Lorex is a well-established home security company that offers high-quality wired and wireless security cameras for your home security system. The company doesn’t offer any professional monitoring options, but its systems don’t come with a monthly fee. Lorex has a large selection of home security system equipment to choose from, which allows you to build your own DIY security system that you can monitor yourself.
Lorex also offers a line of smart home products that are all fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Pros
- No monthly fees
- High video quality
- Large selection of equipment
Cons
- No professional monitoring
- No 24/7 customer service
- DIY installation only
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Lorex At a Glance
Lorex is a home and business security system provider that has been in business for decades. It carries high-quality cameras and security systems fit for professional use, which makes them perfect for enhancing security in homes, on large properties and in offices.
While Lorex doesn’t offer packages that include professional monitoring, as some other home security companies do, it does have a very large selection of home security system components. You can shop its products and build your own home security system to monitor yourself. Because no professional monitoring is involved, you won’t need to worry about a contract or a monthly fee.
The company specializes in high-quality video surveillance with many different products to choose from. Browsing the Lorex selection of equipment, you’ll find indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras as well as video recorders, sensors and a plethora of accessories. It has both wired and wireless components, so you can tailor your system to suit your needs.
Fine Print
Lorex cameras come with a standard one-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects. The company also offers extended warranties for up to five years to cover future repairs or replacements. You can purchase a LorexCare Extended Warranty during checkout when you purchase your equipment or up to 60 days after your initial purchase.
LorexCare Extended Warranty costs increase as the cost of your system increases. In other words, the larger and more advanced your system is, the more you will pay for an extended warranty. Prices range from $4.99 for a three-year extended warranty on purchase under $100 to $449.99 for a 5-year warranty on a purchase of $5,000 or more.
Pricing
Unlike other home security companies, Lorex does not offer any paid security monitoring plans at all. Its cameras are meant for free DIY monitoring, so you can purchase Lorex equipment upfront, create your own security system and monitor it yourself at no cost.
Lorex has a large selection of security cameras and security system components, including a helpful guide to help beginners set up their systems. Its security cameras are generally less expensive than competitors and they’re an even better deal when you purchase a bundle of multiple cameras and security system components.
Lorex has a selection of cameras, recorders, camera systems and accessories to help you build your own security system. Some cameras are wireless and others connect to hardware with an ethernet cable.
IP Systems and Analog Systems are both wired, but the required wires are different. IP systems utilize ethernet connections while analog systems rely on BNC connections.
There are also wire-free systems, smart home hubs, Wi-Fi cameras, doorbell cameras, floodlight cameras, motion and window/door sensors, add-on cameras and security recorders. And if you need cables and security storage options, you can purchase those accessories with Lorex.
Lorex commonly has sales and deals on its home security products, so be sure to check its website for current discounts and prices. Here are examples of non-discounted prices:
| ITEM | COST |
|---|---|
| IP Systems | $599.99 - $7,299.99 |
| Analog Systems | $299.99 - $1,249.99 |
| Wireless Systems | $349.99 - $699.99 |
| Lorex Home Centers | $299.99 - $599.99 |
| Wi-Fi Cameras | $49.99 - $699.99 |
| Doorbell Cameras | $129.99 - $279.99 |
| Floodlight Camera | $149.99 |
| Sensors | $19.99 - $69.99 |
| Add-on Cameras | $29.99 - $7,299.99 |
| Security Recorders | $249.99 - $1,099.99 |
Video Storage
Lorex uses localized and not cloud-based storage, which is one of the reasons why it does not have any monthly fees. Because Lorex utilizes localized storage, your videos will be stored right on your hardware, which means it’s private and doesn’t exist on the internet like it would if it were stored in the cloud.
That said, a few of the home security packages and kits from Lorex do include a small amount of cloud-based storage. If you store your videos on the cloud, you can then use the Lorex mobile app to view them. If you keep them stored on your own hardware, you won’t be able to view them on the app.
Installation
Lorex customers have been satisfied with how easy their system’s installation is. While the process may be time-consuming, it is possible even for the DIY-averse.
Lorex does not offer the option for paid professional installation. Instead, it designs its cameras for easy DIY installation.
If you’re intimidated by the DIY setup, you can always call a handyman to come and help, though there isn’t a guarantee that they will do it correctly.
Smartphone Controls and Smart Home Integration
Lorex cameras are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and more. So if you hear a noise in the middle of the night and want to turn on the porch light, you can ask your smart hub to do it for you.
Besides its large collection of security cameras, Lorex has a whole collection dedicated to smart home products. It has video recorders and standalone Wi-Fi products that are compatible with a variety of smart home hubs, which allows you to streamline your home monitoring with hands-free voice control.
Lorex also offers the Lorex Home Center, a product specifically designed to be a standalone Smart Home Hub. It has on-screen navigation, an offline voice assistant and is compatible with several wireless devices. Lorex has several smart home packages that include the hub and cameras, with costs ranging from $300 to $600.
How Lorex Home Security Stacks Up
Is Lorex the Right Home Security Company for You?
If a contract-free home security system with no monthly fees is your priority, Lorex is a good option. Its cameras deliver clear resolution at all times of the day and give homeowners valuable peace of mind, whether they are away on vacation or just in another room and want to keep an eye on their property.
While Lorex customers won’t be faced with a monthly fee, they will have to spend a significant amount upfront. Keep this in mind when budgeting for your system.
Methodology
Brief methods explanation: To determine this ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed third-party data on dozens of home security companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
- Cost and contracts (15%)
- App reviews (15%)
- Customer reviews and reputation (15%)
- Customer support (15%)
- Features and smart home integration (20%)
- Options and equipment (15%)
- Warranty (5%)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Lorex a good home security system?
Lorex is a well-established security company with decades of experience. Customers praise its high-quality video, but complain about its lack of 24/7 customer support. Like all home security companies, Lorex has its pros and cons. But overall, it’s a very trusted company with great reviews.
Can Lorex security cameras be hacked?
Any device connected to the internet can be hacked, and Lorex security cameras are no different. However, Lorex security cameras are relatively secure because all of the footage is stored locally on a hard drive instead of in cloud storage where hackers can access them.
Is there a monthly fee for Lorex?
No, there are no monthly fees associated with Lorex. The costs associated with the Lorex security system are the initial costs of the equipment and an optional add-on fee for premium cloud storage.
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