Are There Security Systems Better Than the Honeywell L5210 and L7000 Alarm Systems?

Yes, there are security systems better than the Honeywell L5210 and L7000 Alarm Systems. Honeywell offers the Honeywell Lyric Controller, which is essentially an upgraded version of their LYNX Touch Panels. It is better than both the L5210 and the L7000 in nearly every possible aspect.

Simply put, the Lyric can do virtually everything that the L5210 and L7000 Systems can do, plus more. The Lyric supports a greater number of wireless zones and user codes, which gives the user greater expansion capabilities. The Lyric also comes with a Z-Wave controller built-in, making it ready for smart home automation right out of the box. The L5210 and L7000 can also perform home automation functions, but a compatible Z-Wave controller needs to be purchase separately. The Lyric is also the only system that comes WIFI ready. There is a WIFI card for the LYNX Touch Systems, but again, it must be purchased separately.

All three systems can access the Total Connect 2.0 service through either a WIFI or cellular connection. Dual-path connectivity with both WIFI and cellular is recommended since it offers the best reliability. However, none of the three systems can use cellular right out of the box. A separate cellular communicator must be added. The premier cellular communicator for the Lyric is the Honeywell LYRICLTE-A, which connects with the AT&T LTE Network. Update: The Honeywell LYRICLTE-V with service from the Verizon LTE Network is now available as well.

The L5210 and L7000 Systems have two LTE cellular communicators available, those being the Honeywell LTE-L57A and the Honeywell LTE-L57V. Please note that Firmware Revision 9.00.209 or higher is required to use the LTE-L57A, and Firmware Revision 9.00.201 or higher is required to use the LTE-L57V.

Each of these systems includes a built-in 345 MHz wireless receiver for supporting Honeywell 5800 Series Wireless Sensors. This is an excellent sensor lineup that includes everything you need to keep a home or business secure. However, the Lyric is the only system capable of supporting Honeywell SiX Series Sensors. These sensors operate using 128-bit AES encryption for added security. They also possess a further range than the 5800 Series Sensors. This makes the SiX Sensors the recommended wireless devices for use with a Honeywell Lyric System. Additionally, the Lyric is capable of supporting 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors, while the LYNX Touch Panels cannot.

One major advantage of the Lyric is that it is the only one of the three that can be used with Apple HomeKit. This is great for iOS users, as they can conveniently control their Lyric System from anywhere using their iOS device. The user can also create Automations to have actions automatically performed whenever they control their Lyric System. The Lyric is one of very few wireless all-in-one systems that can be used in this manner, making it one of the industry's leaders in terms of automation. Alarm Grid recommends using both Total Connect 2.0 and Apple HomeKit, since both offer unique advantages and benefits. More information on the differences between TC2 and HomeKit can be found in this helpful FAQ.

However, if you already have a Honeywell L5210 or a Honeywell L7000 then don't panic! These are both perfectly capable alarm control panels that can provide great protection for nearly any home or business. Either system will certainly work for many years to come. You don't need to rush out and replace either system, as Alarm Grid can monitor both of them. But if you are in the market for a brand-new alarm system, then going with the Lyric is the best option if you are trying to decide between the three.

For more information on the technical differences between the Lyric Controller and the LYNX Touch Systems, please review this FAQ.