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Reviews of Top 10 Home Security Systems
Reviews of Top 10 Home Security Systems
Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Infrared works impressively well in total darkness and has a good range
  • Remote internet monitoring
  • Good video and audio quality
  • Pan and Tilt work well
  • Motion detection works well
  • Compatible with Smartphones
  • Has a built-in streaming server

    Cons

  • Can be hard to install and setup
  • Two ways audio may not work due to limited range
  • Software is substandard
  • Poor technical support
  • Does not work well with Mac
Where to Buy
Review Summary

The Foscam FI8910W features high quality video and audio, wireless N connectivity, pan/tilt, remote internet viewing, motion detection, night-vision, embedded IR-Cut filter as well as a built in network video recording system. In addition, it is smartphone compatible (iPhone, Android & Blackberry) as well as viewable over the internet using standard web-browsers. The camera functions well as an iPhone baby monitor or as part of a home or office security system with remote internet monitoring ability.

The FI8910W distinguishes itself with an embedded IR-Cut filter providing enhanced picture and color quality. The IR-Cut filter automatically adjusts the lighting exposure via mechanical filter to provide true and accurately colored images that are not washed out. In addition, the FI8910W has an upgraded and higher quality external housing as well as an included 2 year extended warranty.

Some buyers found this IP camera hard to install and setup as it requires the knowledge of networking.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Peel and stick magnetic mounts for easy installation, no wires needed
  • Live remote access with compatible smartphones
  • Record, playback and store videos and photos
  • Share live cameras and images easily
  • Pan and zoom on live views
  • Supports up to 5 cameras which can be moved anywhere easily
  • Can arm or disarm motion detection via smartphone

    Cons

  • Does not perform well in low light
  • Not weatherproof
  • Less range
  • Needs improvement on fps and resolution
Where to Buy

$99.99

Amazon
Review Summary

The NetGear VueZone System comes complete with everything to set up own personal home security network. It just needs a high-speed internet connection and an available LAN port on router, along with a flash enabled web browser or compatible iPhone or iPad to access and view the cameras. With these innovative wire-free, battery-powered cameras, installation is easy by avoiding the hassles of running ugly power cords. The peel and stick magnetic mounts allow changing the camera location in seconds, making it very easy to manage. It is very easy to sync the cameras with one click and set it to start viewing live videos.

This compact security system includes features like – watching live streaming video while on the go; set alerts and view captured video clips; record, playback and store video clips or photos; share live cameras and images easily; store video online for access from anywhere; pan and zoom on live view. Create a web-based online account at myvuezone.com and get a free plan with basic access, or the most popular Premier service that gives access to more features and supports up to 5 cameras, or the Elite plan for power-users, Vuezone has a service plan for everyone.

However, some reviewers complained that the picture quality is grainy, requires improvement on fps and resolution and has access to lesser range. Also, another major concern is that this device does not perform well in low light areas and the batteries used in this device are not easily available.

Overall, the NetGear VueZone System is an incredibly simple and convenient way to check on family, pets, kids, workers etc., and secure home.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy to install and configure
  • Good night vision
  • Motion sensing works exceptionally well
  • Decent video and audio recording
  • Each camera has a micro SD card to store recorded video
  • iPhone app works well
  • Simple, sleek and straight forward design

    Cons

  • Software has problems
  • Poor customer service
  • SD card get corrupted often and stops recording
  • Software lacks many features such as scheduling and time stamping the videos
Where to Buy

$299.99

eBay

$299.99

Amazon
Review Summary

Logitech Alert 700e Outdoor Add-On HD Quality Security Camera with Night Vision is a weather proof high power camera. Its 130 degree wide angle lens gives twice as much viewing area as compared to other standard camera and it is useful for both outdoor and indoor locations. It’s a perfect surveillance camera which is easy to install. Its unique automatic alert gets activated when it detects a motion which can be seen on mobile devices with free apps and also on the computer. For more precise motion detection, and to reduce false alarms, you can specify up to 16 motion-detection zones within the frame- such as doors and windows.

With a high quality and high powered night vision this 720p video camera identifies important details like facial features and license plate numbers with a better coverage despite of day or night, rain or shine and also the camera can be tilted, zoomed for a better view. The master system comes with Logitech alert commander, which is a powerful desktop app to manage the entire video security through PC via browser. Its 2GB micro SD can store recorded video for a week. This camera not only records video, but can be enabled to record audio as well.

With Logitech Alert 700e, you can add an outdoor camera to your existing Logitech Alert master system for more complete picture of what’s happening in the backyard, driveway or dark garage when you aren’t around.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy and fast to install
  • Wireless installation, no wiring needed
  • Loud alarm sound
  • Keypad for arming or disarming the door alarm
  • Door alarm delay feature avoids false triggering
  • Long battery life
  • Compact and cost effective

    Cons

  • No off site monitoring
  • May not work properly on metal door and windows
Where to Buy
Review Summary

The GE 51107 Smart Home Wireless Alarm System Kit is a 120-decibel alarm that sounds loud enough to alert anyone when a window or door is opened. This system is easy to install with no wiring necessary. The big door alarm uses a 4-digit keypad to set the security code for arming/disarming and an alarm delay feature that avoids false triggering. In the 'Away' mode - it gives 45 seconds to exit the house after arming the system. This alarm needs to be deactivated within 30 seconds after getting back home with the custom 4 digit code. The 30-second delay helps to eliminate false triggering of the alarm.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Tons of features like motion detection, email, FTP etc.
  • Night vision works well and good under different lighting conditions
  • High quality feed
  • Pan, Tilt and Zoom features work well
  • Inbuilt microphone
  • The motion detection works well
  • Records on schedule, motion, or scheduled motion

    Cons

  • Needs networking knowledge to setup
  • Can be hard to setup
  • Cannot use Wi-Fi network for initial setup
  • Camera resolution is quite blurry
  • Instructions are difficult to understand
Where to Buy

$35.99

eBay

$108.00

Amazon
Review Summary

The Wansview NC541W Wireless IP Camera features M-JPEG compression format, support 2 way audio, WiFi, built-in Pan/Tilt and IR lights, mobile phone view, provide alarm in and out interface, support UPNP and PPPOE, motion detection, email, FTP alarm etc. In addition, it is smartphone compatible (Iphone, Android & Blackberry) as well as viewable over the internet network using the standard Safari browser (no app necessary). The camera functions well as an Iphone baby monitor or as part of a home or office security system with remote internet monitoring ability. It comes with an easy setup instruction manual, requires only power and network connections. If Wi-Fi is used to connect the camera, then only power is must. Through external alarm device, the alarm information can be sent to email or mobile phone.

However, this internet surveillance camera requires a good knowledge of home networking and port forwarding to configure and install and therefore may not be easy to setup for some users.

Overall, the Wansview Wireless IP Camera comes with loads of features at an affordable price. With built-in Microphone, it enables user to monitor the sound on the site.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Very easy to setup and install
  • 130 Degrees wide-angle lens with 15 fps and motion detection
  • Pan, tilt and zoom on live feeds with real time monitoring
  • All weather proof HD quality of 720p
  • Live remote access with compatible smartphones
  • In-built microphone and DVR recording
  • Indoor and outdoor system with up to 6 add on cameras

    Cons

  • Camera in sync software was poorly designed
  • Does not record continuously
  • Software is not very robust
  • Night vision is not so good
Where to Buy

$275.00

eBay

$499.00

Amazon
Review Summary

The Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master System comes with everything that’s needed to help protect what’s important. It is a smart, weatherproof camera with wide-angle night vision, Windows and Mac software support and a free remote viewing account. With a choice of indoor or outdoor master system plus add-on up to 6 cameras in any combination or location, this is an easy set up device for surveillance. It also supports live video feeds from computer, smartphones, Ipad, Iphone or tablets. This device manages a vision up to 100 feet in complete darkness. Its 130 degrees wide angle lens and weatherproof HD 720p video camera with high powered night vision illumination makes it easier to recognize important details in all weather conditions. The Logitech Alert Commander Software give total control to watch/record/back up video with windows or mac computer and can reconfigure alerts and motion zones anytime. Tilt the camera, zoom in or pan around digitally to zero in on what’s happening and watch live feeds and review what’s recorded on all the cameras.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy to install, cable or Wi-Fi operated
  • Nice and detailed crystal clear images
  • Good night time mode quality
  • Motion detection and alerts with pan and tilt presets
  • Remote control and viewing from phone or web
  • Two-way audio feature
  • Reasonable price

    Cons

  • Short power cord
  • Lacks IR LED control
  • Poor technical support
  • No recording options
Where to Buy
Review Summary

Tenvis Wireless IP Pan/Tilt/ Night Vision Internet Surveillance Camera is an entry level IP camera which comes with very durable plastic body. It consists of 10 infrared LED light and a power LED surrounding the lens. The speakers are located on either side of the device and the audio port, power port, LAN port and card slot are located at the back with a Wi-Fi antenna. The CD software wizard and little booklet manual with picture illustrations make it easy to setup the camera in less than 30 minutes. It is recommended to use Ethernet cable before attempting wireless setup for good and accurate results. With some port forwarding setup, the camera is ready for remote viewing on web browser (IE is recommended) smartphone, iPhone, iPad, tablets or Android. This pan/tilt camera produces good picture quality and focus can be manually adjusted by turning the ring around and night-vision works very well. This device is very much compatible with Blue Iris Software.

The features includeHigh-sensitivity 1/4" CMOS sensor (300,000 pixels); Optimized MJPEG video compression for transmission; Auto IR-LED illumination for night vision (up to 10 meters); High image & video quality and two way audio monitoring; Wi-Fi compliant with wireless standards IEEE 802.11b/g; Remote Pan/Tilt control (Pan: 270°& Tilt: 90°); Smart mobile surveillance & P/T Control via iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile, Java, etc.; Remote viewing & record from anywhere anytime; Motion detection alert via email or upload image to a specified FTP server; Image full screen and image snapshot; Built-in Microphone and Speaker; WEP & WPA WPA2 Encryption

Some reviewers complained about the short power cord and lack of control for IR LEDs. 

Overall, the Tenvis Wireless IP Pan/Tilt camera is easy to setup with DIY installation, friendly Graphical User Interface and unbeatable price for the quality features. This is smart way to ensure security within budget and it is backed with 1 year warranty.

Specifications:

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Super easy to set up, wireless installation
  • Features rolling-code or hopping code technology
  • Offers 100 feet operating range
  • Remote control for panic situations
  • Compact and pretty loud alarm with Chime, Instant, and Delay modes with Low battery indicator
  • Highly customizable and stores 9 numbers and 40 seconds message for emergencies
  • Motion sensors and door sensors work pretty well

    Cons

  • Keypad batteries drain fast
  • Lacks the option to turn off the false alarm remotely
  • Poor product support
Where to Buy
Review Summary

The Skylink SC-1000 Complete Wireless Security Alarm System kit is a comprehensive DIY wireless security system that is easy to install and ready to use. It is designed for a medium-sized house but can be expanded for businesses, offices, 24-hour stores, retail operations and more. Featuring rolling-code technology, this all-in-one system, offers a 100-foot operating range and requires no monitoring services or fees. The rolling code (or hopping code) is used in entry system that does not require a security code or key, eliminating the eavesdropper from capturing and using it to break in. This technology recognizes radio waves only from its remote sensor (door/window sensor, motion sensor and key chain transmitter) there by avoiding tampering of the system.

Offering simple and straightforward operation, the SC-1000 features a lighted keypad that is easy to read in dark and offers Chime, Instant, and Delay modes. It runs on AC power with nine-volt alkaline battery backup (battery included), and provides a helpful low-battery indicator to prevent a loss of power. It works in conjunction with up to 30 Skylink security accessories including Dial Alert, Alarm Detector Sensor and Flood Sensor; this system can be customized to suit any needs and can be expanded to accommodate larger spaces that require higher protection. If any sensor is triggered when the system is armed, the included 110dB siren will make a piercing sound and immediately send a wireless signal to the system’s dialer. In case of emergency the system’s dialer will automatically dial the 9 pre-programed numbers (landline required) and play the pre-recorded message of 40 seconds to inform the recipient. The emergency dialer AD-105 is the personal monitoring center without any monthly charges.

However, some reviewers faced some installation and incompatibility issues with new devices.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Very easy to install, setup and use
  • Automatically switches to night or day modes
  • Night vision mode works flawlessly
  • Motion sensor works well
  • Features manual, scheduled or motion activation modes for recording
  • Supports upto 4 cameras in one system and camera pairing is easy
  • Supports remote control for user-friendly access

    Cons

  • SD card cannot be upgraded
  • Wireless range is not 450 ft. as claimed
  • Extra cameras are quite expensive
Where to Buy

$134.39

eBay

$299.99

Amazon
Review Summary

Defender's PHOENIX 301 System can be used to monitor and record video and audio in any indoor or outdoor space at any time of the day. The device comes equipped with Digital Wireless Technology that ensures there is no messy wiring involved when setting the system up. Built for indoor or outdoor use, the camera's durable aluminum housing resists rusting, deterioration and can weather any season. The attached sun shield helps prevent glare from the sun and other bright objects. The camera also has a built-in motion sensor to alert when motion is detected. This system can support a total of 4 cameras to monitor multiple offices, entrances and other outdoor areas. The compatible camera is Defender's PX301-C.

This wireless plug and play system allows for easy set up in a matter of minutes and the included 2GB SD card can record up to 350 minutes of continuous audio and video footage.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy to place by mounting or using desktop stand
  • Includes own web server to connect to network
  • Automatically detects and sets up easily with Linksys wireless router
  • Motion detection alert with image and 5 seconds video
  • Live or pre-determined schedule recording options
  • Easy remote viewing, also on smartphones
  • Compact and reasonable price

    Cons

  • Not compatible with Android and all web browsers
  • Lacks night vision mode
  • Poor audio quality
  • Difficulty in setting up remote access on Non-Linksys routers
Where to Buy

$24.99

eBay

$161.35

Walmart
Review Summary

The Cisco – Linksys Wireless – N Internet Home Monitoring Camera is designed to send live video or images on computer or through the internet web browser or smartphone anywhere in the world. This compact, self-contained unit helps in keeping track of kids, workplace, monitor home, elderly people or anything else that is of importance. The wireless connectivity and sleek design makes it easy for placement anywhere – either mounted on a wall or using the included desktop stand, to enjoy peace of mind of reliable vigilance. This unit contains its own web server to connect directly to a network either through wired Ethernet or wireless (Linksys router is more compatible than any other router).

The high quality and high frame rate video compression creates a sharp video stream. The real time feeds can be viewed on any network home computer, on the web or RTSP enabled smartphone when on the go.

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