What's the Best Home Automation System?
In times past home automation was a future fever dream of Jetsons-style technology making every aspect of home life easier. We now live in the Jetsons' future with home automation technologies that would even make George stare in awe.
Today's home automation systems do everything from securing your home to entertaining you - and many things in between! A basic home automation system should at least have a doorbell intercom and camera; detectors for motion, doors and windows left open, smoke, and carbon monoxide; plus a few cameras to monitor exterior and interior spaces. If you have more budget, find a provider that also includes entertainment and environmental controls for television, music, lighting, and temperature.
Thursday, September 28th
2023 Home Automation Company Reviews
Crestron
Crestron is the best home automation system for luxury residences. While the packages here are some of the most expensive ($20K-$200K and more), customers say Crestron systems are well worth the cost. You'll get the ability to network 250+ devices throughout your home, from thermostats to gate operation and much more. And, installers say that Crestron systems require the least amount of maintenance over the products' lifetime. If you want an automation system to control the most aspects of your home, Crestron should be your first stop.
Savant
Savant's home automation systems are gorgeously designed and appropriately advanced for the luxury homes, castles, and yacht markets they serve. Using Savant will make you feel like a king or queen (or a Bond villain, if you prefer). Just make sure you know what you're getting into with the price before you get too excited.
Elan
Elan's simple single-screen interface is really elegant. The facial recognition that automatically configures the screen's options to each person's preferences is a big plus. Elan's relationship with the Gary Sinise Foundation is great as well. However, Elan systems have much less client feedback than their high-end marketplace rivals, earning the company a ranking that is just slightly above average.
Guardian
As far as security-focused home automation services go, Guardian is the most advanced and capable. Their Apple Watch interface to your home security is convenient and extremely handy. You also get time to become familiar with Guardian before the alarms become real. Guardian enjoys an excellent reputation with reviewers. Guardian deserves high marks for their home automation solution.
Control 4
Control 4 has advanced devices and control features through its Smart Home OS3 mobile app. There are several ways to get started and to get ideas for your home automation needs, including a project planner and an idea gallery on the website. Control 4's customers seem to give it an average rating overall. While it's a capable system, you might be more impressed with a higher-ranked provider of home automation.
Vivint
Vivint has all the appearances of being a competitor with the other home automation offerings. However, the disappointing customer experiences and BBB ratings we found beg to differ. We strongly suggest you look at other home automation systems before spending your time (and money) on Vivint.
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With the exception of a few providers with do-it-yourself offerings, these companies provide service through dealers who professionally assess your home's needs and then design, build, and install your system. A good home automation vendor will get back to you within a week with a price estimate, including a visit to your home to visualize and measure.
Installation and configuration times can vary widely. Simple systems take a few days at most to install. More complicated systems can take up to a month or more to install. Expect that with more advanced systems some walls, floors, and ceilings will have to be modified to accommodate mounting of equipment and wiring.
Feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start? If you're looking for home automation solutions, here are some factors to consider:
- Usability. How easy is it to control and use your home automation system in everyday scenarios, or even when your hands are too occupied to touch buttons or screens?
- Quality. Are the security devices and systems solid-state and of hardened quality, or do they seem cheap and won't last very long?
- Customer Service. When you need help, particularly in a security or fire emergency, will your home automation system, and the professionals behind it, do all the work so you can focus on enjoying the system and your own safety?
- Value. Pricing on home automation systems varies widely. But, any system you choose should give you a good value for your money. Is it worth what you're investing in the equipment and any monthly service fees? Are you locked into a contract?
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best Home Automation solutions available today. We hope these reviews help you find the right home automation system that you're looking for!
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