We think it’s a smart idea to pair home automation with home security. When we reviewed home automation systems, many of them were also top contenders for the best home monitoring and security systems. Also impressive is Vivint’s equipment, which is all designed in-house and comes with loads of extra features. For example, Vivint’s control panel has a two-way talk feature that lets a Vivint rep try to contact you through your control panel—and you can answer back. No more scrambling to find your phone and answer their call to cancel a false alarm. And you can also pull up live video feeds from your security cameras on the panel or in the Vivint mobile app to monitor your home in real time. Plus Vivint’s Indoor Camera has an outbound call feature, so your kids always have a way to get ahold of you. Vivint also doesn’t have a DIY installation option, so you’ll need to factor in the $99 installation fee into your total cost. But we still think the price is worth it to get your hands on some of the best home automation technology in the industry, like two-way talk, live video feeds, and custom security settings. Its service is also compatible with Z-Wave devices, so you’ll be able to add in some third-party smart devices, like lights, locks, and thermostats. That said, ADT’s equipment looks pretty standard and it has mediocre cameras. The ADT system definitely lacks the innovative qualities and overall panache of Vivint gear. There is one caveat, though: for a security event to trigger the ADT monitoring service—and have them contact the police or fire department on your behalf—the event alert has to come from an ADT device. An extra bonus: If you have to pick up and go because your lease is up, you changed jobs, or you’re moving in with your best friend’s sister’s cousin, you won’t have to worry about paying contract cancellation fees. All of Abode’s packages are contract-free. We say “most everything” because the kit lacks a couple of items that you might consider essential. A wireless keypad will cost you extra, as will any security cameras. If your focus is mainly on home automation, these may not be a deal breaker and can be added on if you consider them a must-have. What makes Abode tops for anyone looking for a budget home automation service is its Basic package that rings in at a whopping F-R-E-E. While you’ll have to rely on your own eagle eyes to self-monitor, this is the perfect option if you’re really only shopping for a home automation service. If you think 24/7 monitoring might come in handy, you can always upgrade to the still-affordable Connect or Connect + Secure plans—or get three to seven days of on-demand monitoring for a one-time fee. Scout doesn’t really have a free monitoring option. If you want access to the mobile app, or you want to upgrade to full-on professional monitoring, then you’ll need to sign on for a month-to-month subscription plan. It’s also a good idea to add two-factor authentication to your account if you can. This adds yet another layer of protection to keep would-be hackers away. If you’re new to home automation, these are the languages that allow each smart device to “talk” to the hub and to each other, so every bit of your home’s Internet of Things (IoT) is connected. But creating IFTTT recipes and learning how to make your devices “talk” to each other in the right way takes some research and experimentation. Check out our home automation languages guide to jump in and see what it’s all about.
