The Arlo Pro 2 is an HD security camera option that is great for use in almost any home or business. The camera uses the Arlo Base Station (purchased separately) to connect with the internet and the Arlo Servers. This makes the base station a required add-on. While the Arlo Pro 2 is a very nice camera in general, it lacks the ability to interface with some of the most commonly used service platforms for security systems, including Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0. Due to these shortcomings, we only give the Arlo Pro 2 Camera a 4 Star rating.

There are many aspects to like about the Arlo Pro 2. It offers 1080p recording capabilities, which is a step up over its Arlo Pro predecessor. It also features a wider viewing angle than its predecessor, as the viewing angle for the Arlo Pro 2 is 130 degrees. Returning from the original Arlo Pro, the Arlo Pro 2 also supports a plethora of different power supply options and mounting options. We also appreciate the fact that the Arlo Pro 2 has a weather resistant rating of IP65, as well as IR night vision for capturing footage in the dark.

But there are also downsides regarding the Arlo Pro 2. The camera can only be used in combination with the Arlo Base Station, which must be purchased separately. The Arlo Pro 2 isn't necessarily ideal for Alarm Grid users, as it cannot directly interface with our most commonly supported interactive service platforms for security systems, which are Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com. Lastly, all control for the Arlo Pro 2, including viewing live video feeds, recorded clips, and configuring the camera must be done through the Arlo App. The Arlo App works quite well, but having an exclusive app just for your camera network is a bit cumbersome.

While we generally like the Arlo Pro 2 Camera, it does have some flaws, so it gets a 4 Star Score from us.

Good: 1080p, 130 Degree Viewing Angle, Multiple Power Supply Options, Multiple Mounting Options, IP65 Weather Resistance, IR Night Vision

Bad: Requires Base Station, Cannot Interface w/ TC2 or ADC, All Control Through Arlo App

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

The Arlo Pro is a security camera solution for homes and businesses. The camera is used with the Arlo App, which can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. All operation and control is performed through this app. The Arlo Camera requires the use of the Arlo Base Station, which is used for connecting the device to the internet. This is important for being able to view the camera's live feed through the Arlo App and for sending captured video clips to the Arlo Cloud. Unfortunately, the Arlo Pro lacks integrations with most interactive service platforms like Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com. Coupled with the fact that the base station is mandatory, and we only give the Arlo Pro a 4 Star rating.

There are many positive aspects regarding the Arlo Pro Camera. For one, the camera comes with its own power cord and backup battery. A charging station and a solar panel charger are also available to give the camera additional charging options. Many mounting options are also available, including table and ceiling mounts, wall mounts, knob mounts, and flexible quadpod mounts. The camera has a built-in microphone for two-way communication, as well as pan and zoom capabilities. Other features include weather resistance, HD recording quality, and geofencing capabilities.

But the downsides to the Arlo Pro should not be ignored. The biggest downfall is the fact that the camera is not compatible with most of the popular interactive monitoring and automation platforms used with security systems. The most notables examples are Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. It does offer compatibility with the Telguard platform, but Telguard is less frequently used by Alarm Grid users. Another downside is that you are required to use the Arlo Base Station to connect the camera to the internet. Finally, the device must be controlled using the Arlo App, which is a bit limiting. With these downsides in mind, we only give the Arlo Pro a 4 star rating.

Good: Many Power Supply Options, Multiple Mounting Options, Built-In Microphone, Pan and Zoom, Weather Resistance, HD Recording, Geofencing

Bad: Not Compatible w/ Most Monitoring Platforms, Requires Base Station, Arlo App Mandatory

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

The Honeywell LTEXA-TC2 is a communicator and upgrade kit for Honeywell VISTA Systems that need a new LTE communicator, plus a PROM Chip upgrade. Both 15P and 20P PROM Chip upgrades are included, so it doesn't really matter which system you are upgrading from. The important thing to remember here is that you need the chip upgrade to use Total Connect 2.0 if your VISTA-15P or VISTA-20P is running a firmware version of less than 9.12. If its current PROM Chip shows at least 9.12, then you are usually better off just buying a standalone communicator without the chip upgrade. Beyond Firmware Version 9.12, only minor changes are made to these systems. It's mostly just about getting on a high enough firmware version to support Total Connect 2.0. But if you need a new LTE communicator and a new PROM Chip, then this is a fantastic kit to get. We give it a 5-Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Honeywell LTEXA-TC2. For one, it provides both a brand-new AT&T LTE Communicator, as well as the necessary PROM Chips (15P and 20P) to get the system online with TC2. The AT&T LTE Network will provide extremely reliable connectivity to keep your VISTA System monitored at all times. And since LTE networks are supposed to be kept in service well into the very distant future, you can consider this a long-term solution in keeping your system monitored.

There are not many downsides regarding the Honeywell LTEXA-TC2. One issue is that it needs to be wired to the panel, much like any communicator would need to be wired. You will need to open up the panel, power it down, install the communicator, and power it back on. There is also the consideration that you really only need the PROM Chip upgrade if your VISTA System is running too low of a firmware version to otherwise support TC2. If it's already on a high enough firmware, then you should just buy a standalone LTE-XA Communicator. But these downsides are pretty minor, and they do not stop us from giving the Honeywell LTEXA-TC2 a 5-Star rating.

Good: AT&T LTE Network, Includes PROM Chip Upgrades, Long-Term Solution

Bad: Must be Wired, Only Needed if PROM Chip Upgrade Required for TC2

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell IS2560 is a discontinued hardwired PIR motion sensor that offers a larger-than-average coverage area of up to 60 feet by 85 feet. It is a fairly standard motion sensor, as it connects with a wired panel using a 4-wire connection. Two (2) wires are for zone status, and the other two are for power. There are even four (4) different sensitivity level options for added customization based on the needs of the end-user. Despite this being a relatively old sensor, it still works great, and it is still used in many situations. For that reason, we give the Honeywell IS2560 a 5-Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Honeywell IS2560. For one, it offers a rather large coverage area, making it more suitable for industrial or commercial locations. Specifically, the sensor covers up to 60 feet by 85 feet, so plan accordingly. By using sensors with a larger coverage area, you will likely require fewer sensors for your installation, thereby saving you some money. There is an LED light on the sensor, which is good for testing purposes. The sensor has a look-down zone for added coverage. And you can choose between four different levels of sensitivity to meet your needs. We also really like the fact that this sensor has an EOL terminal that allows you to more easily add a resistor for supervision purposes. The end-of-line resistor is connected to the common terminal and the aforementioned EOL terminal. One side of the zone wire is also connected to the EOL terminal. This prevents the need for soldering or using wire nuts or B-connectors.

There are not many downsides regarding the Honeywell IS2560. Like any wired sensor, you will need to run a wire from the device to either the panel or a wired to wireless converter. If you have trouble wiring sensors, then this is something to keep in mind. Also, the Honeywell IS2560 does not offer any pet immunity, so that might a problem if you intend on using this sensor in a home with a dog, cat, or other small animal moving around. With its large coverage area, the sensor was mostly built with commercial or industrial use in mind, so it's not much of a surprise that a pet immunity feature was not included. Lastly, the Honeywell IS2560 is discontinued, and you cannot buy it new. But if you find a used model, then it should still work fine. Overall, we give the Honeywell IS2560 a 5-Star score.

Good: Large Coverage Area, LED Light, Look-Down Zone, Four (4) Sensitivity Options, EOL Terminal

Bad: Requires Wiring, No Pet-Immunity, Discontinued

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The 2GIG CO3 is a wireless carbon monoxide sensor that operates at the 2GIG 345 MHz frequency. This makes it compatible with systems like the Honeywell Lyric, the 2GIG GC3, and the 2GIG Go!Control. For the most part, this is a well-built and reliable CO detector. But unfortunately, it has a major flaw. This sensor only has a 5-year product life. Limited product life is nothing new for a CO detector, and it is something you will likely need to consider no matter which model you end up going with. But you can usually do a little bit better than just five years. And it's a shame because this is otherwise a great sensor. Overall, we give the 2GIG CO3 a 4-Star rating.

It's not like the 2GIG CO3 doesn't have positive aspects. Like most 2GIG products, the 2GIG CO3 has a good build quality. There is an LED light on the sensor to provide a visual indication of current status. It also has a built-in sounder to alert building occupants upon detecting carbon monoxide. And it uses the recognizable Temporal 4 sounding pattern to indicate a carbon monoxide alarm. Since this is an electrochemical CO detector, it works very reliably. Another benefit is that the sensor is versatile, as it can interface with the wireless 2GIG Systems and the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System.

But there is an important flaw for the 2GIG CO3. Its 5-year end-of-life is pretty disappointing, even for a CO detector. One of the biggest downsides to any CO detector is that it will only have a limited product life. This is because the electrochemical detection component loses sensitivity over time and cannot last forever. But we normally expect this lifespan to be roughly 8 to 10 years. Just five years is really lackluster. And you will be spending more money over time on a sensor that, while extremely important for life-safety purposes, will probably never be used. And that is enough to knock our score down to 4 Stars.

Good: Great Build Quality, LED Light, Built-In Sounder, Temporal 4 Sounding Pattern, Versatile

Bad: Five Year Product Life

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

The Honeywell L5200PK-3G is a defunct security system kit from Alarm Grid. It included a Honeywell L5200 System, three (3) Honeywell 5811 Door and Window Sensors, one (1) Honeywell 5834-4 Key Fob, one (1) Honeywell 5800PIR-RES Motion Sensor, and a Honeywell 3GL Cellular Communicator. The Honeywell L5200 is a somewhat rare system, and it did not last on the market very long. Honeywell very quickly replaced it with the Honeywell L5210 for various reasons.

But that doesn't make the L5200 a bad system. In fact, some people still use it today. Since Resideo (formerly Honeywell) upgraded the Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Upgrade Tool to work with the L5200, it is possible to upgrade the firmware for an L5200 System. This will allow you to add an LTE cellular communicator to the system and use it for monitoring service. Another option is to add a Honeywell L5100-WIFI Communicator for internet service. But this Honeywell L5200PK-3G kit came with a 3G cellular communicator that can no longer be activated for monitoring service. Couple that with the kit being discontinued, and we can only give this a 3-Star rating.

There are some positive aspects regarding the Honeywell L5200PK-3G. The included sensors have a nice build quality. You can upgrade the firmware for the Honeywell L5200 and set it up with a new LTE communicator or a WIFI communicator then set it up for alarm monitoring service. You will have a nice selection of sensors to choose from with the L5200, as all of the Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors are supported.

But this L5200 kit has some downsides that should not be ignored. First of all, the L5200 is known for being somewhat of a wonky system. That is one reason why it was fairly quickly replaced by the L5210, which is known for being a more stable system. With the 3G sunset, the communicator included with this kit cannot be activated. You will need to buy a different communicator, like a Honeywell LTE-L57A, Honeywell LTE-L57V, or Honeywell L5100-WIFI. You will likely also need to invest in a Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Upgrader Tool to update the system firmware. There is also the fact that this system is discontinued and can no longer be purchased new. And be careful about buying this system new, as L5200 Panels have less-than-stellar longevity. Because of these negatives, we only give the Honeywell L5200PK-3G a 3-Star rating.

Good: Strong Sensors, Can be Firmware Upgraded, Nice Selection of Sensors

Bad: L5200 is Wonky, Communicator Cannot be Activated, Discontinued

Bottom Line: 3 Stars

The Honeywell WEL-Y is an add-on kit that includes a wireless receiver module and a panic switch. The receiver is not a traditional RF wireless receiver for security system sensors. Instead, it is a receiver module designed for use exclusively with the included panic switch. You can pair up to 7 of these panic switches on a single receiver, so that is a nice addition. But on the other hand, the Honeywell WEL-Y is quite old, and it was really only intended for older hardwired systems that would mostly be considered archaic today. These systems are seldom used so it is doubtful that you have a panel compatible with one. But if you happen to be using one of these older panels, then the Honeywell WEL-Y might be useful in your situation. This a very old device, but it still works well. That being said, it is somewhat difficult to set up, so it only gets a 4 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Honeywell WEL-Y. It allows you to add panic switches to your compatible hardwired system. It offers functionality with a wide selection of older wired panels, including those from ADEMCO, DSC, First Alert, Caddx, and Moose. This can be very useful if you want to use panic switches, but don't need a full wireless receiver for adding wireless sensors. The panic button can be triggered for police, fire, or medical and can also be used to trigger a relay device. There is even the ability to program it for instant activation or a three (3) second delay for preventing false alarms. It uses more than 4 billion encrypted codes through the Honeywell Street Smart wireless protocol. This makes the panic switches extremely secure.

However, there are some downsides regarding the Honeywell WEL-Y. For one, it is discontinued, and you will be unlikely to find it new. A used model should still work well though. Second, the device is really only meant for use with a selection of older hardwired panels, which can be seen in the description. The panic button has a 6V coin battery, and it will need to be replaced periodically. Although a receiver module is used, it cannot be used with traditional RF sensors, only compatible panic switches. Also, the unit has been known to be difficult to set up. For that reason, we only give it a 4-Star rating.

Good: Works with a Diverse Selection of Older Wired Panels, Optional Delayed Activation, Multiple Programming Options, Can be Used as a Relay Trigger, Extremely Secure

Bad: Discontinued, For Certain Wired Panels Only, Requires Battery Replacements, Difficult to Set Up

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

The 2GIG BATT2X is the backup battery for the 2GIG Go!Control GC2 Security System and the 2GIG GC2e System. It provides up to 24 hours of backup power, and it will reliably keep the GC2 or GC2e powered on during an electrical outage. It conveniently attaches to the panel using a simple connector. However, like any battery, the unit will slowly begin to lose its ability to hold a charge over time, and it will eventually need to be replaced. But all things considered, this is a great backup battery device, and we give it a 5-Star rating.

There are many positive aspects regarding the 2GIG BATT2X. The unit keeps the system powered on during a power outage. This is important, because the system usually runs on AC power, which will be unavailable during an electrical outage. This ensures that your home or business always stays monitored and protected. The battery provides up to 24 hours of backup power, which is some of the best in the industry. If you ever suffer from extended power outages, this is the unit for you. The convenient plug-in connector is nice, as it lets you easily install the backup battery. The battery also meets UL985 standards, meaning it is good for a system that needs to conform with certain fire code requirements

There are not many major downsides regarding the 2GIG BATT2X. The biggest issue is that over time, the battery will slowly lose its ability to store a charge. Once the charge drops too low, you will get a low battery warning on the system. If the battery is unable to store a new charge, then you will need to replace it. This only needs to be done once every few years in most cases, but it is something to keep in mind. There is also the fact that the 2GIG BATT2X is for 2GIG GC2 and GC2e Systems only. It cannot be used with other systems. But overall, these downsides are very minor, and they do not stop us from giving the 2GIG BATT2X a 5-Star rating.

Good: Keeps GC2 Powered On During Electrical Outages, 24 Hours of Backup Power, Convenient Plug-In, UL985 Certified

Bad: Limited Product Life, For GC2 and GC2e Only

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Linear WO15Z-1 is a Z-Wave outlet that is designed to replace an existing in-wall outlet. Installing this unit will allow you to control your connected devices remotely using an interactive platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. The WO15Z-1 has both a controlled outlet and a pass-through outlet that is always on and does not have Z-Wave functionality. The device is very versatile, and it will work nicely with almost any Z-Wave controller. However, it has since been discontinued in favor of newer and more advanced models. And since this model isn't Z-Wave Plus, we really can't recommend it for most users. It isn't bad by any means, but it only gets a 4-Star rating from us.

There are many things to like about Linear WO15Z-1. For one, it allows for remote operation through an interactive service platform. The pass-through outlet is a nice touch, as you can still have a device connected for traditional, non-Z-Wave control. The fact that the WO15Z-1 can be used with pretty much any Z-Wave controller is a nice aspect, as it really gives you great freedom and flexibility in adding it to your network.

But the downsides to the Linear WO15Z-1 should not be ignored. The sensor is discontinued, and you will be unlikely to find it new. But if you find a used model, then it should still work well. The Linear WO15Z-1 uses classic Z-Wave technology, rather than newer and better Z-Wave Plus communication. This isn't a big deal if your network already has a lot of classic Z-Wave devices or your automation hub is only standard Z-Wave, but if you are mostly using Z-Wave Plus devices with a Z-Wave Plus controller, then it's often best to just add exclusively Z-Wave Plus devices if you can. Not to mention that Z-Wave Plus offers better wireless range. With these downsides in mind, we give the Linear WO15Z-1 a 4-Star rating. It is good, but you are usually better off finding a Z-Wave Plus device.

Good: Remote Operation, Pass-Through Outlet, Versatile

Bad: Discontinued, Classic Z-Wave

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

The Honeywell IS216-T-CUR is a hardwired curtain motion detector that detects movement across a single plane, rather than an entire area. This is useful if you want to be able to have occupants move around freely on one side of the room, while still having your system alerted if someone walks across a specific line. It allows for many types of mounting options, as you can mount the sensor horizontally, vertically, or on the ceiling based on your needs. Its coverage pattern is 33' x 5'5 when mounted vertically, and 28' x 20' when mounted horizontally. We have found that this is a great wired curtain motion sensor, and we give it a 5-Star score.

There are many aspects we like about the Honeywell IS216-T-CUR Curtain Motion Sensor. For one, its unique coverage area may be better suited for your area than a traditional motion sensor. These sensors are often used to determine when a person walks up to, or through, a door. Having multiple mounting options to adjust the detection area is a nice touch. It really makes the IS216-T-CUR more versatile. As a Honeywell Sensor, the IS216-T-CUR is very reliable, and it has a great build quality.

There are some downsides to the Honeywell IS216-T-CUR that should be kept in mind. For one, it is a wired motion sensor, and you will need to run a wire from the sensor to the panel. This may be tough for a DIY user who isn't used to running wires. Due to the sensor's adjustable detection area, the placement of the sensor is finicky, and you must really get it right to ensure you don't get a false alarm from movement in a nearby area. We strongly recommend testing your motion sensor regularly to make sure that it gives you the results you want. But really, these downsides are pretty minor, so we still give the IS216-T-CUR a 5-Star rating.

Good: Unique Coverage Area, Versatile, Reliable, Good Build Quality

Bad: Requires Running a Wire, Finicky Placement

Bottom Line: 5 Stars