The Alarm.com ADC-S2000 is a wireless temperature sensor for use with the ADC-T2000 and ADC-T3000 Smart Thermostats. As a temperature sensor, the ADC-S2000 will provide a temperature reading for an additional location inside the building. This is in addition to the temperature reading from the main thermostat. You can pair up to ten (10) ADC-S2000 units with a single ADC-T2000 or ADC-T3000 Thermostat, which is great if you really need to get readings in specific areas across a larger building. You can even have notifications set up to alert you if the temperature goes outside of the normal range. This is a great temperature sensor to use if you need to check the temperature across multiple areas when using an Alarm.com Thermostat. We give the ADC-S2000 a 5 Star rating.

There are many positive aspects regarding the ADC-S2000. For one, it reliably detects temperature in a second area. A maximum of ten (10) of these sensors can be used with a single Alarm.com Thermostat, so you can really spread them out across your home or business. These devices are wireless, which allows for easy installation. It is also possible to use the ADC-S2000 as a standalone device without a thermostat to report temperature readings to Alarm.com. But pairing it with an Alarm.com Smart Thermostat is ideal, as then the ADC-S2000 can control the HVAC system based on its readings.

There are a few downsides regarding the Alarm.com ADC-S2000. The temperature sensor can only pair with Alarm.com Thermostats. If you have a different smart thermostat model, then you will not be able to use the ADC-S2000 with it. This really limits the number of thermostats that can support the device. The ADC-S2000 has an operating temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you really won't be able to use it in an outdoor environment. There is also the consideration that the device will require occasional battery replacements. A single CR123A battery is used to power the ADC-S2000. There is also the fact that the ADC-S2000 is discontinued, and it has been replaced by the ADC-S2000-T-RB. But if you find a used model, then it should still work well. But really, these downsides are relatively minor, and we can still give the ADC-S2000 a 5 Star rating.

Good: Reliable Temperature Detector, Pair Up to 10 w/ a Thermostat, Wireless, Report Readings to Alarm.com

Bad: For ADC Thermostats Only, Indoor Use Only, Will Require Battery Replacements, Discontinued

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell 4204 is a relay board add-on for Honeywell VISTA Security Systems. This device will add up to four (4) programmable relay outputs for a compatible system. The relay outputs can then be used to activated relay-triggered devices, such as sirens and strobe lights. The device is compact enough to fit inside the main panel's metal enclosure, but it can also be installed outside the enclosure if desired. Overall, the Honeywell 4204 is a great device to use if you need to add additional relay outputs to your Honeywell VISTA System. We give the Honeywell 4204 a 5 Star rating.

There are many positive aspects regarding the Honeywell 4204. Adding four relay outputs to a system is a great benefit. This will provide you with many options for setting up relay-triggered devices. And even if you don't use all four relay outputs right away, you can always go back and add additional devices later on. The size of the unit is definitely a benefit, as you have the choice to mount the unit either inside or outside the panel's metal enclosure. Most users choose to install the device inside the metal cabinet, but you may want to mount it outside if the metal enclosure is already filled up. The device is UL listed for both burglary and fire in residential and commercial installations. A tamper switch can be enabled to let the system know if someone opens up the module. The relay outputs are Form C, meaning that either Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC) wiring can be used.

There are not many downsides regarding the Honeywell 4204. It will need to be installed and wired to the panel. Programming the Honeywell 4204 can be a bit tricky. Luckily, you only need to set it up once. The device will draw some power from the panel, so make sure to consider it when doing your power calculation. But really, these downsides are very minor, and they do not stop us from giving the Honeywell 4204 a perfect 5 Star score.

Good: Four Relay Outputs, Compact Size, UL Listed, Tamper Switch, Form C

Bad: Installation Required, Difficult to Program, Draws Power

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The DSC FSA-210BT is a 2-wire smoke and heat detector for use with wired alarm systems that support 2-wire smoke detectors from DSC. It can also be used with certain wired to wireless converter modules that support 2-wire smoke detectors, including the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F and the DSC PG9WLSHW8 PowerG Wired to Wireless Converter. The device is quite versatile, and it offers some great features to help it stand-out when compared with similar devices. However, the product has been discontinued, and you are unlikely to find a new model anywhere. But if you come across a used model, then it should still work fine, provided that it has not been damaged. Overall, we really like the DSC FSA-210BT, and we give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many positive aspects regarding the DSC FSA-210BT. For one, it packs both smoke and heat detection into one device. This means that it will be more likely to quickly respond to a fire. The DSC FSA-210BT utilizes drift compensation, and that helps it maintain sensitivity even if dust has started to build-up. It also features a removable smoke chamber, which makes cleaning the device easy. There is also a convenient test button on the sensor. And a mounting bracket is included for easy installation. We also like the fact that the smoke detector is photoelectric. We find photoelectric smoke detectors to be the most reliable. The fixed-temperature heat detector (135 degrees Fahrenheit) also works very reliably. The device has a tamper cover to alert the system if someone tries to open it up.

There are not many downsides regarding the DSC FSA-210BT. There may be compatibility concerns if you try to use the sensor with a non-DSC System. And like any 2-wire smoke detector, the device will need to be installed. This will require running wires. But really, we don't have many negative things to say about the DSC FSA-210BT. It gets a 5 Star rating from Alarm Grid.

Good: Both Smoke & Heat, Drift Compensation, Removable Smoke Chamber, Mounting Bracket Included, Photoelectric Smoke Detector, Fixed-Temp Heat Sensor, Tamper Cover

Bad: May Not Work w/ Non-DSC Systems, Must Be Installed

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Leviton VRS15-1LZ is a Z-Wave switch that can control up to 15A of power for incandescent or compact fluorescent (CFL) lights. The device can be easily paired with a Z-Wave controller so that you can operate the connected lights remotely. Although the Leviton VRS15-1LZ was once considered to be a state-of-the-art Z-Wave light switch, that is no longer the case, and it has been discontinued. If you find a used model somewhere, then it should still work fine. But we really recommend getting a Z-Wave Plus light switch for superior range. Leviton has since come out with various Z-Wave Plus models that should work well on your system. As for the Leviton VRS15-1LZ, we give it a 4 Star rating. It should still work well, but there are better options available.

There are positive aspects regarding the Leviton VRS15-1LZ. For one, the device supports both incandescent and CFL lights, making it quite versatile. The switch can be used in both single pole and multi-pole installations, again adding to its versatility. The 15A max load is quite generous, and you should have no problem using the device in virtually any room of your home. The device comes with white, ivory, and almond switch paddles for added personalization.

But the downsides to the Leviton VRS15-1LZ should not be ignored. The most pressing matter is that the Leviton VRS15-1LZ is discontinued, and you are unlikely to find a new model anywhere. A used model should still work fine though. Another concern is that the switch is standard Z-Wave, not Z-Wave Plus. This isn't really a big deal if the rest of your network is standard Z-Wave. But if you are building around Z-Wave Plus, then you really should get a Z-Wave Plus switch to keep your network consistent. And like any in-wall switch, the Leviton VRS15-1LZ must be installed. This isn't super difficult, but it is something to keep in mind. We give the Leviton VRS15-1LZ a 4 Star score, largley because more powerful Z-Wave Plus options are readily available.

Good: Supports Both Incandescent and CFL, Single Pole & Multi-Pole Installations, Generous Max Load, Interchangeable Switch Paddles

Bad: Discontinued, Standard Z-Wave, Must Be Installed

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

The Kwikset 914 Smartcode Deadbolt Lock is a Z-Wave Plus door lock that is frequently used with security systems and other Z-Wave controllers. This is a relatively simple smart door lock that features a touch button design. It has a large lock button at the top to lock the door with the press of a button. The door can then be unlocked by entering a valid code into the keypad. The lock comes in three (3) different finishing options, which allows the user to add a nice personal touch to their home. We think this is a great product, and we give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many positive aspects regarding the Kwikset 914. For one, the lock utilizes Z-Wave Plus. This means that the Kwikset 914 will offer superior range and battery life over a classic Z-Wave lock, as long as the device is used with a Z-Wave Plus controller. However, it is still backwards compatible with most classic Z-Wave controllers. The three (3) finishing options make it more likely that the user can find a color that matches their home's decor. The backlit keys on the lock are a nice touch, as they make it easier to operate the lock in a dark setting. We like the fact that the lock rated BHMA Grade 2 and uses 128-bit encryption for added security.

There are not many downsides regarding the Kwikset 914. One issue is that it will need to be installed. It isn't too difficult to install a door lock, but it will require a screwdriver and a little bit of installation time. The lock uses four (4) AA batteries, and they must be replaced periodically. It is recommended that you use alkaline batteries with Z-Wave locks like the Kwikset 914, rather than lithium batteries. But really, these downsides are minor, and we can still give the Kwikset 914 a 5 Star rating.

Good: Z-Wave Plus, 3 Finishing Options, Backlit Keys, BHMA Grade 2, 128-Bit AES Encryption Communication

Bad: Must Be Installed, Requires Battery Replacements

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell 746 is an indoor speaker designed for use with security systems. In order for the speaker to work properly, you must add a siren driver. The siren driver provides the logic that the speaker needs to produce a specific tone or audible frequency. The speaker can still produce a light sound without a siren driver, but it won't really be of any use for a security application. Most users just prefer to get an all-in-one siren, rather than buying a speaker and a separate siren driver. But the Honeywell 746 does feature good build quality from Honeywell, and it can be very useful if you only need a standalone speaker. But due to the lack of a siren driver, we only give the Honeywell 746 a 4-Star rating.

There are positive aspects regarding the Honeywell 746. For one, it is rather compact in size, so it won't take up too much space. The voice coil is double-coated with polyurethane to prevent corrosion. Despite its small size, it can still produce some loud sounds when set up properly, as its maximum power output is 20 watts. Mounting hardware for the speaker comes included, so you should have no trouble setting it up. The device is relatively easy to mount. And like most Honeywell products, the Honeywell 746 has a great build quality, so it can be used reliably for many years.

But the lack of a siren driver is a big downside here. This is why many people will choose to buy a legitimate siren rather than a speaker and a siren driver separately. It does force us to knock a star off the rating. There is also the fact that this speaker is built for indoor use only. All things considered, we give the Honeywell 746 a 4-Star score.

Good: Compact, Not Prone to Corrosion, Powerful Speaker, Mounting Hardware Included, Easy to Mount, Great Build Quality

Bad: No Siren Driver, Indoor Use Only

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

The Interlogix NetworX NX-592E-LTE-ZX-VZ is a Verizon LTE cellular communicator for hardwired Interlogix NetworX Panels, including the NetworX 4V2, 6V2, 8V2, and 8E. The device allows one of these compatible panels to communicate with the Alarm.com servers for monitoring service. The unit also includes a built-in Z-Wave controller to open up automation possibilities for the system. This is a great module if you have an existing NetworX System that you want to keep using, but you need to get it running with an LTE communicator. Overall, we really like the Interlogix NetworX NX-592E-LTE-ZX-VZ, and we award it 5 Stars.

There are many aspects to like about this product. For one, it provides the panel with cellular connectivity across the Verizon LTE Network. As long as the system has adequate coverage from Verizon, it will always maintain connectivity with Alarm.com. The fact that this is an LTE communicator is also very important, as Verizon plans on maintaining support for their LTE network well into the very distant future. We also appreciate the fact that the module doubles as a Z-Wave controller. This way, you can pair various Z-Wave devices with your system so that they can be controlled remotely through Alarm.com and included with smart scenes.

There are not many downsides to this product. One issue is that it is for compatible Interlogix NetworX Panels only, which somewhat limits its versatility. Although the device has a built-in Z-Wave controller, an Interlogix NetworX Panel won't allow for local Z-Wave control. Therefore, all Z-Wave operation will need to occur through Alarm.com. We are also a little disappointed by the fact that this is a cell-only communicator, rather than a dual-path communicator with both IP and cellular. But really, these downsides are fairly minor. We can wholeheartedly give the Interlogix NetworX NX-592E-LTE-ZX-VZ a 5-Star rating.

Good: Reliable Cellular Connectivity, LTE, Z-Wave Functionality

Bad: For NetworX Only, No Local Z-Wave Control, Not Dual-Path

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell 4229 is an 8-zone wired expansion module with two (2) relay outputs. This is a great device to use if you need to add support for additional wired zones to your system, while also adding two extra programmable relay outputs. It is very common to run out of wired zone inputs on a Honeywell VISTA System, so being able to add more with a device like the Honeywell 4229 can be very important. Overall, this is a very useful device with many practical applications. We give the Honeywell 4229 a 5-Star rating.

We have many positive aspects to discuss regarding the Honeywell 4229. The largest benefit is that the module provides eight (8) additional wired zone input terminals for the VISTA System so that the user can add more wired sensors. The two (2) relay outputs are also nice if you need to support a relay-triggered device, such as a siren or a strobe light. Included with the Honeywell 4229 are 2k ohm resistors. The resistors are important for letting the system know if someone tries to cut a sensor from the line.

There are a few downsides to the Honeywell 4229, but they are mostly minor. It is important to understand that the Honeywell 4229 doesn't technically increase the number of zones on a panel. It only adds additional zone input terminals so that more hardwired zones can be used. But you must still keep the total zone limitation for the panel in mind. Life-safety sensors, such as 2-wire smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors, should not be used with the Honeywell 4229, thereby representing another limitation. While resistors are included, wiring is not, so you must provide your own. The module draws some power from the panel. Specifically, it uses 30mA while the relays are inactive, and 100mA with active relays. And that does not include any powered sensors you might have connected with the Honeywell 4229. But really, these downsides aren't anything too serious. They do not stop us from rating the Honeywell 4229 with 5 Stars.

Good: Provides 8 Wired Zone Inputs, 2 Relay Outputs, Includes Resistors

Bad: Doesn't Actually Add More Zones, Does Not Support Life-Safety Sensors, Wiring Not Included, Draws Power From Panel

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Lutron Caseta P-BDG-PKG2W is the Lutron Dual In-Wall Dimmer Starter Kit. This kit provides a solid foundation for a user to get started with Lutron Smart Lights. The bundled kit includes a Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge, two (2) in-wall dimmer switch modules, two (2) Pico Remote devices, two (2) mounting wall plates for the in-wall switches, and two (2) mounting pedestals. While you will likely be wanting to expand upon this initial setup to integrate your entire home or office with Lutron, this kit can get you off to a very good start. Or if you are only looking to set up smart lighting for a couple of rooms, then this might be all you need. We think this is a very useful product, and we give it 5 Stars.

Like any good Lutron Starter Kit, this bundle includes a Lutron Smart Bridge so that you can start building a network of Lutron devices. Every Lutron device communicates through the bridge, so it is arguably the most important component of the setup. This particular Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge is great if you want to use Lutron lighting devices with Apple HomeKit. We often recommend Lutron for users of the Honeywell Lyric, as that system offers a great HomeKit integration. The in-wall dimmers and Pico Remotes included with the kit all work great, and they offer a strong build quality.

There are not many downsides to the Lutron Dual In-Wall Dimmer Starter Kit. The biggest drawback is that the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge doesn't really have any way of directly interfacing with popular interactive service platforms for security systems. The Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO supports an Alarm.com integration, but the PRO model isn't included in this kit. Range can be a concern with the Pico Remotes, as they will typically only work from up to 30 feet away when used inside of a building with typical obstacles. Open air range is 60 feet, so your mileage may vary. And while this is a good starter kit, it won't really allow you to integrate an entire building with Lutron. Additional hardware will be needed if you are trying to create a large network of smart lighting. But these downsides are rather minor, and they do not deter us from giving the Lutron Dual In-Wall Dimmer Starter Kit 5 Stars.

Good: Lutron Smart Bridge, HomeKit Integration, Reliable Performance, Good Build Quality

Bad: Cannot Interface Directly w/ TC2 or ADC, Range Concerns, Additional Equipment Needed for Large Network

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Linear PS15EMZ5-1 is a plug-in Z-Wave module that essentially allows you to add a connected device to a smart home network. The plug-in module can support a maximum resistive load of 1800W, or a maximum incandescent load of 600W. When you enroll the PS15EMZ5-1 with your Z-Wave network, you will be able to control the device remotely from a compatible automation platform. This is great if you have access to a service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. You can also include the unit with Z-Wave smart scenes to have the device activate automatically based on a schedule or with certain system events. Overall, we really like the Linear PS15EMZ5-1, so we give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many aspects we appreciate about the Linear PS15EMZ5-1. For one, it is a Z-Wave Plus device. This means that it will offer superior range over classic Z-Wave devices when used with a Z-Wave Plus controller. The module features a pass-through outlet in addition to the Z-Wave controlled outlet. This can really come in handy if you have a lot of electrical devices in the area that need to use an outlet. There is an LED light on the module to indicate load intensity. This is very useful for determining if you are close to approaching the device load limit.

There are not many downsides regarding the Linear PS15EMZ5-1. One issue is that is a somewhat bulky module, and it will cover up other outlets if used on a standard power strip. If you have the device plugged into a wall outlet, then you will want it on the bottom outlet so that it does not cover up an unused outlet. The load limits on the device are quite generous, but they can become an issue if you are trying to use a high-powered device. Really, these downsides are quite minor, and they do not stop us from awarding the Linear PS15EMZ5-1 a 5-Star score.

Good: Z-Wave Plus, Pass-Through Outlet, LED Light

Bad: Bulky, Load Limits

Bottom Line: 5 Stars