If you’re searching for Tyco Integrated Security, you’re looking at a brand that no longer exists. It was absorbed into Johnson Controls through a $16.5 billion “merger” in 2016 — one of the largest corporate reshuffles in security industry history. Here’s the full timeline of what happened, where Tyco’s security services ended up, and what […]
Home Security Systems
Bay Alarm Review 2026: Local Pro Monitoring, Contracts, Equipment Costs, and Better DIY Alternatives
Bay Alarm charges $35-55/month on 36-month contracts and only covers Northern California. No DIY option, limited app control, and 3-year total cost hits $1,460-$2,480 before equipment. We compare Bay Alarm to Abode, SimpliSafe, and Cove — national DIY systems with no contracts and lower monthly rates.
Sonitrol Security Review 2026: Audio Verification Sounded Revolutionary in 1964 — Here Is Why Video Beats It Now (and Costs Half as Much)
What Is Sonitrol? The Audio-Verified Security Pioneer Sonitrol (“Sound” + “Control”) has been in the alarm business since 1964, making it one of the oldest security companies in North America. Their entire business is built around a single idea: audio verification. Instead of just knowing a sensor was tripped, Sonitrol operators can actually listen to […]
August Smart Lock Review 2026: The Retrofit Lock That Keeps Your Existing Deadbolt — But Yale Owns It Now (Full Comparison)
August Smart Lock: The Original Retrofit Lock (Now Part of Yale) The August Smart Lock pioneered a simple idea that changed the smart lock market: replace only the interior side of your deadbolt, keep your existing keys, and control everything from your phone. No locksmith needed. No drilling. No landlord drama. Since Yale (ASSA ABLOY) […]
American Alarm Review 2026: 50+ Years in New England, No DIY Option — Why You Pay $45/Month for What Abode Does for $6
American Alarm & Communications: Company Overview American Alarm is New England’s largest independent alarm company — a genuine rarity in an industry dominated by national chains and private equity rollups. Founded in 1971 by three MIT engineers in Arlington, Massachusetts, they’ve stayed independent for over 50 years while competitors got acquired, rebranded, or went bankrupt. […]
