Alarm.com
Is This Your Business?5.0
5.0
Author: Kaitlyn Short
LAST UPDATED: July 29th, 2024
Alarm.com was established in 2000, and are headquartered in Virginia. Alarm.com has been one of the most innovative companies in the industry, offering features and equipment that are on the cutting edge of technology. They are a security company first and foremost, with additional smart home features, and therefore lacks some features employed by some top smart home providers, such as DIY installation and a low upfront cost. That being said, Alarm.com is a competitive company that can satisfy most smart home needs.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Comprehensive smart features
- Dedicated connection
- Impressive mobile app
Comprehensive Smart Features
Alarm.com offers some incredible features, some of which are unique to their service. All of these services are accessible by mobile app which can be accessed by your tablet, phone, or smartwatch. Alarm.com offers more features than most companies in the industry. All smart home appliances can be integrated into the mobile app, which allows users to control everything on one interface. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms can also be integrated onto the app. If smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, the heat and AC will be turned off and you will be notified with an alert. Other great services include some of these great features:- Smart thermostat: allows you to change the temperature and save on power
- Intelligent lighting: schedule lights to turn off and on
- Triggered automation: makes changes depending on your activity
- Video monitoring: live stream, recorded clips, and video alerts
- Wellness: integrates personal emergency response pendants
Dedicated Connection
Alarm.com uses a GSM cellular dedicated connection. This connection, separate from any other networks or power sources, allows this dedicated connection to stay up and running even during power outages. This allows the customer to stay connected and secure at all times.Mobile App
Alarm.com's mobile app allows users to control all of their smart home appliances, lighting, thermostat, security, and garage from their phone, tablet, or smartwatch. A professional will install and connect all devices so that everything can be controlled by the one app. This makes smart home maintenance simple and accessible. Not only is the smart home accessible by your mobile device, but your video monitoring is provided on the app as well. Customers can see a live stream at any time, or find out who or when someone turned off or on the security system. Users will also receive instant notifications and suggestions on how to save money by reducing power usage. Users can set schedules for lights, heat, AC, or smart home appliances remotely.The Bad
- High total cost
- Professional installation only
- Cannot buy directly
- Poor online transparency
High Total Cost
While Alarm.com has many great features, they are very expensive in the industry. With prices ranging from $1,540 to $2,360, they are one of the highest prices on our list. The average price in the industry is approximately $1,150, making even the lowest package almost $400 above average. The monthly cost is approximately $40 to $60. Customers who don't require many features or are concerned with the price will likely find a better deal elsewhere. Customers cannot receive the smart home features without also purchasing home security. Alarm.com is for security foremost, and smart home features are considered additional features to their services. If a customer is not interested in their security services, they will have to look else where for their smart home needs.Professional Installation Only
Some smart home services are DIY, and therefore have a cheaper price tag. We like that Alarm.com has the option of a professional installation for those who do not feel confident installing the equipment themselves; however, because of the costs associated with professional installation, many companies-Alarm.com not included-are providing self-installation options to their customers. The smaller packages with home security alone offers DIY kits, but any smart home packages must be installed by a professional. Smart home services are not available without the purchase of home security.Cannot Buy Directly
Alarm.com does not allow potential customers to buy directly from their website. Potential customers can be directed to a Alarm.com provider through the website and must buy the services through the provider. This can be inconvenient and inconsistent in pricing and quality of service. Most customers would prefer the option to buy their services directly from the company and not through a distributor.Poor Online Transparency
Alarm.com's website lacks transparency in regards to available packages and contract details. IT is also unknown where their services are available without having to enter information to find a distributor. Alarm.com should offer these important pieces of information so that it is easier for potential customers to decide if their services are the right fit for their needs.The Bottom Line
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Laurie Spencer
These people are the best! I have used them for 8 years, sold my house and continue to use them in our new home. Always available to help and explain anything you might have questions on. Quick to come to the home for maintenance issues and always making sure we have what we need.
4 months ago
Bernie Haines Niagara Falls, ON
I have had a number of security systems in our homes, but Alarm.com has them all beat hands down. I was very disappointed to learn that i could not get Alarm.com in Arizona. If i could, i would definitely be using them. The company we use in Arizona is not good.
3 years ago
