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Guardian Review

Thursday, July 10th

2025 Home Automation Company Reviews

Guardian Review 2.5 Star Rating

Guardian

2.5 Star Rating
  • Pricing estimated around $129 to $1,249+
  • Monthly membership costs
  • Automation for lights, security, sound, TV, and cameras
  • App access to your entire home
  • Tailored to your home
  • Call for a quote
  • "A+" rating from the BBB

With over 70 years of experience, Guardian presents itself as an intelligent security system designed for comprehensive coverage of your home or business. Rather than just focusing on home automation as its own perk, Guardian differentiates itself by specializing in home security through home automation. Certified technicians handle the installation, evaluating your security and automation needs to provide tailored solutions. Guardian's services include personalized quotes, professional installation, and round-the-clock monitoring by experts.

Call for a quote

To become a Guardian customer, individuals can search for their zip code on the company's website to determine service availability. If Guardian operates in your area, you can contact the provided number. A technician will then be assigned to visit your home and discuss your specific needs. Following the purchase, the technician installs the system, for a seamless setup process. Disappointingly, there is no way to get a quote from Guardian without calling in first or providing all of your personal information. Given that many of our top competitors do offer online quotes (even just basic estimates), this was a pretty large ding against Guardian.

Security-focused automation features

Focused on security, Guardian offers a variety of compelling features. The system encompasses fire monitoring, smart locks, cameras, doorbell and door lock systems, thermostats, video analytics with daily highlights, home devices, motion detection, light activation, Bluetooth control, garage door management, and security reminders. While it may lack additional entertainment features found with other home automation providers, Guardian excels in providing robust security solutions. Guardian's system is compatible with the Apple Watch, allowing you to easily activate or deactivate security measures, control locks, garage doors, lights, and more directly from your wrist. This functionality is also accessible through a dedicated phone and tablet app, offering you multiple options for overseeing your security system.

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Basic option: Base Package

We did some outside research to see if anyone had some basics for pricing on a Guardian home system. This is what we found. The Base Package requires customers to buy a security system package priced at $149. This package includes one IQ2 control panel, one motion detector, and three door and window sensors. The professional monitoring agreement must have a minimum term of 60 months, with a base rate of at least $45.99 per month. Any extra equipment, if required, must be paid for in full at the time of purchase.

Top tier option: No Annual Contract

For those who prefer to avoid a lengthy commitment, Guardian provides a no-annual-contract option. To be eligible, customers need to buy a security system package priced at $1,249, with a minimum monitoring agreement of one month. Similar to the Base Package, any other equipment beyond the items provided in the package must be paid for in full at the time of your initial purchase.

One pad for all your features

One feature we loved was the Guardian IQ, a cutting-edge home security touchscreen panel and smart home automation controller. This pad provides various features, including hands-free Bluetooth disarming, a built-in 5MP camera, a glass break detector, advanced encryption technology, and more. You also have the option to personalize your home automation settings to align with your security system.

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7-day in-home trial

Guardian offers an orientation mode, a distinctive feature not commonly found with other security system providers. During the initial 7-day period after installation and activation, excluding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, you get a trial period to acclimate to the new system without dealing with false alarms or the associated fines. Though there isn't a statement on whether you get a refund if you don't like it, this trial period is helpful.

Lots of complaints

Guardian Protection has a Better Business Bureau rating of 3 out of 5 stars, supported by approximately 275 customer reviews. On top of this, Guardian holds an "A+” rating from the BBB. External reviews, however, show a different story. At one third-party review site, Guardian had just 1.7 stars on average with over 2,000 reviews to back up that rating. Customers have problems with their systems malfunctioning and are asked to pay for a technician to come out. Many customers expressed frustration that the products don't work properly but it's on them to pay to fix it. Others complained that things like cameras have limited recording times compared to other security programs. Overall, customers are pretty disappointed in the customer service at Guardian, which is a major red flag.

Needs to focus on customer service

Despite an "A+” rating from the BBB, Guardian falls behind the pack due to thousands of unhappy reviews. While it's nice to have a security-focused option that offers home automation, Guardian just doesn't hit the mark for customer service. So, despite its long history in the security industry and some unique technology perks, Guardian overall gets a lower rating in our review.

What's the Best Home Automation System?

Just a few years ago, the idea of home automation was a futuristic dream, a vision of Jetsons-style technology that promised to simplify every aspect of home life. Fast forward to today, and we're living in a future that even George Jetson would marvel at, thanks to the advancements in home automation technologies.

With smartphones, smart appliances, and smart lights, you can basically automate your entire living space. Whether you're looking for a small efficiency upgrade or to restructure your whole home into an automated utopia, there's an option out there for you. Modern home automation systems go beyond merely securing your home; they now encompass a wide array of functions, from ensuring your home's safety to providing entertainment - and much more in between.

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Home Automation Company FAQ

Sometimes referred to as a "smart home”, home automation lets you operate your lighting, appliances, security equipment and more - usually through an app on your mobile phone or through an online dashboard. Want your home to be playing your favorite relaxation music and have the thermostat set to "just right” every day after work? Home automation can do that - and much, much more.
It's true that most systems start with security as the foundation. From security cameras to smoke detectors, "smart homes” can give you peace of mind knowing that it's all under control and professionally monitored, if you choose a company that offers that. But, as technology advances, more features are being added "for fun”, like controlling all of your audio and video or letting your kids turn off lights at bedtime with a simple verbal command.
You could pay as little as $20/month or as much as $10,000+ to set up a smart home with all of the bells and whistles. Obviously the more features you want, the more you'll have to pay for the equipment. Monthly monitoring fees (for systems that include security features) are rarely more than $60/month.
Yes. Check with the provider of your homeowner's insurance policy to see if you can get a discount for the home automation system you're installing. A "smart home” can also save you money in the cost of utilities through managing your use of electricity and water.
Most of the time, yes. That's the appeal of "smart home” equipment: being able to monitor and control it from your phone, tablet or computer.
Sometimes. This is more common if you have security features that are professionally monitored. Read the terms and conditions carefully to determine if you're obligated to keep the service for a set period of time, and what the penalties are for early cancellation.
Possibly. If you've got features that are hard-wired into your home, maybe not. However, most of today's home automation systems use equipment that is easy to install and take down on your own, letting you use it wherever you live. Just be sure to change your home address in your provider's system, to allow emergency services to be dispatched to the correct location (if you're using a service that includes security monitoring).
It might! Home automation is in high demand, so having a system already set up may make your property more appealing to prospective buyers. Consult your real estate agent, though: they may not recommend that you install a home automation system solely for the purpose of increasing your home's value.
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Continued from above...

A basic home automation setup typically includes features like a doorbell intercom and camera, smart lights, smart thermostats, motion detectors, sensors for doors and windows, as well as monitoring for smoke and carbon monoxide. For those with a more flexible budget, seeking a provider that integrates entertainment and environmental controls for television, music, lighting, and temperature is a wise move.

While a handful of providers offer do-it-yourself options, (and some of them even require coding knowledge for the very industrious DIYers) most home automation services are delivered through professional dealers. These experts conduct thorough assessments of your home's requirements, then proceed to design, build, and install a customized system.

A reputable professional home automation vendor usually responds within a week of your inquiry, providing a comprehensive price estimate. Many providers go the extra mile by visiting your home for a visual inspection and measurements for precision system installation.

The time required for installation and configuration can vary significantly. For straightforward systems, installation might take just a few days. On the other hand, more complex setups could extend to a month or more. It's essential to be aware that advanced systems might necessitate modifications to walls, floors, and ceilings to accommodate the mounting of equipment and wiring.

If you're feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start, don't worry. When looking for home automation solutions, here are some factors to consider:

  • Features. Does the provider offer the features you're looking for to upgrade your home? Does it offer security or automated energy saving? Make sure that the parts of your life that matter the most are addressed by the home automation you choose.
  • Reputation. When you need help, will the company you choose have your back? What kind of reviews are out there for the home automation service you choose? See how other customers felt about their completed home project before you dive in.
  • Value. Pricing on home automation systems varies and can depend on factors like the size of your home or the cost of installation. But make sure that the features you get and the quotes you see match up. Don't overpay for a "luxury” upgrade until you see what they're offering for your personalized home automation.

To help you make your house your dream home, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best Home Automation solutions available today. We hope to help you find the right home automation system so you can start enjoying your new futuristic home life that's even better than a sci-fi dream!

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