Best No-Credit-Check Security Systems of 2024
Get affordable professional monitoring and high-quality equipment without a credit check from our top choice, SimpliSafe.
- Affordable professional monitoring
- High-end build quality on all equipment
- Low-cost starter packages
- Smart home integrations galore
- Low-cost security cameras
- Easy DIY installation
- Cloud storage for unlimited cameras is only $10 per month
- Integrates with old Ring products
- Full compatibility with Alexa
Nowadays, it seems like everything you buy needs a credit check, and security systems are no different. Most providers that want to lock you into a long-term contract require a decent credit score to sign up. But the reality is, you shouldn’t have to put your safety at risk just because of an arbitrary number. Thankfully, even if you’ve been denied in the past, you can still get some of the best home security systems at a reasonable price with all the features you need to fully secure your living space.
Thankfully, some of the best home security systems don’t require good credit. They won’t judge you for that 400 credit score. They won’t even look at it. (As a bonus, they won’t lock you into a long contract, either.)
>> Read More: Best No Contract Security Systems
After personally testing dozens of different security systems, we can confidently say that you can find a no-credit-check security system that will fit your needs. And we’re here to shed light on a few providers we love that never run credit checks as long as you pay for the equipment upfront. So, here are the best no-credit-check security systems for securing your home.
What to Look for in a No-Credit-Check Security System
- Equipment quality: You want your security system to last, whether or not it requires a credit check, so always look for reviews from people who tested the equipment.
- Price: Most security brands that don’t require a credit check also don’t offer financing. This means you’ll need to pay for the system upfront, so price really matters. For a medium-sized home, your security system shouldn’t cost more than $500.
- Ease of installation: While some no-credit-check security system providers offer professional installation, most require you to install the system yourself. So, make sure it’s easy to install and you have at least a screwdriver laying around.
- Monitoring options: Choosing a provider that offers professional monitoring but also allows for DIY monitoring means you can cut out the monthly fees associated with your security system any time you want.
- Company reputation: Whether it’s great customer service or a long warranty period, learning about a brand’s reputation can help you find a provider that shares your values.
Comparison of the Best No-Credit-Check Security Systems
System |
SimpliSafe
|
abode
|
Ring Alarm
|
---|---|---|---|
Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
Ratings | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
Contract length | Monthly | Monthly or yearly | Monthly or yearly |
Installation type | DIY or Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY or Professional |
Professional monitoring cost | Starting at $20 per month | Starting at $25 per month | Starting at $20 per month |
Equipment cost | Packages starting at $280 | Packages starting at $139 | Packages starting at $199 |
Read Review | SimpliSafe Review | abode Review | Ring Alarm Review |
Summary of the Best No-Credit-Check Security Systems
- SimpliSafe - Best Overall
- abode - Best No-Contract Security System
- Ring Alarm - Best Alexa-Compatible Security System
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1. SimpliSafe - Best Overall
View Packages Links to SimpliSafeProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $250 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs $21.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home SimpliSafe Overview
SimpliSafe just offers good products at reasonable prices. There’s really no getting around it. Every year that we test its systems, they keep improving.
For example, in 2023, the company released a new performance mode for its outdoor camera that all existing owners can access with a firmware update.1 This new mode activates when the camera is fully charged and plugged into a power source. It keeps it from entering deep sleep, which conserves power but slows its time to recording when motion is detected. As long as SimpliSafe keeps rolling out new features and updating its product line to keep up with the competition, we can see it staying on our “Best” lists for a long time.
What We Like
- Affordable professional monitoring
- All contracts are month-to-month
- Professional installation offered but not required
- SimpliSafe integrates with both Alexa and Google Assistant
What We Don’t Like
- Remote control functionality, notifications, and smart home integrations are locked behind the most expensive plan
- There are only three security cameras to choose from
- Professional monitoring costs keep climbing
SimpliSafe’s Equipment Quality
Right off the bat, you can trust the quality of SimpliSafe’s equipment because it manufactures and engineers it itself. This puts it in full control of its own production quality while keeping costs down. So, the actual build quality of all its products is a step above most of its competitors.
It recently expanded its offices in Boston to include a dedicated R&D lab for its engineers.2 We saw the investments it put toward R&D firsthand when we tested the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera. It’s one of the only cameras we’ve tested with color night vision, making it easy to see what’s going on outside your home no matter how dark the night gets. Also, check out our review of SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro, which details its clear picture quality and how the smart sensors helped us avoid false alarms.
With that said, it’s not better than the other providers on this list at everything. When we tested its security system, we could hardly hear the 95 dB siren on our second floor even though we put it in the living room of our first floor. So, we suggest picking up an extra auxiliary siren for each floor of your house.
SimpliSafe’s motion detector detects motion only at a 90-degree angle. Usually, we put our motion detectors in the corners of our rooms, so that works for us. But, if you need a wider angle, abode’s motion sensor offers 110 degrees of detection with the same 35-foot range.
>> Read More: How Do Motion Detectors Work?
SimpliSafe’s Pricing and Value
This is where SimpliSafe really shines. The value it provides is pretty much unmatched for no-credit-check home security systems. As we mentioned, the build quality is great on all its products, so you can expect a long lifespan. It gives you a one-year warranty that you can turn into a lifetime warranty if you subscribe to any of its monitoring plans. But you need to do it before that one-year warranty expires.
The only way SimpliSafe’s value gets outshined is for security systems built around a video doorbell. Every other competitor on this list sells its video doorbell for $100. SimpliSafe’s comes in at $169. While it does support HDR — and we definitely noticed how crisp the video is — its other features are pretty standard for the industry. Aside from its premium video doorbell, its other products are all extremely competitive on price. For a full pricing breakdown, check out our full SimpliSafe Pricing and Package Costs guide.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder in your calendar one month before your one-year warranty expires. That way, you don’t end up missing out on turning that one-year warranty into a lifetime one if you decide you want 24/7 monitoring anyway.
As for monthly fees, here’s a breakdown of SimpliSafe’s subscription options:
Features Free plan Self-monitoring Professional monitoring Fast Protect monitoring Remote control and notifications Yes Yes Yes Yes Cloud storage None Up to 5 cameras None Up to 10 cameras 24/7 monitoring No No Yes Yes Fast Protect™ technology No No No Yes Cost Free $9.99 per month $19.99 per month $29.99 per month Unlike most providers, SimpliSafe still allows you to receive notifications from your security system even on its free plan. This is a pretty big deal because notifications are usually how you’ll spot someone in your home while they’re in the act of committing a crime.
All in all, if you want a well-balanced security system, SimpliSafe gives you a great bang for your buck.
FYI: You can save money on your monitoring bill by subscribing only when you need it. Since SimpliSafe doesn’t lock you into a contract, you can buy monitoring any month you plan to be out of your home a lot, like when you go on vacation, then cancel it when you get back to working from home.
SimpliSafe Installation
When we last tested SimpliSafe’s products, we opted for DIY installation instead of its authorized third-party installation for $125. Installing its system couldn’t have been easier, so we’re glad we made the choice to do it ourselves.
Our installation started with just plugging in the base station. After plugging it in, we opened up the SimpliSafe app, set our PIN, and then followed the steps on the app. It guided us every step of the way, from which components to install first to naming each device so we could easily tell which motion sensor was tripped when we received a notification. Just note that if you do run into a roadblock during setup, SimpliSafe doesn’t have the best tech support. That trophy goes to Frontpoint.
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2. abode - Best No Contract Security System
View Packages Links to abodeProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $160 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monitoring Costs Starting at $69 per year ($5.83 per month) Contract Lengths Yearly Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit abode Overview
We really can’t talk about abode without first talking about its smart home integrations. It integrates with pretty much every smart home device on the market, from major brands like Alexa and Google Home to standardized smart home formats that tons of small companies use, like Z-Wave and Zigbee. So, if you want a security system that works with all of the smart home products you already have and the ones in your shopping cart, abode wins hands-down. Now, back to its security system.
abode makes it easy to customize your own equipment package to your home, install all of it, and even monitor it yourself. Even though it still offers professional installation and 24/7 monitoring services, if you want to do it all yourself — like we did when we tested its home security system — abode makes that possible without losing core capabilities.
What We Like
- Installing the system yourself is really easy, but you can still call in the pros if you need to
- You can integrate almost any smart home product on the market
- Every component can be purchased separately without a required bundle
What We Don’t Like
- The product line can get kind of confusing, with the three different hubs currently available
- Professional installation isn’t cheap at a minimun fee of $99
- With a rating of just 3.2 stars out of 5, the Android app could use a bit of work
abode’s Equipment Quality
Most of abode’s equipment almost exactly matches the industry standards you expect. Its cameras are all 1080p HD, with a respectable field of vision (FoV). When we tested its security system, all of the components just worked. Nothing stood out. I mean, the motion detector provides 110-degree coverage instead of the normal 90-degree coverage. But that definitely won’t be a main selling point for most people.
Where abode really stands out is with its iota Hub. I’m pretty sure it’s the most expensive security hub on the market right now, and it’s definitely the most expensive one we’ve tested, coming in at $330 for the smallest package. While you can get its basic security hub for $140, it doesn’t give you any smart home integrations. You can also choose the Smart Security Hub for $160, but that works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit only.
The iota Hub is where abode’s smart home integrations really shine. It integrates with:
- Google Assistant
- Amazon Alexa
- Apple HomeKit
- Nest
- Philips Hue lightbulbs
- Ecobee
- LIFX
- Yale
- Kwikset
- Z-wave
- First Alert
- IFTTT
That’s a mouthful, I know. But, the iota Hub doesn’t just integrate with these smart home devices; it automates them.
In the abode app, you can set up automations using CUE, which connects to all of your integrated smart home devices. It uses basic “if this happens, then do that” statements with any of your smart home devices and security system components. We upped the security of our home using this automation by creating a rule that turned all of the lights in my living room on and triggered my Alexa speaker to make a siren sound at full blast if my front door opened between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Want some more ideas on what you can do with home automation? Check out our 2024 Guide to Smart Homes.
Now that we sang the iota Hub’s praises, there are a couple of drawbacks too. We think abode put one too many features in it when they added an integrated security camera. Even though it works, most people aren’t putting their security hub in an ideal place to watch a room. It also lacks human detection capabilities, so you’re going to get false alarms, especially if you have a pet.
>> Read About: What Is Home Automation and How Does It Work?
Did You Know: There are over 4,000 Z-Wave-certified products3 and over 4,000 Zigbee-certified products.4 With abode’s iota Hub, your security system can integrate and automate them all.
abode’s Pricing and Value
If you end up going with the iota Hub, that will probably be the majority of your equipment bill. Like I said, it’s the most expensive hub we’ve tested. But that’s really the only product that’s more expensive than the competition. And even though the iota Hub is more expensive, if you plan on buying more smart home products over the years, all of the integrations it offers means you won’t be stuck buying an expensive brand. This can be a great way to save money down the line.
Keep in mind that its integrations are locked behind abode’s Standard Plan, which costs $6 per month or $69.99 per year. You also won’t receive notifications on its free plan like you would with SimpliSafe. But, for the first year, you can get professional monitoring for just $12.42 per month, which is a great deal. Here’s an overview of abode’s subscription plans:
Features Free plan Standard plan Pro plan Notifications No Yes Yes Home automation No Yes Yes Video storage No 10 days of recordings 10 days of recordings Professional monitoring No No Yes Cost Free $7 per month $149 for first year, then $25 per month or $230 per year Need some more help deciding which plan is right for you? Our guide to abode Plans and Pricing should help.
Where abode really shines in value is its security cameras. The abode Cam 2 costs only $34.99 right now, and it gives you total freedom to use it however you want. You don’t even need an abode system to use the camera when connecting it directly to your Alexa or Google Assistant. In comparison, Ring and SimpliSafe’s least expensive indoor cameras cost $99.99.
Although you can’t expect the same build quality or innovative features as SimpliSafe, the value of abode really comes from its iota Hub, which allows you to choose just about any smart home product, and its indoor/outdoor security camera. Otherwise, its pricing for sensors, accessories, and doorbell cameras comes in just a bit lower than corresponding items from SimpliSafe, Ring, and Scout Alarm. Want a more comprehensive breakdown of the differences between abode and SimpliSafe? Take a look at our SimpliSafe vs. abode Comparison guide.
abode Installation
Just like SimpliSafe, abode was super easy to install. Our system took only about 15 minutes from the time we opened the package to when our security system was up and running. All of the sensors are really easy to install without any tools. You just stick them onto a door, window, or wall like you would a command strip.
The only drawback we saw in the installation process was the required Ethernet connection of the iota Hub. This could cause a hassle, depending on where the internet connection in your house or apartment is located. Luckily for us, we keep our router in our living room on a small table. So, we put the iota Hub right next to our router, making the Ethernet connection pretty easy. But, if your router is crammed into a small cupboard, you might need to do a bit of cable routing to get an Ethernet cable where you want your iota Hub set up.
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3. Ring Alarm - Best Alexa-Compatible Security System
View on Amazon Links to Ring AlarmProduct Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $179 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $4.99 Contract Lengths 1-12 months Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Ring Alarm Security Kit Overview
As one of the most well-known brands for doorbell video cameras, it makes sense that Ring would come out with its own alarm system too. It now has a full lineup of sensors, security cameras, sirens, and more. Even better, you can connect any of your existing Ring cameras to further fortify your Ring Alarm security system.
Ring Alarm does have some limitations, just like every other provider. It’s missing a couple of small components, like a smoke sensor, that more developed competitors like SimpliSafe have. We’ve also all heard of its security vulnerabilities, which can raise some privacy concerns, particularly with indoor cameras. But for an easy-to-install, budget-friendly way to deter burglars, Ring Alarm checks the boxes you need.
What We Like
- Competitive professional monitoring rates that include cloud storage for unlimited Ring cameras
- If you already have a Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In or Ring Video Doorbell 2, you can use them to fortify your Ring Alarm security system
- DIY installation is really easy and doesn’t require any tools; just peel and stick components in place
What We Don’t Like
- Privacy concerns with Ring cameras, especially indoor ones
- Wi-Fi connection can be spotty
- Equipment options are a bit limited
Ring Alarm Security Kit Equipment Quality
Ring Alarm lacks a couple of core pieces of equipment we expect in a home security system — especially one that advertises itself as an “alarm.” It’s missing monitored smoke alarms and gas detectors. It has a product called an “Alarm Smoke and CO Listener” but it’s not actually a smoke or carbon monoxide sensor. Instead, it notifies you if it hears your fire alarm going off. You can (and should!) buy a Ring-compatible First Alert Smoke/CO Alarm – but we still think Ring should produce its own.
Now that we got that out of the way, let’s dig into the equipment it does have. Its cameras are well known, and for a good reason. They are high-end cameras that easily integrate into your Amazon ecosystem with the features we expect when we test cameras. With 23 camera options and accessory pairings, you’ll definitely find a Ring Alarm camera that fits your needs.
Unexpectedly, where the Ring Alarm Security Kit really stands out is with its motion detector. It uses patented motion detection technology that lets you set it to a low or medium detection setting. In its low detection setting, it ignores pets under 50 pounds. And in its medium detection setting, it ignores pets under 30 pounds. We loved this feature when we were pet-sitting for a friend while testing out the Ring Alarm system.
Pro Tip: Save some money on your Ring Alarm Security Kit by reusing any of your current Ring cameras in your new security system. Just looking for a Ring camera? Check out our Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In review and our Ring Video Doorbell 2 review.
Ring Alarm Security Kit’s Pricing and Value
Let’s talk dollars and cents here. Because Amazon is its parent company, you know the value of Ring Alarm is there, which we cover in our Ring Alarm Home Security System Cost and Pricing guide. But how does it compare to SimpliSafe and abode?
For a starter kit, Ring Alarm comes out to $200 for five pieces of equipment. It includes the base station, keypad, one door/window sensor, a motion detector, and an alarm range extender. That’s a bit more than abode’s starting point of $140, but it includes a motion detector and keypad instead of a key fob. SimpliSafe is in between with a sale price of around $170 for the same pieces of equipment as Ring Alarm’s five-piece kit. Read our full comparison between Ring Alarm vs. SimpliSafe DIY Security for a complete breakdown.
As for monthly fees, Ring Alarm gives you four options:
- Self-Monitoring: It’s completely free, but you won’t get video storage or digital features, like real-time notifications.
- Basic Plan: At $4.99 per month per camera, you get 180 days of cloud video storage.
- Plus Plan: For just $10 per month, you can get the same cloud video storage as the Basic Plan, except for all of your cameras. That means if you have three or more cameras that you want cloud storage for, the Plus Plan is the way to go.
- Pro Plan: This is where you get 24/7 professional monitoring as well. It costs $20 per month and includes all of the cloud video storage you need.
Hot Tip: You can get two months free on any of Ring Alarm’s plans by paying yearly instead of monthly.
If you want to cut the monthly expense out entirely, you might want to go with SimpliSafe instead since it still lets you get notifications even without a paid plan. Or check out one of the providers in our guide to the Best No-Monthly-Fee Home Security Systems in 2024.
Based on testing and comparing all three of these systems, you get the most value with abode if you want a lot of inexpensive security cameras. Ring Alarm gives you the most value if you want a few cameras with cloud storage but don’t need professional monitoring. SimpliSafe gives you the most value if your main focus is on sensors and alarms.
Ring Alarm Security Kit Installation
All of the components in the Ring Alarm Security Kits are really easy to install. Every piece uses a simple peel-and-stick adhesive backing, so it took us less than 30 minutes to get the entire system up and running, making its installation process comparable to both abode’s and SimpliSafe’s.
The 30 minutes we spent installing our Ring Alarm Security Kit even included an issue we had connecting the base station to our Wi-Fi. For some reason, it wouldn’t connect right away, and we’re still not sure why. It eventually connected after a few tries, but it was pretty frustrating at the moment. We still don’t know exactly what went wrong, but it seemed like a bug between the base station and our specific router.
Why Do Security System Providers Check Your Credit Score?
Just like every business that runs a credit check, at the end of the day, it all comes down to mitigating risks. Most security system providers require a long-term contract that includes all of the equipment you need for a monthly monitoring fee.
Folks with lower credit scores are seen as higher-risk customers who may miss payments or default on the contract. And, if you stop paying, the security company ends up with a loss on the equipment it gave you. This is why there’s a lot of overlap between the best no-credit-check security systems and the best no-contract security systems.
Can You Still Get a Security System With a Bad Credit Score?
A bad credit score absolutely does not mean you don’t deserve a safe home. It does limit your options, but you can still find everything you need to make your home safe and secure from no-credit-check security systems. They just usually require you to pay for your equipment upfront.
You can still get top-of-the-line equipment with 24/7 monitoring if you want. The only difference is you might not qualify for those long-term contracts that ADT and Vivint require. But hey, it’s one less monthly payment.
At the end of the day, the security of your home shouldn’t be dictated by an arbitrary score. So, don’t let a low credit score stop you from pursuing your home’s security.
How to Keep Your Home Secure on a Budget
Protecting your home doesn’t have to put a dent in your wallet. With the right approach, you can get the security you need on almost any budget. Here are a few tips to keep your home secure on a budget:
- Invest in a basic DIY security system that lets you cut all monthly fees as needed. Check out our roundup of the Best Affordable Home Security Systems for recommendations.
- Add inexpensive smart home devices like motion-sensing lights to deter burglars.
- Make sure to lock your doors and windows every night and every time you leave your home.
- Install visible security signs on your windows and outside your main entryway.
With the right mindset and a little know-how, you can keep criminals away and your wallet intact.
Methodology
To provide the most useful rankings of no-credit-check home security systems, our team takes a meticulous, hands-on approach. We purchase and install each system in our own homes to get a full understanding of the complete customer experience. Our strict methodology evaluates seven key factors:
- Monitoring: We test self-monitoring features and signup for every provider’s professional monitoring plans to compare costs, responsiveness, and backup systems, like cellular connectivity.
- Equipment: All security components undergo testing for detection accuracy, camera video quality, wireless connectivity, and overall durability.
- Installation: Both DIY setup and professional installations are evaluated for ease of use and the time it takes to get the entire system up and running.
- Smart home integration: Every integration a device offers gets tested as much as possible. Of course, we can’t test all 4,000 Z-Wave certified products, but we always integrate the system with every smart device we have.
- Mobile apps: We download each security provider’s app to assess the interface, connectivity, and bugginess. The app store reviews also inform our opinion because they let us see how it works on different devices.
- Pricing: To determine the true value of a security system, we break down equipment costs, installation fees, and any associated monthly fees.
- Company reputation: A company’s reputation means a lot when it comes to your security system. You need a company you know will offer you support for the lifetime of your security equipment.
Recap
While credit checks can lock you out of a couple of our favorite security system providers, like ADT and Vivint, user-friendly DIY security systems offer a viable alternative that anyone can use. You can still get all of the features you want in a home security system regardless of your credit score. From UL-certified 24/7 monitoring services to high-end features like smart platform integrations, the right security system for you is still out there even if you have a low credit score.
At the end of the day, everyone deserves to feel safe and sound in their own home. Even if you’ve been denied by a home security provider in the past because of your credit score, you can still get comprehensive protection. You just might need to pay for the equipment upfront instead of through a payment plan. And let’s face it, saving a few bucks on interest by paying for your system upfront can benefit you in the long run anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions About No-Credit-Check Security Systems
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What security systems require a credit check?
If a security company requires you to sign a long-term contract, it probably runs a credit check before approving service. This includes companies like ADT and Vivint. They run credit checks to gauge the risk of their customers defaulting on the contract, which would leave them with a financial loss if they can’t recover the installed equipment.
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Are no-credit-check security systems still good?
For sure! A low credit score prevents you only from financing your home security system or signing up for a long-term contract. Nowadays, a lot of providers give you the option to buy the security system outright without locking you into a contract. SimpliSafe really led the industry this way when it first came out in 2006 with its DIY security system.
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How much will a no-credit-check security system cost me?
Most DIY no-credit-check security systems range from $200 to $500 for the equipment needed to fully protect most homes. This range will get you enough sensors to cover your entryways and first-floor windows, a video doorbell, and a couple of security cameras. To stay on the lower end of the price range, try to use sensors instead of security cameras, as they’re a lot more cost-effective.
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Can I finance a no-credit-check security system?
While most no-credit-check security systems require you to purchase the equipment upfront, they usually offer financing through a third party like Affirm. This allows you to break up the payments over a set amount of months. But these financing companies still run a soft credit check, which can impact your ability to qualify.
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Do no-credit-check security systems have monthly fees?
There are plenty of no-credit-check security systems that let you avoid monthly fees, like SimpliSafe, abode, and Ring Alarm. But the free plan usually limits your security system’s capabilities by taking away notifications and remote controls. That’s why we love SimpliSafe if you’re looking for a security system without monthly fees; it still lets you receive notifications, even on its free plan.
SimpliSafe. (2023). Performance Mode for Cameras.
support.simplisafe.com/articles/cameras/performance-mode-for-cameras/656de902bb80b12a9107d3f6SimpliSafe. (2023). SimpliSafe® Opens Doors to New Expanded Boston Headquarters, Designed to Support Its Ever-Growing Workforce and Customer-Base.
prnewswire.com/news-releases/simplisafe-opens-doors-to-new-expanded-boston-headquarters-designed-to-support-its-ever-growing-workforce-and-customer-base-301801093.htmlZ-Wave. (2023). Z-Wave Compatible Products.
z-wave.com/shop-z-wave-smart-home-productsConnectivity Standards Alliance. (2023). Zigbee – The Full-Stack Solution for All Smart Devices.
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