Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wireless Equipment
- Strong Home Automation Offers
- Transparent Plan Pricing
- Accessible Customer Service
- 3-Year or 1-Year Contract
Cons
- Equipment Pricing Not Available To The Public
- Slightly Dated Equipment Offer
- Short 1-Year Warranty
The Good
LivSecure offers self-installed, wireless security systems backed by two of the best security system manufacturers: Qolsys and Alarm.com. It also has a strong home automation offering and a smartphone app. Contracts are usually 3 years in length, but you can negotiate a shorter 1-year contract in exchange for a higher upfront fee.
The Bad
While LivSecure's plan pricing is transparent, it's equipment pricing is not. To get a quote, you must call in and talk to a sales representative. The equipment, especially the control panel, is also slightly dated. There are alarm companies, such as Link Interactive, that offer a more modern control panel for the same price. The system is also covered by a short 1-year warranty.
Bottom Line
We've tested LivSecure, and although its security and automation offer is strong, it doesn't offer the latest in security technology.
Equipment & Monitoring Packages
LivSecure offers three monitoring plans: LivEssential, LivEssential+, and LivPremier. All three plans include basic equipment, but a three-year contract and a one-time $99 activation fee is required. The good news is you can negotiate for a shorter 1-year contract, but the catch is you'll need to pay a higher activation fee.
LivEssential is the most basic plan. It starts at $34.99/month and includes professional monitoring, smartphone access via the Alarm.com powered app, and a basic equipment package worth a total over $700. The package includes a Qolsys IQ Panel, three door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a smoke/CO detector, a key fob, a yard sign, and two window decals. You can further expand the system by adding add-on sensors, but you'll need to speak to a sales rep to discuss the price.
LivEssential+ is slightly more expensive at $44.99/month, but it adds in video monitoring features. The equipment package it comes with is similar to that of the LivEssential plan plus a free indoor camera.
Finally, the LivPremier ($54.99/month) plan goes all in with home automation features. In addition to what LivEssential+ offers, it includes a smart socket and smart thermostat.
Add-On Equipment
You can further expand your system by purchasing additional equipment, but as we've mentioned, you must call LivSecure to get the pricing. Here’s a list of all the devices offered by LivSecure:
- Door/Window Sensor
- Motion Sensor
- Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Sensor
- Security Key Fob
- Indoor Security Camera
- Smart Thermostat
- Smart Socket
Key Features & Tech
Touchscreen Control Panel
The core component of every LivSecure system is the Qolsys IQ Panel. It's a touchscreen control panel that you can use to arm/disarm your security system, check the status of your sensors, and gain insight on your home's overall status.
Dual-Path Communication
Another feature offered by the control panel is dual-path communication. Most alarm panels only use either landline, broadband, or cellular signal to communicate with the monitoring center. Qolsys IQ uses both broadband (Wi-Fi) and cellular, depending on what's available. Even if your internet cuts out or you lose cellular signal, the panel can still send alerts to the monitoring center.
Smartphone Access
LivSecure also offers a smartphone app, which is powered and made by Alarm.com. However, this isn't as unique as you might think. Alarm.com actually makes smartphone apps for some of the top alarm companies in the country, including Frontpoint.
Using the app, you can arm/disarm your security system, make changes to your settings, monitor security cameras, and more. The best thing about it is that you don't have to be near your security system to use it. It offers remote access so you can control and monitor your security system from anywhere as long as your phone is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or 4G.
Smart Home Features
One of LivSecure's strongest suit is home automation, thanks once again to the Alarm.com powered app. With the right smart home products and the app, you can remotely lock/unlock your door, turn your lights on/off, and adjust your thermostat for energy management. You can also create rules and scenes. For example, you can make all your lights turn on when motion is detected by your motion sensors.
Smart Home features are reserved for those who are subscribed to LivPremier.
Security Cameras
Lastly, LivSecure offers security cameras. The company solely endorses the Alarm.com indoor camera, which offers a 720p resolution, night vision, and motion detection. However, any security camera from Alarm.com will work with the LivSecure system. If you can get your hands on other Alarm.com cameras, that would be a good way to expand your system's coverage.
Customer Service and Support
As we've mentioned earlier, our testers were able to experience the LivSecure security system first-hand. That includes their customer service and support.
In working with LivSecure, we found that they do a lot of things right. They sent tips via email to help get us started, including information on adding family members and setting up alerts. We also received proactive notifications prompting us to activate my system. And as an added gold star, they were nothing but gracious when we called their support line for help.
They also offer customer-friendly policies. If you move, you can simply pack your system up and take it with you, no charge. And while they ask for a 36-month contract, you are welcome to sign a one-year contract if you are willing to pay a higher upfront fee. Next, they offer a 30-day risk-free trial. If you don’t like the system, return it, no questions asked.
