Why the Honeywell Lyric is the Best Alarm System for Low-Cost Monitoring

For those shopping for a low-cost security system, the Honeywell Lyric is our go-to option. The panel can be used with an IP-only communication path, which is considerably less expensive than a cellular or dual-path communication alarm system. This is the best way to cut monitoring expenses.

Having an active and reliable communication path is an absolute must for alarm monitoring service. Your alarm panel is basically the central security hub for your home or office. It needs to be able to send out signals and communicate with equipment in other locations. If your system detects activity that warrants attention, then it will send an alert to you and/or a central monitoring station so that proper action can be taken. This can include notifying the local authorities immediately, sending emergency rescue services, or just having a call and text sent to your phone. But no matter what action is taken, it's all possible because your system was able to communicate out reliably.

The most reliable communication path available for a security system is cellular communication. This is basically the same technology as what is used inside your phone when placing calls. If your system is in an area with good cellular reception, then it is highly unlikely that your system will ever go offline and leave you temporarily unmonitored. And an electrical outage will not be an issue, as cellular communication does not require a modem to remain online. This makes cellular communication extremely reliable and perfect for use with alarm systems. But cellular service providers charge a fee for their services, which makes cellular monitoring more expensive.

Users who are looking to reduce monitoring expenses will often turn to an IP-only security system. An IP-only system will not use cellular communication technology. Instead, it will communicate across internet protocol (IP). This will require either a wireless WIFI connection or a hardwired ethernet connection. In the case of the Lyric, the system already comes with a built-in WIFI card. You just need to connect it to the 2.4 GHz WIFI network in your home or office. This can all be done using the touchscreen display on the panel. It is very easy to connect a Lyric System to the internet, and you will be up and running in no time at all.

Now, you might still be wondering, why the Lyric? Lots of panels like the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus and the 2GIG GC3e have built-in WIFI. What makes the Lyric noteworthy? The advantage that the Lyric holds over those panels when it comes to those looking for an IP-only setup is that the Lyric connects with the Resideo AlarmNet360 Servers. Resideo (formerly Honeywell) allows compatible panels to connect with their servers using IP-only communication. There is no requirement put in place from Resideo or AlarmNet mandating that a system connected with their monitoring and automation servers must have a cellular communicator that is registered and activated. This is very important because Alarm.com, the monitoring and automation platform for other alarm systems like the IQ2+ and GC3e, does in fact have this requirement. What it all comes down to, if you want to keep your monthly monitoring costs as low as possible, then you should go with a system from Honeywell or Resideo.

Just how much will you save by going with the Lyric on an IP-only communication path over another panel like the IQ2+ or GC3e? The exact figures will depend on the monitoring company. If you decide that Alarm Grid is the right solution for your home or business, then you can see the expenses on our monitoring page. Assuming your are just looking for basic central station service, you will see that our Gold Plan (our most popular plan) is the lowest of our main plans with cellular connectivity and central station service. While this plan also offers some nice features, such as automation and the ability to control your system remotely using a mobile app, we understand that these features and bonuses aren't for everyone. Many users just want affordable and effective alarm monitoring so that they can get an insurance discount. And at $35 a month, those extra features are sometimes seen as unnecessary expenses. Alarm Grid also offers a no-frills $25 per month Cellular-Only Plan. But you can drop the cost even lower by going IP-only.

If you look closely at our monitoring page, you will see our $15 per month Bronze Plan. That plan is ideal for Lyric users who just want to get their systems connected with a central station. This will provide the user with peace of mind in knowing that they have a reliable and proactive protection plan in place in case of trouble. And the insurance discount is nice too. Yes, remote automation and cellular connectivity are nice features to have, but not everyone really benefits from them. If your internet is reliable, and you don't care for fancy smart home automation features, then our $15 Bronze Plan might be your best choice.

Over the course of a year going with a Bronze Plan over a Cell-Only Plan will save you $120. Going with a Bronze Plan over a Gold Plan will save you $240 per year. You will also save money right up-front by not having to buy a cellular communicator add-on for your Lyric System (either the Honeywell LYRICLTE-A or Honeywell LYRICLTE-V). Plus, if your budget ever increases and you have more money to spend, you can always add one of those communicators and upgrade your monitoring plan. All of our monitoring services are no-contract, with no added fees. You will not be required to pay any surprise or sudden charges to upgrade (or downgrade) your monitoring plan, and there are never any activation or cancellation fees. As one final assurance, all of our supported equipment is non-proprietary and can be taken to other alarm companies as needed. If you are ever not happy or satisfied with the level of service and support we are offering, then we challenge you to take your alarm system to a different monitoring company. Our customers come back to us only because of the fantastic support we provide. Now, we invite you to join our family.

If you are interested in starting service with Alarm Grid, or if you still have some questions, feel free to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our support staff answers emails Monday thru Friday from 9am to 8pm ET. You might also consider browsing our website. We have plenty of resources and information that is freely available, whether you are monitored by us or not. As always, thank you for reading our blog, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!