Unless you're a home security expert, you've likely never heard of 2GIG - a next-gen, wireless home security and automation system that sets itself apart, along with a select few other advanced systems, by upping the game in home security technology. As its website suggests, "Make any home a smart home;" Linear's 2GIG Technology system is best described as a smart phone for your residence. The products are available through select home security system providers, or you can go the DIY route. However, does 2GIG home security and automation live up to its hype? Read our 2GIG review to see if this could be the best home security product for your home. If you are interested in comparing 2GIG to other security companies, check out our best home security systems rankings.
2GIG Review: The Future of Home Security?
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4.04.05.05.0DIY Home Security Option
You can purchase the 2GIG Control Panel Wireless Alarm and related products from electronic supply retailers (including Costco and Amazon) and install your home security system yourself. This is a great option if you're fairly tech savvy and want to save a significant amount of money. You can control your system from your smartphone or the Internet through 2GIG's partner, Alarm.com, or a number of other companies.Which Home Security Providers Use 2gig?
If you're not a do it yourselfer, a select number of home security providers use the 2GIG Go!Control system and peripheral products as the hardware in their systems. Other than the obvious benefit of not having to install and maintain the equipment yourself, you get the added backup of a provider company (but with the added cost). Here are some of the big name providers using 2GIG technology:- ASG Security
- Link Interactive
- Monitronics Security
- Protection One
- Reliable Home Security
- Vivint
Key Features
The heart of 2GIG's wireless technology is the Go!Control control panel - an easy-to-use and well-designed home security and automation system, loaded with a ton of impressive features and fully integrated with all of their peripheral products.- Intuitive color touchscreen panel incorporates cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Smart radio
- Their Super Switch easily converts hardwired zones to wireless frequency up to 8 zones per module and integrates with 12-Volt panels and also provides 24-hour power backup through existing hardwiring
- Image sensor and HD video sensors connect with your smartphone and Internet so you can view captured images or videos from your home when you're away
- Energy intelligent thermostat, door locks and wall light switches are Z-wave equipped and fully integrate with 2GIG go panel
- Garage door opener technology syncs with 2GIG go panel and key ring remote
- Key ring remote with buttons for arm at home, arm away, disarm, garage door opener, and emergency (like a car remote)
- Go!Control panel broadcasts severe weather and tornado alerts, giving you added time to get to a safe location
- USB port is incorporated into the panel so you can easily update for future upgrades
Pricing
2GIG by Linear is a product line offered by the manufacturer and doesn't sell directly to consumers. It can only be bought from a distributor or select retailers as part of a monitoring system. You can find a list of local distributors on 2GIG's website. To purchase and obtain pricing information online from many distributors, you have to apply for an account. But here's a general idea of 2GIG's equipment pricing (installation not included) from Norfolk Wire & Electronics, a reputable distributor in Virginia.
- Go!Control Panel: $286.05/ea.
- Super Switch Wireless Takeover Module: $88.40/ea.
- HD Home Video Camera: $251.20/ea.
- Image Sensor: $174.45/ea.
- Passive Infrared Motion Detector: $90.70/ea.
- Door/Window Contact Sensor: $39.55/ea.
- Glass Break Detector: $86.05/ea.
- Smoke Heat & Freeze Detector: $104.65/ea.
- Wireless Carbon Monoxide Detector: $137.20/ea.
- Z-Wave Programmable Thermostat: $145.35/ea.
The manufacturer's warranty is limited, generally one or two years depending on the device. If going through a dealer or service provider, be sure to ask about their warranties. Also, if you buy through a security dealer, you are likely to get some of the equipment for fee or discounted as part of your initial setup plan. Costco partners with Link Interactive to offer very affordable packages beginning at $99 (with a $29 per month monitoring fee), which gets you one Go!Control Panel, three wireless door/window sensors, one wireless motion sensor, and one wireless smoke/heat/freeze sensor.
What's the Buzz About 2GIG?
Read what real consumers have to say about their experiences with 2GIG home and automation equipment. We've scoured online forums and consumer sites to give you a good sampling of customer experiences.
Positive Reviews
"I have used one other alarm company so my experience isn't broad, but my 2gig system with Link is the best investment I've made for my home in a while. I am not using any of the automation features yet but plan to add a z-wave thermostat so I can program in some energy savings. No more phone line needed (cellular monitoring) for less than any of the other vendors I checked." - Michael, TrustPilot.com, 1/17/2015
"I went online and researched a wireless alarm system that could be monitored at a later date. This one fits the bill (same unit you see in the CPI commercials). You will need to go online and find the installers manual and use the installers code 1561. It's DYI with some help from the manual and the YouTube videos. The system works perfectly so far and I'm very happy with it." - jmplogin, Amazon.com, 2/22/2014
Negative Reviews
"I bought a package 2 GIG system through another retailer. Like another poster mentioned, when programming, choose 'Loop 2' if using the magnet. The only complaint is that the packaging did not come with thorough instructions. I had to do lots of websearching and found other versions of 2GIG instructions that were more complete." - T. Chan, Amazon.com, 9/28/2014
"Sound quality is static-y, even for chimes. Less options for sounds, spoken voice used is not as pleasant, volume doesn't go as low as I'd like. Would not recommend. Go for the Simon XTi instead." - Sue Z., Smarthome.com, 3/11/2014
2GIG or Not 2GIG? That is the Question
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line, totally wireless home security system, 2GIG Technology's hardware with its Go!Control panel is among the best. But consumer beware, if you're going the service provider route, do your homework about the providers who offer 2GIG. Even the best hardware won't live up to its potential if you have a provider you're not happy with. And with residential burglaries accounting for 74% of all burglaries in the U.S., according to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, it's important to make sure your home security system is top-notch.
Does your home security system use 2GIG equipment? Tell us your success (or horror) stories using or installing 2GIG.
