Which security system should I choose? Option 1 costs $4690.45 and Option 2 costs $3484.68

Seeking Advice
1

Hi everyone, I need your advice on choosing between two security system quotes. Both seem decent, but I’m unsure which is better. Here are the details:

Option 1: Burglar Alarm + Camera System ($4,690.45)

Burglar Alarm:

  • VISTA 20P - 8 Zone Alarm Control Panel
  • Honeywell 6160RF Wireless Keypad
  • 14 Wireless Window/Door Sensors with magnets
  • Siren
  • Wireless Glass Break Detector
  • AlarmNet Radio Transmitter
  • 12 Volt Battery
    Total for Burglar Alarm: $2,174.09

Camera System:

  • Uniview 8-Channel NVR
  • 5 Uniview IPC-3614S-ADF28KM-G Cameras (Fixed lens, 2.8mm, built-in mic)
  • 4TB Hard Drive
  • 5 Camera Mounts
  • Box of Cat 5 Cable
    Total for Camera System: $2,516.36

Option 2: Camera + Burglar System ($3,484.68)

Camera System:

  • 8-Channel LTS Digital NVR
  • 3TB Hard Drive
  • 1 LTS LTCMIP3D82W-28SDA-SL 8 MP IR Outdoor Turret Camera (Strobe light, audible warning, 2.8mm lens)
  • 4 UltraHD 4MP 2K PoE Turret IP Cameras (Built-in microphone, AcuSense technology, night vision, line crossing, intrusion detection, and face detection)
  • 5 Weatherproof Metal Sealed Junction Boxes
  • Cat 5 UV Resistant Outdoor Wire
  • Equipment and workmanship warranties
    Total for Camera System: $2,691.08

Burglar Alarm:

  • Resideo Pro Series Self-contained Alarm Panel (Built-in 7-inch touchscreen, built-in camera, Alexa and Apple HomeKit compatible)
  • Cellular Communicator (Verizon/AT&T 4G LTE)
  • 16 Wireless Window/Door Sensors
  • 1 Wireless Motion Sensor
  • 1 Wireless Glass Break Sensor
  • 1 Sealed Battery Backup (24 hours)
  • Equipment warranty
    Total for Burglar Alarm: $793.60

What do you think? I appreciate your help.

2

Option 2 seems like a better deal. If I could change something, I’d prefer a DSC Neo over anything from Honeywell.

3

Terryanne said:
Option 2 seems like a better deal. If I could change something, I’d prefer a DSC Neo over anything from Honeywell.

Thank you for your advice. I’m looking to finalize this soon to get my home secured.

4

I’d go with Vista 20P from Option 1. These quotes seem pretty affordable for what you’re getting.

5

Ramiro said:
I’d go with Vista 20P from Option 1. These quotes seem pretty affordable for what you’re getting.

This is from security companies in NJ. I actually thought Option 1 was on the expensive side compared to others.

6

In my experience, Residio (or Honeywell as it was previously known) is incredibly reliable. I’ve serviced panels I installed decades ago, and the only common issue is replacing backup batteries over time. It’s solid equipment. I lean toward Option 2 but could see the value in Option 1 as well.

7

@Rocky
Are you recommending Option 2? Just to clarify, as I appreciate your input.

8

Hank said:
@Rocky
Are you recommending Option 2? Just to clarify, as I appreciate your input.

I’d recommend Option 1 because of the Vista Series Panel. But consider these questions: What’s the reputation of both companies? How long is the contract? Will they provide a custom installer code so you can switch providers later? These might influence your decision.

9

Can the wireless sensors on the Honeywell Residio be jammed?

10

Roger said:
Can the wireless sensors on the Honeywell Residio be jammed?

If the sensors rely on Wi-Fi, then it’s possible.

11

Roger said:
Can the wireless sensors on the Honeywell Residio be jammed?

Would this issue apply to both options since both systems include wireless sensors?

12

Definitely Option 1. The Vista 20P gives you flexibility with monitoring options and access to integrations like Envisalink. Avoid the DSC Neo—it’s too restrictive.

13

richardblack said:
Definitely Option 1. The Vista 20P gives you flexibility with monitoring options and access to integrations like Envisalink. Avoid the DSC Neo—it’s too restrictive.

Thank you for the recommendation.

14

richardblack said:
Definitely Option 1. The Vista 20P gives you flexibility with monitoring options and access to integrations like Envisalink. Avoid the DSC Neo—it’s too restrictive.

The DSC Neo is not proprietary; it’s encrypted for better security.

15

@EvansBrown15
Encryption limits compatibility. Can you use Envisalink with it? No, and that’s a dealbreaker for me.

16

richardblack said:
@EvansBrown15
Encryption limits compatibility. Can you use Envisalink with it? No, and that’s a dealbreaker for me.

Vista is also proprietary. You’re just saying it’s not locked down like the DSC Neo, which allows for integrations.

17

Option 2 is good, but Uniview makes better cameras than what you’ve listed.

18

FortressForums said:
Option 2 is good, but Uniview makes better cameras than what you’ve listed.

Thank you for the suggestion.