Differences

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--- home_security_systems [2025.01.11 14:18] – [House Watch Services] Steve Isenberg
+++ home_security_systems [2025.04.11 13:13] (current) – [SimpliSafe System] Steve Isenberg
@@ Line 69: / Line 69: @@
   * **Frontpoint**: Offers DIY security systems with monitoring options. Known for good customer service and high-quality equipment.
   * **Ring Alarm**: Offers both DIY systems and professional monitoring through Amazon. Budget-friendly and integrates well with Ring’s doorbell cameras and other smart devices.
+  * **Wyze** Allows self-monitoring without monthly fees; can arm/disarm remotely; can be expanded; has backup battery; works over Wifi with cell backup
+  * **Ring** Allows self-monitoring without monthly fees; can arm/disarm remotely; can be expanded; has backup battery; works over Wifi with cell backup
 ==== 7. DIY vs. Professional Installation ====
@@ Line 118: / Line 120: @@
   * **Monitoring**: 24/7 professional monitoring available.
   * **Features**: No long-term contracts, customizable systems, and affordable pricing.
-  * **Cost**: Competitive pricing, starting around **$14.99/month** for monitoring.
+  * **Cost**: Competitive pricing, starting around **$9.99/month** for monitoring.
 ==== 3. Vivint ====
@@ Line 163: / Line 165: @@
 ==== Comparison Summary ====
-  * **Best for Reliability**: **ADT**
+  * Best for Reliability: **ADT**
-  * **Best for Flexibility**: **SimpliSafe**
+  * Best for Flexibility: **SimpliSafe**
-  * **Best for Smart Home Integration**: **Vivint**
+  * Best for Smart Home Integration: **Vivint**
-  * **Best for DIY Options**: **Ring Alarm**
+  * Best for DIY Options: **Ring Alarm**
-  * **Best Customer Service**: **Frontpoint**
+  * Best Customer Service: **Frontpoint**
@@ Line 176: / Line 178: @@
   * **Brinks Home Security**: Provides a good range of monitoring options without requiring video.
   * **Cove**: Focuses on affordability and can work well without video surveillance.
-Each of these companies has its strengths, so the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.
+//Each of these companies has its strengths, so the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.//
+===Monitoring plan pricing===
+//I'm not sure if these companies will monitor a system not sold and installed by them.//
+^ Company               ^ URL                                                              ^ Starting cost                                       ^ Comments                          ^
+| ADT                   | https://adt.com/                                                 | ? need to call them (tel:855-908-4461) to find out  |                                   |
+| Brinks Home Security  | https://www.security.org/home-security-systems/brinks/           | $39.99/mo                                           |                                   |
+| Cove                  | https://www.covesmart.com/monitored-security/                    | need to call them (tel:855-268-3669) to find out    |                                   |
+| Frontpoint            | https://www.frontpointsecurity.com/                              | $14.99 or $1.06/day=$49.20/mo                       | you can build your system online  |
+| SimpliSafe            | [[https://SimpliSafe.com/]]                                      | $0.33/day - $2.66/day\\ $9.99/mo - $79.80/mo       | you can build your system online  |
+| Vivint                | https://www.vivint.com/resources/article/vivint-monthly-pricing  | $40/mo                                              |                                   |
+=====Additional comparison information=====
+This comparison from Claude.AI
+==== Base Requirements ====
+  * 5 entry sensors (3 doors, 2 windows)
+  * 2 motion sensors
+  * Base station
+  * Keypad
+  * Mobile app connectivity
+----
+==== Wyze System ====
+**Initial Cost:** ~$280
+== Equipment Costs ==
+  * Base station with keypad: $90
+  * Entry sensors: $85 (5 × $17)
+  * Motion sensors: $40 (2 × $20)
+  * Siren: $30
+  * Mobile app: Free
+  * Self-monitoring: Free
+**Advantages**
+  * Lowest upfront cost
+  * No required monthly fees
+  * Easy DIY installation
+  * Good app interface
+**Disadvantages**
+  * Newer to security market
+  * Less robust than traditional systems
+  * Limited integration options
+----
+==== Ring System ====
+**Initial Cost:** ~$300
+== Equipment Costs ==
+  * 8-piece kit (includes base, keypad, 4 sensors): $250
+  * Additional entry sensor: $20
+  * Additional motion sensor: $30
+  * Mobile app: Free
+  * Self-monitoring: Free
+**Advantages**
+  * Amazon integration
+  * Well-established brand
+  * Easy DIY installation
+  * Good camera options
+**Disadvantages**
+  * Requires good WiFi coverage
+  * Base kit includes some items you may not need
+----
+==== SimpliSafe System ====
+**Initial Cost:** ~$340
+== Equipment Costs ==
+  * Base kit (includes base, keypad, 1 sensor): $250
+  * Additional entry sensors: $60 (4 × $15)
+  * Additional motion sensor: $30
+== Additional Costs ==
+  * No mobile app access without $10/month subscription
+  * No smartphone alerts without subscription
+**Advantages**
+  * High-quality equipment
+  * Easy DIY installation
+  * Good customer support
+**Disadvantages**
+  * Limited functionality without monthly plan
+  * Higher upfront cost
+  * Not ideal for self-monitoring
+== SimpliSafe Features Without a Monitoring Plan ==
+//This from SimpliSafe 1/25/2025//
+  * Receive notifications for break-ins: You can receive push notifications through the SimpliSafe app.
+  * Arm/Disarm the system: You can remotely arm and disarm your system using the SimpliSafe app.
+  * View live video feed: You can view the live video feed from your cameras through the app.
+However, without a monitoring plan, you won't have access to features like 24/7 emergency dispatch or unlimited camera recordings.
+----
+This from ChatGPT, comparing the Simplisafe system using self-monitoring ($9.99/month) or no plan (free).  See also [[https://support.simplisafe.com/page/monitoring-plans|Simplisafe Plans page]]
+^ **Feature**                                 ^ **Self-Monitoring ($9.99/mo)**              ^ **No Plan (Free)**           ^
+| **System Arming & Disarming**               | ✅ **Works via Keypad & App**               | ✅ **Keypad Only** (No App)  |
+| **Mobile App Access**                       | ✅ Yes – Control system remotely            | 🚫 No – No remote control    |
+| **Push Notifications (App Alerts)**         | ✅ Yes – Arming, disarming, & alarm events  | 🚫 No alerts at all          |
+| **Email Notifications**                     | ✅ Yes                                      | 🚫 No                        |
+| **SMS/Text Notification for Alarm**.        | ✅ Yes                                      | ✅ Yes                       |
+| **SMS or Phone Call Alerts**                | 🚫 No (Only available in $29.99/mo plan)    | 🚫 No                        |
+| **Break-In Alarm (Siren Sounds)**           | ✅ Yes                                      | ✅ Yes                       |
+| **Event History Log in App**                | ✅ Yes                                      | 🚫 No                        |
+| **Smart Home Integration** (Alexa, Google)  | 🚫 No (Requires Core or Pro plan)           | 🚫 No                        |
+| **Live Camera Viewing**                     | ✅ Yes                                      | ✅ Yes                       |
+| **Camera Motion Detection Alerts**          | ✅ Yes                                      | 🚫 No                        |
+| **Camera Cloud Recording** (Up to 30 days)  | ✅ Yes – Video clips saved                  | 🚫 No – Live view only       |
+| **Sensor & Device Status in App**           | ✅ Yes                                      | 🚫 No                        |
+| **Wi-Fi & Power Failure Notifications**     | ✅ Yes                                      | 🚫 No                        |
+| **Cellular Backup (if Wi-Fi fails)**        | 🚫 No (Only in Pro plan)                    | 🚫 No                        |
+| **Emergency Dispatch (Police/Fire)**        | 🚫 No (Only in Std, Core, & Pro plans)      | 🚫 No                        |
+Key Takeaways
+  * With Self-Monitoring ($9.99/mo):
+    * Alerts and Notifications: You receive real-time alerts on your smartphone when an alarm is triggered, allowing you to respond quickly.
+    * Remote Access: You can control your system remotely via the SimpliSafe app, including arming/disarming the system and checking the status of your devices.
+    * Video Monitoring: If you have cameras, you can view live footage and recorded clips directly from your app.
+    * No professional monitoring: You can monitor your system 24/7 at any time, giving you peace of mind.
+    * No Contracts: You can cancel or change your plan at any time without penalties.
+  * With No Plan (Free):
+    * Limited Functionality: Without any plan, your system will only function as a local alarm. This means it will sound an alarm if a sensor is triggered, but you won’t receive any notifications.
+    * No Remote Access: You won’t be able to control your system remotely or check its status through an app.
+    * No Alerts: You won’t receive any alerts on your phone, which means you may not know if an alarm has been triggered until you return home.
+    * Basic Alarm Features: The base station will make noise when an event occurs, but that’s the extent of its functionality.  You won't know about the alarm unless you hear the siren.
+    * Cameras only allow live viewing -- no recordings or motion alerts
+  * Standard plan ($21.90/mo) as compared to Self-Monitoring:
+    * 24/7 Professional Monitoring: Your system is monitored around the clock by trained professionals who can respond to emergencies.
+    * Immediate Emergency Response: If an alarm is triggered, the monitoring center will contact emergency services on your behalf.
+    * Cellular Backup: Your system will remain connected even if your internet goes down, ensuring continuous monitoring.
+    * Video Verification: If an alarm is triggered, the monitoring center can view video footage to assess the situation before contacting authorities.
+    * Smart Home Integration: Enhanced compatibility with smart home devices, allowing for more automation and control.
+    * No Contracts: You can cancel or change your plan at any time without penalties.
+----
+==== Vivint System ====
+**Initial Cost:** $599+ (professional installation required)
+== System Costs ==
+  * Equipment for specified needs: ~$800
+  * Monthly Cost: Required professional monitoring ($30-50/month)
+  * Contract: 4-5 years typically required
+**Advantages**
+  * Premium equipment
+  * Professional installation
+  * Full home automation
+**Disadvantages**
+  * Highest cost
+  * No DIY option
+  * Long-term contract required
+  * Cannot self-monitor
+==== Recommendation ====
+Based on requirements (DIY installation, self-monitoring, budget around $300, smartphone alerts):
+  * **Best Options:** Wyze or Ring
+  * **Alternative:** SimpliSafe (higher cost, maybe (need to check) monthly fees for smartphone features)
+  * **Not Recommended:** Vivint (doesn't match requirements)
 ===== Lexington Resident Recommendations and Comments =====