Outside Home Alarm and Smartthings question

[JDRoberts]

The following is a good place to start researching security and SmartThings (this is a clickable link)

FAQ: Want automation, security, cameras - confused about how to start

Hi everyone, I’d like to set up some systems for automation (lights, Nest, etc), get some indoor and outdoor security cameras, and also have a cell-enabled security system. Did a little reading here and it doesn’t seem like the ST hub is ready for the alarm part. Some of the other systems I’m seeing (2Gig via alarm.com) nickle and dime you for every little thing you add on and I don’t want to get into that game. Yet, I don’t necessarily want all different systems and make everything so fragmented with 3-4 different aps to see everything. There doesn’t seem to be one device to do it all, but I guess I’m curious what the best way to proceed? Would I maybe want a 2Gig or Simon XT with just some basic alarm monitoring for $20/month, and then get a ST hub to interact with the lights, therm…

And as @ashutosh1982 mentioned, many US jurisdictions restrict the use of outdoor sirens for individual homes, so check your local township.

They are more common in the UK, and there are some other options there. I know some of the community members were discussing them in the UK section of the forum.