re: Nest vs Vivint Smart/Security Features

That's fine if you disagree but I did the full features of the 2gig system. I even got the service code and did stuff to it by myself.

I integrated my front door lock with it and worked well but the inability to use the thermostat to it's full potential was bad. You had to enable skills with Alexa for it to work and you couldn't do most things with the alarm. I had to do work arounds for it to actually be somewhat automated. (involved taking an IFTTT script to read text messages to allow other system to work when the alarm was armed and disarmed)

Glass break was way too sensitive. I had it about 30ft from my kitchen and it would go off every time the dishes were done. Geofencing was subpar.

It goes on and on.

Like I said, it's a solid system that just works. However, the cost of the system in the contract does not equal the value you get. To be fair, my system is from 2012 and so current tech may be different but my functionality has been the same with all the iterations of the ADC app.

I also don't believe in the costs of the monitoring companies and why they need so long of a contract. It's sketchy.

I'm curious as I still have my 2gig system.

What was different? I can still take back my Ring system and if I can get the same functionality in my 2gig, I would like to know.

To be honest, this is not a "got ya" thing. I want to genuinely know as I would rather not spend 300 on the ring system if I already have the functions I need.

It's not a got ya thing here either just expressing my opinion. I do think that your ADC experience was impacted by brinks there is no way around that, the service provider has to be a good one IMO. Plus a lot has changed since 2012.

For door locks I don't think the functionality is any different, I just know of many ADC system that have worked flawless in that area for years.

Thermostat: you can use any zwave thermostat and it will even talk to other non zwave smart stats in the cloud. I prefer the ADC version though. The remote sensor ability and some of the back end energy mangment features are nice.

Lights: they have their own plus works with other zwave devices and Lutron. Once again can create lighting scenes based off events.

Sensors: Ring has a big ugly sensor that I'm not putting on my doors. 2gig has numerous sensor even third party sensor and Honeywell sensors. Nice beefy outdoor senors that I can protect my she shed with and side gate. Sensors I can hardwire to overhead garage doors contacts to protect my garage. Heck you can even use the existing hardwire contacts that you already might have ran in your home. I could do an entire thread just on compatible sensors.

Notifications, you can get notifications from any of them and can make automation rules off of those events. What is real popular around here is putting a sensor on a liquor or medicine cabinet. You can even add an image sensor that will snap a photo of the cabinet when it's open and get that picture text or emailed to you.

Arming: Im not big on Alexa but yes the verbiage is different. Not a big deal. I don't mind arming the system by pushing one away button or the app on my phone. You can trigger all the automation events you desire at this point, like raising the temp on the thermostat etc.

Or you could use geo fencing, which is only as good as the fences. Temp on the tstat drops when I leave work. Or the system can send me a notification if I left my garage door open or lock my back door once I get a certain distance from the house. Of course good cellular coverage and a phone is need for this.

Keypad: Ring key pad looks like it's made by Fisher Price. Depending on which equipment provider you have with ADC your panel can be your automation control center. Have buttons built for scenes, might have a camera to take a picture when disarmed, some will even pull up your cameras up on them.


Cost: not a factor for me but it isn't the cheapest but at least it's not Amazon. Finding a good dealer is key. Lots of shady people out there.

If you like your Ring keep it. I'm not trying to change your mind. Given a free one I wouldnt put it my house but that's me.

I have prime and a Ring subscription. Just need more out of my security than they currently offer.

Sounds to me like some of your equipment wasn't set up properly. ie glass break going off and geo fencing being subpar that's why I made the brinks comment.

I'm just absolutely confused why you keep saying the ADC has more to offer. I don't see it and haven't read anything that you said I couldn't do with the Ring alarm.

I'm still pretty happy with the ring, but the zwave functionality is really lacking and disappointing. All I can do is turn the light on/off (and it takes 4 clicks to get there), can't even set a basic light schedule.... definitely can't do "if motion detected in zone X turn on all outside lights" type of thing.

Hopefully some functionality gets added soon, but right now the zwave hub portion of the alarm system is basically useless.

I've seen alot of negative reviews on Vivint but I got them in my new house about 3 years ago and have had no bad experiences. I've got the doorbell cam, camera on the backdoor, 3 smart locks, 3 glass breaks, the dvr for 30 days of stored footage. Didn't pay anything up front.

Did you try IFTTT?