LIFX Z vs. Yeelight Aurora Lightstrip Plus

When it comes to picking out the perfect lightstrip for your home, you want to choose something that’ll offer you bright vivid colors with a full spectrum, and something which can transform your home into an art zone.

While LIFX still makes some of the brightest bulbs on the market, the Yeelight Aurora Lightstrip Plus is a new product from our beloved company by Xiaomi, accompanied by an upgraded Yeelight Smart Light Bulb V2. This lightstrip comes at an affordable price, with the latest features such as controlling the lightstrip from a smartphone via WiFi with no hub required.

With that being said, let’s see if Yeelight Lighstrips stacks up to the higher-end LIFX Z. We’ll give you a full breakdown of the two brands so you can decide which one is right for your home.

abode Gateway Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 vs. abode iota

Abode offers three main controllers to choose from: the abode Gateway Gen 1, Gateway Gen 2, and the abode iota. All three hubs share quite a lot in common. However, of the three, the gateway Gen 2 and iota definitely have the edge. Is it time to upgrade? — Maybe not, unless 4G and Z-Wave Plus sound too tempting to pass up. But if you’re a new buyer, you should definitely consider the two later models to the Gen 1.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the differences between the three and find you the perfect abode gateway for your home.

Protect America vs. ADT

In an industry where more and more companies are starting to offer their own take on home security, Protect America and ADT are some of the most established brands on the market. With both companies having offered security systems for over 20 years, have they kept up with the smart tech revolution? Or are they stuck in the past? Overall, the two brands have a ton in common, but we feel that Protect America does a better job at offering a customer-friendly model.

These days, there are a large number of options for adding in home security for cheap — without the complicated install, high fees, and long term commitment. ADT still struggles a bit to ditch the dated installation model while Protect America has kept up with the times by offering a self-install option. With that said, these two models are quite similar, and ADT may be a viable option for those who don’t want to deal with setting up equipment themselves.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences of the ADT vs. Protect America security system. However, feel free to use our navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

Xfinity Home Security vs. ADT

ADT has been around forever, protecting homes since long before the advent of technology. Xfinity Home Security, on the other hand, is a much more recent addition to the smart security industry. Which is better? In this case, we feel like Xfinity takes the cake with better smart home tech and seamless integration with their media services.

Xfinity, owned by Comcast, is a major player in the media industry — primarily making their money by offering TV, Internet, and landline service to a large portion of the United States. Only recently have they started moving into the home security industry, and the features do look promising. We feel that it does a better job than ADT, but you may want to proceed with caution, as Comcast isn’t exactly spotless when it comes to customer service and satisfaction.

We’ll compare the similarities and differences of Xfinity Home Security vs. ADT below to help give you a better idea of what each brand has to offer. Alternatively, you can use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

Frontpoint Security Review

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a large number of startups come up with their own take on smart security. Frontpoint is an exception to this rule, as a more established company than similar competitors like abode and . The experience of Frontpoint shines through in their product, with smooth and effective protection and more reliable alerts.

Frontpoint does not offer the ability for standalone self-monitoring, but that’s not it’s goal. When you buy Frontpoint, you’re buying responsive protection with quick police, fire, and medical dispatch when needed.

With excellent customer service, cellular monitoring, adjustable plans and wireless equipment, Frontpoint’s versatility and flexibility are a major strong point. However, with so many security systems out there, you’ll want to take a look at Frontpoint Security reviews to make sure it’s the best fit for your home. Read on below for our take on what Frontpoint brings to the table.

Vivint Home Security Review

Vivint is perhaps best known for products like solar panels and high-speed internet, but Vivint Home Security is a more recent entry into the alarm system industry that offers a more unique approach to keeping your home protected. Rather than opting for a traditional plan that is restrictive and with pre-determined packages, Vivint is all about user choice. Choose as many sensors, cameras or smoke detectors as you’d like and create the security system best suited for your home. Home automation is also a major priority for the brand, and you’ll be able to remotely control all the features that Vivint has to offer.

When compared to some competing brands, Vivint is pretty expensive. For homeowners looking for more basic protection, the equipment and fees may be cost-prohibitive. However, the brand remains a competitive option for those looking for a system that revolves around home automation and comprehensive protection.

Frontpoint vs. Vivint

The technology behind security systems has continued to advance, and nowadays we have access to a huge lineup of brands that can keep our homes protected. Sorting through the various options available can be frustrating, as each system has their own take on home security with varying benefits and drawbacks. In the case of Frontpoint vs. Vivint, we’re big fans of Frontpoint’s easy installation, smart home integration, and automated system check feature.

Vivint certainly has its perks, but we definitely feel it falls a little flat when compared to the excellent that Frontpoint has to offer. The majority of smart security systems these days have the option for self-installation and are pretty easy to figure out on your own, while Vivint sees to cling to the trend of leaving home security to the professionals. Frontpoint offers comprehensive, no-nonsense security that is easy to navigate and understand.

We’re big fans of Frontpoint, but let’s break down the similarities and differences between the two security systems to help give you a sense of where they excel and where they fall short. If there’s specific information you’re looking for, you can also feel free to use the navigation bar to jump directly to the section that interests you most.

SimpliSafe vs. ADT

SimpliSafe and ADT are two quality brands with a history of providing excellent smart monitoring to thousands of homes around the world. But how do you know which is best? The truth is, ADT has some of the best protection around, but you’ll be locked into a long-term commitment and rack up some serious expense in the process. SimpliSafe, on the other hand, offers a quality DIY solution with no ongoing obligations.

ADT is one of the biggest names in home security, and the company has been protecting homes long before the idea of “smart tech” was a thing. Unfortunately, it seems that old habits die hard, as ADT continues to lock buyers into long-term contracts while charging a premium for service. SimpliSafe lacks some of the features that ADT offers, but with a much lower cost to entry and month-to-month contracts, we feel that it definitely has the edge.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences of SimpliSafe vs. ADT. Alternatively, feel free to use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

SimpliSafe vs. Vivint

Nowadays, there’s a huge selection of smart security systems available on the market. Ranging from the most basic to the most premium protection, there’s something available for pretty much anyone. In the case of comparing SimpliSafe vs. Vivint, there’s actually a lot that these two systems have in common. The main aspect that sets these two alarm systems apart is that SimpliSafe is designed with DIY in mind, while Vivint has a professional handle every step of the process. Neither is necessarily better than the other, it just really depends on what you’re looking for.

It may seem like a great thing to let the pros handle your security installation and monitoring. After all, you want your system to perform flawlessly, right? Unfortunately, that professional touch comes with a premium price tag that makes Vivint non-viable for a lot of homeowners. SimpliSafe offers a lot of the same features, and if you’re comfortable following some simple directions, you can save a lot of money for minimal time investments.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences between these two security systems. Alternatively, you can use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

Fortress vs. SimpliSafe

Keeping your home protected is serious business, and you want some serious technology working to keep you and your family safe. Fortress and SimpliSafe are two major brands that offer a comprehensive security setup, but which option is best for you and your home? For professional 24/7 monitoring, SimpliSafe is the brand to beat, but Fortress is the best bet if you’d prefer to self-monitor your home.

With so many brands on the market at this point, homeowners have a lot of choice in terms of the features that matter to them most. does a great job of protecting your home and exceeds the benefits of SimpliSafe in a lot of ways, but at this point, it forces you to rely on third-party monitoring services rather than offering the protection themselves. SimpliSafe is a little more expensive month-to-month, but that extra expense is put to good use with some of the best 24/7 monitoring around.

Below, we go into detail on the similarities and differences of Fortress vs. SimpliSafe. Alternatively, you can use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

iSmartAlarm vs. Fortress

There are more options on the market than ever before for keeping your home protected, but how do you sort through the huge selection in order to find an alarm system that works for you? Comparing iSmartAlarm vs. Fortress makes it readily apparent that not all security setups are created equal, with being the far superior option due to a whole host of features that keep your home better protected.

When breaking down these two systems, it’s clear that iSmartAlarm offers basic protection at an affordable price. However, the lack of features like cellular backup, battery backup, flexible installation, and 24/7 monitoring make it clear that there are some major shortcomings when it comes to offering comprehensive security.

Below, we go into detail on the differences between iSmartAlarm and Fortress security systems. If there are specific aspects that you’re most interested in, however, feel free to use the navigation bar to jump directly to the appropriate section.

abode vs. SimpliSafe

When it comes to smart security systems, you have more options than ever before. But how do you sort through the good and the bad to figure out which sensors are best for your home? Well, let us do the hard work for you! abode is a superior product to SimpliSafe on almost every front.

Even disregarding the fact that abode makes one of the best security systems on the market, it’s easy to see where SimpliSafe falls short despite the years that they’ve had products on the market. With the expensive subscriptions required to access simple features, the security system is just difficult to recommend.

Below we break down the differences of the abode vs. SimpliSafe to help give you a sense of what each option has to offer. Alternatively, you can use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

Scout vs. SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe has been on the market for quite some time at this point and was one of the first smart home security systems to make a splash. Recently, relative newcomer now also offers a competitive product as well, bringing in an innovative control mechanism that promises convenience and ease of use. In this case, however, we feel that there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. SimpliSafe’s more traditional control scheme is difficult to beat, and we feel that it still has the edge due to its support for a keypad.

When comparing Scout vs. SimpliSafe, you’re essentially comparing a product that offers something new and innovative versus a tried and true upgrade of a more traditional security system. Scout has a very unique way of arming and disarming the system, but in its current implementation, it seems to fall short of what the creators intended. While SimpliSafe is not without its issues, there’s some truth to the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Below we go into detail on the benefits and drawbacks that these two systems have to offer. If there are specific aspects of the products that you’re specifically interested in, however, feel free to use the navigation bar to jump right down to the appropriate section.

SimpliSafe Review

If you’re in the market for home security, some cursory research makes it obvious that there are a ton of options out there to keep your property protected. From traditional security systems built into your home wiring, to basic DIY options that offer simple protection for bargain prices, there are options out there to suit pretty much anyone’s needs. If you’re looking for easy access to comprehensive security, a one-box solution like SimpliSafe may be just what you need.

While SimpliSafe may not be a household name at this point, they are actually a pretty huge name in the smart security industry — having been around for more than 10 years and with a valuation of over $1 billion.

The third-generation SimpliSafe system has recently hit the market, so there’s no better time than the present to dive into what this security solution has to offer.

With superior design and better integration with third-party products, the new SimpliSafe system is the brand at its best.

abode vs. Nest Secure

Nest is one of the most recognizable names in the smart home industry, but will Nest Secure live up to the reputation of their more established products like the thermostat? Nest Secure is one of the better home monitoring solutions out there, but we feel that it does fall short of competitor abode when it comes to delivering quality security at an affordable price.

While abode doesn’t have the same brand recognition that Nest does, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t have the superior product. With a huge portion of the security system’s features available without a subscription, it provides an excellent balance of features and value that makes it our top pick for a home security system.

Below we break down abode vs. nest Secure to help give you a sense of what each security system brings to the table. If there’s a specific section you’re most interested in, however, you can use the navigation bar to move right there.

abode Security Review

abode is a relatively recent addition to the market and is a comprehensive home security system that stands out in several different ways. Unlike other brands that make you pay for 24/7 monitoring on a long-term or month to month basis, abode is unique in its offering of on-demand 3-day, 7-day, or monthly monitoring. This makes it a top pick for homeowners that want the ability to enable monitoring for an occasional vacation, but who are not interested in an ongoing monthly fee.

Outside of that, abode is a pretty straightforward system that perfects the basics and gives you the tools you need to monitor your home on your own. Price-wise, it manages to strike a balance between extensive features and value — coming in at a lower cost than similar competitors like Scout and Frontpoint.

With extreme flexibility and easy expandability, abode is one of our top picks for renters and homeowners alike.

Maximus vs. Kuna Light

The Maximus and Kuna Light are two cameras that both function off of the Kuna app and Kuna Cloud. Although these two models work on the same platform and are owned by the same company, we do feel that the Maximus Floodlight has the edge with slightly better features overall.

The Maximus Smart Security Light is a brand that works to bring Kuna technology to a broader line of products and a bigger audience. Since the cloud and the app are shared between the Maximus and Kuna Lights there are a lot of features that they share as a baseline. From a technology standpoint, however, the Maximus camera just seems a step ahead at every turn.

Below we compare the Maximus vs. Kuna Lights in order to give you a clear picture of their similarities and differences. Read on for the full overview, or use our navigation bar to jump directly to the aspects you care about most.

TP Link vs. LIFX

The primary goal of smart lights are to provide convenient access to light, and TP Link and LIFX both do a great job in that regards. However, when it comes to extra perks and technology, we do feel that LIFX pulls ahead.

When most people think of smart lighting, they’re likely thinking of voice activated bulbs or ones that can change color. While that’s a large part of the industry, the LIFX shows that there’s more to be had if you’re looking for better smart home integration, brightness, and even flawless syncing with your favorite tunes.

Below we break down the similarities and differences of the TP Link vs. LIFX. Read on for the full picture, or use our navigation bar to jump right to a specific section.

Ring Alarm Review

Home security systems are by no means a recent invention, but smart technology has changed the way we approach protecting our home. Traditional home security solutions have required professional installation, expensive subscriptions, and long-term contracts that force you to continue paying for years at a time — making them a poor option for many homeowners.

However, there are more options than ever before, and there are a number of brands that are redefining the idea of home security and monitoring. One such company is Ring.

Ring got their start selling video doorbells, with small, always connected cameras that were triggered by motion detection. With motion detection tech already in place, it only makes sense that the company could easily make the transition to a home security system protected by sensors. Thus began development of the Ring Alarm system.

Ring Alarm is a complete home alarm system with a starter kit that has everything you need to get started, including a keypad, base station, a contact sensor for use on doors or windows, a motion sensor and a range extender.

With no contracts and a low monthly fee for monitoring, this security solution is taking the industry by storm. Let’s dive into our Ring Alarm review and cover everything you need to know about this exciting new solution for keeping your home protected.