Iryna I • Author • JustClickAppliances

Withings Scale vs. Fitbit Aria 2

Smart scales are a great way to take the guesswork out of measuring health, and many fitness brands now offer scales with at least some sort of connectivity. The Withings Scale and Fitbit Aria 2 both have their pros and cons, with the Withings model being better on its own and the Aria 2 being a better choice for Fitbit users.

When comparing just the scales side by side, it’s pretty clear that Withings has the edge. However, the strength of the Fitbit Aria 2 is its integration with the larger Fitbit ecosystem — one of the first massively popular smart fitness brands that continues to create top-notch products for those looking to keep track of their health.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences of the Withings Scale vs. Fitbit Aria 2. Read on for the full picture, or use our navigation bar to jump right on down to the sections that interest you most.

Fitbit Aria vs. Aria 2

It’s a new year and a smart scale is a perfect solution to kick off your resolutions on the right foot. The Fitbit Aria and Aria 2 are both excellent smart devices, but the Aria 2 is a slight upgrade on nearly all fronts. With that said, the differences are minor enough that it might not be worth it for existing Aria users to upgrade.

Fitbit was one of the first massively popular fitness trackers, and their brand has come quite a long way since that first iteration. Since their original fitness tracker, they have expanded into other smart fitness solutions such as scales. While there’s much more competition nowadays than there was in the past, the Fitbit Aria models continue to be a competitive choice for those looking for an easy way to keep track of their health.

Below we discuss the differences of the Fitbit Aria vs. Aria 2. Read on for a full picture of what both models have to offer or use our navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

Ring Floodlight Camera vs. Nest Outdoor

Ring and Nest are two major names in the smart technology scene, and the Ring Floodlight Camera and provide some of the best video monitoring around. When comparing the two devices side by side, the Nest is the clear winner for homeowners looking for CVR (Continuous Video Recording); otherwise, the Ring may be the better buy.

While it’s helpful to compare Ring Floodlight Camera vs. Nest Outdoor on the cameras’ own merits, there’s something to be said for taking a look at their product ecosystems as well. Both brands have an impressive lineup of complementary smart devices covering everything from doorbells to home security. These two cameras both have their own benefits to bring to the table, so you should consider how you’d like to expand your smart home in the future as well.

Below we go into detail on the differences between the Ring Floodlight Camera and Nest Outdoor. Read on for a comprehensive review, or use our navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

Arlo Pro vs. Blink XT

Let me put it straight, if two-way audio is important to you, get the Arlo Pro, because the Blink XT doesn’t have it. Other than that, when comparing the Arlo Pro vs. Blink XT side by side, each camera exceeds in different fields.

Unlike the Arlo Pro, the Blink XT offers better video quality. Whereas the Arlo Pro, on the other hand, has support for local storage and a built-in siren for extra security.

So, there’s no ultimate right chose, it all depends on what features you’re looking for your smart cameras to have. Both are fantastic brands and have cameras that can be used outdoors, making them leaders in smart home security. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the differences so you can really get a sense of which system is right for you and your home.

You might like our take on Blink XT vs. Arlo Pro 2 and Blink vs. Blink XT.

Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Pro 2

When comparing the Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Pro 2, the Pro 2 offers better video resolution, wider field of view, plus support for continuous video recording. Is it worth extra $$? It sure is!

So, short version — Get the Arlo Pro 2.

Although, don’t get us wrong, the Arlo Pro is a solid camera too and it might be just a perfect video monitoring solution for your home. After all, who wants to overpay for the smart features they’ll never need to use?

So, before we compare the Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Pro 2, let’s clarify a few things. If you’re familiar with the Arlo wireless cameras, feel free to use the article navigation below to jump to the right section. However, if you’re new to Arlo, — we really suggest you keep reading.

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite

Before we even begin to compare All-New Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite, let us clarify something. There’s been confusion between different generations of Ring Stick Up Cams. Late 2018 Ring released All-New Gen 2 Ring Stick Up Cam Battery and Ring Stick Up Cam Wired, and in Q4 of 2019 Ring released an upgraded All-New Gen 3 line of Ring Stick Up Cams.

So here’s what actually happened, Ring rebranded Gen 2 Ring Stick Up Cam Wired into the Ring Stick Up Cam Elite. The cameras are literally the same, just a new name. Oh, and the Elite one now comes with a PoE adapter.

And instead of the Gen 2 Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, Ring offers the All-New Gen 3 Ring Stick Up Cam //. All three Gen 3 Ring Stick Up Cams are pretty much the same camera with different power options. They all have a compartment for the battery pack and a Micro USB port for either a plug-in adapter or solar panel. It’s just if you buy the , you get a solar panel with it, and if you get the , you’ll get a micro USB charging cable instead. You get the idea.

So today, we’ll be comparing the All-New Ring Stick Up Cam Battery vs. Plug-in vs. Elite. There are a lot of great features that these three smart cameras have in common. But generally, the rebranded Ring Stick Up Cam Elite (aka Gen 2 Ring Stick Up Cam Wired) has a slight edge in pretty much every metric: it takes everything that’s great about the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery & Plug-In and gives it a bit of an upgrade.

So, let’s get into the details about the differences and similarities between the Ring Stick Up Cams Gen 3 and Elite.

Arlo Q vs. Arlo Q Plus

The two cameras look almost identical, however, the Arlo Q Plus offers a little extra, like alternative power and internet connection options, plus support for local storage. Is it worth the extra cost? — It sure is.

So, short version: get the Arlo Q Plus.

Otherwise, let’s dive into the differences between the two Arlo cameras to learn all the little details that are usually overlooked. Oh, and feel free to use our navigation menu to jump straight to what interests you the most.

Arlo vs. Arlo Pro

Both Arlo and Arlo Pro are great cameras. However, the original Arlo camera is missing a few quite important features like sound detection and two-way audio — which is kind of a deal breaker. How will you scare off porch pirates? So, even though the Arlo Pro costs a bit more, it’s definitely worth it. Although, you might not need all that extra bells and whistles.

We’ve put together a list of differences between the two systems accompanied by a comparison chart. You’ll also find additional helpful information in our FAQ section along with a conclusion where we give you our opinion. Is the Pro version worth it? That’s what we’re here to find out, so let’s compare Arlo vs. Arlo Pro to help you find the right security camera system for your home.

Arlo Camera • Comparison Chart & Overview

Don’t feel like reading? Scroll down to our “All Arlo Cameras” comparison chart. For a closer look at an individual camera, we’ve listed all the Arlo Cameras articles we’ve written at the bottom of this page.

If you’d like to learn more about the Arlo brand as a whole, how they work and whether or not Arlo Cameras are worth the buy, read on for the full picture below.

Are Roombas Worth It?

If you’re looking to save time cleaning with a convenient and intelligent solution, there’s no doubt about it: Roombas are absolutely worth the cost.

Since the Roomba first came on the market, there have been a huge number of models at varying price points — ensuring that pretty much any homeowner should be able to add a smart vacuum into their home.

Say goodbye to spending hours sucking up the dust and debris in your home, and allow your little robot friend to take care of the tidying with scheduled cleanings while you’re away at work. Whether you’re in the market for an entry level model that still manages a thorough cleaning, or a top-of-the-line device with all the bells and whistles, there’s a Roomba product for you.

Does Roomba Work on Carpet?

There’s no denying that carpet is more challenging for vacuums to work on than hard surfaces like wood or laminate. It’s important that your vacuum be able to tackle all different types of flooring, and you can rest assured that all Roomba models will perform quite well on both carpet and hardwoods.

With that said, there are some Roombas that do a better job of cleaning carpets than others. The and both feature Carpet Boost mode, which will automatically ratchet up the suction when the vacuum detects carpet. With the extra power kicking in where it counts, these models will do just as well on soft surfaces like carpet as they will on more solid ground.

Black Friday Smart Home Deals • 2019

Are you excited about discounts? Us too! That’s why we’ve collected the best Smart Home Amazon Black Friday 2019 deals for you to make your home a little smarter this November!

Enjoy Black Friday shopping!
And, happy Thanksgiving to you!

Warm Regards,
– JCA Team

How Home Automation Can Increase Home Value

Have you ever thought about turning your home into a James Bond-esque gadget automation setup? Imagine walking into your home on a dark winter’s evening, and by merely saying the word “lights,” suddenly, your home is lit up in an instant.

And, what if adding such features increases your home’s value and its appeal to future buyers?

Let’s explore some ways in which home automation can increase your home’s value and whether it’s a viable option for you.

Protect America vs. ADT

In an industry where more and more companies are starting to offer their own take on home security, Protect America and ADT are some of the most established brands on the market. With both companies having offered security systems for over 20 years, have they kept up with the smart tech revolution? Or are they stuck in the past? Overall, the two brands have a ton in common, but we feel that Protect America does a better job at offering a customer-friendly model.

These days, there are a large number of options for adding in home security for cheap — without the complicated install, high fees, and long term commitment. ADT still struggles a bit to ditch the dated installation model while Protect America has kept up with the times by offering a self-install option. With that said, these two models are quite similar, and ADT may be a viable option for those who don’t want to deal with setting up equipment themselves.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences of the ADT vs. Protect America security system. However, feel free to use our navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

Brinks vs. ADT

ADT has been on the market for well over 100 years and is a major player in all things home security. But when it comes to smart security systems, are they truly the best out there? Today, we compare ADT security vs. Brinks — another security industry leader. Long story short, ADT’s extreme expense holds it back from taking the top spot.

Brinks is just all around the better option — largely due to the huge cost savings you’ll enjoy by passing on ADT. The company offers two different home security options: Home Complete and Home Complete with Video — both of which we’ll cover in this comparison.

Brinks also provides monitoring services for Nest, which is another viable option for home security. Check out our ADT vs. Nest Secure comparison for an idea of the features that they have to offer.

Below, we’ll break down the similarities and differences between Brinks and ADT. Read on for a full picture of what each system has to offer, or use our navigation bar to jump directly to the section that interests you most.

Xfinity Home Security vs. ADT

ADT has been around forever, protecting homes since long before the advent of technology. Xfinity Home Security, on the other hand, is a much more recent addition to the smart security industry. Which is better? In this case, we feel like Xfinity takes the cake with better smart home tech and seamless integration with their media services.

Xfinity, owned by Comcast, is a major player in the media industry — primarily making their money by offering TV, Internet, and landline service to a large portion of the United States. Only recently have they started moving into the home security industry, and the features do look promising. We feel that it does a better job than ADT, but you may want to proceed with caution, as Comcast isn’t exactly spotless when it comes to customer service and satisfaction.

We’ll compare the similarities and differences of Xfinity Home Security vs. ADT below to help give you a better idea of what each brand has to offer. Alternatively, you can use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

ADT vs. Nest Secure

If you’re looking for an alarm system to keep your home protected, you have more options than ever before. From more traditional systems with professional installation to cutting-edge smart tech you can set up in a matter of minutes, there are options for every homeowner on almost any budget. When comparing ADT vs. Nest, it’s clear that both systems have their pros and cons. Our personal favorite is Nest due to the ease of use and high compatibility with other Nest products, but ADT’s superior professional monitoring and battery variety of sensors make it a close race.

While some of our comparisons are pretty clear cut, ADT and Nest Secure both have their own perks to offer. ADT has been around in the security scene for far longer than Nest, and that experience is evident in the comprehensive coverage that their system offers. Nest, on the other hand, is a smart tech company first and foremost, with greater compatibility and integration as a result.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences of Nest alarm vs. ADT to help gives you a clear picture of what each system has to offer. Alternatively, feel free to use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

ADT vs. Ring Alarm

While it’s important to do your research before making any sort of major purchase, having the best possible home security system is especially important. The home security industry has come a long way in recent years, and when comparing Ring vs. ADT, it’s clear that the Ring Alarm system has the advantage.

ADT has been in the security business for far longer than Ring, which is a comparatively new brand. This time spent protecting thousands of home across the world has helped ADT figure out what works and what doesn’t, but in this case, coming to prominence before the advent of smart technology seems to be holding ADT back. The company is still holding on to expensive long term contracts, while Ring makes getting home set up with comprehensive protection easier than ever before.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and difference between these two systems. However, feel free to use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

Denon Heos vs. Sonos

When it comes to producing quality smart speakers, Sonos has been in the game for quite some time. They have produced a large line of well-respected products that provide excellent audio quality and useful smart features, and that sort of dominance has attracted the attention of other brands. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but Sonos’ competitor Denon takes that imitation to a whole new extreme.

In addition to copying the same sort of naming mechanism with the addition of their HEOS 3, HEOS 5 and HEOS 7 speakers, they also mirrored Sonos’ strategy of offering different sizes of speakers for different types of situations.

It’s clear that Sonos didn’t appreciate the “flattery”, as they’ve responded to Denon’s imitation with a lawsuit that Denon is still trying to fight. However, rather than adjusting their strategy, Denon has doubled down on their imitation by continuing to expand their product line at an impressive pace. In just two years, the brand has managed to introduce four stand-alone speakers, a soundbar/subwoofer combo, two different wireless receivers, a wireless range extender, and more. Recently, the company also revamped pretty much every single product in their lineup in order to add Bluetooth and hi-res audio support with a designation known as HS2 (make sure you’re looking for that label to find the newest models!)

Sonos, on the other hand, has taken a much more conservative approach to expansion with just one new product and the introduction of the Trueplay feature that allows you to tweak EQ settings using a smartphone mic.

Is this a situation where the imitation will surpass the original? Sonos at this point remains the top dog, but the gap continues to grow smaller and smaller.

Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Q Plus

When comparing the Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Q Plus, it’s clear that there are things to like about both models. However, we feel that the Arlo Q Plus is the superior choice for indoors.

The Arlo Pro is missing some useful features — a lot of which have been added in with the improved Arlo Pro 2. With that said, it does have weatherproofing which makes it a better option than the Q Plus if you’re looking for outdoor monitoring.

ADT Pulse Review

When it comes to home security, few names are more recognizable with ADT. The company has a great reputation, and for the most part, that popularity is well deserved. The features of the system are pretty solid overall, but the brand is held back by expensive prices and varying levels of customer service at their local retail locations. While ADT monitoring is certainly a viable option for home security, it’s likely not a great pick for homeowners on a budget.

Some of the most notable features that ADT brings to the table are the mobile control and alerts through the ADT Pulse app, as well as the CellGuard wireless monitoring service that protects your home through six different monitoring services — all without a landline.

The system is held back from its full potential due to its high monthly fees and strict contract requirements. If you opt for ADT security, you’ll be looking at a 3-year commitment at a minimum, with early cancellation charging you 75% of your remaining contract.

Frontpoint Security Review

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a large number of startups come up with their own take on smart security. Frontpoint is an exception to this rule, as a more established company than similar competitors like abode and . The experience of Frontpoint shines through in their product, with smooth and effective protection and more reliable alerts.

Frontpoint does not offer the ability for standalone self-monitoring, but that’s not it’s goal. When you buy Frontpoint, you’re buying responsive protection with quick police, fire, and medical dispatch when needed.

With excellent customer service, cellular monitoring, adjustable plans and wireless equipment, Frontpoint’s versatility and flexibility are a major strong point. However, with so many security systems out there, you’ll want to take a look at Frontpoint Security reviews to make sure it’s the best fit for your home. Read on below for our take on what Frontpoint brings to the table.

Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Go

When comparing the Arlo Pro vs. Arlo Go, it’s clear that the two cameras have a lot in common; however, there are a good amount of differences between the models as well. If you’re looking for a camera for areas with no access to WiFi, the Arlo Go is the clear choice due to the LTE capabilities. Otherwise, the Arlo Pro is the clear winner.

When deciding between the two smart cameras, you’re essentially choosing between more robust features and the flexibility to monitor your home in areas without internet access. For the average house with an average wireless network, the Arlo Pro definitely has the edge. But when you find yourself trying to monitor a remote corner of your property that isn’t covered by your router, the benefits of the Arlo Go will become pretty clear!

Vivint Home Security Review

Vivint is perhaps best known for products like solar panels and high-speed internet, but Vivint Home Security is a more recent entry into the alarm system industry that offers a more unique approach to keeping your home protected. Rather than opting for a traditional plan that is restrictive and with pre-determined packages, Vivint is all about user choice. Choose as many sensors, cameras or smoke detectors as you’d like and create the security system best suited for your home. Home automation is also a major priority for the brand, and you’ll be able to remotely control all the features that Vivint has to offer.

When compared to some competing brands, Vivint is pretty expensive. For homeowners looking for more basic protection, the equipment and fees may be cost-prohibitive. However, the brand remains a competitive option for those looking for a system that revolves around home automation and comprehensive protection.

Frontpoint vs. ADT

ADT has been around for years at this point, and are one of the biggest brands in the security scene. However, the industry has come a long way in the past few years, and companies like Frontpoint are threatening the dominance of more traditional security providers. In our opinion, Frontpoint is the better security system by far — offering better contracts, easy DIY installation, and superior smart home control.

Frontpoint and similar systems like SimpliSafe have made protecting your home more convenient than ever before. Rather than relying on a company to come and wire your home with an expensive security setup, you can order a package, set things up, and monitor your property at a price that is accessible to most any homeowner.

Below we break down the similarities and differences of Frontpoint vs. ADT. If there’s specific information you’re looking for, however, feel free to jump right to the sections that interest you most using our handy navigation bar.

SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint

We’ve come a long way from a security industry dominated by systems with cumbersome equipment and expensive contracts. SimpliSafe and Frontpoint are two systems leading the way in modern home monitoring equipment, and they both provide excellent protection for you and your family with intuitive technology and affordable prices. The two security systems are actually quite similar in many ways, but we do feel that Frontpoint is the better choice. It’s a little more expensive per month, but it also offers some extra features that are just too good to pass up.

While we might have a favorite when comparing SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint security, the truth is that both of these systems have quite a lot to offer. Both brands offer a user experience that is far better than the long contracts and complicated installation that more traditional service offer, and do so at a price point that is accessible for most any homeowner. The truly “best” system is going to depend on what you’re looking for when it comes to protecting your home.

Below we go into the similarities and differences of these two smart security systems. If you’d rather grab some quick information on a specific topic, feel free to use the navigation bar to jump to the section that interests you most.

Frontpoint vs. Vivint

The technology behind security systems has continued to advance, and nowadays we have access to a huge lineup of brands that can keep our homes protected. Sorting through the various options available can be frustrating, as each system has their own take on home security with varying benefits and drawbacks. In the case of Frontpoint vs. Vivint, we’re big fans of Frontpoint’s easy installation, smart home integration, and automated system check feature.

Vivint certainly has its perks, but we definitely feel it falls a little flat when compared to the excellent that Frontpoint has to offer. The majority of smart security systems these days have the option for self-installation and are pretty easy to figure out on your own, while Vivint sees to cling to the trend of leaving home security to the professionals. Frontpoint offers comprehensive, no-nonsense security that is easy to navigate and understand.

We’re big fans of Frontpoint, but let’s break down the similarities and differences between the two security systems to help give you a sense of where they excel and where they fall short. If there’s specific information you’re looking for, you can also feel free to use the navigation bar to jump directly to the section that interests you most.

Vivint vs. ADT

ADT has been in the security business for quite a long time at this point and is one of the most recognizable brands on the market when it comes to keeping homes protected. However, in recent years, a number of smart security systems have popped up that offer excellent protection with more flexible contracts and more affordable prices. When comparing Vivint vs. ADT, the better pricing and lack of long-term commitment make Vivint a much more attractive option.

There’s a bit of a battle between the old and new when it comes to home security. In the past, these alarm systems were prohibitively expensive and retired length contracts. ADT has made the jump recently to smart security, but they haven’t ditched the high costs or forced commitments, which makes Vivint all the more appealing.

Below we go into detail on the differences between Vivint and ADT. Alternatively, you can use our navigation bar to jump directly to the section that interests you most.

SimpliSafe vs. ADT

SimpliSafe and ADT are two quality brands with a history of providing excellent smart monitoring to thousands of homes around the world. But how do you know which is best? The truth is, ADT has some of the best protection around, but you’ll be locked into a long-term commitment and rack up some serious expense in the process. SimpliSafe, on the other hand, offers a quality DIY solution with no ongoing obligations.

ADT is one of the biggest names in home security, and the company has been protecting homes long before the idea of “smart tech” was a thing. Unfortunately, it seems that old habits die hard, as ADT continues to lock buyers into long-term contracts while charging a premium for service. SimpliSafe lacks some of the features that ADT offers, but with a much lower cost to entry and month-to-month contracts, we feel that it definitely has the edge.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences of SimpliSafe vs. ADT. Alternatively, feel free to use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

SimpliSafe vs. Vivint

Nowadays, there’s a huge selection of smart security systems available on the market. Ranging from the most basic to the most premium protection, there’s something available for pretty much anyone. In the case of comparing SimpliSafe vs. Vivint, there’s actually a lot that these two systems have in common. The main aspect that sets these two alarm systems apart is that SimpliSafe is designed with DIY in mind, while Vivint has a professional handle every step of the process. Neither is necessarily better than the other, it just really depends on what you’re looking for.

It may seem like a great thing to let the pros handle your security installation and monitoring. After all, you want your system to perform flawlessly, right? Unfortunately, that professional touch comes with a premium price tag that makes Vivint non-viable for a lot of homeowners. SimpliSafe offers a lot of the same features, and if you’re comfortable following some simple directions, you can save a lot of money for minimal time investments.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences between these two security systems. Alternatively, you can use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

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