Iris Security Review for 2019 | Home Security Offered By Lowe's (2024)

Equipment - 3 / 5

Iris by Lowe's focuses on offering a DIY, fully customizable smart home and security system. The company has various different packs for security, automation, and lighting uses.Aside from these pre-established packages, consumers can also purchase any number of additional devices for different needs, such as cameras, sensors, smart thermostats, heaters, light bulbs, door locks, or smoke detectors.

Intrusion Protection

• Door & Window Sensors
• Garage Door Sensors
• Motion Sensors

Environmental Protection

• Carbon Monoxide
• Smoke

Surveillance

• Indoor Cameras
• Outdoor Cameras
• Tilt & Pan Cameras
• Live Surveillance
• Event-triggered Surveillance

Life Safety

• Panic Button

Monitoring Options and Technology - 3.9 / 5

Iris by Lowe's offers three different monitoring plans.The first option, completely free, is a self-monitored smart home system that allows users to remotely manage their devices and receive alerts via phone call and push notifications.The second choice is a Premium self-monitored plan which includes all Basic features, as well as notifications for up to six additional people, storage of video clips, an alarm tracker, and enhanced in-home, app and web experiences.The third plan is professionally monitored.

Contract Flexibility - 3.7 / 5

Consumers can choose between three different pre-selected pack, with different focuses: the Iris Security Pack ($129), Iris Automation Pack ($129), or the Iris Lighting Pack ($94.99).For home security purposes, customers can then choose between three different monitoring plans, the first of which is completely free (Basic), the second (Premium) only $9.99 a month, and then the third (Premium) offers professional monitoring, to which cellular back up can be added for $7.99 a month.None of the three plans have activation fees, or require a contract.

Technology Integration - 3.3 / 5

Iris by Lowe's boasts a good number of technological integrations, as befits a system that aims to provide whole home solutions for its users. The company's devices are compatible with Z-Wave, Zigbee, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home technology, thereby increasing the customization capacity of the consumer.

Compatibility

Mobile Access & Alerts

• iPhone App
• Android App
• Email & Text Alerts
• Live Surveillance Feed
• Remote Arm/Disarm

Home Automation

• Lighting Control
• Thermostat Control
• Appliance Control
• Electronic Door Locks

Reputation - 2.5 / 5

While Iris by Lowe's doesn't have entries on either TrustPilot or the Better Business Bureau, a quick survey of other consumer review websites report finding the setup process difficult to navigate, the equipment inconsistent, and an average user experience. However, the professional monitoring service is carried out by UCC, which is well-rated and holds CSAA and UL certifications.

Certifications & Associations

• Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA)
• Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)

In Conclusion

Rather than being primarily a security system, the original Iris by Lowe's was more of a home automation system with security capabilities.However, since its launch, the company has revamped the system to focus more on home security concerns, offering both DIY and professional monitoring options.Lowe’s has also incorporated a number of software and service upgrades, having taken to heart the customer complaints and concerns that plagued the original device.While Iris does have a fair amount of integrations with other devices, the company does emphasize its own products, and consumers who wish to incorporate security sensors must opt for Iris-branded devices.On the other hand, its pre-built packs do allow consumers to get started and complete their setups fairly quickly and easily. Where some consumers may run into difficulties is in the actual programming of each sensor, as it must be categorized correctly in the Iris app to work correctly.This can also be done over the internet, though, which may be somewhat easier. Iris by Lowe’s is one of the most inexpensive systems currently on the market, especially since it offers three different monitoring tiers: free DIY for one user, Premium (which adds additional contacts and stores up to 3GB via cloud), and finally the Premium with cellular backup and third-party professional monitoring.Once the system is completely installed, consumers report it working well, and just as advertised, but that getting everything completely set up was somewhat labor-intensive.Summing up, this leads us to believe that Iris by Lowe’s is perhaps best suited for the moderately tech-savvy consumer, more so than for people who prefer to have their systems ready to go automatically or professionally installed. This also goes for the system’s technological integrations, which, though varied, may take some time to figure out. For more options on home security, look over our list of top 10 best home security options.