Name: Vera
Rating: 4.5

LAST UPDATED: May 19th, 2021

Vera Control Ltd. offers home automation with their DIY system which consists of a centralized controller and products. Products in the home can be controlled from a computer, smartphone or wearable (Apple Watch). The company is headquartered in Hong Kong and was founded in 2008. Vera Control Ltd. was named as a winner of Electric House Magazine's 2013 Product of the Year Award. The system is able to communicate with most protocols and the company guarantees that any certified Z-Wave device will be compatible with the Vera controller. The introduction of the VeraPlus resulted in significant back orders. Vera Control Ltd. has been proactive in updating their customers via their social media channels and promise that all orders will be fulfilled as quickly as possible. Vera Control Ltd. offers its customers a home automation option which is very adaptable and easily expanded and comes without monthly fees or a contract. Vera's guarantee of any certified Z-Wave product being compatible is unmatched.

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The Good

No monthly fees or service contract
Customers are promised fast shipping times
Customizable home automation systems
Multiple methods to receive customer support
Vera app is widely accessible with several devices

No Monthly Fees or Service Contract

One thing that sets Vera apart from many of its home automation competitors is the fact that the customer is not charged for installation, activation, nor monthly monitoring fees. Customers are charged for the cost of the hardware only.

Customers Are Promised Fast Shipping Times

When customers order from Vera Control Ltd, the company promises that all of their "in stock" orders will be shipped within 48 hours. The company does not have an extensive product catalog online, and most of the products which complete a home automation installation can be easily found at a local home improvement store or online, so the company maintains a streamlined inventory.

Customizable Home Automation Systems

Although Vera's product selection online is limited, the company does offer top products to create a comprehensive home automation experience:

Climate: Z-Wave Thermostats
Energy: Energy Dimmers and Switches
Lighting: Wall Dimmers and Modules
Security: Security Cameras, Automated Locks, and Motion Sensors

Multiple Methods to Receive Customer Support

Vera also offers more in terms of customer support than some of its competitors; in addition to phone and email support for new or potential customers, existing Vera customers can enable Remote Tech Support on their Vera Dashboard. This is a fast and easy way to submit a support ticket and receive help from one of Vera's support experts. Vera also provides online manuals on each of its products. These manuals are not overly technical, providing easy step-by-step instructions as well as contact information for the company that manufactured the product.

Vera App is Widely Accessible with Several Devices

Home Computer
Android
Windows Smartphones and Tablets
Apple iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad
Apple Watch

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The Bad

Warranty differs for Vera and third-party products
Limited catalog of products
Lack of entertainment features

Warranty Differs for Vera and Third-Party Products

While the Vera Smart Home Controller included in each package has 12-month warranty, this is not the case for third-party products.

Limited Catalog of Products

Vera's selection of products is limited when compared with some of its competitors, so customers looking for a specific component may need to look elsewhere.

Lack of Entertainment Features

Vera does not provide audiovisual equipment or entertainment features, neither does it support smart appliances.

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The Bottom Line

Despite Vera's limited online inventory, the company's system is compatible with more products than are competitors' systems, and Vera guarantees that its hub will connect with any certified Z-Wave device. The Vera hub also communicates on each of the other major protocols, making their product compatible with most products available to automate one's home. The company provides superior customer support for its products. Installing a home automation system can be tricky, but Vera offers a wide range of support options that will help even the most inexperienced user feel comfortable around their products. We recommend using Vera's products to centralize and control the basic features of the home. The system is cost effective and does not carry a hefty service contract. The limitations should be noted, but this system is ideal for those wanting an effective and cost-effective home automation system.

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Dave Cawood Bloomington, IL

I like the Vera 3 - it has all the features necessary to integrate multiple protocols so you are not limited to specific equipment. You do need to understand simple coding rules in order to get the scenes set up correctly. The only problem I really have is that if you change the port on your video cameras - a necessary security measure, if you have dynamic ip, you will lose access to the camera until you go in and reset the port.

8 years ago

nate Salt Lake City, UT

Awesome, they are a self set-up security that has video storage for free and no monthly costs. Easy to set up and manage as well.

6 years ago