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) […]
Home Security Systems
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. […]
My Alarm Center Review 2026: They Buy Your Contract From Other Companies, Then Auto-Renew It — How the Account Acquisition Scam Works
My Alarm Center: What You Need to Know My Alarm Center (MAC) is a home and business security provider headquartered in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. They provide monitoring services across 40+ states, offering residential security, home automation, fire/CO/flood monitoring, and commercial security. But behind the friendly branding lies an aggressive dealer model with auto-renewing contracts and […]
Point Security Review 2026: Texas Dealer With “Free Install” That Costs $1,260+ Over 3 Years — Why DIY Saves You More
Point Security: What You Need to Know Detail Point Security Headquarters Hutto, TX (Austin metro) Founded 2000s — small regional dealer Service Area Texas only (Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas) Business Model Alarm dealer — installs equipment, outsources monitoring Monitoring Outsourced to Monitronics/Brinks Home via Alarm.com Installation Professional only (advertised as “free”) Contracts 36-60 month […]
First Security Services Review 2026: Bay Area Guard Company — Not a Home Alarm (What to Get Instead)
First Security Services is a physical security guard company based in the San Francisco Bay Area — Silicon Valley specifically. They’ve been operating for over 50 years, providing manned guard services to businesses, tech campuses, and events across Northern California. Critical distinction: First Security Services is NOT a home alarm company. They don’t sell security […]
