Top 10 Apps For Home Security Systems

UPDATED

1. Guardian Security with Alarm.com

Alarm.com home security works with Guardian as well as a variety of alarm companies. The app functions so well that companies often choose it over creating their own. It’s compatible with smartphones, tablets, apple watch, voice controlled devices, Apple TV and Amazon Fire. Alarm.com also has a smooth interface that provides a quality user experience. All these factors and their great support have us ranking Alarm.com the #1 security app to use with Guardian or any other applicable security company.

2. Skybell HD

Skybell is the go to video doorbell app. It’s easily installed, works like a charm and has the best rating of the video apps in the app store. Skybell is simple. It’s strictly a hi def video doorbell that shoots video to your phone. But, it’s the one that works. When it comes to smart home apps, stability is key. The camera also integrates seamlessly into alarm.com

3. Broview

Broview is most likely the least visually appealing smart home app on the market. It looks like it was designed at the beginning of the internet. It makes me think of my iPhone 1. It is also cameras-only. However, it has proven with it’s 2014 dated interface to be one of the most reliable security apps on the market. Not to mention, not being proprietary gives you the freedom to hook it up to most camera systems.

4. Ring.com

Ring.com is a simple, easy to use application that hooks up to your doorbell camera. It is proprietary, so you will have to use their camera. There are reports of the camera only recording people walking away, being set off by cars driving by or not loading. Aside from a few issues with connectivity and motion detection zone it is for the most part reported to be a positive experience.

5. Protect America

Protect America app is pretty standard in its ability to produce an event log, control home, z wave devices and more. So, it does have some amazing features that were not available years ago. However, it falls offline a bit, has a few negative reviews and complaints about login errors and the raising of monthly monitoring fees.

6. Canary

The most current version of Canary does not have enough reviews to fully gauge how it’s working for everyone. It may not be firing on all cylinders. A few users reported lagging. Battery draining has been an issue based on a lack of geofencing. It has also been switching modes on people. You may check back for further updates. The system itself if designed beautifully, so there is a lot of potential. However if it doesn’t work the bugs out it may be all for not.

7. Nest

The Nest app links into your homes thermostat, carbon monoxide alarm and cameras. All for the price of around $250. As with most home security apps, it does have some negative feedback. Users report not having a proper connection. Having to be at the house to troubleshoot can be a burden if the point of the system is to control it from anywhere.

8. Total Connect by Honeywell

Honeywell has a long standing reputation of excellence, innovation and sustainability. Their smart home application Total Connect is for the most part no different. It’s easy to use features are easy on the eyes and a breeze to use. The learning curve is null as you logon to control your thermostat, z wave devices and more. Cons: a few users have reported issues with the app crashing and having reliability issues, but it does not seem like the norm.

9. Skyapp by Vivint

Based on a variety of factors, vivant is perhaps the most expensive company you can go with. They have great advertising material and are widely used, however many users tell a different story. The system has a lot of glitches. The app is said to not usually work, indicate it is armed when it’s not and generally not have all functions working at the same time. The interface is nice though.

10. Pulse by ADT

ADT has been in business for over 140 years in some capacity. They have been quick to adapt to Alexa and use it as a big selling point. The current version of Pulse, while more sleek is drawing a low star rating and being reported by many as non functional. As with all apps user experience may vary. If you are considering purchasing, make sure you check the current reviews on iTunes. When everything is on the up and up the Pulse is quite sleek, but reliability is currently an issue. (Last Update July 26th)