Scout Alarm Review 2026: Design-First DIY Security — Worth It or Style Over Substance? Scout Alarm launched in 2013 as the design-forward alternative to plastic-box security systems. With wood-grain door panels, minimalist sensors, and no contracts, Scout carved a niche among design-conscious millennials. But in 2026, the DIY security market has matured dramatically — and […]
Mobile Applications
ADT Pulse App Review 2026: Killed Off, Replaced by ADT+ — Migration Steps and 3 Better Alternatives That Cost Less
ADT Pulse: What Was It & Why Did ADT Kill It? ADT Pulse was ADT’s first real attempt at a smart home security platform, launched around 2010. It gave customers mobile app control, home automation, live video feeds, and activity logging — revolutionary for its time, when most alarm companies still relied on keypads and […]
SpotCrime Review 2026: Free Crime Maps That Miss Half the Data — What to Use Instead for Real Neighborhood Safety
SpotCrime is a free crime mapping service that pulls police report data from thousands of agencies and plots it on an interactive map. Check what crimes are happening near your address, research neighborhoods before moving, and set up free email alerts for new incidents. Covers theft, assault, burglary, vandalism, and arrests. Data freshness varies by city — some update daily, others lag weeks. Best used alongside NeighborhoodScout and local PD sites for a complete picture.
Trulia Crime Map 2026: Is It Accurate? How to Use It, 5 Limitations & Better Free Alternatives for Neighborhood Research
Trulia Crime Map: The Best Free Tool for Neighborhood Safety Research Moving to a new city? Buying a house? Renting an apartment? The Trulia crime map is one of the most useful free tools for checking neighborhood safety before you commit. It overlays color-coded crime data directly on property listings — so you can see […]