Slomin’s Shield security review for 2026. Covers pricing ($33.95-49.95/mo), contracts (3-5 years required), equipment, pros & cons, bill pay info, and better no-contract alternatives for NY/NJ homeowners.
Home Security Systems
LifeShield Review 2026: Shut Down by ADT — What Happened and What to Buy Instead (Updated Apr 2026)
LifeShield Home Security no longer exists. ADT acquired it in 2019 and folded the technology into ADT Blue (now ADT+). If you are a former LifeShield customer or found an old review, here is what happened: DirecTV bought LifeShield in 2013, AT&T absorbed DirecTV in 2015, then ADT took LifeShield in 2019. The DIY tech survived but the brand is dead. We cover the full timeline and rank 3 replacements — Abode ($0-6/mo, no contract), Ring ($20/mo), and SimpliSafe ($18-28/mo).
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.
Best Window Alarm Sensors 2026: Complete Buyer’s Guide (5 Sensors Ranked, Costs & Installation Tips)
Window sensors cost $10-40 each and cover the entry point burglars use 23% of the time (FBI UCR data). Magnetic contact sensors ($10-20) detect when a window opens. Glass-break sensors ($25-40) detect shattered glass from 15-25 feet. Vibration sensors ($20-30) catch both. We ranked 5 sensors by detection range, false alarm rate, and battery life. Abode’s mini door/window sensor ($15) is the best value — works with Z-Wave, HomeKit, and CUE automations. SimpliSafe and Ring sensors cost $15-25 but lack Z-Wave and HomeKit. Installation takes 5 minutes with adhesive backing.
Dropcam Pro vs Foscam R2: Both Dead — The Full Story & Best 2026 Replacements
The Dropcam Pro and Foscam R2 are both dead — discontinued with unpatched firmware and real security risks. If you still have one, replace it now. This guide covers what happened to both brands, the FBI security warning for Foscam, and the 5 best 2026 replacements from $30 to $250 (Blink Mini, Ring, Eufy, Nest, Arlo).
