Editor’s Note: This product has been removed from our side-by-side comparison because it has been discontinued. You can still read our original review below, but Top Ten Reviews is no longer updating this product’s information.
Iris by Lowe's blends home automation technology with a home security system. While the system focuses primarily on home automation, it also offers a robust selection of security equipment and monitoring options. The customer support aspect of Iris offers a variety of services and tools to help you maintain your system.
Depending on which security system equipment you have installed, Iris can send many types of alerts for intrusion, smoke and fire, carbon monoxide, and temperature change. All alerts are automatic and contact only the account holder on the most basic plan or up to 20 contacts if you choose the premium plan. You can also add an optional care plan that helps you monitor and communicate with your family during personal emergencies.
With Iris, you can customize your home alarm system with a variety of sensors and devices. As with most home automation solutions, Iris is a wireless system that is compatible with multiple brands and devices. You can purchase basic starter kits or choose your equipment gradually over time. Iris equipment has a one-year warranty.
Iris is compatible with motion sensors, personal-security key fobs, panic buttons, door and windows sensors, garage door sensors, security cameras and sirens. You can also choose from a host of home automation tech such as lighting controls, door locks, thermostats and more. Iris does not currently work with glass-break sensors or recessed door sensors.
Every Iris system comes with a free, basic-monitoring plan that offers limited control of your equipment as well as email, text and voice alerts in the event of an alarm. Unlike every other security system, Iris is purely self-monitored; this means that the system will leave the task of contacting emergency responders to you or a select set of contacts instead of trained professionals. This may be inconvenient if you prefer that someone else do the monitoring.
Iris's premium monitoring plan adds greater functionality to the system, such as full control over your devices, video camera surveillance, custom device rules and voice control, and is surprisingly inexpensive. The Iris mobile app and online portal work with both Iris home-monitoring plans but have limited functions on the basic plan. Iris works primarily over a broadband connection, but you have the option to purchase a cellular modem as a backup or as your primary monitoring connection.
Lowe's provides a wealth of resources to help you optimize you Iris security system. You can contact Lowe's support by email, via phone or through stopping by a retail location. The Iris support site contains thorough FAQs and online tutorials to help you install the system. Even though Iris is a self-installed system, you can pay to have a professional install the system in most areas of the United States.
Iris certainly holds a unique place in our home security review. The system has its share of weaknesses, such as a lack of professional monitoring services. Overall, Iris's balance of security system features and home automation technology is it greatest strength. You'll be hard-pressed to find another system that offers an abundance of both.
