We’d like to see iSmartAlarm improve its app and user experience. In the meantime, it can’t compete with SimpliSafe, let alone with a DIY security company that has better tech, like Nest, Scout, or Abode.
1 CubeOne (the hub) 3 door/window sensors 1 motion sensor 1 Spot camera
The whole system is wireless, minus the CubeOne hub—that has to be plugged into your router with an ethernet cable—and the Spot camera, which plugs into a regular outlet. Your door and window sensors and motion detectors are all wire-free and stick on surfaces with an adhesive strip—no drill necessary. That said, one of our entry sensors and our motion sensor came with low batteries straight out of the box. The motion sensor just needed a few AA batteries, but the entry sensor required a CR2032 battery that, no surprise, we didn’t have on hand. Both sensors still worked, but it was annoying to have low batteries right off the bat. That was simple enough, but once we installed the app, it didn’t always give us explicit instructions for how to install specific components, like the CubeOne hub. The equipment also required a few firmware updates. That’s not out of the ordinary, but the system isn’t completely functional unless you complete all your firmware updates. For example, you can’t create modes and rules if even one of your system components needs an update. Don’t forget, though: the iSmartAlarm system is self-monitored, so the only person watching your security system is you. If you miss the alerts and there really is an intruder in your house, the only thing they’ll face is an annoying siren coming from your CubeOne hub. If you’d rather have a system backed by professionals who keep an eye on it, then we recommend Scout, or even a more traditional security provider like Vivint. If there was anything we really liked in the iSmartAlarm system, it was the Spot. For the price, it’s pretty darn good. That said, the Spot is to all appearances the exact same cameras as the Wyze Cam v2. And the Wyze Cam retails at an extremely low price (and has better features). Spot camera features:
720p HD resolution 130° field of view Night vision 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi compatibility Sound recognition MicroSD storage option 4x digital zoom Two-way audio
We do like that the Spot comes with a bunch of different mount options, including a magnetic base so you can stick it on the side of your fridge if you need to. The Spot’s also pretty small, so you can put it almost anywhere (as long as you can still plug it into an electrical outlet). If you want to build out an iSmartAlarm system, we recommend getting at least a keypad for those times when you just don’t want to pull your phone out to arm or disarm the security system. If there’s ever an intruder while you’re home and you need to set off the alarm immediately, then a non-working panic button is frankly unacceptable. Even if you don’t want the iSmartAlarm security system, we do think the Spot is a solid indoor camera for the price. You might also want to consider our top options from our Best Home Security review. Do you have the iSmartAlarm system or an iSmartAlarm camera? Let us know what you think in the comments!
