Leaving all your stuff the same way is possible as long as you make a choice. Whatever you prefer between a Life Shield and a Ring Alarm, the safety of your smart home is the topmost priority.
Lifeshield and Ring Alarm are the two most common brands for your smart home security. This article will help you decide what you prefer between the two. Facts are presented, and in the end, you decide.
Option 1: Lifeshield
Lifeshield is the mother of all home security systems. ADT Security Services pioneered the system and is the top rival of Ring Alarm System. Lifeshield manufactures high-quality smart alarm systems that can be self-monitored or professionally monitored.
As you purchase the Lifeshield system, you have two options to consider. The first is to avail professional monitoring for the system. For a monthly fee ranging from $20 to $30, any security threats will automatically alert you and the appropriate emergency service. It will also store your system’s video recording for up to 30 days. Note that it depends on the kit.
Lifeshield’s optional professional monitoring is a month-to-month subscription. Thus, you will not be pressured into long-term contracts if you subscribe. It is the same offering from Ring Alarm System.
Furthermore, Lifeshield provides two additional layers of protection for your system: cellular signal and text. Hence, you will be protected if your WiFi goes down. If this feature satisfies your choice, consider self-monitoring with your Lifeshield alarm system.
The second option to consider after the purchase is the Lifeshield without monitoring. Self-monitoring is slightly more appealing when considering Lifeshield’s Smart Home Security Kit due to higher professional monitoring rates. Of course, many people prefer it that way. Many customers have enthusiastically endorsed using self-monitoring as a more cost-effective option.
Lifeshield self-monitoring offers system alarm alerts in the same way that professional monitoring does, with notifications sent via your mobile app if a system component is triggered. This gives you the option of determining whether the notification is legitimate and notifying the authorities yourself. You can get a live view of its surveillance or access specifics with its 24-hour video storage because most kits already include an indoor smart camera.
Pros and Cons of Lifeshield
Here are the advantages that you must know before purchasing Lifeshield.
- Some Lifeshield Smart Home Security Kits include an indoor camera. This allows for increased functionality and surveillance with the Lifeshield mobile app at the touch of a smartphone.
- Many customers claim that there were few to no false alarms during setup and use. While avoiding this problem can quickly become a concern for many DIY security system owners, Lifeshield does an excellent job of preventing it.
- Self-monitoring is exceptionally effective and can save the homeowner money.
Meanwhile, the following are the disadvantages that you may encounter in using Lifeshield.
- Lifeshield has received significant criticism for its customer service. Many users have complained about receiving little to no assistance or response when experiencing problems during the setup process. Unless you have a professional monitoring subscription, relying on Lifeshield’s advice for system troubleshooting could be risky.
- Some components, particularly sensors, are said to be made of bulky, low-quality materials, making some pieces challenging to mount. While the system is mainly wireless, the number of components may make it difficult for some to correctly assemble.
- Lifeshield’s professional monitoring is more expensive than Ring Alarm. Depending on your home security system expectations, that monthly fee on top of the initial equipment purchase may be too much.
Option 2: Ring Alarm
With much of the information about Lifeshield, it is time to give the spot for the Ring Alarm. The Ring Alarm is a wireless DIY Smart Home Security Kit. It has more functionality than the now-outdated hardwired versions that require professional installation. Ring Alarms include a keypad, window and door sensors, motion detectors, broken glass sensors, and optional inside and outside security cameras. As previously stated, you can choose between professional monitoring and self-monitoring via apps, text messages, and push notifications.
If you opt for professional monitoring, Ring includes 24/7 professional monitoring with your system for just $10 per month or $100 per year. With this price, you can connect to your devices and access video streaming and recordings from an unlimited number of Ring doorbells and cameras throughout your home. Fortunately, it does not bind you to any long-term contracts. If you decide that professional monitoring isn’t for you, you can cancel anytime.
When you subscribe to Ring’s 24/7 professional monitoring, you gain access to a 7-day Practice Mode. It is where you can familiarize yourself with your system without fear of accidentally dispatching emergency services.
Every system includes a free 30-day trial of the Ring Protect Plus Plan. Thus, it gives you a taste of all the benefits of professional monitoring. It includes cellular backup, recording, and even a 10% discount on select Ring purchases made online.
On the other hand, Ring kits can be self-monitored like many DIY smart home security systems. With Ring Self Monitoring, you can choose to receive a mobile push, text, and email notification for potential security threats. It monitors your home from anywhere.
Like most other systems, emergency services will not automatically notify of a potential threat if one is detected while using self-monitoring. Self-monitoring is actually just as effective for most users as it is relatively simple to call 911 if necessary.
Pros and Cons of Ring Alarm
Here are the advantages that you must know before purchasing a Ring Alarm.
- Security system has several connectivity options, including Ethernet, WiFi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, optional Bluetooth for setup, and Cellular Backup. All options have a Ring Protect Plus subscription of $10 per month. It also has a rechargeable 24-hour battery backup to extend monitoring features in an emergency.
- It wouldn’t be a smart home security system without additional integration: the Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit comes with a free Echo Dot (3rd Gen). It works with Alexa to control security features that can also be controlled via the keypad or mobile app. The Ring app also gives you complete control over the system, whether at home or away!
- Ring customer support is available for troubleshooting and general questions/concerns. Customers have consistently reported patience and dedicated assistance from Ring representatives, even in the face of system difficulties.
Meanwhile, the following are the disadvantages that you may encounter in using Ring Alarm.
- Some customers have complained about the included contact sensor functionality. In particular, many have been installed only to appear faulty and/or defective. Fortunately, Ring customer service has provided replacements for these issues.
- Ring customers have also reported issues with motion sensors failing. Some parts of the kit have been reported to be inconsistent and unreliable, ranging from false alarms to complete nonfunctioning.
- The Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit, which costs the same as Lifeshield’s Smart Home Security Kit, does not include a camera. Video monitoring necessitates an additional purchase.
What is Your Choice?
Overall, for comparable prices and kit contents, Lifeshield and Ring offer the best bang for your smart home. Both products allow you to personalize your home security kit quickly and affordably.