Secure Plan. Their Secure Plan offers 24/7 professional monitoring, self-monitoring, and cellular backup for only $20 per month. This plan is only available in the USA.
Pros and Cons
Some other things that we feel that you should know about Adobe is that they are completely contract free. You will need to purchase all of your equipment upfront (at Link Interactive, you can get a much more advanced and elaborate system for as little as $99 down with a contract) and if you chose to include a monitoring plan that will be on a month to month basis. You will need to download the app to be able to control your system outside of using the keyfob. The app is downloadable for Android and iOS devices. Adobe is compatible with several different brands of smart home devices, and you can find a list of what brands that their security system is compatible with by visiting their website.
What we think
Now that we went over the features of the Adobe security system, let us give our take on it. The system itself is really expandable. We really like the idea that you can add brands like Nest to their system to really customize your security and home automation solution. The amount of equipment that is included is probably not enough to cover all of what you will be wanting to cover in your home, so you will need to purchase some additional sensors, or go with a more traditional security company that use professional equipment like Link Interactive. The price of the basic kit is about average when it comes to other DIY security systems on the market. Their free self-monitoring is a nice added touch to their system seeing that other companies tend to charge for this service. The cost of their actual monitoring plan is pretty cheap, and the most premium plan is cheaper than most major security companies offering the same services. It’s important to note though, Abode is new to the home security business, and their equipment is proprietary and not as advanced as the kind of security equipment we use here at Link Interactive.
The Better Alternative: Link Interactive
Here’s a better alternative: Link Interactive. A Link Interactive system can provide you with an unbeatable Alarm.com security solution that fits your budget. Alarm.com is the holy grail when it comes to smart home security (it’s the backbone of any great home alarm system in today’s day and age). Being one of the top Alarm.com powered home security companies on the market, the Link system is an easy to use security solution, with month to month monitoring costs being some of the most affordable out there. Link Interactive’s control panel has a lot of great features, and the system is super expandable too!
Recommended Alternative: Link Interactive
We offer a superior security solution without making you skimp on features and quality of service. Take a look at the Link Interactive home alarm system.
Our Link Interactive system is built on the Alarm.com platform. With our Z-Wave compatible system, you can connect several home automation devices such as smart thermostats, automated door locks, light switches and modules to convert your home into a smart home. If you’re not into home automation, you can simply use the system as a basic home security system.
Link Interactive both offers DIY, self-install systems. However, the major difference is in the monitoring app, customer services and variety of hardware. To learn more about our system and to get a quote, click here.
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