iSmartAlarm Review: Full Security Control From a Phone

iSmartAlarm Security System Review: In-Depth

The iSmartAlarm security system is 100% wireless, and its do-it-yourself approach helps to keep costs low. Among its appeal are a variety of cameras and automated features. Even though the company is new to the home security scene, it’s quite the competitor.

Key Features

Clients can purchase a pre-set kit or create their own. Plus, they can upgrade or add security equipment at their leisure. There’s also a nice line-up of cams to ensure that customers get exactly what they want.

• Customization
• DIY set-up
• Integrated automation
• Panic/medical response
• Range of cameras
• Wireless system

Background Information

The basic premise of this system is that it allows the customer to access the safety features from their smartphone. This remote control adds more convenience and assurance.

In 2015, the brand added IFTTT compatibility, and in 2017, it brought Amazon Alexa integration on board. Throughout the years, the system has garnered recognition and reviews from PCMag, CNET, Security Gem, and MacWorld. It was the recipient of the 2013 Mark of Excellence Home Technology App of the Year from the Consumer Electronics Association. Even in 2021, it continues to hold a top spot in this industry.

Key Security Features: What Clients Can Expect

The bells and whistles behind the iSmartAlarm are what make this brand stand out from the rest. Sure, there are places where this enterprise could improve, but as a relatively new business, they have a lot to offer. Here is a review of the products, including WiFi and 3G alerts, remote control, and intrusion protection.

Smart Home Options: Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, & More

This brand indeed offers integration with third-party automated devices, but the options are more limited than other companies. Still, customers can take advantage of what’s available and sync the system to their Alexa voice controls or IFTTT.

Night Vision: Reliable Infrared LEDs

One noticeable thing about this brand’s equipment is the infrared LED lights. These work to provide stellar night vision for clients, which comes in handy on many occasions. It can be the difference between spotting a false alarm or catching a criminal in the night.

Video Quality: Not the Best, But Not Terrible

Even though the iSmartAlarm video security cams offer image quality in high definition, it’s only 720p, which is sub-par. Most competitors have 1080p HD, which puts iSmart behind in this regard. That said, there are plenty of other ways that this brand shines.

Wireless Equipment: Portable & Containable

This company’s equipment is 100% wireless, so it can fit just about anywhere. Paired with a sleek design, clients should have no trouble outfitting their properties with these devices. Plus, no wires means that everything is portable, which adds even more convenience.

Surveillance Cameras: A Reputable Line-Up

This brand offers a great range of cams that can view live video and save footage to local storage or the cloud. While it’s true that a camera is not included in each package, there is always the possibility to add one on to an existing plan.

DIY Installation: Straightforward Set-up in Less Than an Hour

Since there isn’t any hardwiring to deal with, the self-installation process is quite simple. The instructions are easy to follow, and it shouldn’t take more than an hour to get everything hooked up and running. Plus, going the do-it-yourself route helps to save more money.

Remote Control: Arm & Disarm From Afar

With the system’s remote tags, clients can lock or unlock the system, control the base station, and even call or text a neighbor in case an emergency arises. The tags also allow users to grant access to the doors for a friend, even if they’re away from home.

Storage: Cloud & Local

This enterprise offers free cloud and local storage, so customers can go back through their live-stream footage for later reference. Providing they have a surveillance camera, they can view and keep their media files safe on an SD card or in the cloud.

Smart Platform Integration: AI & Sound Recognition

The smart base station integrates with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT. Plus, it has sound recognition for smoke and CO2 monitors and can send alerts sooner, potentially saving lives or property damage. The system’s AI allows for more automation, which translates to more peace of mind.

Mobile Alerts: A Critical Component

The iSmartAlarm app is essential for the self-monitoring system. This is where users can look at live-stream footage, notifications, and stored files on their time. It also syncs with the smart systems and products to arm/disarm the house, change their settings, and control the CubeOne.

Equipment & Installation: DIY Tools & Set-Up

iSmartAlarm has some of the best kits available, thanks to the variety of tools and features. Below is a little review of the top services that consumers can expect.

iCamera Keep

This is the brand’s most powerful smart camera, even though it only has 720p HD quality. On the other hand, it includes night vision, pan and tilt, four times digital zoom, and connectivity with the system’s other cameras.

Spot Camera

This cam has four times digital zoom and a 130° field of view. At 720p, the image quality isn’t the best. On the plus side, the cam has two-way audio and sends alerts straight to the user’s smartphone. It also has four infrared LED lights for a decent night vision.

Window & Door Sensors

These small devices will trigger whenever a door or window opens or closes. Since they’re wireless, it’s easy to conceal them. Besides the entryways, these motion sensors also work well on drawers and cabinets.

Motion Sensors

This nifty piece detects movement up to 20 feet away. It’s battery-powered and can stick to many surfaces thanks to double-sided tape. Pet owners are at a disadvantage here, as the sensor picks up animal footsteps.

CubeOne

This is the base station for the entire system. It links the sensors and cameras to the user’s mobile device and comes with a built-in 110-decibel siren. This simple technology plugs into the wall and connects to the WiFi.

Remote Tags

These convenient peel-and-stick accessories allow customers to access the devices from their smartphone. Each tag has four buttons pertaining to arm, disarm, trigger, and silence. This is what individuals can use to grant entry to friends or engage the siren remotely.

Installation

To start, just create an account via the app and then plug in the CubeOne to sync it with a smartphone. From there, users can activate the remote tags and stick them in their preferred spots. The Cube will recognize the other devices and arm the surveillance.

iSmartAlarm Packages & Prices

Kits & Bundles

All of the iSmartAlarm systems are contract-free and self-monitored, so there are no monthly fees. Plus, clients can add more equipment as they see fit. There are a few plan options available, ranging in price from $199 to $499.

Comparison Table for All Four Plans

Below is a guide to the four packages and their primary accessories and capabilities. The included prices refer to the initial equipment fees, but there aren’t any monthly assessments.

Smart Home Video Bundle

This is the most extensive choice available, and the only one that comes with a video camera included in the equipment price. As a video bundle, it comes with the cam and free cloud storage, allowing users to monitor their property any time while they’re out of town. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa’s voice control for greater ease of use.

Deluxe

This option grants greater protection across all entry points, thanks to its four contact sensors. It’s compatible with IFTTT, and mobile alerts can let users know of emergencies or suspicious activity as soon as possible. Like the other plans, it includes the CubeOne and its 110-decibel siren.

Preferred

Here is an option that is good for those just starting with home surveillance. The $200 price tag is doable for many families, and they’ll get Amazon Alexa voice control, text and call alerts, the CubeOne system, and two remote tags. The do-it-yourself set-up makes it beginner-friendly, and they can add to the pack whenever they want.

Plus

This bundle’s name refers to the fact that it’s meant to be more of an add-on than a starting point. The included equipment is best for rounding out the door and window security, so it’s good for larger households. The Plus pack is especially great for adding on to the Preferred plan, as families can expand as time goes on.

Exclusive Packages

The company has another set of bundles; this one for renters or smaller households. There is also one package that moves designed to accommodate larger properties, so they’re worth a review.

Extra Bundle Kit Comparison Table

This chart will make it easier to review the main differences between these equipment kits. Use this as a guide to help determine which would best suit the household. This chart reviews the systems and prices.

Guard

This is the best plan for apartment-dwellers. It is IFTTT-compatible and works with a mobile device to send push notifications and emergency alerts. Like the other main packages, individuals may expand this bundle to suit their needs. One of the best parts about this home security package is that it has plenty of entryway contact sensors

Protect

Homeowners with a standard-sized property could make good use of this bundle. It has a decent amount of sensors to cover all the bases. Besides that, it integrates with Amazon Alexa’s voice control and is IFTTT-compatible. The mobile compatibility allows users to access the CubeOne hub and command the system to arm or disarm.

Shield

As the most expensive home security option out of all the bundles, this one is packed with the best equipment. It has a total of 15 sensors and three remote tags, so there won’t be a single missed area on the premises. Along with doors and windows, clients can place the motion detectors in hallways, on front porches, or in the driveway for extra security.

Ease of Use

The iSmartAlarm systems are some of the easiest do-it-yourself kits to install. The fact that the accessories are wireless means that there’s no need to drill holes in the wall or mess around with pesky hardwiring. If individuals do get stuck, there are ample resources on the brand’s website to help with installation.

Customer Experience

The service representatives get mixed reviews for their work. Some clients say that the support team is great, while others complain that they’re not as knowledgeable and helpful as they should be.

Terms & Guarantees

The business offers a one-year limited warranty on client purchases. This includes repair or replacement for the devices. The return policy is only valid on kits that were bought directly from the iSmart website. There is a 30-day refund policy, during which customers may get their money back or exchange their products. Items that are obtained from outside Internet retailers are under their specific regulations and terms, so buyers would need to abide by those policies. The Conditions state that clients should be aware of the limitations of the products and that they may not 100% block against intruders.

Customer Support

Individuals can contact the team by calling 408-245-2551 to speak with a representative by phone. They’re available Monday through Friday during normal business times, as well as limited hours on Saturdays. Other ways to get in touch include email or an online request ticket. The Help Center on the brand’s website is full of popular articles and tutorials and a community forum.

Trust Score (Trustpilot & BBB.org)

Reviews seem to agree on the fact that the prices are manageable, and the tools and kits have a sleek and modern look. The self-installation isn’t a problem, but there are sometimes issues with connectivity and reliability. This is the last thing people want in a home security system.

The brand has a C+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and two-and-a-half stars on Trustpilot, but this is based on only eight reviews. The app has 2.1 stars on the Apple Store and 2.7 stores on the Google Play Store. The main complaint there is spotty connectivity.

Given these average ratings, the company may struggle to stay afloat in this industry. After all, there are lots of power players who are offering similar things.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does iSmartAlarm Work With HomeKit?

  As of 2021, no. There has been talking in the community forums on the website that the system should integrate with this service, but it doesn’t look like that has happened yet. The impetus for this was when iOS 11 and Apple opened HomeKit support up to the software level.

• How to Set Up iSmartAlarm?

  Start by downloading the app. Then, connect the CubeOne base station to a router and then plug it into a wall outlet. Power it up and wait for the white LED lights to flash. At this point, clients can unpack any remote tags and sensors they have and follow the directions on their phones to register an account. The last step is to place the accessories in the desired spot and verify call notifications via the app.

• How to Reset iSmartAlarm?

  The account administrator, or main user, must log in to their profile via the app. From there, they can navigate to the menu and select “Devices,” and then “CubeOne.” After that, they must tap “Settings”, and from there, they should be able to restore the base station to its default status.

• How to Update iSmartAlarm Firmware?

  It should automatically update, but if it doesn’t, first make sure that everything is connected to the same WiFi network. Then, log in to the account on the app and navigate to the bottom of the screen. Click on “Devices,” then click “Check For Updates.” From there, the system should catch the CubeOne up to speed on the latest firmware. This may require unplugging the hub for 10 seconds and then plugging it back in.

iSmartAlarm Pros & Cons

The contract-free nature of this company is going to turn a lot of heads initially. Upon closer inspection, they might like that there aren’t any monthly fees, and they can access free cloud and local storage.

On the downside, the fact that there’s no cellular backup is a bit worrying. If the power goes out, customers will be left in the dark, and their systems will be susceptible.

Final Thoughts On the Good & The Bad

To review, iSmartAlarm is affordable, easy to use, and free of contracts and monthly fees. As a self-monitored kit, the equipment does a good job of covering all the bases.