Link Interactive Review
Link Interactive brings over 60 years of home security experience to the table. In addition, they boast an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and an Angie’s List Super Service Award. The company is a subsidiary of Fire Protection Corporation, and in 2013 partnered with Costco to provide affordable security solutions through the bulk discount chain.
You do not need to be a Costco member to take advantage of Link’s services; however, non-members do pay a 5% upcharge on equipment. Like any other home security system, Link Interactive has many benefits and a couple drawbacks.
Pros:
- Competitive plan pricing
- Credits toward your equipment purchase
- Flexibility to purchase equipment directly through Link Interactive, or via packages from Costco
- Excellent customer service reputation
- Portability with free re-activation at your new address
- Heavy emphasis on integrated home automation features through partnerships with Alarm.com and 2GIG
- 100% cellular monitoring (considered the most reliable)
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons:
- DIY installation that can prove tricky
- No entry level monitoring package
- No customer service access on Sundays
Link Interactive Prices and Packages
Link Interactive has three separate packages that you can choose from. Here’s a run-down of what’s included in each package as well as the cost of each.
Features | Basic Fire & Security | Energy Management & Security | Premium Plus |
---|---|---|---|
Monitoring Fee | $39.99/mo | $39.99/mo | $44.99/mo |
Wireless Keypad | Included | Included | Included |
Cellular Connection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yard Sign and Window Decals | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Crash and Smash Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Door/Window Sensors | 3 Included | 3 Included | 5 Included |
Motion Sensors | 1 Included | 1 Included | 2 Included |
Smoke/Heat Sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Lighting & Appliance Control | Yes | Yes | |
Z-Wave Thermostat Control | Yes | Yes | |
Indoor Night-Vision Camera | Included | ||
Equipment Cost | $179 | $350 | $598 |
Equipment Add-On Options
The 2GIG Go! control panel is included in all packages. Other components from which to choose include:
- Door/window sensors – $29
- Recessed door sensors – $36
- Wireless door sensors – $36
- Motion sensors – $67
- Glass break sensors – $64
- Tilt sensor (monitors roll-up/garage-style doors) – $40
- Wireless doorbell – $32
- Panic button – $37
- Image sensor – $110
- Additional touchscreen keypad – $170
You can also choose from a suite of life safety products like smoke/heat/freeze sensors, home disaster sensors, CO2 detectors, and more, plus of course security cameras. Prices may vary based upon the equipment package you build.
Home Automation
Due to Link Interactive working with Alarm.com and 2GIG, they offer a wide selection of optional home automation equipment that can be controlled through the mobile app or the main control panel. Some of these components include:
- Garage door opener
- Key-free smart lock
- Smart thermostat
- Z-Wave light bulb
- Z-Wave lamp module
- Z-Wave siren
This is far from an exhaustive list of the equipment available through the Link Interactive website. In addition to extra battery packs, and range repeaters that allow you to extend your sensor area further than 80’ from the control panel, you can also get a desktop control panel for more versatile control.
In a Nutshell
There is much to love about the Link system. The customizable options are virtually endless and the equipment credit is generous. While the lack of extensive plan choices may not be right for those who just want a simple landline system, they are reasonably priced and the limited options make choosing one straightforward.
With a 30-day money back trial period, you can make sure you love the system before committing to the 36-month contract. You might run into some snags with the self-install, but customer service has a solid rep for going above and beyond to guide you through the process. As an added bonus, Link Interactive’s mobile app gets solid user ratings at 3.5 stars for the iTunes store and 4.4 stars for Google play – higher than many major competitors. Overall, this home security system is a quality investment at a reasonable price point.