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Ooma Review | Home Security Made Simple
Ooma Review | Home Security Made Simple
ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 6.5 / 10 (Very good)
Disclosure: We receive advertising revenue from some partners. Learn more.
Ooma is a Silicon Valley telecommunications company that specializes in voice-over-internet (VOIP) technology. Started in 2004 by a former Cisco employee, Ooma is a publicly traded company with VOIP solutions for both consumers and businesses. Ooma moved into the home security system market in 2018 with an inexpensive, easy-to-install system, based on their Telo VOIP hub.
How Do We Rate Ooma?
Breakdown
3.5/5
Equipment
3.4/5
Monitoring Options and Technology
0.0/5
Value
3.7/5
Contract/Subscription Flexibility
Our Overall Rating: 3.3 / 5 (Very good)
The Ooma Home Security System is an affordable, entry-level home monitoring system that gives the user instant notifications to activity at their home. Consumers who are constantly connected to their devices and wish to forgo the services and expense of a professional monitoring company will like the no-contract, free and low-cost monthly service charges. Additional sensors, cameras, and detectors can be purchased and integrated into an existing system at any time. We think the Ooma Home Security system is a great value and an even better one if you currently use their VOIP products.
How does Ooma work?
Equipment - 3.5 / 5
The backbone of Ooma Home Security is the Telo station, which is connected to the home's broadband internet. Sensors and devices, which are made by Ooma and VTech, connect to the Telo via ultra-low-energy DECT wireless technology, which allows the sensors to go for long periods without battery changes and allows devices to connect without an internet-protocol (IP) address, making the devices less visible on the internet. Ooma offers door/window sensors, motion detectors, flood sensors, and video cameras. All are easy to install and can be moved at anytime to a different location.
Installation | Self-Install (DIY) |
Equipment Manufacturer | Ooma, VTech |
Ability to Reallocate System | |
Wireless Sensors | |
Control Panel | |
Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm |
Security Monitors, Sensors, & Devices
Intrusion Protection
- Door & Window Sensors
- Garage Door Sensors
- Motion Sensors
Environmental Protection
- Flood
Surveillance
- Indoor Cameras
- Live Surveillance
- Event-triggered Surveillance
Monitoring
Monitoring Options and Technology - 3.4 / 5
Ooma Home Security offers self-monitoring only; in the event of an alarm, only the users with the app will be notified via text, voice call, or email. Ooma does offer a feature which allows the user to remotely call 911 as if they were at their home phone. Self-monitoring is a good option for those on the tightest budget or whose security needs are limited.
Monitoring Options | Self Monitoring |
Monitoring Technology | Broadband |
How much does Ooma cost?
Contract/Subscription Flexibility - 3.7 / 5
Ooma Home Security features some of the lowest up-front costs for starting a basic system. For less than $200, Ooma's Starter Package contains the Telo base station, one motion sensor, and two window/door sensors. The free "Monitor Plan" offers push notifications and real-time sensor status in the mobile app. Their "Security Plan" for $5/month adds the ability to receive phone, text, and email notifications, as well as the option of remotely calling 911 in case of emergency. Both of their plans are month-to-month, no contract plans -- the customer may cancel at any time. Note that Ooma Home Security does not offer third-party monitoring; that is, they do not provide monitoring that notifies a call center that will initiate an emergency response. Ooma Home Security only notifies the user of the mobile app of any alarm set off when the system is armed.
Monthly Fee (min) | $0.00 |
Monthly Fee (max) | $4.99 |
Number of Available Packages | 2 |
Installation/ Activation Fee | $0.00 |
Equipment Starting Cost | $180.00 |
Contract Required | |
Minimum Contract Length | 0 months |
Technology Integrations
Technology Integration - 2.5 / 5
With integration in apps for Android and iOS, consumers can use Ooma's app to monitor their home security system remotely and receive notifications when the sensors are activated. The system does not currently offer any home automation integration. And while the Telo hub is compatible with Alexa and Google Home, they do not appear to be able to control the home security devices at this time.
Mobile Access & Alerts
- iPhone App
- Android App
- Email & Text Alerts
- Live Surveillance Feed
- Geo-location Services
Ooma Reputation
Reputation - 3 / 5
With an A+ rating and an accreditation from the BBB, Ooma is a company that has proven it has been able to handle nearly all of its customer complaints to the bureau. Ooma's home security offerings are new to the market, so documented complaints have mostly to do with their consumer VOIP products and services. Ooma Home Security products did not have any certifications from industry associations that we could find.
Trust Pilot Rating | 5.3 out of 5 |
BBB Rating | A+ |
Number of BBB Positive Reviews | 1 |
Number of BBB Neutral Reviews | 1 |
Number of BBB Negative Reviews | 21 |
Date Collected | 2018-07-17 |
Year Founded | 2004 |
Ooma Summary
In Conclusion
The new Ooma Home Security system is based on their VOIP products for consumers and businesses. Ooma's products have leveraged the growth in broadband technology to provide high-quality, low-cost telephone systems, and now they are placing that experience in affordable home security systems. With arguably the lowest start-up cost and monthly fees in the industry, the Ooma Home Security system is a good option not only for those who are already Ooma customers, but homeowners looking for a inexpensive, DIY home security system. To connect and get started with the system, the property only needs an internet broadband connection. Ooma is offering standard detectors and sensors, as well as security cameras that capture full-HD video. Additional components are on the way, including a smoke detector and a siren.
The main question that prospective users of the Ooma home security system need to ask themselves is, “How do I wish the system to be monitored?” If having a professional, staffed monitoring company, who will contact law enforcement or emergency services in the event of an alarm is important to you, then Ooma’s self-monitoring service will not be the right choice. For those looking to receive a home alarm discount on their insurance, check to see if the system must be monitored to qualify for the discount. Self-monitored systems will only contact the user through the mobile app, text, email, or phone call -- it is up to the user to contact emergency services in case of an alarm. With monthly fees in the $4/month range, we think that self-monitoring systems are great for those looking for the least-expensive solution, those who are always connected to their computers and mobile devices, and those whose security needs are not that great.
Contact & Additional Information
Homepage URL | |
Company Phone | (650) 566-6600 |
Headquarters Address | 525 Almanor Avenue, Suite 200, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085 |
Professional Installation + $0 Activation
- Cameras Use Light/Sound to Deter Crime
- Doorbell Cam Detects & Protects Packages
- Products Designed & Developed In-house
- 24/7 Monitoring Starting at $19.99/mo
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