The Danalock DLOV3BTHK is the Apple HomeKit version of the Danalock V3 Smart Lock. This is the version of the Danalock V3 to get if you want to use the lock with Apple HomeKit and spoken Siri Voice Commands. This is an effective and reliable door lock, and end users appreciate its sleek and modern design. Any cons for this lock are overshadowed by its positive aspects. For that reason, we give the Danalock DLOV3BTHK a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Danalock DLOV3BTHK. Its biggest selling point is its ability to be used with Apple HomeKit. This is perfect for iOS users who take advantage of Siri Voice Commands. The lock is also easy to install, making it perfect for DIY users. No special tools are required to install the lock. We also like the fact that it uses 256-bit AES encryption in all of its wireless communications. This makes the lock extremely secure and virtually impossible to hack or take over.

There are some downsides to the Danalock DLOV3BTHK that must be mentioned as well. The biggest drawback is that the lock offers no Z-Wave support. There is a Z-Wave Plus version of this same lock called the Danalock DLOV3BTZU. The trade-off is that you lose HomeKit functionality with that model. You need to decide whether HomeKit or Z-Wave functionality is more important. It's not like the August Smart Lock Pro where you get both. This HomeKit version also lacks compatibility with the Danalock App and the Danapad Keypad. This device also has a stringent battery requirement of four (4) CR123A batteries, which must be replaced about every 1.5 years.

Overall, there is enough to like about the Danallock DLOV3BTHK to give it 5 Stars. But understand that it still has some downsides!

Good: Apple HomeKit, Siri, Easy Install, 256-Bit AES Encryption

Bad: No Z-Wave, Cannot Use Danalock App or Danapad, Needs Four (4) CR123A Batteries, Short Battery Life

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Alarm.com ADC-SEM110-PS-VZ is a Verizon LTE Cellular Communicator for DSC PowerSeries Systems. These are hardwired systems that need an added communicator to connect with Alarm.com for monitoring service. This is arguably the most important upgrade you can make for your DSC PowerSeries System. By adding this communicator and signing up for a cellular monitoring plan, your compatible DSC PowerSeries System can utilize cellular connectivity. This is widely seen as the most reliable communication path for an alarm system. You will also be able to take advantage of the Alarm.com interactive monitoring and automation platform. The communicator has very few downsides, and it works great. We give it a 5 Star rating.

It's easy to find good things about the Alarm.com ADC-SEM110-PS-VZ. For one, it provides reliable cellular connectivity. Most security experts agree that this is the optimal communication path for a security system. With service from the Verizon LTE Network, you should expect fast and reliable service from the ADC-SEM110-PS-VZ, provided that you have good coverage from the Verizon LTE Network in your area. And being able to take advantage of Alarm.com is a nice bonus as well. You can conveniently access Alarm.com from your phone or from a web browser. Once you have logged-in to Alarm.com, you can arm and disarm your system, check its current status, control Z-Wave devices, and more. Speaking of Z-Wave, the ADC-SEM110-PS-VZ also serves as a fully functional Z-Wave Plus controller for a PowerSeries System.

There are some minor downsides to the ADC-SEM110-PS-VZ. For one the module has to be physically installed to the system board. This is a little more inconvenient than some other cellular communicators, but it is to be expected from a hardwired panel. The module only provides cellular service. It does not provide IP connectivity like the newer Alarm.com ADC-SEM210-PS-VZ. In fact, the ADC-SEM110-PS-VZ has been discontinued in favor of that other module, and it is recommended that you get that module instead. But that doesn't mean that ADC-SEM110-PS-VZ is obsolete, as the Verizon LTE Network is still going strong. And Verizon is expected to maintain service for their LTE network for at least the next few decades. The only other downside is that the ADC-SEM110-PS-VZ is for DSC PowerSeries Systems only, which somewhat limits its functionality. But really, these are all minor concerns. There are so many things to like about the ADC-SEM110-PS-VZ, and we have no problem giving it 5 Stars.

Good: Reliable Cellular Service, Verizon LTE Network, Alarm.com, Z-Wave Plus

Bad: Must Be Installed, No IP Connectivity, DSC PowerSeries Only

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell L5000-SIA is the version of the L5000 System that is compliant with the Security Industry Alliance (SIA). It is basically the same as an L5000 System, except that certain programming settings must be enabled by default or cannot be adjusted, per regulations mandated by the SIA. This system can be more or less treated as an L5000 System, and all the problems that apply to that system also apply to L5000-SIA. The L5000-SIA was the first attempt by Honeywell at a wireless touchscreen alarm system, and there were many challenges that came with such an ambitious project. Many of the issues that came with the L5000 were not corrected until Honeywell released the L5100 later on. While the L5000 and L5000-SIA were extremely innovative for their time, we are giving the L5000-SIA a 3 Star rating due to its numerous issues.

Starting out with the positives, the L5000-SIA features a wireless touchscreen with menus that are easy to navigate. You can auto-enroll sensors from the Honeywell 5800 Series, which is pretty convenient when you consider older methods for enrolling sensors. We also want to give the system respect for being the first of the Honeywell LYNX Touch lineup, which would later become one of the most successful alarm system lineups ever.

But there are plenty of downsides to the L5000-SIA. The panel was prone to numerous electrical issues, some of which could destroy the entire system. The only way to connect the system to AlarmNet360 and Total Connect 2.0 is to use a Honeywell ILP5 internet communicator, which will allow you to use a hardwired ethernet connection with the system. There is no way to do WIFI with the system. The only cellular communicator for the system, the Honeywell GSMVLP5, connects with a 2G network, which has been shut down. And you cannot do Z-Wave home automation with the system. There are just too many limitations associated with the L5000-SIA for it to receive a great rating. We can give it 3 Stars, and hopefully that's enough to convince you to get a more robust system, such as a Honeywell Lyric or a Qolsys IQ Panel 2.

Good: Wireless Touchscreen, Logical Menus, Auto-Enroll Sensors, Began LYNX Touch Lineup

Bad: No WIFI, No Cellular, No Z-Wave, System-Breaking Electrical Issues

Bottom Line: 3 Stars

The DSC WST-600 is a wireless smoke detector and CO detector listening module that will take over an existing smoke detector or carbon monoxide sensor that otherwise couldn't integrate with an alarm system. This is sometimes referred to as a "firefighter" listening module. The only requirement to use the DSC WST-600 is that you have either a smoke detector that produces a temporal 3 sound when activated or a carbon monoxide sensor that produces a temporal 4 sound when activated. You will also need an alarm system that accepts the 433 MHz frequency transmitted from the DSC WST-600. This could include a DSC Iotega System, a DSC PowerSeries Panel with added wireless receiver, or a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with 433 MHz Daughtercard. We think this listening module is great, so we give it 5 Stars.

There are many things to like about the DSC WST-600. The most important thing is that it provides an easy way to integrate an otherwise incompatible smoke detector or CO detector and make it compatible with a wireless system. This is great for high-voltage smoke detectors and CO sensors, as well as conventional, battery-powered smoke detectors and CO sensors that do not transmit any RF signals. As long as the smoke detector or CO detector produces temporal 3 or temporal 4 sounds, it can be used. And if you have an interconnected network of one-go-all-go high-voltage smoke detectors, then one single DSC WST-600 device can take over the entire existing network of wired devices. That's super convenient!

There aren't many downsides to the DSC WST-600, but there are some. For one, it can only be used with 433 MHz security systems. This somewhat limits its functionality. Additionally, this sensor can only be used indoors. Its operating temperature is from 32°F to 120°F. As a result, you may run into problems if you try to use it inside a garage or other area where it gets unusually hot or cold. But these are very minor concerns. The sheer convenience of the DSC WST-600 allows us to give it a 5 Star Rating.

Good: Integrate Otherwise Incompatible Smoke/CO Sensors w/ System, One Device Can Take Over Entire One-Go-All-Go Network

Bad: 433 MHz Systems Only, Indoor Use Only

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The DSC PG9901 is a wireless indoor siren that is compatible with systems that support the PowerG frequency. If you have a compatible system then this is a great way to increase the volume without having to deal with a complicated hardwired siren setup. This indoor siren can produce sounds of up to 110 dB, and it even includes built-in strobe light for providing visual indication of alarms. This is a great siren option if you have a compatible system, and we can confidently give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many excellent aspects of the DSC PG9901. The most obvious positive attribute is its 110 dB sound rating, which is very loud for most home and small business applications. In fact, only industrial locations and large commercial applications should ever find the DSC PG9901 to be lacking in power. Our technicians have tested this siren, and we have found it to be extremely loud and reliable. We have also found that the sensor is easy to enroll, as you can auto-learn it just like you would for any PowerG sensor. Another thing we like about this siren is its built-in strobe light, which helps make sure that users who are hard of hearing are notified to the alarm. And the siren's expected battery life of 8 years is also a nice touch, as it reduces the number of battery changes you need to make. We must also mention that this device offers an impressive wireless range of up to 2 km in open air, and it utilizes 128-bit AES encryption in all of its wireless communications.

There are not many downsides to the DSC PG9901. The fact that it is for indoor use only somewhat limits its number of possible applications. And you must consider that it is for PowerG Systems only. These include all versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, any DSC PowerSeries NEO with added wireless transceiver, and any DSC Iotega System. But other than those small issues, we really don't have anything bad to say about this siren. It gets 5 Stars.

Good: Loud, Easily Enrolls, Strobe, Battery Life, Range, Encryption

Bad: Indoor Use Only, Limited System Support

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell AB12M is a 12VDC motorized bell. When 12 volts of power is provided to the bell, the internal clapper will begin hitting the bell and producing 90 dB of noise. This is good for alerting anyone in a smaller building to an alarm on the system. The Honeywell AB12M is a rather low-tech device, but it gets the job done if you are looking for a simple sounder for your system. We are also very impressed with its build quality and overall performance. There really aren't many bad aspects regarding the Honeywell AB12M, so we can give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Honeywell AB12M. For one, it has a low current draw of just 100 mA at 15VDC. This means you should be able to add multiple bells to your panel without issue. We also appreciate the heavy duty steel box that provides ample protection for the inner bell. It even features two separate tamper switches to alert the system if someone tries to damage or remove the device. The Honeywell AB12M really has an exceptional build quality that we can't help but appreciate.

But there are still some downsides to the Honeywell AB12M. For one, it can only produce sounds of up to 90 dB. This might be too quiet for some users. Also it is a very low-tech device, as it is literally just a mechanical bell inside a box. Many users prefer something more intricate, namely a real siren with a built-in driver. But if you can overlook these weaknesses, then this is a really good device to consider. It is perfect for anyone looking for a simple bell sounder for their system. We give it 5 Stars.

Good: Low Current Draw, Heavy Duty Steel Box, Dual Tamper Switches, Great Build Quality

Bad: Only 90 dB, Low-Tech

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell 713 is a high-powered speaker rated at 40 Watts of power and 8 Ohms of impedance. It uses leads for connections. The speaker offers some nice features overall, making it useful for many applications. One feature is its tamper loop that allows you to set up the speaker so that it will cause a trouble condition on the system if someone tries to disable it. Another nice feature is its water-resistant design, which allows it to be used outdoors without worry. However, the speaker needs a siren driver to be used effectively with an alarm system. Having to add a siren driver is rather inconvenient, and most users would rather just get a device with a siren driver already built-in. For that reason, we can only give the Honeywell 713 a 4 Star rating.

There are some positive aspects to like about the Honeywell 713. For one, it is a powerful speaker, and it is perfectly loud enough for most practical applications. Its jacketed conductor leads are easy to work with, and you should be able to set up the speaker without issue. The tamper loop is good for making sure that the system is alerted whenever someone tries to disconnect or disable the speaker. And the weather-resistant design allows you to use the Honeywell 713 pretty much anywhere.

The biggest downside to the Honeywell 713 is the fact that it does not have a siren driver. You need to add one separately. For most users, the better option is to just buy a siren that already comes with a siren driver built-in. But if you don't mind adding a siren driver, then this is a great speaker for you. Still, we find this to be a major weakness. As a result, we only give it 4 Stars.

Good: Powerful Speaker, Conductor Leads, Tamper Loop, Water-Resistant

Bad: Needs Separate Siren Driver

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

The Alarm.com ADC-V522IR is a 1080p HD camera that is designed for use in residential locations. It connects with the Alarm.com servers, and an end user can view its live feed and recorded clips from Alarm.com. The camera is very easy to use and set up, making it a great option for new users looking for effective video monitoring service. We think this is an outstanding camera, and it really offers some excellent features. For those reasons, we give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Alarm.com ADC-V522IR. For example, it has outstanding recording quality. Our technicians have found that it produces crystal clear video that can easily be used to identify an intruder. Its IR night vision rating is for 15 feet, which is good for indoor use. You can easily rest the camera on a desk or a table, which makes it perfect for users who don't want to hard-mount the device to a wall or ceiling. However, you can still hard-mount the device if you want. The camera can easily connect to a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WIFI network. The user will also appreciate the wide 113° viewing angle of the camera and its LED lights that assist with installation.

There aren't many downsides to the ADC-V522IR. One consideration is that it can only be used with Alarm.com. If you do not have Alarm.com, then you cannot use this camera. Also it does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). You need to use a WIFI connection with this camera. But those are really the only issues, and they're relatively minor. This is a great camera all-around, and it is especially nice for residential users looking for a simple video surveillance solution for use with Alarm.com. It gets 5 Stars.

Good: Great Recording Quality, IR Night Vision, Rest on Desk or Table, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WIFI, Wide Viewing Angle, LED Lights

Bad: For Alarm.com Only, No PoE

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The 2GIG TAKE-KIT1 is a wired to wireless converter kit that is used when a user is upgrading from a hardwired system to a wireless system that supports 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors. The Kit includes a 2GIG TAKE-345 Wired to Wireless Converter, an Altronix 100UL 12VDC Auxiliary Power Supply, an Altronix TP1620 16.5VAC 50VA Transformer, and an ABS plastic enclosure. You really only need this kit if you aren't using an existing security panel to power the 2GIG TAKE-345. If you are using an old wired system to power the module, then you really are better off just buying the standalone module. But if you need a way to power the converter, then this kit is a great option. We think it works very well, and we give it 5 Stars.

There are many things to like about the 2GIG TAKE-KIT1. It can save you money when upgrading from a hardwired system, as you won't have to replace most of the sensors. Almost everything you need is included in the kit, so you won't have to go hunting for different accessories. The kit works with a variety of different 345 MHz panels, including the Lyric, and nearly all of the 2GIG Systems. This make it quite versatile.

There are some downsides to the 2GIG TAKE-KIT1 that should be considered. For one, you only need it if you aren't planning on connecting your 2GIG TAKE-345 to an existing wired system for power. Another downside is that a backup battery is not included with the kit. You will need to buy one separately. But these downsides are relatively minor, and the positives outweigh them. For that reason, we have no problem giving this kit a 5 Star rating.

Good: Use Existing Wired Sensors, Includes Most Required Accessories, Versatile Converter Module

Bad: Not Needed if Using Existing System for Power, Backup Battery Not Included

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell 951WG-M is a magnet designed for use with a Honeywell 951WG Recessed Door and Window Contact. However, the magnet's 3/8" diameter really makes it compatible with nearly any recessed sensor of a similar size. This means that the magnet is extremely versatile. It works quite well, and it offers decent strength for ensuring that the reed switch for a recessed contact sensor remains closed. We think this is an outstanding magnet, so we give it a 5 Star rating.

The function of the Honeywell 951WG-M Magnet is very simple to understand. The magnet is used in conjunction with a recessed contact, normally the Honeywell 951WG. The contact sensor is installed inside a door or window frame, and the 951WG-M is installed inside the moving portion of the door or window. When the door or window is opened, the 951WG-M Magnet will become separated from the sensor. This will release a metal reed switch inside the sensor. The sensor will then report to the system to let it know that the door or window has been opened. The 951WG-M does its job by providing strong magnetic strength. This ensures that the sensor's internal reed switch will not be released until the door or window is opened. Our technicians have found that the 951WG-M works very well. And it offers nice versatility by being able to be used with really any 3/8" diameter recessed contact.

The biggest downside to the Honeywell 951WG-M is that it needs to be physically installed. You need to drill a 3/8" diameter hole into the door or window and insert the magnet. You will also need to drill a hole for the sensor. Some users may have trouble doing this due to a lack of tools or a lack of knowledge on how to use them. Additionally, the Honeywell 951WG-M will not work with doors and windows where it is not possible to drill a proper 3/8" diameter hole. Still, these are relatively minor negatives. Since the sensor offers many benefits, we give it 5 Stars.

Good: Good Magnetic Strength, Easy to Use, Versatile

Bad: Requires Drilling Holes, Will Not Work w/ Every Door & Window

Bottom Line: 5 Stars