LifeShield Smart Home Security Kit: Everything You Need To Know
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The LifeShield Smart Home Security Kit (found here on Amazon) is one of the savviest and thorough DIY ways to protect your home and family. In the world we live in today, home security systems seem to be a growing priority, if not a necessity, for many homeowners.
Nearly 26 percent of Americans are interested in owning a smart security system, according to a 2019 consumer report. While traditional, dated systems used to require the work of a technician for installation, many products like LifeShield’s do-it-yourself kit are growing more and more accessible for the modern consumer.
With the integration of modern wireless technologies, installing a home security system is way less invasive than it used to be and doesn’t necessarily require a technician.
With its affordability, easy integration, and personalization to suit your specific needs, the LifeShield Smart Home Security Kit ranks above most of its competitors to become one of the most practical options for domestic security currently available on the market.
Unboxing The Lifeshield Smart Home Security Kit:
- 6 door/window sensors
- 2 pet-friendly motion sensors
- 1 fire safety sensor
- 1 glass break sensor
- 2 temperature/flood sensors
- 1 smart camera with live video feed and recording.
- Keypad
- Lifeshield security base
This is what’s included in the specific kit I’ve linked to above. There are other kits available including these:
Keep in mind that while you can pick the kit that closest matches your needs, you’ll probably need a couple more door/window sensors or an extra camera for instance. Lifeshield has additional devices and sensors for purchase through their customer portal (which is available after system activation) if you prefer to be more extensively equipped.
Each component of the starter kit is quite simple to assemble, operate, and manage from the convenience of any and all of Lifeshield’s interfaces (i.e. web, provided tablet, and/or mobile app).
- Note: While reviews claim that the included tablet doesn’t seem to be worth its short-lived use, the accessibility using the Lifeshield app is pretty simple and intuitive from any smart device.
So, what makes Lifeshield a top contender for the best DIY smart home security system? Generally, the company charges less monthly than most other monitoring services (optional) and provides free self-monitoring via its mobile application.
You can self-monitor through texts and a mobile app with push notifications and view the live video using the same app.
An extra feature is a 24-hour battery backup, so you don’t have to worry if the power is out.
On the downside, the biggest investment is the upfront cost of equipment. That being said, there’s quite an upfront expense for any home security system.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the ins and outs of the system.
LifeShield Self Monitoring
Many consumers have begun to prefer self-monitoring as a cheaper and effective alternative to 24-hour live monitoring. Lifeshield’s self-monitoring is free using its mobile app.
The system has 4 layers of protection, so the signal will make it out whether it be through high-speed internet, cellular signal, cellular text, or landline phone.
When a triggered event occurs, self-monitoring can inform you of disturbances with their mobile app. Self-monitoring allows you to keep a watchful eye on your home from virtually anywhere.
While it lacks automatic emergency alerts to the authorities in cases of burglary, fire, and flood, self-monitoring ensures your security with personal vigilance.
Side Note: You do have the option of 24/7 professional monitoring with or without a contract.
Lifeshield App
Provided for both Android and iOS, the LifeShield mobile app adds the convenience and functionality you really need.
<Download the Lifeshield App Here>
With the Lifeshield App, you can:
- Arm and disarm your system
- Stream security video footage
- Receive custom alerts
- Add or change security codes for other users
- With compatible smart home devices, you can control doors, lights, outlets, thermostats, and many more functions while home or away.
Depending on how you choose to design your home security system, the mobile app allows you to see and speak with visitors outside your home using an HD Video Doorbell’s two-way communication feature as well.
LifeShield Outdoor Cameras
While your kit will come with an indoor camera, LifeShield does makes additional cameras simple to install and integrate seamlessly with the rest of your system. Small and compact, they’re portable and can be relocated with little hassle.
Though LifeShield brands their outdoor models as such, the functionality and quality mimic that of the indoor cameras; as the clarity in low light is still quite clear within camera range.
Video from the additional camera(s) will automatically become available for streaming using the mobile app once installed.
Unfortunately, the field of vision for these cameras is fixed, meaning no panning, tilting, or zooming. I will say that the resolution is a little lower than that of some of the competition.
LifeShield Smart Home Security Kit Summary
PROS:
- LifeShield has optional professional installment available to its customers, but the system is quite quick and easy to install on your own according to your preferences. It’s called a DIY kit for a reason, and you can even save a bit by choosing this alternative! The nature of the sets allows for customization and portability if you wish to rearrange or move later on.
- This company is flexible. They understand that a large investment such as a smart home security system may not be realistic for the average American consumer, so there are tiers to purchasing:
- Rent hardware without paying for starting costs of equipment under a three-year contract. This reasonably priced monthly rate includes professional monitoring features.
- Direct purchase of equipment with or without professional monitoring. Sign a three-year contract for a lower monthly rate on professional monitoring, or opt-out altogether and save even more by self-monitoring.
- Monthly fees are simply cheaper than most competitors! This, of course, only applies if you plan on pursuing professional monitoring.
CONS:
- Users have often reported false alarms, with alerts sounding for no particular reason. Motion sensors also aren’t easily set to exclude (larger) pets.
- LifeShield’s upfront costs of equipment are certainly not lower than the average. While these costs are somewhat customizable (on top of the basic kit), avoiding them might mean signing a contract and still paying activation fees.
- Compared to its competitors, LifeShield’s Smart Home Security Kit has a shorter trial period (30 days) and equipment warranty (1 year). With these buffers, there is limited risk in committing to the product, but even more than opting for another brand that offers a bit more leeway.
Frequently Asked Questions
LifeShield vs ADT: What’s The Difference?
Simply because it has become one of the biggest security providers worldwide, ADT reigns when it comes to reputation.
LifeShield has only been around since 2004, but they pioneered the wireless DIY security system. They’ve since been absorbed by ADT.
So, as of February 2019, Lifeshield has been owned by ADT. They maintain separate products, but now LifeShield has ADT’s name attached to their branding. Where they once were competitors, LifeShield is now an option ADT has in their arsenal.
LifeShield offers self-installment, whereas ADT requires customers to have equipment professionally installed and activated. Both companies, however, offer smartphone monitoring and comparable package prices.
But with ADT, you will face more frequent and steeper fees for the features already offered through LifeShield purchases.
Do I need WiFi access in order to operate the LifeShield Smart Home Security System?
Yes, and you can connect the base component directly to a router via an ethernet cable. Other components will communicate directly once connected. However, it is not a cellular primary system, so it does require internet access.
In the event of a power outage, will the system still actively monitor?
Yes, the base has a built-in, rechargeable backup battery and 3G cellular backup to communicate any necessary alerts.
Does LifeShield work with Google Home?
Yes, you can arm and disarm your system with your voice using Google Home and Google Assistant.
Does LifeShield work with Alexa?
Yes, just like Google Home, you can arm and disarm your Lifeshield Smart Security System by saying “Alexa, ask Lifshield to arm instant“.
With both Google Home and Alexa, you can set up other security devices as well. This way you can have Alexa lock the front door or turn on security lighting also for example.
Conclusion
When it comes to accommodating your personal needs, LifeShield offers many incredible features in its base Smart Home Security Kit alone for a pretty reasonable price.
But if such an investment still doesn’t look so feasible for your household, it is one of the few companies to offer various price points and commitment levels for your home security system.
If you’re searching for customization and simplicity when it comes to protecting your home, I would definitely pick up a LifeShield Smart Home Alarm Security Kit.
