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 […]
Home Security Reviews
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 […]
Landline vs Cellular Alarm Monitoring 2026: Why Landlines Are Dead, Cellular vs Wi-Fi & Which Connection Type Is Safest
Landline vs Cellular Security Systems: Which Monitoring Type Is Safer? (2026) Your security system is only as reliable as its communication link to the monitoring center. If that link fails — whether cut, jammed, or knocked out by a storm — your alarm becomes a noisy box that nobody hears. In 2026, this decision is […]
First Alert Review 2026: Onelink Smart Smoke & CO Detectors Are Great — But Their Security Cameras Are Dead (What to Buy Instead for Home Security)
First Alert makes excellent smart smoke and CO detectors (Onelink Safe & Sound is our top HomeKit pick at $119), but their security cameras are discontinued. If you found First Alert while shopping for home security, you need a real alarm system instead. We break down what First Alert actually sells in 2026, which detectors pair with security systems via Z-Wave, and the best camera + alarm alternatives from Abode, SimpliSafe, and Ring.
Nationwide Security Review 2026: Why Regional Alarm Dealers With Generic Names Charge $30-$50/Month for Equipment You Don’t Own — 3 Contract-Free DIY Systems That Cost Half as Much
“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.