The house we moved into two years ago had a vector system installed and we activated it and have been using it since. I hate it. The app sucks, the cameras are ancient, we hardly ever use the alarm, and the thermostats are garbage. I feel like we’re paying $50/m to use the thermostat app. We called and asked about upgrading cameras, doorbells, and the price they quoted is goddamed absurd.

I don’t need an alarm. I’d rather good cameras and good thermostats. What are the best options out there?

I’ve got a Ring doorbell, is it worth going to ring cameras?

As far as Tstats, I had a Nest in my last house. So Nest, ecobee, or something else?

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Posted by LEASTBAY

Member since Aug 2007

16341 posts

Posted on 12/27/23 at 10:52 am to elprez00

Poe cameras are far superior. I have amcrest Poe, and ring alarm. Not sure what you mean about smart home. I have lutron Caseta system for smart lighting. I guess you could automate ring with Geo fencing maybe but I dont find it necessary.

This post was edited on 12/27/23 at 10:55 am

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Posted by Speedoj

St. George, LA

Member since Mar 2022

178 posts

Posted on 12/27/23 at 11:57 am to elprez00

I have the ring doorbell, ring stick-up cams, and ring/alexa thermostat. I love them. Easy to install and easy to use.

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Posted by BilbeauTBaggins

probably stuck in traffic

Member since May 2021

7664 posts

Posted on 12/27/23 at 1:35 pm to elprez00

quote:
good thermostats

Nest Learning Thermostat is super easy to install and manage from the phone. I love it. I think most of the smart thermostats made by other companies will work just as well. You can probably be well off with the Honeywell Home Smart Thermostat and save some money. ecobee also makes a quality smart thermostat.

quote:
I’ve got a Ring doorbell, is it worth going to ring cameras?

I went with Ring for my front door cam and will eventually get some outdoor cameras. It's a slightly bit better quality than what Simplisafe (our home security system) offers.

If you want to do comparisons like I did, compare the products you are looking on on YouTube review channels. But you seem to be right on the money with everything you've asked about and had experience with.

For home security, as I mentioned we use Simplisafe and love it. We've had a smart lock and room sensor just go out on their own and Simplisafe sent brand new replacements (~$130+ value) free and within 2-3 days each. Smart Lock is great and I recommend that if you don't have a smart deadbolt on your entry door. Simplisafe also offers a huge discount on new systems and includes a free item most of the time, usually the indoor camera. I use it to look out my back room and have it face the yard. It works well in the day but at night I clearly need it mounted someplace else.

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Posted by fightin tigers

Downtown Prairieville

Member since Mar 2008

76417 posts

Posted on 12/27/23 at 2:19 pm to elprez00

How good are you at things like programming or are you looking for a system that is plug and play no thought.

Ring and such systems are very integrated, but using one is like using Apple stuff, you have to exist in their world and with their equipment.

I personally use the Smartthings hub and while I certainly have my qualms I like the freedom of equipment and ability to program outside of one manufacturer. Not everything integrates seemlessly though. Oh, and no monthly fees.

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