Mobile Apps for Home Security Systems
Mobile apps represent the latest in home security system technology. Until this development, you’d have to set your alarm and "hope for the best." Now with your phone, you can arm and disarm your system, watch live security camera footage, and more while you’re away from home.
Advancements in home automation have also made it possible for you to turn lights and appliances on and off, control thermostats, and perform other handy functions through an app.
While technology is always changing, most apps are compatible with iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, tablets, and other web-enabled devices. Whether you want basic controls or complete home automation, you can read about the options below to find the right app and security company for you.
Two Types of Security System Apps: Proprietary & Alarm.com
Before we get started, you’ll need to know the difference between the kinds of apps:
Proprietary apps: These apps are developed by security companies specifically for their own systems. Each company owns its app and is responsible for updates, bug fixes, and customer satisfaction. App quality varies by company, but the benefit of proprietary apps is that each is tailor-made for your system.
Alarm.com apps: Many companies forgo developing their own apps. Instead, they make their security systems and technology compatible with an app created by Alarm.com. This is a very common practice because Alarm.com is an industry leader in making home security systems. The app works seamlessly with a range of Alarm.com compatible systems and generally receives high customer review ratings in comparison to some proprietary apps
Home Security Apps:
Take a look at top home security apps by company.
Vivint Sky App
You’ll need to have a customer account with Vivint to use its app, but once you do, get ready for a slew of home automation functions. Adjust the lights so they’re bright when you pull in the driveway, turn down the heat while you’re at the office during the day, or unlock the front door for your kids if they forget a key. Here’s a list of what you can do with the Vivint Sky App:
- Control lighting and small appliances
- Program and preset thermostat
- Lock and unlock doors
- View live video of your home
- Arm/disarm remotely
- Monitor/set custom notifications/alerts
- Review home security alert history
- Add or remove users
Frontpoint Mobile App
Frontpoint has been blazing a trail in advanced technology for years, so it’s no surprise that the company has its own home security mobile app. Compatible with Apple, Android, Blackberry, and Windows devices, it’s accessible to most users. Here’s what the Frontpoint app will allow you to do:
- Arm and disarm your system
- Get up-to-the-second email, text, or push notifications for alerts you select
- View streaming or recorded video footage
- Home automation: control lights, locks, and thermostats in your home
XFINITY® Home
Comcast offers more than cable, internet, and phone services. You can get home security services from the company too. Check out some of the conveniences you can enjoy while using the home security app:
- Access your system remotely to change status and view history
- Quickly arm/disarm
- View live video or clips of key events
- Automatic alerts to your phone or computer
- Schedule lighting and climate control to help save on energy bills
Protect America SMART Connect App
As the most advanced app from Protect America, it’s on par with others on the market. Here’s what you can do with this app:
- Arm/disarm functions
- Lock/unlock your door
- Watch live video stream
- Manage energy use with light and temperature control
- Customize alert settings
- Get email/text notifications if alerts are detected
SimpliSafe Security Systems App
SimpliSafe is an award-winning security company. Over the years, it’s kept up with the industry by creating and updating its own home security app. With its most recent app, you can:
- Get flood, fire, and carbon monoxide alerts
- Check into your event log to see who has come and gone from your home
- Monitor access to sensitive areas (liquor, gun, medicine cabinets)
- Arm/disarm your system from your smart device
- Alerts anytime system is armed/disarmed
- Control your thermostat
LifeShield Interactive App
This DIRECTV® home security company has its own app you can use to control your security system. While it doesn’t have home automation features that can control lights and thermostats in your home, it does allow you to check in on video footage and arm/disarm while you’re away. With this app, you can:
- Set and manage unique access codes for babysitter, workers, etc and track arrival times
- Check still camera shots
- Remote access anywhere
- View system history of activity in your home
- Custom alerts
- Arm/disarm remotely
AlarmForce Connect
AlarmForce has been around since 1988 and has come a long way with emerging technology. With its very own app, it’s made it possible for customers to control basic functions of their homes while away. With this app, you can:
- Remotely arm/disarm your home’s system
- Check in on your alarm status
- Read your alarm history
- Get or send email notifications
AlarmForce VideoRelay
This add-on from AlarmForce is really cool. Through an app, it connects your phone and home security system. Customers may then communicate with people at your front door through 2-way audio and video technology. Complete features include:
- Alerts that tell you when the doorbell rings or cameras detect movement around home
- Ability to communicate with guests at front door through audio and video
- Downloadable video files you can save to your smartphone
- Ability to access technology via app or secure internet portal
Alarm.com App
Alarm.com is a leading provider of home security equipment. While it’s not a home security provider, it works with independent home security companies to develop new technology—including apps. Unlike independent security company apps, Alarm.com’s app is designed to work with a range of companies and their equipment. This is what you can do with Alarm.com’s app:
- Watch live video streaming and recorded clips from security cameras
- Control lights and thermostats
- Lock/unlock doors
- View important images captured by Alarm.com image sensors
- Search event history
- Arm/disarm the security panel
- Receive alerts from flood sensors
When it comes to apps that control your home security system, you should determine your needs. If you have children who walk home from school, you’ll probably want a video feature or arm/disarm alert that will let you know when they get home safe. If you like to check in on your pets, live security camera screening is something that will help you keep an eye on them. If you want to be able to control your lights and thermostat while you’re away, look for a plan and technology with home automation capabilities. If you’re ready to purchase or upgrade your system, read more about top home security providers to find the best match for your lifestyle.
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