Honeywell vs 2GIG vs Qolsys

Three of the best manufacturers of alarm systems today are Honeywell, 2GIG and Qolsys. Alarm Grid supports panels from each of these companies, and we strongly recommend their products to our customers. However, deciding on which company to choose can be a difficult decision for new users.

Between these three companies, each one has certain advantages and disadvantages that should be considered. By looking at the pros and cons of each company and their security systems, you can determine the perfect alarm panel for your home or business. In the end, you're sure to be very pleased with your new alarm system.

First up is the tried and true company Honeywell. This company has been in the security industry for decades, and it is by far the largest of the three. Honeywell is known for making high-quality and durable products, but they can be somewhat slower to innovate than the other companies. Their panels can access the Total Connect service. This interactive platform is great for remote arming and disarming, and it provides a user with full control over their Z-Wave home automation devices.

The current flagship panel from Honeywell is the Lyric Controller. This modern panel features a beautiful full color 7-inch LCD touchscreen display, and it is very easy to use. The panel is also known for being very durable, and it can support a wide variety of wireless sensors. These sensors include those from the Honeywell 5800 Series and the fully encrypted Honeywell SiX Series. The Lyric Controller is also compatible with Apple HomeKit, making it a great selection for iOS users. Besides the Lyric Controller, the L5210 and L7000 systems from Honeywell are also still going strong. Honeywell also produces hardwired alarm systems from its VISTA Series if a user does not want a wireless system. Overall, Honeywell is a great choice for users who want an easy-to-use panel from a dependable and proven company. But they should keep in mind that the system may be lacking in its smart home compatibility features.

Next is 2GIG. This company, which stands for "2 Guys In a Garage", was founded by two former Honeywell employees who decided to venture out on their own. The company utilizes a large amount of similar technology to that of Honeywell in their alarm systems. For instance, their panels communicate with wireless sensors at a frequency of 345 MHz, which is the same as Honeywell Panels. Interestingly, 2GIG Panels can sync with Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors, as well as their own proprietary 2GIG Sensors. However, there are currently no encrypted sensors available for their systems. 2GIG Panels can access Alarm.com, an interactive service that has embraced the smart home assistant movement much more strongly than Honeywell's Total Connect. This makes a 2GIG Panel an excellent option for any user who wants to use a smart voice assistant with their security system.

The newest panel from 2GIG is the 2GIG GC3. This panel is also very pleasing to the eye with its full color 7-inch LCD touchscreen display and its large buttons. The panel has already shown to be very tough and durable, and a new system will last for a very long time if maintained properly. The only downside to this panel is that it programs with sensors a little more awkwardly, and it can take slightly longer to set up. Many users find that their menus are less intuitive than the new offerings from other alarm manufacturers. But once all of the sensors have been enrolled, everything will function perfectly. All of this makes the GC3 an outstanding choice for users who want a durable, modern system with all the bells and whistles. 2GIG also still produces their older GC2 System for those who want a less robust, but more affordable option.

Finally, there's Qolsys. This company is by far the newest of the three, having just been founded in 2010. Because of that, the company doesn't exactly have the track record or the years of experience of a proven company like Honeywell. That said, the company is very ambitious, and they have made phenomenal strides so far. They have already release their own lineup of security sensors, including the fully encrypted S-Line Sensors. These sensors have been shown to work extremely well with the Qolsys Systems. Just like 2GIG, all Qolsys Panels interface with the Alarm.com interactive service. This makes Qolsys Systems great for use with smart home assistants.

The newest system from Qolsys is the IQ Panel 2. This is the sleekest and most compact wireless all-in-one alarm system sold on our website. Its colorful 7-inch LCD touchscreen is a joy to use, and the built-in camera can take a picture during every system disarm. The IQ Panel 2 is also the only system that requires no add-ons whatsoever, having a cellular module built right in. Users can choose between an AT&T Version and a Verizon Version depending on which service works best in their area. The panel also comes WIFI and Z-Wave ready, making it ready to go right out of the box. The menus are easy to navigate, and setting up new sensors is a breeze. The one downside is that the panel doesn't have a company with a large amount of experience behind it. But if you're willing to take a chance on a newer company, the IQ Panel 2 is a fantastic choice.