Winner
Chosen by 1151 this week
Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.
Winner
The Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit is a comprehensive home security system designed for 2-4 bedroom homes. It includes a Base Station, two Keypads, eight Contact Sensors for doors and windows, two Motion Detectors, and a Range Extender, making it a robust option for monitoring your home. One of its key strengths is the mobile app access, which allows you to receive notifications and monitor your devices remotely, providing flexibility and peace of mind. Additionally, it integrates well with Amazon Alexa, enabling voice commands for arming and disarming the system, which can be particularly convenient for smart home enthusiasts.
The system uses Z-Wave for connectivity, which offers a good range and reliability for connecting the sensors and devices within your home. Another notable feature is the 24-hour battery backup, ensuring the system remains operational during power outages. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The initial setup might require some technical knowledge, particularly with the Z-Wave connectivity and proper placement of sensors. Also, while the system offers free mobile notifications and app access, many advanced features, including professional monitoring and cellular backup, require a paid subscription, which could be a recurring cost to factor in.
The lack of included cameras means you may need to purchase additional Ring cameras separately if video surveillance is a priority for you. The Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit is a solid choice for those looking to secure their home with a reliable and expandable system, particularly if you are comfortable with subscription services for enhanced features.
The Ring Alarm 8-piece kit (2nd Gen) is a comprehensive home security solution ideal for 1-2 bedroom homes. It includes a Base Station, Keypad, four Contact Sensors, a Motion Detector, and a Range Extender, making it a robust start for securing key entry points and detecting motion inside your home. The system uses Z-Wave for connectivity, ensuring a reliable range of up to 250 feet to the Base Station, with an additional 250 feet extended range. This makes it suitable for a typical apartment or small home setup.
The Keypad allows for easy arming and disarming, while the contact sensors alert you when doors or windows open. Motion detection is reliable, and the system offers a 24-hour battery backup, ensuring security even during power outages. The Ring Alarm integrates smoothly with Alexa, allowing voice control and instant alerts on compatible devices such as Echo Show and Fire TV. It also supports mobile app access, so you can monitor and control your system remotely. However, to access advanced features like 24/7 recording, cellular backup, and professional monitoring, a Ring subscription is required, which adds additional costs.
The Ring Alarm kit is easy to install, with options to mount devices on walls or place them on flat surfaces. The equipment is designed for indoor use and operates within typical room temperature ranges. The system excels in ease of use, reliability, and integration with smart home devices, though its dependency on a subscription for full functionality might be a drawback for some users. Additionally, professional monitoring is only available in the U.S. and certain parts of Canada. Despite these limitations, the Ring Alarm 8-piece kit offers a solid and expandable home security solution for those looking for an efficient and easy-to-manage system.
The Blink Mini 2 is a compact, plug-in smart security camera designed for home use. It offers 1080p HD video quality with night view in color, thanks to its built-in spotlight. This makes it effective for monitoring your home even in low-light conditions. The camera has a wide field of view at 143° diagonal, which allows for comprehensive coverage of the area you want to monitor. The two-way audio feature lets you communicate directly through the camera using the Blink app, enhancing interaction and security management from your smartphone.
Motion detection and real-time alerts keep you updated about any unexpected activity, providing peace of mind when you're away from home. For storage, you have the option to use a Blink Subscription Plan for cloud storage, or a Sync Module for local storage, though both require separate purchases. The camera integrates well with Alexa, allowing voice control for live view, arming, and disarming the system, which adds convenience for smart home users.
One downside is the need for additional purchases to maximize functionality, such as the Blink Subscription Plan for continuous streaming and the Weather Resistant Power Adapter for outdoor use. On the plus side, setup is straightforward, and the camera can double as a doorbell chime, making it versatile. The Mini 2 comes with necessary accessories like mounting kits, USB cables, and power adapters, making installation quick and easy. It supports various devices with the Blink Home Monitor app, ensuring compatibility with most smartphones. If you’re looking for an affordable, user-friendly, and efficient home security camera, the Blink Mini 2 is a good choice, especially for indoor use.