Friend of mine just bought a house and is adamant about having an alarm system.

If you have a system, who do you use and how much do you pay?

I'm leaning towards recommending CPI over ADT atm.

3/12/2012 2:54:51 PM

CPI, $35/mo

Covered up to $800 of the I stall (the free offer), but was $400 for the extra doors and windows in my house over the basic package.

3/12/2012 8:02:05 PM

what about the local guy, alarm man of nc?

ones I know of:

CPI
ADT
Alarm Man
Brinks
Alarm Force

[Edited on March 13, 2012 at 7:45 AM. Reason : ,]

3/13/2012 7:43:34 AM

I currently don't have any, but I have several friends who use Frontpoint Security. It's a completely wireless, self-install system. They can control it on their phones. One of them got an upgraded package and can control the door locks and some lights in his house with his phone.

3/13/2012 9:09:45 AM

apparently brinks home security is no more.

3/13/2012 9:19:37 AM

Are there any options that don't require you to have a land line?

3/13/2012 9:28:15 AM

I do. It have a land line. My system is 100% cellular.

3/13/2012 9:32:35 AM

^^some are cellular by default, some charge you extra for cellular service

3/13/2012 9:37:20 AM

^^ do you have the ntouch system? how long ago did you sign up? they're quoting $50 per month for that now.

3/13/2012 11:39:35 AM

I did not do the NTouch system. I've had them monitoring system for 2 years.
I will probably just cancel monitoring if they decide to try and up my rates.

3/13/2012 4:26:10 PM

I have Frontpoint. It's all wireless and GSM cellular, and you get the master code, so you can add your own sensors and stuff if you want. My package is $40 a month, and If you sign a 3-year contract w/ them you get a $300 equipment credit, which is enough to cover everything for a small home.

3/13/2012 4:37:10 PM

I have alarm man. ~$20/mo with cellular. No complaints.

3/13/2012 10:37:32 PM

bttt

Any recommendations? Should I go with the big boys (ADT/CPI)? Or should I find a cheaper local option (Charleston, not really)?

I want to do cheap (because I don't think we need it)...but want something respectable.

9/10/2013 12:13:58 PM

Quote :

"I want to do cheap (because I don't think we need it)...but want something respectable."

This sounds like your post in that credit card thread..."i like all that free money you all are getting, but I don't want to do the work"

9/10/2013 12:18:43 PM

Ha...my fiancee wants the alarm system, not me. Since I don't think it's necessary, I don't want to pay for a premium system. Basically one that just goes off and scares burglars.

But I guess it would be nice if it had some "nice" features (being able to control it with your cell phone...shit like that).

9/10/2013 12:35:28 PM

We have Frontpoint. Totally wireless/cellular install. I think we pay a little extra for an "upgraded" package to be able to control things from the iPhone app...but from the app we can arm/disarm the alarm which is nice in case you forget, and you can see when any of the doors are opened/closed, even if the alarm is not armed. Kinda nice.

9/10/2013 12:47:43 PM

repost from old school:

I love FrontPoint, which is what I have... it's a completely DIY system with wireless sensors. It is a cellular system as well, so no need for a phone line. As for affordability... upfront it can be more money, depending on how much you want to do.

After getting estimates and talking with several other companies (ADT, CPI, etc.), I was not impressed. For what monitoring/features you get, FrontPoint was a better deal (and even cheaper in many cases).. though it still depends on what features/functionality you want.

I spent about 1.5 more on the equipment compared to the other companies, but I got the security system I wanted and not what the rep wanted to sell me (If I did the same exact system with ADT, for example, I would have spent more money). Also, if you sign a 3-yr contract, you get something like $300 off of your equipment. If you call and ask, you can typically get more, depending on your total equipment cost (I got $450 off).

Lastly, FrontPoint's customer service is A damn +. I hardly ever have to wait for a representative to take my call; the techs & reps are extremely nice and always helpful. I wanted to add 2 components, but FrontPoint didn't offer those, but the tech suggested the brand and place to buy them and that they'd help me add them (no charge) to my system.

In short, I've been very impressed with FrontPoint. If you decide to go with them, let me know and you can use me as a reference - they used to do $10 off/month for both people... not sure if that's still going on or if there's a new promotion

Edit: damn, I think it's just one month free for both now. That sucks. I think it used to be $10/month for 1 year.

Also, Frontpoint can be pretty cheap if all you want is a panel and a few door sensors.

[Edited on September 10, 2013 at 12:32 PM. Reason : .]

9/10/2013 12:50:38 PM

I can't believe I am actually going to recommend this, but if they are getting TWC internet then they might want to consider TWC's new home security product (Intelligent Home). I don't know a whole lot about the Home Security industry, but from what I understand TWC's is very price competitive. Plus with TWC you only have to sign an 18 month contract, and the competition is typically 3-5 year contracts.

9/10/2013 3:03:56 PM

Another satisfies FrontPoint customer. Their service is damn good, I had to call them twice in the span of two months or so and happened to get the same guy who remembered me and asked if there had been any issues since the previous time I called. Very impressed overall.

9/10/2013 3:52:55 PM

So Frontpoint is the standard $40-$50/month?

9/10/2013 3:55:42 PM

35, 43, 50

9/10/2013 4:09:08 PM

I think mine is $40/mo

9/10/2013 4:15:45 PM

I'm sure the price depends on when you signed the contract.

[Edited on September 10, 2013 at 4:19 PM. Reason : .]

9/10/2013 4:18:48 PM

has anyone used simplisafe security system? I've heard it advertised on Dave Ramsey show, etc.

9/10/2013 4:24:57 PM

I use ABV off trinity and they have alarm force equipment.

i love it and would highly recommend them. no contract and you pay quarterly / if you pay a whole year up front you get one month off.

i pay 50 a month but i have 2 infrared cameras

the system is full color, cellular with lots of neat features. you can use it as a control for smart homes

the president of the company even stopped by during the install to make sure my needs have been satisfied

they have a great reputation on the web and have never had any issues reported on the BBB

9/10/2013 4:37:59 PM

I use Simplisafe. Seems fine to me. $15/mo, it's 100% free cellular, and you buy/own the equipment, so $200-300 up front depending on how many sensors you need.

FWIW, we have Brinks at work and I've set it off a time or two by accident. The time between tripping the alarm and the phone call has always been 30-60 seconds with Brinks, but with Simplisafe it's pretty much instant.

9/10/2013 6:00:17 PM

So I don't have much experience with alarms... do you buy a sensor for each window and door you have? (we have a damn lot of downstairs windows... 14 i think plus two doors... and one door upstairs )

9/10/2013 6:04:12 PM

There's different kinds of window sensors...but I didnt go with individual sensors for each window. I bought a "glass break" sensor that mounts on any wall facing the windows, and it covers a span of about 15(?) feet? I bought two of these sensors for my livingroom, one for the bedroom, and one for the kitchen. Basically they just detect breaking glass from the noise it makes.

Or you can go with individual window sensors...but that will be $texas if you have a ton of windows

9/10/2013 6:19:38 PM

Anyone who comes across a simple self-install system that merely sounds the alarm and possibly sends an email alert via wifi connection (read: no monitoring), then let me know.

9/10/2013 7:29:50 PM

The window break sensors are the way to go IMO. When we had our house broken into they just busted the window out and crawled in, a sensor to check if the window was opened would have been worthless. Also, I think it is a great idea if you can't afford security cameras to get some fake ones and put those around the outside of your house. They make some that look great and are like $15 a piece and considering that is enough to make a lot of would be thieves turn around it is well worth it. Of course if you have the cash to blow the real thing would be a better option.

9/10/2013 9:49:55 PM

ADT has some terrible things about them in the BBB.

I went with CPI. My parents went with Vivint. Personally, I didn't care for the Vivint people, even though they use the SAME technology that the CPI people use. I got a slightly cheaper rate with CPI and got more free goodies by going with them. CPI is my recommendation.

9/10/2013 10:02:29 PM

Vivint were the sketchiest mofo's ever...I see that they scammed a few of my neighbors into their service though. I suppose they're happy with them, I dunno.

Also with Frontpoint, I get a text message every time my alarm goes off or the power goes out (it has a battery backup, but still alerts me). It's nice to know when the power is out at home for several reasons

9/10/2013 10:12:02 PM

Vivint used to be scammy, and you can definitely find all kinds of reports and stories from a few years ago. I think they turned themselves around, especially since they've won awards and stuff the past year or so. CPI has been around for ages. If your willing to be comfortable with a 15/30 year mortgage, why the hesitation about a 5 year contract? just my opinion.

When my parents went with Vivint, they were the first ones using their version of home security. A few months later, CPI and a few other companies adapted the same exact technology (same key pads, same service, etc). If my parents waited a few more months, perhaps they would have gone with CPI too. Mom was kinda pissed when she found out I got the same service with CPI for $10 less each month and a few free goodies to boot.

9/10/2013 10:34:01 PM

Quote :

"If your willing to be comfortable with a 15/30 year mortgage, why the hesitation about a 5 year contract? just my opinion. "

Eh...I don't plan on being in this house for 5 more years, but we'll see.

Just got off the phone with FrontPoint and CPI reps. I think I'm leaning towards FrontPoint right now. CPI is offering three months at $30...but then it goes back up to $50 and it's a five year commitment.

FrontPoint is $43/month with a $100 for all of their equipment. I haven't looked yet to see if I can find all of their equipment online for cheaper...but I can't imagine it being a big enough difference for it to be worth the hassle (he said he'd also throw in a light control thingy for free...which isn't normally part of that package...because I asked for it). FrontPoint is also only a three year commitment (which falls more in line with how long I plan on being in the house).

Frontpoint's stuff (as has been mentioned) is self installation. Basically plug in the main keypad and stick other shit on the walls. Which is good if I want to move it with me to my next house or want to sell it. CPI would charge reinstallation fees if I could transfer their service to the next owner.

I think I'm leaning towards FrointPoint for the shorter contract and cheaper monthly cost. Even with CPI's initial monthly discount and waived installation fee, it's still $300+ more expensive over a three year time span.

The one thing that might sway me towards CPI would be thermostat control through my phone/ipad/laptop. Anyone use that and see a big difference in their electric bills??

9/11/2013 2:16:45 PM

Quote :

"I use Simplisafe. Seems fine to me. $15/mo, it's 100% free cellular, and you buy/own the equipment, so $200-300 up front depending on how many sensors you need."

I don't live in an area where I think a home alarm is needed...but if I did, this is what I would use. I have heard great things about it.

9/11/2013 3:40:06 PM

Quote :

"I use Simplisafe. Seems fine to me. $15/mo, it's 100% free cellular, and you buy/own the equipment, so $200-300 up front depending on how many sensors you need. "

Their online reviews were the worst out of all the companies I searched. Seems like you get faulty equipment about 1/2 the time and their customer service blows.

On the other end...Frontpoint had the best reviews out of all the companies and they are cheaper than the big boys (ADT and CPI).

Just finished ordering through FrontPoint and will post an update when everything is installed.

9/12/2013 2:19:46 PM

I use vector. Cellular system, swanky touch screen, nice feature set. I think it's a little pricey but I'm under contract until 2016

9/12/2013 2:47:19 PM

^^ None of my equipment is faulty and the CS has been fine.

All of the security companies have terrible online reviews.

9/12/2013 3:13:22 PM

Quote :

"All of the security companies have terrible online reviews. "

Frontpoint had like 35 5-start and four 4-star reviews from Yelp. Their other online reviews were similar.

ADP and CPI were mixed. Simplisafe was the worst. Not that there weren't positive stories...there were just a lot more negative stories than any of the other security companies.

I'm glad everything is working out with your system, I'm just going with what seems to be a bit more reliable in the customer service and equipment area.

9/12/2013 3:18:02 PM

^^not Frontpoint. And you've already seen several here that were positive.

^didn't want that free month for referral? I did

9/16/2013 9:19:13 AM

ah dangit. read 90% of your post...missed the referral part

9/16/2013 10:17:24 AM

dammit, i cannot connect to my indoor camera this morning.

9/17/2013 9:25:50 AM

People still recommending Frontpoint? I guess I would need the "Ultimate" plan to connect o z-wave devices for automation? Can you really add your own devices, like a thermostat? Is there interface any good, or would it be better to just set up my own z-wave controller?

11/25/2013 1:00:51 PM

I've got frontpoint's basic service and I'm pretty happy with it. I can't really answer your other questions. I will just say that the basic stuff I got (motion detector and door alarm) were easy to set-up and work very well. Their customer service was also awesome.

I think they have the best "value" out of all of the systems. I also like that if I end up moving in the next couple years, I can take my system with me. Don't have to worry about "selling" it to the new owner or eating the cost of the contract. That was a big plus for me because moving in the next year or two is a definite possibility.

11/25/2013 1:11:11 PM

I still love FrontPoint. As far as your Z-wave question, I know some devices will work on any level of service (I have Z-wave sirens)... but it could be possible taht the automation devices require the ultimate package, just ask a rep.

If you go with frontpoint, you can use any of us as a reference to get a special promotion. last time i checked, it was a free month of monitoring.

11/25/2013 3:32:14 PM

^ Use this guy for a referral...because I was a dummy and missed it last time.

11/25/2013 3:40:19 PM

I put in a GE simon XTI system. It is not proprietary to a certain company. I only had to do a one year contract in return for a subsidized cellular module, the rest of the parts (including control panels) are generic and I bought them outright.

I am really happy with the setup. I paid nothing for install/labor and got way more sensors for the money.

This is the equipment, but this is not where I bought it.
http://www.interlogix.com/intrusion/brand/simon-xti/

11/25/2013 6:33:38 PM

Frontpoint uses GE Simon XT for the primary panel

http://www.frontpointsecurity.com/equipment/controls/control-panel#tab3

You can purchase the XTI as a secondary panel

^not following you... who does the monitoring?

[Edited on November 26, 2013 at 8:16 AM. Reason : /]

11/26/2013 8:14:53 AM

^^ you did that with Frontpoint? They let you bring all of your own stuff? Looks like I can get the XT control panel and some sensors for cheaper than what Frontpoint wants for just the control panel. You can use the XTI in place of the XT?

11/26/2013 5:19:55 PM

I have livewatch monitoring.

I have the alarm.com app that shows all the sensor status in my house, 2 way voice.

I also have a night owl surveillance system but that is separate and has no monthly fees.

11/26/2013 6:16:50 PM