Home8

• Portable
• Expandable
• Many Options
• Simple Setup
• Pro Monitoring Available
• Mobile App

Portable

Home8 is a great fit for many people. The system is wireless and portable, so it can be used by renters or those who relocate often as there is no need to sign a lengthy service contract and/or face early termination penalties.

Expandable

The system is highly expandable, with many components available for users. Home8 has several starter packs that each focus on specific areas like security, automation, and safety. Unlike many of its competitors, Home8 allows customers to purchase its gateway as a standalone device.

Many Options

Other components are available to purchase a la carte. This allows customers to truly customize their systems to meet their needs. 

Simple Setup

The company has one of the more technologically advanced systems. There is no pairing required; customers simply turn on the gateway, install the app onto their mobile device, and turn on the component. The software easily recognizes the devices and pairs them automatically without the user going through multiple steps to get the devices to register into the system.

Pro Monitoring Available

Home8's DIY systems offer professional monitoring for $19.99 per month, or just $0.66 per site, per day. On top of that, this professional monitoring service doesn't require any long-term contracts. 

Mobile App

The Home8 mobile app lets users manage multiple properties monitored by its system, within one app. 

• High Speed Internet
• No Video Doorbell
• Less Variety in the Starter Packages

High Speed Internet

Home8's systems require a high-speed internet connection to function. This is common for most DIY systems, but is a problem for those with spotty or unpredictable internet coverage. This system is not a good fit for these individuals. The company advertises brands that are compatible with its system, but does not give a list of specific products. With the sheer volume of products available to customers in home automation, a list online would be extremely helpful.

No Video Doorbell

The company does not report that it is compatible with video doorbells or with smart locks. These are compatible with others' systems.

Less Variety in the Starter Packages

Home8's starter packages are primarily focused on one aspect. Most companies offer several components in their starter packages, giving customers the ability to create a more comprehensive home security/automation package. Home8 offers its components individually, but by not having a diverse mix of components in the starter package, the cost of the system rises rapidly if customers attempt to build a package that is comparable with competitors' starter packages.