Alarm Relay vs Skylink for October 2024 | Wireless Security Systems

Item: Alarm Relay vs Skylink
Rating: 3.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Friday, October 11th

2024 Wireless Security System Reviews

Alarm Relay

Security kits from $198 to $438
Monitoring from $8.95 to $19.95 per month
Buy equipment upfront
Simple low-tech systems
Contract required
"A+” rating from the BBB

Alarm Relay is a reliable and straightforward wireless home security company that's been around for over 50 years, serving the US, Puerto Rico, and parts of Canada. They offer a range of basic security systems with no frills, allowing you to use your existing equipment or integrate your old tech into their setup. While Alarm Relay has a good reputation and accreditation, recent reviews have shown a decline in reliability, with customers reporting issues with system downtime, broken components, and poor customer service. That lands this wireless home security option with a just-above-average rating overall.

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Skylink

Security system kits from $89.99 to $189.99
Buy equipment upfront
Integrates with home automation
No contract required
4.5-star average rating
"A” from the BBB

Skylink is a global home security company with a presence in several countries, offering a range of products and services for automating home entry and security. However, the company lacks professional monitoring services, leaving customers to handle the security themselves. Despite having a positive reputation, customer reviews raise concerns about device malfunctions and poor customer service, making Skylink a barely passable option for those seeking a self-monitoring solution.

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The 10 Best Wireless Security Systems

Frontpoint

SimpliSafe

Cove

Alarm Relay

ADT

Guardian Protection Services

Ring

Skylink

Abode

Brinks

Where Can You Find the Best Wireless Home Security Systems?

Whether you're a renter or homeowner, there's a universal concern everyone has: security. Living in an apartment or home is expensive, and you want to protect your residence, your belongings, and yourself. Among the numerous security options available, wireless security systems are becoming increasingly popular.

Why pay for complex wired installations and long-term service contracts when you can opt for a wireless system that offers flexibility and convenience? These systems provide robust security without the hassle, and when you move, you can easily take the system with you and set it up at your new place.

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What are the best Wireless Security Systems

Wireless Security System FAQ

Do I need a wireless home security system?

Increasingly, the answer is yes. Unless you want to be one of the two million victims of break-ins every year in the United States alone, you need to protect your home and your loved ones.

What are the most common features of wireless home security systems?

Most homeowners choose a home security system for the round-the-clock monitoring, ensuring that at any time of day or night they have someone watching over their property. You could stick with a basic system that just includes sensors on all of the exterior doors, or you could choose a robust package with all of the bells and whistles.

Which extra features are worth the money?

That depends on what will give you the most peace of mind. Many customers today like to have video cameras at the door/doorbell at a minimum, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside the home. You might want to consider systems that you can control and monitor from your smartphone, that include flooding sensors or night vision cameras, or that have wearable panic buttons.

Will my wireless security system have a contract?

It might. If you choose a provider that includes all of your equipment "for free”, chances are good that you'll have a contract for anywhere from 1-3 years. If you prefer not to have a contract, you'll typically pay for your equipment outright and then just have month-to-month monitoring fees.

How much will I pay for a wireless security system?

There are two costs associated with security systems: equipment and monitoring. You might be able to get your equipment at no cost, but you'll pay more for the monthly monitoring service -$45-$85/month, on average -and probably have to sign a contract of 1-5 years. On the other hand, if you buy your sensors, cameras, and any other system equipment outright, you could pay under $20/month for the monitoring. Either way you go, expect to spend more for your monitoring as you add features to your system like motion sensors and outdoor HD cameras.

Will I need a professional to install my wireless security system?

You might think that if a system is wireless, it won't need to be installed by a professional - and, in many cases, that's true. Customers love the ease of security systems that they can set up on their own, take with them when they move, and rearrange as needed. However, there are still a few providers whose systems will require a visit from a technician to set it up properly.

Do wireless security systems come with a satisfaction guarantee?

Yes, most providers offer some kind of satisfaction guarantee, usually a 30-day timeframe to put your system to the test and see if it meets your needs. But, if you decide you're unhappy, what happens next varies by company: you may get a refund for what you've paid thus far, or you might be allowed to break your contract but not get any money back. Make sure you read all of the fine print before you commit to a wireless home security provider.

Will my wireless home security system go with me if I move?

Unlike the security systems of decades ago that required hardwiring and landlines, most wireless systems are easily transferred from one address to another. The most important part is making sure that your provider has your most current address, in the event that emergency services need to be dispatched to your location.

Continued from above...

The first decision to make when selecting a wireless security system is whether you prefer to monitor your home yourself using apps and camera feeds or if you want 24/7 professional monitoring. Professional monitoring usually involves extra costs, but many people find comfort in knowing that their home is being watched around the clock. If you prefer to save money, you can choose to monitor the system on your own.

Next, consider what equipment you need for your wireless home security setup. At the very least, you'll likely require door sensors for all first-floor entry points and a panel or touchscreen hub for arming and disarming the system. Other popular components include indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, and sensors for smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide. Some companies allow you to purchase pieces of equipment individually, while others offer packages with the option to add extra components as needed.

If you're mindful of your budget, a wireless home security system gives you control over your spending. You can decide how much to invest and what features to include. If you opt out of professional monitoring or plan to add more components later, wireless systems make these adjustments easy. Remember that adding advanced features like video cameras with storage may increase your monthly costs, but it's entirely your decision.

Now that you have a general idea of what you want in a wireless home security system, how do you choose the right provider? Here are some factors to consider:

Value. What do you get for your money? Does the company provide good service for the equipment you install? Are the components high-quality?
Contracts. Will you need to sign a contract? Sometimes the cost of the equipment is included in the monitoring fee, which could lock you into a long-term commitment. If you don't want this, you may need to look at different options.
Satisfaction guarantee. What if you're not happy with your system? Can you get your money back? Does the provider offer a trial period?
Reputation. What do other homeowners say about their experience? Look for wireless home security systems that are easy to install or are particularly responsive when there's an alert or event. Customer reviews and ratings from the Better Business Bureau will be helpful to guide you.

To help you protect your home and loved ones, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the most popular wireless home security systems available today. We're confident that this information will help you choose the best coverage at a price you can afford, allowing you to enjoy peace and security in your home. That way you can get back to enjoying your activities outside and at home with the confidence that your home, loved ones, pets, and possessions are protected.