Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I really went all out on research for a home security system. Many hours of reading and comparing. For brevity, I've focused my review based on the following: security functionality, ease of use, Android/Tablet/Apple/PC accessibility, expandability, monitoring flexibility, and device functionality. Security functionality – Has three different modes (away, standby, and home). The first two modes are pretty straightforward. The home is interesting. It’s a hybrid of home and away. i.e. you can have windows and doors alarmed but able to move around the home without setting off motion/video motion sensors. Ease of use – has geo-fencing, automation, and quick actions. Solid thought out ways to remotely arm/arm your system Android/Tablet/Apple/PC accessibility – software is pretty flexible and works seamlessly across all devices (the location service between devices offers excellent real-time alarm related alarm/photo notifications. Really!) Expandability – integrates with Amazon/Alexia home automation AI via IFTTT (not complicated either), compatible Z-Wave & ZigBee Devices, plus, abode has a decent selection of devices as well. Monitoring flexibility – has 3 options, professionally yearly, professionally on demand, and self-monitoring. The on-demand professional monitoring comes in 3 and 7-day options Device functionality – The gateway is quite intelligent and sits there until needed. It requires an internet cable to be connected directly to it. I mention it because the location is key. My gateway is located in a hallway closet which has a 72-decibel siren that is included inside the gateway itself. I also use a remote siren/light device (172 decibels) that sits above my outside door. The combination of both alarms will definitely deter a robber. I have a remote keypad that is quite flexible and easy to use. It offers emergency key activation, multiple users, and even a guest user for those times that temporary access is needed to your home. Door/window sensors work as expected, with the addition of an audible sound when any door/window is opened. The video camera in the motion sensor is pretty damn good. I tested the motion sensor during different times of the day and the lighting was very good. Good enough to give to the police for identification (contrary to other reviewers stating ok video and snapshots are off. In the end it was all about sensor placement and location). This is 1st generation mainstream DIY technology, implementation requires some careful reading to fully explore its capabilities. Also note, that this is a different approach to traditional technology. Understanding what your objectives are and the system's capabilities, will help guide you in your selection process.