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Alarm.com

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5.2

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: September 22nd, 2023

Alarm.com is an industry leader in home security and automation technology. At its core, Alarm.com is a technology platform. Its diverse product line includes home security equipment, mobile apps, TV streaming, and smartwatch apps for easy access to its services. 

The company is passionate about enhancing its customers' connection with their homes. Alarm.com offers security solutions for residential and commercial customers. 

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Attention: Alarm.com is only available through authorized service providers.

You cannot purchase directly from Alarm.com. You must purchase from a third party that will professionally configure and monitor your system. You can find a list of authorized providers in your area on Alarm.com's website. We encourage you to also read the customer reviews of your local providers before making a final purchasing decision.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of purchasing Alarm.com equipment through one of its licensed service providers.

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The Good

  • Security and Automation Provider
  • Wireless Technology

Security and Automation Provider

Alarm.com combines its home security and automation services into one mobile app. These services include video monitoring, energy management, and more. The app allows you to set up custom notifications so you can be alerted when doors are opened, the alarm is disabled, or your cameras capture someone on your doorstep. You can choose to get as many or as few alerts as you need to give you peace of mind.

Wireless Technology

Alarm.com was the first alarm system technology company to provide a wireless security system and an interactive iOS and Android app. Instead of just using your security panel, Alarm.com's technology allows you to manage your security system from your smartphone, smartwatch, or computer. 

You can also manage any compatible home automation devices using the same app. This means you can set the thermostat, check motion sensor alerts, lock the front door, view video camera feeds, or turn the lights off using any connected smart device.

Alarm.com runs on a cloud-based platform cellular system. The system could potentially stop working if a signal is lost. If you live in an area with unreliable cellular connections (i.e. rural areas), be sure to discuss your options with the local authorized service provider to ensure Alarm.com is the right choice for you.

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The Bad

  • Specific Hardware Partners
  • Non-Specific Pricing Model

Specific Hardware Partners

Alarm.com has a broad network of device integrations, but it’s particular about its hardware partners to help ensure security across the platform. You’ll want to make sure to double-check compatibility with any existing security equipment. The list of hardware partners includes the following:

Aeotec Legrand Mercury Qualcomm SkyBell
DSC Lennox Eaton Rachio SolarEdge
Interlogix Leviton Enphase Rain Bird SolarEdge
Jasco LiftMaster Nortek Control Salto Stelpro
Kwikset Lutron Qolsys Schlage Yale

Some customers have complained that using a third-party installer can make it difficult to resolve problems related to the equipment or mobile app. Alarm.com offers to contact your service provider if you are having trouble resolving an issue. 

Non-Specific Pricing Model

Alarm.com does not set its own pricing because its equipment is sold, installed, and serviced by licensed service providers. Each service provider is responsible for setting its own pricing and can vary based on area. 

Your local service provider may or may not list pricing or monthly fees on its website. You'll likely need to request quotes from local providers to find the Alarm.com service package that best fits your budget.

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The Bottom Line

Alarm.com provides a great selection of home security and home automation services. Its state-of-the-art technology allows you to manage your entire home from your smart device or control panel. You can customize notifications to ensure you have full control over your home as well as give you peace of mind. 

With its nationwide network of authorized partners, the company offers customers the benefits of a large company with the local touch that comes with a regional dealer.

Because Alarm.com does not directly sell or install its technology, customer experience can vary drastically. To help you make the best decision for your home, we encourage you to not only read Alarm.com reviews, but also the customer reviews of the authorized dealers in your area. You can also compare its services to other top-rated home security companies

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Alarm.com Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Alarm.com cost?

Alarm.com prices vary based on your local service provider. The service provider will calculate the cost of your system based on your home, desired level of security, and local market prices. Most providers charge an upfront cost and a recurring monthly fee. You can upgrade your system with home automation devices such as locks, lights, and thermostats for an additional charge.

What is Alarm.com?

Alarm.com is a technology platform that provides home security, home automation, and other home-related solutions. Alarm.com works with a network of professional service providers to distribute its products and services. The company does not sell any products directly to consumers. However, customers can search for a service provider using the Alarm.com website.

How many days of event history are viewable on Alarm.com?

Customers can view the event history of the last 60 days on the Alarm.com website. The Alarm.com app shows a maximum of 200 events.

What installation options are available with Alarm.com?

Alarm.com partners with service providers that offer professional installation and DIY installation. Whether you choose DIY or professional installation will depend on your preference and provider.

Does Alarm.com offer monitoring?

Alarm.com does not offer professional monitoring. Local service providers offer their own monitoring centers.

Star Rating

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2.8

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31 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

29%

4 grade

13%

3 grade

10%

2 grade

3%

1 grade

45%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Review Source

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Over the hill but still in touch Bradenton, FL

For the last 5 years, I have had 6 dome cameras around my house. There are a few glitches with the system. The plus is that all cameras are hardwired and record 24x7 for cloud memory and designated night time for saved review on the app. You can play back the days to see feed by camera and time. The main issue is that all cameras have blindspots, therefore one would have to buy another expensive camera for an opposite direction or angle of house. Dome cameras have 108 degrees viewing-- (see diagnostics online of model#'s salespersons are selling and don't allow them to refute anything you see in print). First study the camera reviews by prior customers and any improvements made in model numbers. You can have cameras adjusted by the tech during your warranty time. In a one story house, unscrupulous individuals can easily use a ladder, open the camera facing and remove the infrared camera....making it useless at night. If they remove the infrared, you either pay for another camera or place a light source near the camera. These people need a hex key, but they are easily obtainable. Make sure you take the hex key from each camera box when delivered. Techs have a drill bit the same as your hex key. It is helpful to place the cameras away from automatic watering systems and under the eaves/soffits of the house, you will spend less time cleaning the outside cover. After the 3 year warranty, you will usually be billed a lesser fee as the feed can be obtained online, the phone app or TV w/ a SVR. The advantage of SVR is that on your TV you can view all cameras at the same time, but will run up feed if you stream them constantly. I rated a 4 star as they are a valuable tool to view surroundings. Troubleshooting may just be a matter of turning the system off and rebooting to clear an issue. If a camera is inoperable, this is a greater importance. The cost factor is another issue compared to say Ring door bell--You have a one time upfront cost, wire it to door bell feed, and adjust as necessary. After warranty, you may have a $60/yr fee to view and other apps can be added(Next-door neighbor). Compared to Ring, Alarm's contract is very expensive upfront for equipment and monthly fees.

1 year ago

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Reply from Alarm.com

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback regarding your experience with using Alarm.com. While we are sorry to hear the price point of your direct service provider (the company who installed and serviced your system) is not ideal, we are happy to hear the Alarm.com cameras and platform seem to be working well for you!

We also appreciate your feedback regarding the camera angles/view. Alarm.com is always looking for new ways to innovate to deliver the best experience we can to our users. One of the ways we do this is by taking suggestions and input from the people who use our platform the most – our end-users like you! Please let us know if there is anything else you’d like to see on the platform. You can always submit via email to [email protected].

Feb. 28th, 2023

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Barry Gulden Cape Canaveral, FL

Love that the cameras are interacted with the security . When an alarm happens cameras film and lights go on . The Poe cameras are great . I do not trust wireless cameras. On any security system . Bad points are when zwave lights go on there is no indication on phone . I have a IMac computer . The cameras will not work on standard app using Google . You have to use Firefox .

6 years ago

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Jim Green

Does everything I want -security, home automation, etc, Alarm (false so far) response has been very quick AND professional. Cost is only slightly higher than lesser systems and service and upgrades have been very good.

6 years ago

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Review Source

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L Turner Avon, IN

Used Alarms.com in the past. The service was easy to use and connected me to my security system while on vacation. I had no issues using the service and connecting to it. Would recommend.

1 year ago

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Reply from Alarm.com

Hi L Turner,

We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your services and found the platform easy to use. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience!

May. 20th, 2022