LiveWatch Security: The Full Story LiveWatch Security was genuinely ahead of its time. Founded in 2002 in Evansville, Indiana, they built a complete online DIY security model years before Ring, SimpliSafe, or Abode existed. You ordered online, they shipped a pre-programmed system, you installed it yourself, and professional monitoring started immediately. Then in 2017, Monitronics […]
Smart Home Devices
Bay Alarm Review 2026: Local Pro Monitoring vs Flexible DIY Security
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.
How to Choose a Home Security System in 2026: DIY, Pro Install, Monitoring, and Cost
Most buyers overpay by $500-1,500 over 3 years because they skip the math. This 10-step buyer guide covers DIY vs pro install, self-monitoring vs professional ($6-45/mo), contract traps with ADT and Vivint, equipment markups, and which smart home protocols matter. We price out 6 systems from $140 to $2,400 and show the real 3-year cost nobody advertises.
Nationwide Security Review 2026: Regional Alarm Dealer vs DIY Options
“Nationwide Security” isn’t one company — multiple unrelated regional alarm dealers share the name. Most charge $30-50/month on 3-5 year contracts for leased equipment. The same Alarm.com monitoring is available from DIY systems at a fraction of the cost. 3-year comparison: regional dealers $1,080-1,800+ vs Abode $216 vs SimpliSafe $792. We rate Nationwide Security 2/5 and recommend 3 contract-free alternatives.
Best Window Alarm Sensors 2026: Contact Sensors, Glass Break, Installation, and Cost
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.
