Are There Security Systems Better Than a Qolsys IQ Panel Alarm System?

Yes, there are security systems better than a Qolsys IQ Panel Alarm System. In fact, Qolsys has released both the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems, which are direct upgrades to the original IQ Panel. However, the original IQ Panel System is still fairly robust by today's standards.

If a user already has an original IQ Panel System up and running, there's honestly not much reason to replace it. The system connects with the Alarm.com service, supports 319.5 MHz wireless sensors, works with Z-Wave smart home devices and includes integrated WIFI and cellular communicators. The touchscreen controller is also easy to operate, and users generally appreciate the full-color 7-inch display.

But there are several more advanced systems available today. This is true even if one sticks only to the panels offered from Qolsys. The original IQ Panel was the first alarm system offered from Qolsys, which is still a fairly new company, having been founded in 2010. Qolsys later released the IQ Panel 2, which was a direct upgrade over the original IQ Panel. In more recent months, they also released the IQ Panel 2 Plus.

There are a few things that the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus systems offer that the original IQ Panel does not. For starters, both system support more wireless zones than the original IQ Panel. The IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus both have Z-Wave Plus controllers, which means that Z-Wave Plus devices will enjoy extended range and more reliable connectivity. The original IQ Panel can support Z-Wave Plus devices, but they will only have the same connection capabilities as classic Z-Wave devices. Additionally, many users prefer the newer systems, since they offer a slimmer and sleeker design than the original IQ Panel.

Both the IQ Panel and the IQ Panel 2 Systems can support wireless 319.5 MHz sensors. This includes the Qolsys S-Line Sensors. However, the S-Line Sensors will not utilize any type of encryption when they are programmed with an original IQ Panel. Instead, they will operate like normal unencrypted sensors. The IQ Panel 2 Plus is an interesting case because there are three different versions of the system available.

One version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus will support the aforementioned 319.5 MHz sensors and utilize encryption with the S-Line Sensors. Another version supports legacy Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors and 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors. A third version supports legacy DSC 433 MHz Sensors. However, all three versions also support 915 MHz DSC PowerG Sensors. As an added bonus, the IQ Panel 2 and Panel 2 Plus are two of the few alarm systems on the market that allow you to stream the live feed for compatible security cameras directly on the panel screen.