The DIY home security field is getting pretty crowded lately. Just a few years ago you could count your options on one hand, but now it seems like everyone is throwing their hat into the ring (no pun intended). Ooma is no exception; they have been around for quite some time as a major player in the VoIP market, but recently have branched out into the smart home segment utilizing their VoIP Telo units as a hub. Given their existing user base with VoIP Telo users, this may give them a head start over some of the newer competitors. Their home security offering has the devices you would expect; cameras, motion sensors, door/window sensors, smoke alarms, water sensors, etc. Recently we looked at the Ooma Butterfleye, which is an HD wireless security camera with facial recognition. Today we are going to review their Smart Home Security Starter Kit with Camera along with an Ooma home Siren, Ooma home Smoke Alarm, Ooma home Water Sensor, and a vtech Garage Door Sensor. Let’s see how this system stacks up.



Features and Specifications:

As mentioned previously; home security is an increasingly crowded market and while we normally do reviews of individual components this review will be a bit different. Since this system doesn’t use the traditional standards like ZigBee or Z-wave I thought it was important to review the system and extras as a whole. While this system does use ULE which has been around for quite some time, it simply doesn’t have the proliferation the other protocols have. Nor are many people as experienced with the advantages and disadvantages of ULE. ULE promises low energy and latency, cost effectiveness, better range and reliable connections. You can see some other claimed benefits here.

Ooma Home Security Highlights:

» Remote 911: Call 911 from anywhere as if you were at home. Automatically transmit your home address to emergency responders.

» Automatic arming and disarming: Your system automatically arms and disarms based on your GPS location. Never worry about forgetting to arm your system.

» No contracts: Change subscription plans at any time with no contracts and no commitments.

» Instant Alerts: Real-time alerts on your iOS or Android smartphone. Check the status of your home 24/7 from anywhere with the free Ooma Home Security mobile app.

» Easy do-it-yourself installation: Wireless installation of sensors anywhere in your home. No installation fees or set-up charges.

» Includes phone service: Get unlimited nationwide calling, voicemail, caller-ID, call waiting, and 911 calling and text alerts.