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Piper Home Security System Review: An All-in-One DIY

Piper Home Security System Review: An All-in-One DIY

This is a quite popular home surveillance system comprising reliable wireless cameras and other wire-free equipment, armed with smart motion sensors and numerous extras. The provider does not have as many features, compared to other home security companies, but the customers trust them, and the equipment seems to be robust. Generally, it is a reliable home automation system with a smartphone notifications function. We hope our guide will help you make up your mind.

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Total Score 7.0/10

Features

7.0/10



Equipment

6.5/10



Price

7.0/10



Ease of Use

7.5/10



Trust Score

6.0/10




  • DIY setup
  • Simple control
  • No contracts
  • Environmental sensors are not available with Piper

Complete Piper Home Security System Review: In-Depth Examination 

This company concentrates on the most straightforward solutions for the majority of homeowners who do not have experience in the installation of security systems with the Amazon Echo show integration, iControl, integration with Android devices, and more.

Yahoo reviews prove that the company is recognized and respected by the users for its straightforwardness and user-friendliness.

Basic Specs

Every home security system has some features making it stand out among the competitors. Piper has powerful and durable night vision cameras with 1080p HD video quality. Upfront charges are not required.

  • Convenient home automation
  • Cheap customizations
  • DIY installation
  • Burglar protection
  • Smartphone control
  • Wi-Fi with cellular backup

Piper Home Security System: Background Facts

The company was established in Ottawa, Canada, in 2003. iControl Networks management helps customers resolve their problems. The team promotes their product as an energy-efficient solution for families, individuals, and business owners. There is also a smartphone application compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices.

 In 2017, the business was acquired by Alarm.com.

Basic Specs

In contrast to the majority of smart home security systems, Piper boasts an intuitive design and user-friendly control. Everything is surprisingly straightforward and stylish at the same time. There is a convenient hub providing you with a clear picture of what is going on in the household or the office premises. There are motion sensors, sound detection options, two-way audio function, a siren, etc.

Self-Monitoring

The cam can move horizontally and vertically so that a customer could choose the area in the house that needs to be secured. It is crucial for self-monitoring. Regardless of the time of day, Piper cameras will help you watch out for suspicious activity via the smartphone or tablet.

Siren

This one is a very loud siren that will help prevent the burglary. The volume is 105-decibel. Piper claims that this is the highest volume level available in the market.

The siren is included in all Piper bundles.

Wide-Angle Camera

The cams offer 1080p HD quality for photos and videos, as well as a large 180° fish-eye lense. The video will not be distorted when it gets dark.

Pan & Tilt

You can control the cameras remotely and turn them horizontally and vertically. Besides, there is a handy zoom option. Even if you are on vacation, you will only have to find a stable internet connection to check whether your pets and plants are ok.

Two-Way Talk

Talk to your kids while you are at work through the Piper smartphone app. At a tap of a button, you will send out voice commands within your living space and even reproach your pets if they misbehave. The high-quality recording avoids voice distortion.

Mobile App

Use three safety modes built in the mobile application. There are quick arming and disarming options. You can also pre-program the commands to switch the whole home security system to another mode with only one word. For example, a "vacation" command will automatically arm the system and make it send alerts and notifications about activities in your home. You can choose between the text notification through the application, SMS, or email.

Lighting Control

Tech-savvy homeowners will enjoy the opportunity to save money on electricity bills. There is an automatic light switch function that saves you from getting out of bed if you are only willing to dim the lighting to set a certain atmosphere.

Geolocation

There are cases when the authorities must come to your place in all urgency. The function becomes crucial if you live in a remote rural area. The base station has a geolocation option that will automatically send signals to the authorities if you need urgent help.

Storage

There is plenty of space in the cloud storage, where you can store your pictures, screenshots, and videos; this one as a perk, free of charge.

Z-Wave

If you own some of the Z-Wave automation devices for smart home security, you can easily integrate them into the Piper security system. Amazon product integration is also available. The list of the other products you can sync with Piper is considerable, which makes this security system the choice for many customers in the USA.

IFTTT Cooperation

IFTTT stands for "if this, then that" and offers numerous integration and synchronization options with home security hardware and software. Piper was cooperating with the company for a very long time, but now the system is intelligent enough to accept integrations on its own.

There is no Z-Wave - Piper partnership anymore, but the compatibility with IFTTT is still accessible.

Smart Motion Detection

Sound and motion detector options are already built in the hub, and the customers are delighted at the idea of the professional installation and set up.

Two-Way

One pressing of a button will help you establish a wireless contact with a security camera of your choice ad have a conversation with your kids, elderly parents, or even talk to your pets when they are home alone. The only thing you will need is a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Low Fees

It is a DIY solution with the most straightforward and inexpensive equipment. There are no additional fees, and the pricing policy is transparent for inexperienced buyers. Of course, the absence of the technician's help is a trade-off, but dealing with the installation and tune-up on your own will save your money.

Notifications

If you are sick and tired of push notifications that often emerge on your touchscreen at the wrong time, SMS messages can be an option. You can also get emergency alerts and notifications via the app on your phone or tablet. Piper’s home security system is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Battery Backup

The system will not stop working even case of a power cut. A wireless webcam will keep on working and recording the activity in your home, storing the info in the cloud storage so that you could check the media later.

Installation & Hardware

The Piper security system is built up most sensibly. The choice of bundles is sufficient for all clients. There are two plans that we are going to review. Each of them comes with specific tools and accessories. As usual, a buyer can customize the choice by adding more hardware for extra fees.

Door & Window Sensors

These are tiny accessories destined to create a protected perimeter for your living space. You can either attach the sensor to the door or to the gate to see who wants to enter your household: an unwanted intruder or a family member.

Pros:

  • Protective perimeter
  • Environmental detection
  • Reliable third-party integrations

Cons:

  • No pro monitoring
  • Wireless connection can be unstable

Installation

It is an all-in-one solution for anyone who knows how to use basic smartphone applications. Just open the package, take the kit out, study the instruction, and make it all working in split minutes! The devices are very compact, and the synchronization is intuitive. Even a child can deal with it. You will need no more than half an hour for the whole installation process. Pro installation is unavailable, but customer service specialists are always ready to answer your questions by phone or email.

Piper Home Security Bundles & Fees

Plans

A customer can choose between the two bundles. They are not significantly different from each other except for one of them offers better cameras with a night vision option.

Comparison

Let’s have a look at the plans and pricing with the help of a comprehensive table.


Classic

NV

Monthly Price

$0

$0

Hardware Price

$199

$279

Two-Way Audio

+

+

Notifications

+

+

Video Monitoring

+

+

Night Vision

-

+

Camera Quality

2mp

3.4mp

Classic

This $199 package is suitable for families and individuals. It includes a high-quality pan, tilt, and zoom 2mp camera with a 180° field of view. The siren is 105 decibels. The two-way audio system will help parents get in touch with their kids via the phone and check whether they are already home from school or not. The hardware detects temperature changes and humidity levels. There is also a sound detection option included.

Pros:

  • Sensitive motion detectors
  • Wide-angle lens
  • Video recording
  • Compatibility with Z-Wave

Cons:

  • Only for the indoor surveillance
  • No night vision option

NV

That is a more advanced option that will cost the clients $279. The basic home surveillance kit proprietary 900 MHz range consists of the same components, but the hardware is significantly better. Firstly, the webcam is 3.4mp. Night vision is available, and the cameras can be used on the outside. Unfortunately, some customers say that technical glitches occur, but they are very rare and are usually explained by a weak Wi-Fi connection. Nevertheless, video recording systems become more immersive with the NV plan.

Pros:

  • Better video and image quality
  • Customizable security modes
  • Video recording

Cons:

  • Costly
  • Bulky

Both plans offer a video recording option.

User-Friendliness

The equipment is very easy to use, and the software is straightforward in all aspects. The installation I trouble-free. However, there are insignificant drawbacks to face. The hardware seems bulky for some users. Besides, Piper’s home security system requires a sufficient amount of equipment if you are an owner of a big house. One device covers only one room, and multi-story buildings or apartments might need several control hubs at once to make the system working. This said it is a flawless solution for a single homeowner who does not want to spend money on excessive hardware. The system is wireless, and the safety modes can be tuned up to your needs.

Make sure your router is broadcasting in 2.4GHz.

Customers’ Experience

The only thing worrying about the customers is the pricing. Some of them find the fees unbearable for a modest family budget. The good news is that all customers agree that the staff members of the support team are knowledgeable and always ready to help in an emergency.

Terms & Guarantees

There are no severe obligations in the contract, and the terms are transparent and comprehensive for customers of all ages. You can get your money back within thirty working days if you find the equipment unsuitable for you. The company does not charge anything for the activation of the system. Some customers will have to pay for the shipping (specify the information about your state or region from one of the online staff members). If you decide to return the product after the trial, you will have to pay the so-called restocking fee to Piper home security.

Terms of Use do not imply professional monitoring, as it is a DIY self-monitoring smart home system. Of course, if you have trouble with the functionality of the hardware, you can always ask for help. Piper’s official website collects personal information about the clients for the sake of security; however, they do not share this data with anyone, which is illegal.

Customer Support

support@getpiper.com and the phone number that you can find on the website (1-888-629-0680) are contact information for anyone who needs help. Pay attention to the comprehensive FAQ section on the official page.

Credibility Based on BBB.org & Trustpilot Reviews

There are not so many reviews of the company. The trouble is that it is too young to have an impeccable reputation on the most renowned customer review platforms. However, the insignificant number of reviews left online are positive. Yes, this system needs an upgrade. Nevertheless, the A+ rating at BBB speaks for itself. The company is not trying to hide away the imperfections. The information they present on the official website is relevant. The favorite highlight of the customers is the possibility to customize the security modes.

There is also an automatic reconnection if something goes wrong with the electricity. Integration and smart home automation are among the favorites. The internet of things by Piper is in the process of development.

Make sure your Internet and Wi-Fi connection is stable enough to avoid glitches and gaps.

FAQs

How many devices can be connected with the Piper account?

One account can fit up to five devices. More devices will need one more account. Note that one hub works only for one room.

Is Piper home security pet-friendly?

Yes, the sensors are smart enough to differentiate between the people and their pets. You won’t be irritated with false alarms.

What is Z-Wave?

It’s an automation system that can seamlessly integrate into Piper security. Z-Wave is a renowned network used by numerous providers. We are sure the system will stay popular for years ahead.

Does Piper have a night vision option?

Night vision only comes with an NV plan, which is one drawback. Nevertheless, the quality of the video excludes graining. When the night comes, one of the indicators on the night vision camera starts glowing so that the homeowner knows the camera is on.

What is the battery type?

They are usual AA alkaline batteries. The batteries come with every package, and they are durable enough to keep the whole Piper security system working. An adapter is also included in the package.

Piper Home Security System: Pros & Cons

The supplier is considered reliable, but the equipment is not sufficient for some clients. It looks like the company skimps on some vital features. Nevertheless, the basic functionality is flawless. The glitches are rare, and the number of integration options with Google Nest, Alexa, and the other smart home tools is beneficial. Yes, Piper had to cancel the IFTTT partnership, but it happened just because the system is already developed enough to accept new integration on its own. The only significant drawback is the absence of a choice of outdoor cameras.

Pros:

  • Effortless relocation
  • DIY setup
  • No contracts
  • No monthly fees
  • Simple control
  • Smart integration
  • Home automation

Cons:

  • No environmental detection
  • Video quality could have been better

Piper Home Security: Bottom Line

It is a relatively young company that has already managed to experience and resolve a bit of trouble. The management offers only two plans and a transparent pricing policy. It is a high-grade and slowly developing DIY security product. If you stick to minimalism, Piper’s home security system is certainly for you.
Best Inclusive Home Security

Total Score 7.0/10


Features

7.0/10



Equipment

6.5/10



Price

7.0/10



Ease of Use

7.5/10



Trust Score

6.0/10



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About the author 

Jeremy Porter

As a former sales manager, Jerry has extensive experience in home safety solutions. He has been working in this sphere for 12 years. He is industrious, ambitious, and accurate. As of now, he has been writing home security articles for about 6 years and has already managed to present his materials in a range of influential periodicals, including The Washington Post.


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